Tube Temperature

[SwirlySauce]

Hi all,

I'm wondering whether a higher tube temperature provides more moisture to the sinuses or if the opposite is true.  Since starting CPAP therapy I've been under the impression that higher tube temperature = warmer air = more humidity held by the air.

After browsing through the forums I've seen other users mention that a higher tube temperature can cause more drying of the nose and sinuses.

If I'm looking to maximize humidity for my nose what setting should I be using for my heated tube?  I'm using a Philips Dreamstation, usually with a tube temperature of 3 (out of 5).

Thanks!

[SarcasticDave94]

The way I ran my heated hose was first adjust humidity to what was needed and then adjust heated hose setting to prevent rainout.

[SwirlySauce]

Thanks Dave!

Is the heated hose just for preventing rainout or does it offer better comfort for users? I've tried both low and high settings and I can't seem to tell much difference in comfort other than the air being warmer. My nose still feels just as dry.

[SarcasticDave94]

I believe this is personal preference, both humidity and hose settings.

What are you running on the humidity currently? If I'm correct, there should be a manual mode on the humidifier. If so, I'd try it on Max humidity.

[OpalRose]

There are separate settings for the humidifier and heated tube. If you want more humidity, turn up the Humidifier setting.


From the provider manual:

Humidification
This setting allows you to select the Humidification Mode being used. You can choose between Fixed or Adaptive (A) Humidification. If a heated tube is attached to the device, then the device will automatically switch to Heated Tube Humidification Mode. Fixed mode applies a constant heat on the humidifier heater plate. Under certain conditions and settings, this mode can allow condensation to occur in the tube. Adaptive mode adapts the heater plate temperature to the ambient conditions in the room, and is designed to not allow condensation to occur in the tube.

Humidifier
This setting allows you to choose the desired humidity setting for the humidifier: 0, 1, 2,3,4 or 5.

Tube Temperature
This setting allows you to choose the desired temperature for the heated tube: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

[Maskman888]

It should be catered to your needs because sensitivity to humidity and temperature is different from person to person.

[Sleeprider]

All good information above. The tube heat does not increase the air temperature much, if at all. The air volume is too great and the surface are too small to effect much change. It's purpose is to prevent condensation on a cool tube surface. A heated tube is only 78 to 90 degrees F which is less than body temperature. There is more temperature change as the air passes over the humidification chamber.

[biorn]

All good information above.  The tube heat does not increase the air temperature much, if at all. The air volume is too great and the surface are too small to effect much change. It's purpose is to prevent condensation on a cool tube surface. A heated tube is only 78 to 90 degrees F which is less than body temperature.   There is more temperature change as the air passes over the humidification chamber.

Hi,

The heated tube really increase the air temperature. During the winter I can't use cpap if I don't get the temperature at the max, my nose gets super sore after a few minutes, like a burning sensation.

Next winter I'll check the difference of the air temperature with/without heated tube to know the différence