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CPAP Humidifier: Everything You Need To Know

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Written by: The Sleeplay Team

Sleeplay helps you achieve the best and deepest sleep during the night. If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, CPAP machines are the solution. Find here the top brands in the market like ResMed and Philips Respironics.

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When we breathe, our nose warms and humidifies the air, so the air that goes through our airways is moist and warm. In some cases, this function is not properly achieved, as in people living with sleep apnea, who require Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

CPAP users can also experience side effects due to the dryness of the air passing through the device, such as irritation of the throat and nasal passages, nosebleeds, dry mouth and nasal congestion.

A solution to this inconvenience is using a CPAP humidifier, a device that moisturizes the air from the CPAP to your airway and increases your comfort level during CPAP therapy.

Keep reading to learn what a CPAP humidifier is, how to use it, and how to take care of it properly. 

How Do CPAP Humidifiers Work?

CPAP Humidifiers are containers filled with distilled water that can be attached to a CPAP machine as an external device or built-in as part of the machine.

The primary purpose of CPAP humidifiers is to moisturize the air that goes through the CPAP tubing and into the upper airway, making CPAP therapy more comfortable by replacing the upper airway moisture that can be lost during CPAP therapy.

The humidification can be produced in three ways: Heated humidifiers warm the water within the container, and the resulting water vapor provides moisture to the air.

Some of these humidifiers have a heated tube that prevents condensation buildup in the tubes or the face mask, thus preventing rainout (moisture accumulation in the face).

On the other hand, passive humidifiers make the air pass through the water's surface, thus moisturizing it without creating heat. Most CPAP humidifiers allow you to customize the temperature and the humidity level of the air you breathe.

Opt for a waterless humidifier if you're looking for travel CPAP machines. These humidifiers capture heat and moisture from your breath when you exhale, rather than using water. Waterless humidification systems are ideal for travel because they reduce bulk and remove the hassle of carrying distilled water. 

Should I Use The Humidifier With My CPAP?

You can use your machine without a humidifier, which is not essential for effective therapy. However, some patients are uncomfortable using a CPAP device if the airflow is too cold, and they could get some side effects from having dry air flowing through the nose, throat and sinus.

The most relevant side effects of sleeping with a constant dry airflow are nasal congestion, sinus inflammation, nosebleeds and sore throat.

CPAP humidifiers are excellent options if you are having trouble sleeping because of the dry air of your current device. They are also a good for anyone who sleeps in a cool, dry environment as an effective comfort option.

The moisturized air created by the CPAP humidifier can upgrade sleep apnea therapy by keeping the upper airway hydrated. This means it can:

  • • Reduce the dryness that can affect the nasal passages and sinuses
  • • Prevent nasal and sinus congestion and inflammation
  • • Avoid nosebleeds
  • • Alleviate sore throat
  • • Reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergy

Types of CPAP Humidifier

There are many types of CPAP humidifiers available in the market. These are generally classified as either built-in, integrated or stand-alone devices. When it comes to choosing which of these options is the best for you, consider the recommendation of your healthcare provider.

Built-in humidifiers

Most modern CPAP machines have built-in humidifiers, which can be easier to use and maintain. These are permanently fixed to the CPAP machine so the only piece that can be removed is the humidifier water chamber for cleaning purposes.

CPAP devices with built-in humidifiers take up less space than those with a stand-alone humidifier since they do not require additional power sources or setups. This makes them ideal for a travel CPAP machine.

Check our collection of CPAP machines for references of the best quality built-in humidifiers.

Integrated humidifiers

This type of CPAP humidifier can only be plugged into a compatible CPAP machine, which can limit its use with a new device.However, these are very good options. They are easily removable for storage, cleaning and traveling, and do not require an additional power source.

Stand-alone humidifiers

These humidifiers are devices of their own, which means they require their own power source and additional storage space. Stand-alone humidifiers connect to a CPAP machine through a hose, and they are compatible with many types of CPAP machines.

How To Adjust CPAP Humidifier Settings

Most CPAP humidifiers have different settings that can be adapted to each user’s sleep apnea treatment plan or preferences. The main CPAP humidifier settings that can be adjusted are the humidity level, the temperature of the tubing, and the water.

Adjusting these settings depends on the type of humidifier you have and your doctor's recommendations. The main things you should consider when adjusting your CPAP humidifier’s settings are:

The manufacturer's suggestions

Manufacturers make their devices with a recommended starting point, and CPAP humidifiers are no exception. These devices have a starting point for temperature and humidity levels that can be modified as needed based on your comfort level or your healthcare provider’s recommendation.

Your sleep environment

 Any conditions that can dry up the air in your bedroom (such as using air conditioning or heating systems, or living in an arid climate) may lead you to choose a higher humidity level. The opposite is also true: in humid environments, you might get condensation in the pipes which indicates you must lower your humidity setting.

Manual or automatic settings

CPAP users can choose between personalizing the temperature and humidity in the manual settings or choosing the automatic settings so that the humidifier makes automatic adjustments to maintain proper temperature and humidity throughout the night.

Keep in mind that finding the ideal settings for you might require some trial and error. A good way to make this process easier is to keep a record of the chosen settings and how you feel using them.

How To Clean a CPAP Humidifier

CPAP manufacturers recommend periodic cleaning of all parts of your device to avoid the build-up of dust or harmful microorganisms. This includes some daily cleaning routine, as well as washing the CPAP hose, mask, tubing and chamber of the CPAP humidifier at least once a week.

The daily cleaning routine consists of emptying the water chamber and refilling it with distilled water. This prevents the spread of bacteria, fungus and other pathogens.

To properly clean a CPAP humidifier, follow these simple steps once or twice a week:

  1. 1. Discard any remaining water from your CPAP’s water chamber.
     
  2. 2. Fill the chamber with warm water and a mild soap or white vinegar (using one part of vinegar for five parts of water). Take a look at the best cleaning soaps for your CPAP.
     
  3. 3. Let the chamber soak for 30 minutes.
     
  4. 4. Rinse the remaining soap or vinegar with plain water and let it air dry away from direct sunlight.
     
  5. 5. Once it is fully dry, fill the chamber with distilled water. Avoid tap water, which might lead to mineral build-up in the chamber.

These steps also work for cleaning your CPAP hose and mask. Soak these pieces together in warm soapy water during the process.

Note that some water chambers are dishwasher safe, so that can be a good option too. However, it is advisable to let the chamber soak before using the dishwasher. Another good option would be to use a CPAP cleaning machine to automate this task.

How To Take Care of a CPAP Humidifier

Taking proper care of a CPAP Humidifier not only prevents the build-up of microorganisms but also allows optimal functioning and lengthens the useful life of the device.

There are several steps to care for CPAP machines with humidifiers:

  • • When cleaning the CPAP supplies, avoid using soaps or cleansers that contain harsh chemicals, like bleach, alcohol, scented oils or moisturizers. These products can damage your machine parts and reduce their lifespan.Most manufacturers recommend filling the chamber only with distilled water to prevent mineral build-ups that could corrode the chamber.
     
  • • Avoid letting your device receive direct sunlight.
     
  • • Change the water in the chamber daily, discarding any remaining water.
     
  • • Replace the humidifier filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. A worn-out or dirty filter could affect both the functioning of the humidifier and the health of the user.
     
  • • Avoid transporting your device with water in the humidifier chamber.
     
  • • Make a periodic and careful inspection of the machine and all its accessories, looking for cracks or tears. In case you find any, replace the damaged parts as soon as possible for optimal functioning.

Each humidifier might have its own particular requirements. Because of this, it is important to check the manufacturer's instructions in order to improve your CPAP therapy experience, guarantee the effectiveness of your CPAP humidifier and make it last as long as possible.

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