Humidifiers

[Nukkamtti]

I notice a lot of people on various threads mentioning humidifiers. No-one did a t the sleep lab with me: at first I presumed these were for people from particularly hot and arid locations but I've noticed that it seems more widespread than that.

What difference do they make and do consultants recommend them or did you come up with the idea yourselves?

[Tom @ Intus]

Humidifiers basically warm the air by adding moisture to it. So if you're waking up with a dry mouth and/or find that (particularly in the winter months) your CPAP machine is blowing cold air into your mask which is uncomfortable, then you may find that a humidifier is beneficial.

Most clinics tend to brush around the issue of humidification because of the cost, plus humidifiers can reduce the lifespan of a machine (mainly due to misuse causing water to enter the CPAP). We find a lot of people come to us wanting a humidifier because their sleep clinic doesn't think they're worth the expense. Although they can be very beneficial, the difference doesn't weight up favourably to the costs in their eyes.

For this reason it seems like they avoid informing patients about them to avoid the question even being asked in the first place. A lot of people come on this forum complaining about the problems I mentioned above and didn't even know that humidifiers existed until someone on here told them.

We've had people on here who have managed to get a humidifier from their clinic but in truth they do seem few and far between.

[Sparticus]

Dont be Fooled

I notice a lot of people on various threads mentioning humidifiers. No-one did a t the sleep lab with me: at first I presumed these were for people from particularly hot and arid locations but I've noticed that it seems more widespread than that.

What difference do they make and do consultants recommend them or did you come up with the idea yourselves?

Dont be fooled into false hopes my friend. I too was told about humi's and thought I want one of those, so off I trudged to my hospital and asked and they gave me one. In my opinion, more trouble than they are worth and mine sits in my bag unattached and unused. I was thinking of getting it out due to the cold weather but I quite like the coldness of the air as I hate being to warm at night. As for dry mouth yes they do work for that but at the moment Im still not sure if the benefits outway the advantages of not using it. I will keep it though incase I changed my mind as at our hospital they dont mind handing out equipment, must be because they are one of europes best sleep clinics

[Tigers Fan]

For those of us who like to be warm, who detest cold and snow, humidifiers are a gift from Engineers.

I think it's a good job the Scots like to be cold - or to be cold enough to wear thick jumpers, anyway. The problem is that many of them adapt to English and foreign climes.

[Poppy56]

My clinic gives a humidifier to everyone - at first I assumed this was normal. Clinic is in East Grinstead.

[Sparticus]

For those of us who like to be warm, who detest cold and snow, humidifiers are a gift from Engineers.

I think it's a good job the Scots like to be cold - or to be cold enough to wear thick jumpers, anyway. The problem is that many of them adapt to English and foreign climes.

Well being English and born in sheffield, it just wasnt cold enough for me, not to mention finding love on the net, who a week later was diagnosed with MS not to mention other crippling illnesses (Lady Luck hates me). That was 11 years ago and you still wouldnt get me back over the border anyway, let me point out something that alot of scots are quite nesh (Hate cold) but for me, I love it, especially climbing into an ice cold bed in a morning for a few hours, only problem is my beloved likes to warm it up

It all comes down to what you like, I guess I must just have blue blood, especially working in temps around -26 degrees (Freezers)

[Tigers Fan]

Obviously they know the meaning of comfort in East Grinstead.

[Tigers Fan]

Some say 'nesh', some say 'adapted'. The problem remains the same.

[Sparticus]

Nice Town

East Grinstead, meeting place of the 4 counties, look like a place you would find midsummer murders filming, very nice and very queint. and about 999 miles from me lol, I live down that end in the 80's well portsmouth, and the Ise of white oh and jersey. I guess Ive been around but the main problem for me down south is too warm lol

[symmit]

I'm with TF on this one, tried a night without the humidifier, and I'm definitely in the "must have" camp. You can always turn it down if it's too warm.

[Sparticus]

I'm with TF on this one, tried a night without the humidifier, and I'm definitely in the "must have" camp. You can always turn it down if it's too warm.

Can you turn it down so it freezes, maybe I could try ice cubes lol

[ElleCee]

I have and use a dehumidifier but I like to have the heat part off. I find there is nothing worse than breathing in warm air.

[BobMcL]

simple for me .. I am with the Yay camp here .. use a H4i humidifer and now no more dry mouths in the morning ... bliss ... and the warm air is "cool" too

[Nukkamtti]

Ta, everyone, thanks for all the responses

[Sparticus]

I'm with TF on this one, tried a night without the humidifier, and I'm definitely in the "must have" camp. You can always turn it down if it's too warm.

Anything other than cold is too warm for me.