Why Do I Need a Humidifier For My CPAP?

Most CPAP machines now include a fully-integrated (top image is the newest ResMed CPAP with a built-in humidifier) or easily-attached humidifier (second image is an earlier device with a detachable humidifier with the water chamber removed).

In this post we’ll explain the benefits of humidification and tips for making your CPAP therapy as comfortable and effective as possible.

Why do I need a humidifier for my CPAP?

According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, you are more likely to suffer from dry or irritated airway or even nosebleeds (epistaxis) if:

1. You live in a dry climate
2. You are over 60 years old (5x more likely)
3. You are taking medications that dry the sinuses (6x more likely)

Nasal resistance can promote mouth breathing

Interestingly, many people think they breathe through their nose at night because they are born that way; however, it could be due to either dry airways or untreated sleep apnea.

If your nasal passage is dry and congested from CPAP, you may end up breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause additional dryness and discomfort. Depending on the type of mask you are using, you may also have substantial air leak if you end up breathing through your mouth and not your nose while sleeping.

Some people become mouth breathers as they develop sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing at night for 10 seconds or longer. When this happens, your oxygen levels drop, triggering your brain to force you to breathe, usually resulting in a loud gasp or snore to get in as much oxygen as possible. Overtime, you may start sleeping with your mouth open to accommodate the need for more oxygen.

Humidification has been shown to increase CPAP compliance

By warming and moistening the air you’re breathing, humidification reduces dry nose and throat and can help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep. Using a humidifier can improve comfort.

Research has shown that CPAP compliance is enhanced when heated humidification is used with therapy, most likely due to the reduction in irritation and feeling more refreshed when waking up.

Tips for Using Your Humidifier Effectively:

How much and what kind of water should I use with the heated humidifier?

Most humidifiers come with a water chamber that has a maximum water level mark on them. Do not pour water past this mark.

The water used with the humidifier should be distilled water and must be changed daily. Please refer to your user manual for more information.

What happens if my water chamber runs out of water during the night?

Your device will function normally and safely without water in the water chamber, but it will no longer provide humidification.

Do I need my humidifier when I travel?

Some people will try to reduce the bulk and wait of their baggage by leaving their humidifier at home.

Depending on your travel destination, you may find that the ambient air is humid enough that you’ll be comfortable without your humidifier for a couple of nights.

If you do travel with your humidifier, make sure the water chamber is empty and dry before you pack it.

Read our post on what to pack when you travel with your CPAP here.

Do you have questions about your therapy? Is it time to order replacement CPAP supplies?

Contact us today and get the help you need.

Contact us
Order replacement CPAP supplies
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10453869
https://sleepapnea.org/treat/cpap-therapy/troubleshooting-guide-for-cpap-problems/mouth-breathing-on-cpap/
https://www.verywell.com/do-you-have-to-use-the-humidifier-with-cpap-3015036
http://www.resmed.com/us/en/consumer/airsolutions/air-solutions-support/humidification-faqs.html
Other posts you may find interesting:

Comments

  1. Carolyn Riley Reply

    This is my first time using a CPAP machine I can my doctor diagnosed me with sleep disorder I had a little problem last night but I’m going to try it again for the rest of the night any kind of help you can give me just leave it on my email address thank you

  2. michael deluca Reply

    my cpap works good for approximately 5 hours but then my nostrils get stuffed up especially 1 side. This forces my mask to leak air and wakes me. Do you think i need more humidification ? or something else ?

    • Eugenia Kopp Reply

      How long should water last it seems to be empty after 6 hrs. ? Do I need to reset the humidity. What causes my nose to itch

  3. mary lou hilger Reply

    I have severe sinus congestion and allergies . A lifelong struggle with many allergic reactions. After using the cpap my nose gets more congestion than ever. Makes me weak all day lon.

    • Greg Dixson Reply

      Hi, I have started having a problem with allergies blocking up my nose at night when I’m using my CPAP with the humidifier. I wear a chin strap so my mouth doesn”t open, so I suddenly wake up covered in sweat feeling like I”m choking to death. Were you able to resolve your problem? If so, how?

    • Scott Dorval Reply

      Mary Lou,
      Did you ever get the issue resolved? I too have this issue with getting congested in the middle of the night which wakes me and when this happens I am weak the entire next day as well. I am looking for help!

  4. John Stewart Reply

    Is it OK to submerge the heated hose in warm water to clean it.
    Also I have owned a Resmed machine for nine years and to my knowledge nothing is written about renewing the Humidifier every 6 months.
    John from Sydney Australia.

  5. David Norriss Reply

    I like how you advised that when traveling people should dry and empty the water chamber before packing their humidifier for CPAP. This way they can safely and effectively bring their humidifier with them in case they need it. Thanks for helping people know how to travel with their humidifier for CPAP.

  6. Diana Reply

    I am told CPAP works better with out water. Less noise and sleep better is that true

    • James Reply

      I only use the humidifier when needed.

  7. Patty Reply

    I’m traveling in 9 months is it ok to just take my machine no humidifier? I’m cruising to Alaska. Portable machines are expensive

  8. Sam shakya Reply

    I wonder last nite my shirt was wet and water was little over flow inside normally water all most empty may be cold weather ? If anyone has this experience let me know .
    Thanks .

  9. Sharon Montgomery Reply

    Hi, my name is Sharon and I’m new to this cpap, I haven’t been able to sleep on it as much as I should, it’s hard getting used to..it dries out my nose and now it has caused me to have sore throats, any suggestions on what to do..I wasn’t using the humidity filter ,so do I need to start using it, will that help?

    • Linda Maeder Reply

      I haven’t had my cpap very long. It has started making a lot condensation and can’t sleep with it on. I have try changing temp but to no solution. I do have the heated tube. What can I do about this

  10. Alison Reply

    Having severe allergic reaction from using humidifier. You can buy a plastic piece to replace humidifier if you want to shell out your own dollars on Amazon.

  11. Jerome McHugh Reply

    The air I breathe is so cold . How do I change the temperature to be more comfortable. It makes my whole body very cold. I also find I have a cough when I wake up .

    • Lawrence Schulz Reply

      If you have a heated hose increase the temperature on the hose setting

    • James Perlick Reply

      I have been on CPAP machine my whole life and i find that, the easiest way to heat up the air is by using a heated tube.
      James Perlick from Canada

    • Sue Reply

      Ask your provider for a heated hose. Sure makes a difference for me

  12. Andre Bruneau Reply

    FYI, I use the nose pillows and for years, my machine regularly showed leaks during the night. Recently, I decided to get a chin strap, as my Dr. had suggested before, and since then, no more leaks. I wake up more rested too. I wish I had bought it sooner.

  13. Linda Andrews Reply

    Why do you need a humidifier for your CPAP? For me, the answer to this question is, you don’t. The first week I used my CPAP I had a problem with condensation because it was January, I live in Connecticut, and my bedroom is unheated. Water was getting in my nose and pooling in my tube. My solution to this problem? I stopped using the humidifier. I removed it from my machine, replaced it with an end panel, and I haven’t used the humidifier since. I discovered I don’t need it. I have no issues with not using it, so I just don’t, and since then, I haven’t missed a night of using my CPAP.

  14. Testicle Massage Reply

    NICE!! Please keep it up guys.

  15. Stephanie roberson Reply

    My husbands bipap machine, like a cpap, makes a gurgling noise at night. Keeps me awake. Any ideas how to stop this noise?

  16. Kennit Mcdonald Reply

    My son is hospitalized with the delta Covid. He had the cpap on at nights. One night his nurse put the cpap on and didn’t turn on the moisture. Drying out his lungs. Now he is in icu on a ventilator . What is the risk of his lungs being dried out from no moisture from the cpap runny for 10-12 hours without moisture ?? What happens to the lungs ??

  17. Max McMillon Reply

    My Cpap ran out of water and I thought my house was on fire. I had a real smoky odor coming in from the tube. I got up and saw that there was no water in it and pulled the water chamber out. It was very very hot on the bottom.

  18. Joseph Allison Reply

    If your nasal passage is dry and congested from CPAP, you may end up breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause additional dryness and discomfort.

  19. Bloxorz Reply

    It is very nice. Thanks for sharing.

  20. Heardle Reply

    I completely agree with you. Humidifier is a must have for CPAP.

  21. PETER KIERNAN Reply

    I love my cpap and have used it for years. I have never used water with it. That makes it a more convenient size, simplifies cleaning, makes the whole experience simpler. I have no problem so far as I can tell from dryness.

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  23. Darrell Watson Reply

    What causes humidifier water to get hot? I use distilled water.

  24. Annette Babcock Reply

    I am new to my bi-pap. I am a mouth breather. Will my therapy still be as effective at night?

  25. https://vurse.com Reply

    Overtime, you may start sleeping with your mouth open to accommodate the need for more oxygen.

  26. Ajay Saini Reply

    Can CPAP cause insomnia?

  27. Pablo Snus Reply

    We have also installed a dehumidifier for this reason. It is the best we could do.

  28. Catalina's Posts Reply

    Most CPAP humidifiers allow you to adjust the level of humidity to suit your preferences. This means you can tailor the moisture level to what feels best for you.

  29. Surron Reply

    If you’re uncertain whether you should use a humidifier with your CPAP, it’s a good idea to discuss your concerns and needs with your healthcare provider or sleep specialist.

  30. gold coast Reply

    If, when you sleep, you find yourself inhaling via your mouth instead of your nose, you might also have a significant air leak, depending on the kind of mask you are wearing. Thanks!

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