Do you struggle with dry mouth or nasal dryness? Congestion? Runny nose? Are you having trouble adjusting to your new CPAP machine? A humidifier may be the answer to all your problems!

What is a humidifier?

First off, you may be wondering: what is a humidifier? A humidifier is a device used to add moisture to the air that passes from your CPAP machine’s motor through the tubing, into your mask, and into your nasal and oral passageways. You may already have one built into your CPAP machine (which occurs with many new models such as the DreamStation or AirSense 10), or you may purchase a humidifier separately to add to your existing therapy.

Humidifiers increase comfort

A common problem among CPAP users is that the air from the machine irritates their nose and throat, causing a host of issues such as congestion and irritation.  These effects can be especially strong among full face mask users, who experience strong blasts of dry air through both their nasal and oral passages each night. Humidifiers offer the perfect solution to this problem by providing the moisture necessary to ease the irritation associated with dryness. They do so by providing warm moisture, which increases comfort.

Do I need a heated humidifier?

Heated humidifiers are optional for most CPAP users, but they are extremely useful for those struggling with dry mouth or nasal congestion.  They can be used in conjunction with either standard or heated tubing, but heated tubing is recommended for those who experience condensation on the tube – also known as rainout.

Humidifiers cut down on common side effects associated with dryness due to CPAP therapy.  A solution for irritation will especially help new users who find themselves skipping nightly treatment because of comfort issues.  Overall, humidifiers allow for a better night’s sleep for CPAP users by providing added comfort.