Heated humidification for nocturnal pressure therapy information sheet

What is a humidifier?

A humidifier is a device that moistens the air coming through your tubing from your machine. This includes CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure and BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) support devices.

There are 2 main types of humidifiers:

1. cold water or passover humidifiers
2. heated humidifiers

Cold water or passover humidifiers

This device works by having air from the machine move over the water in the humidifier. This action causes a small amount of water to evaporate into the air. The device can be used with cold or warm water and comes fitted with a refillable water chamber and a small piece of tubing.

Heated humidifiers

This device actively heats the water into chamber and increases the amount of moisture and temperature of the air passing through the tubing. It is considered a more efficient way of increasing the moisture content of the air. The device is fitted with a heater plate, refillable water chamber and a small piece of tubing.

When should I use the humidifier?

You can use it based on your needs. Some people use a humidifier throughout the year, while others only use it during the colder months.

How to set up a heated humidifier

• Make sure the device is switched off (power off).
• Remove the water chamber from the heater plate.
• Fill the chamber with water to the maximum level.
• It is recommended to use distilled, filtered or sterile water. If you don't have any of these, use cool pre-boiled water as a last alternative. This is because the equipment will not last long using this.
• Replace the water chamber onto the heater plate.
• Attach the short piece of tubing from the machine to the inlet of the water chamber.
• Attach the longer piece of tubing from the remaining outlet to your mask.
• Set the heat level as per the manufacturer's recommendation. Remember, heating requirements vary between people and seasons of the year.
• Switch on the device and warm up for 10 minutes before you go to bed.

Where to place the humidifier

• Position your CPAP or BiPAP device below the level of your bed.
• The humidifier should be positioned preferably below (or level with), the level of your device. This is to prevent condensation from draining into your mask at night and draining into your CPAP or BiPAP support device.

How to clean and care for a heated humidifier

• Make sure the device is switched off (power off) when not in use.
• Avoid over-filling the water chamber, as it could overflow into your device and damage it.
• If you are not using your humidifier, empty any water out of the chamber and allow it to dry.
• Always empty the water chamber first when you move your CPAP or BiPAP device.
• Every 2 to 3 days wash the water chamber with a mild detergent, rinse well and allow to fully dry.

Troubleshooting