Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 01:55 pm
We know how beneficial CPAP is and the positive impact it has on thousands of people’s lives. however the colder temperatures during the Winter months may cause you some slight issues when using your CPAP, so here’s some simple tips to fend them off and continue to get great sleep throughout the colder months.
Colder room temperatures will naturally lead to colder air being supplied from your CPAP machine, which some may find less comfortable. Cold air tends to be less humid also, potentially causing your mouth and nasal passages to dry out or become tickly. A heated humidifier can overcome this problem, both heating and moisturising the air, solving both problems.
Most machines will have their own “integrated” humidifier available that simply connects to the side or bottom of the CPAP unit itself; ask you clinic if they can supply one, or have a look at our range here. No integrated one available? No problem! You could use a universal one instead, such as the HC150 Standalone Heated Humidifier from Fisher and Paykel, which works with any modern machine.
If you are already using a humidifier, then you may be experiencing what is known as rainout (condensation build up), which is much more common with the colder temperatures. If you’ve ever woken up with water gargling in the tube, or perhaps water in your mask, then you will have experienced rainout.
This can be combated by making your hosing nice and cosy with a soft and warm Hose Fleece to provide some insulation. The most comprehensive solution is to use a heated hose, which will ensure the air does not cool on its journey to your mask, preventing rainout and ensuring the air is as warm as when it left the machine. Some humidifiers will have this built-in, or you can use a universal one such as the Hybernite Heated Breathing Tube.
Have a look on our forum to see how our members have tried to tackle this, with some even dressing up their tubing in stockings! You can find the Rainout thread here.
As mentioned in our previous blog entry, Feeling Bunged up with Your CPAP, having a cold is no good when using CPAP! With the winter, comes the influx of colds, so it is a good idea to tackle the nasal congestion that comes with it so you can still get restorative sleep through CPAP use. The SinuPulse Elite is very useful for this, clearing any nasal congestion and allowing you to get on with your treatment. Have a look at our last blog entry for more information.
If you are a nasal mask user, another tip for when you are bunged up with a cold, is having a spare full face CPAP mask so you are still able to use your machine. This gives you the option of breathing through your mouth instead, so it’s always good to have a backup plan!
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about any of the above or any CPAP related topics, or of course you can ask other CPAP users via the CPAP Fourms. We look forward to hearing from you, but until then, from all of us at Intus, have a very Merry Christmas.