Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine This treatment is suitable for patients with all levels of upper airway obstruction during sleep, whether they have simple snoring problems or sleep apnea, ranging from mild to severe.

The air that comes out of a CPAP machine has a higher pressure and flow rate than the air that we normally breathe in when the machine is not in use. which may cause dry throat or burning in the nasal passages in some people

To address the above problems, one of the popular accessories used with CPAP machines is a heated humidifier, which increases the humidity of the air passing through the CPAP machine.

Factors in determining whether a humidifier should be used as well

Determining whether a humidifier is necessary can be considered from the following factors

1. Humidity conditions in the bedroom or room where the CPAP machine is used.

Thailand is a hot and humid country. If the patient uses the CPAP machine in a normal room (without air conditioning or a blowing fan) there would be no problem with the user's nasal mucosa. You may not need a humidifier.

But if using a CPAP machine in an air-conditioned room or the patient turns on the fan blowing at that point Without a humidifier There may be a problem called Chronic inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by using a CPAP machine (CPAP-induced rhinitis) can result. In this case it is recommended to use a humidifier.

2. The level of air pressure used (therapy pressure)

If you have moderate to severe snoring or sleep apnea, the air pressure used is usually high, such as more than 10 cmH2O. This high air pressure can often dry out the nasal passages and throat. In this case it is recommended to use a humidifier.

3. physical condition

Some people may have allergies or easily irritated nasal passages. In such cases, even if the air pressure used is not high or they are not sleeping in an air-conditioned room, The use of a humidifier is also recommended.

4. Do you wake up dry?

This is a simple observation that may not require considering other factors: if you use a CPAP machine and wake up with a dry throat. The use of a humidifier is also recommended.

5. Using CPAP abroad

If you are using a CPAP machine abroad.In areas with cold or low humidity. The use of a humidifier is also recommended.

The disadvantages of using CPAP without a humidifier

If you use CPAP without a humidifier In the air-conditioned room Dry and cool air from the air conditioner. Throughout the nasal cavity, the patient uses the CPAP machine in the bedroom.

This results in chronic inflammation and abnormal sensitivity of the nasal mucosa, causing patients to experience nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, runny nose, or postnasal drip, especially upon waking in the morning. Swelling of the nasal mucosa can also affect the effectiveness of your CPAP machine, depending on...Types of CPAP machines As follows:

If the patient is using Auto CPAP, the machine will increase the pressure to inject more air into the nasal cavity. make the patient feel more uncomfortable and there may be air leaking from the mask The patient may need to tighten the mask that covers the nose or mouth. Until causing a mask mark on the patient's face when he wakes up in the morning
If the patient is using Manual CPAP, the pressure to inject air into the nasal cavity remains constant. which if the nasopharynx is swollen Will cause the remaining pressure to widen the other parts of the airway to decrease, resulting in the effectiveness in treating snoring and decreased sleep apnea The patient may return to noise. or return to sleep apnea

However, chronic rhinitis problems caused by using this CPAP machine may occur slowly for some people. Some people may be born early. Therefore, patients using CPAP machines should decide whether will let this problem happen first then return to treatment or will prevent this problem from occurring

What kind of water should I use to fill my humidifier?

Recommended by the manufacturer is medical distilled water. And must be the type that is specified on the bottle as Sterile water for inhalation, but in reality this type of water is quite difficult to find and has a high price. It is therefore recommended for patients using a BiPAP ventilator or above, or tracheostomy patients.

For general CPAP machine users, the following water is recommended to fill the humidifier:

bottled water
boiled water
filtered water

do not use tap water because it is chlorinated water and will cause sediment in the water bottle

Tips for using a humidifier

Clean the water bottle every The morning after the CPAP/BiPAP machine has been deactivated and air dried. Do not expose to the sun
Change the water every time before use.
Add water to the middle level. Do not exceed the Max mark because it may cause water to flow into the machine.
Always pour out the water. before moving the machine to prevent water from flowing into the machine

summarize

It's important to determine whether a humidifier should be used with a CPAP as well. Let's look at factors such as sleeping in a room with dry air, such as an air-conditioned room or not. or the air pressure level used is high or not Or have a congenital disease, allergy or not, etc.

However, if you can find a humidifier to use. I recommend using it. Because the air from the CPAP machine, even at the lowest pressure, still has a higher flow rate than normal breathing. which the wind passes at a higher speed than normal for a long time In the long run, it can cause nasal inflammation.

In addition, breathing air that is warm and moist enough to enter. will make you sleep more comfortably as well We hope this information is helpful for those of you who are deciding whether to Should I use a humidifier with CPAP or not?