What is a humidifier?
A humidifier is simply a device that adds moisture to the air. Many people sleep with a humidifier in the room because it helps sooth their sinuses. A dry climate, smoke, and other environmental irritants can wreak havoc on a person's nasal passage and, for some, using a humidifier is the only way to get a good night's sleep.
CPAP humidification
Most people find that the air from a CPAP machine irritates their sinuses. The machine is constantly forcing air into your mouth and nose causing your mucus membranes to dry out. This can lead to congestion or, in some cases, a nose bleed. The only way to reverse/prevent this irritation is to use a CPAP humidifier.
Types of CPAP humidifiers
Passover CPAP Humidifier
The passover humidifier can be remembered as being the most passive type of humidifier. In this type, water is in a chamber connected to the CPAP machine by a separate hose. The air passes over the water and into the main CPAP tubing connected to the mask. With this type, there is no way to increase or decrease the amount of moisture picked up.
Heated CPAP Humidifier
The heated humidifier generally has the highest success rate among those undergoing CPAP therapy. Unlike the passover humidifier, a person can adjust the heat to produce more or less moisture.
Integrated CPAP Humidifier
The integrated humidifer can be a passover type or a heated type, but in both cases will produce less moisture. A positive aspect, though, is that the integrated humidifier usually has less parts and fits directly to the CPAP machine.
