CPAP Humidifiers

Showing The Many Types Available

CPAP Humidifiers are widely knowen. CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and is used in cases of obstructive sleep apnea. This is a condition in which the breathing passage gets sealed when a patient sleeps. The result is that the person wakes up and is unable to get the required sleep causing constant fatigue, irritability and difficulty in focusing. If untreated, it can result in heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.

This CPAP air causes irritation in the nasal passages due to an increase in airflow and can also result in nasal bleeding in some cases. It may also result in excess mucous, sneezing, swelling and congestion. CPAP Humidifiers are used to humidify CPAP air and help reduce irritation.

CPAP Humidifiers are of various types, though their main function remains the same. The various types are:

A. Heated Humidifiers – These apply heat on water to convert it into moisture and the amount of moisture generated can be controlled by adjusting the heat level. These are considered the best of all humidifiers used for this therapy. These include M Series heated, Humidaire H4i heated, AEIOmed Everest 3 heated, PR System one heated and REMstar heated humidifiers among others.

B. Passover Humidifiers – In these humidifiers a chamber of water is placed near CPAP to ensure moistening of the air that is passed on to the nasal passages. The air passes through CPAP and then through a hose to the humidifier and lastly through a hose to the mask. When air passes through the chamber of water it picks up moisture but there is no way to increase or decrease the moisture produced. In colder climates the moisture amount is reduced and in warmer climates it is increased. The various options included are REMstar Passover, Remstar Integrated Passover, Fisher & Paykela and Devilbiss 9100D Passover humidifiers.

C. Integrated Humidifier – This is a compact unit and uses lesser parts as this is fitted to a CPAP and eliminates the requirement for a second hose and extra power cord. This may sometimes produce lower moisture levels as the surface area is lesser. Also most of these function just with the CPAP they are designed for and not with any other.

D. In Built Humidifier – This is fixed to the CPAP humidifier and cannot be separated from it. This is a complete all in one unit and is compact with lesser parts. The effectiveness of therapy is increased by inclusion of a heated humidifier. It cannot be detached from the complete machine and can be a problem for travelers or in cases of repair wherein the entire unit has to be sent to the company.

E. Stand alone Humidifier – This works effectively with any CPAP as it uses a short hose to connect. It is placed next to the CPAP machine and offers superior humidity control as it has a large water chamber. The only disadvantage is that it is of a large

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