CPAP Without Water? - Can You, Should You?

[@barrrylincoln]

Wife has been on cpap with a humidifier for a long time, she has asthma. I always thought it made her asthma worse. I have been on oxygen for several years never used the humidifier attachment until this year. Started a few weeks ago, ever since started been waking up with easy to cough up congestion in bronchial tubes, never had this in my life. It's not a cold or allergies, been 3 weeks feel fine. Not coughing. Now I'm even more convinced the humidifier is making her rattle.

[@CPAPmyway]

Interesting. I would bring that up with your Dr.

[@jbsimmons54]

Too much water being vaporized. Reduce the amount. May want to get a 1oz-2oz liquor shot glass and add only that amount that relieves dryness, but stop short of starting to cough up stuff. Same thing if using a humidifier on the oxygen tank. Don't fill both unless needed. Use the water tank on the oxygen tank first as it has fiber control over humidity via the liters of O2 used, plus the level of water in it's tank. That will be COOL humidity. The ResMed CPAP creates warm humidity, which many (myself included) do not like. Cleaning is easier with the O2 tank humidifier. If set up properly, the O2 injection point should be right at the end of the CPAP tubing connect before the face mask, not at the CPAP exit point into the CPAP tuning. That way you don't need to sterilize the CPAP tubing prior to O2 injection point, only after it. There's a special O2 injection point adapter for CPAP use. Warm humid air breeds bacteria and mold quite easily. That's why I went with the O2 tank humidifier route. I also keep the humidifier tank with distilled water in the fridge during the day to prevent water turning bad. When O2 expands into a gas it gets very cold and will chill the water in the O2 humidifier tank too. So between uses, that water should be chilled. If it's cloudy or has particles in it, dump it, sterilize tank, and refill. In a pinch you can use only purified bottled water. You don't want nigleria fowlerii eating your brain!

[@bonanzatime]

Without A Doubt! When I was using the water got alot of slobber in the mask. Without the water, everything nice and dry and clean.

[@jimgiacomelli7495]

I've had a cpap machine for over 10 years and I've not used water for 99.9 percent of the 10 years and I've never had a problem.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input!

[@ralphweber2522]

I’m three years and same.

[@Boomie5150]

@@ralphweber2522 Me too, 3 years, no water or heated tube.

[@ronhobbs755]

Have been off water for 2 years no issues

[@bonanzatime]

My comment is above. Total Agreement! Fuck The Water! And The Mold! And The Bacteria! And The BS!!

[@jonadabster8401]

I started having gum issues . My dentist said to start using the water and it really helped . My mouth needs the moisture for correct bacteria

[@CPAPmyway]

Great input. Thank you

[@buckbuckleyson2259]

yep, dry mouth will cause all sorts of dental disease

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

23 years and never had one. Purchase new machine and it has humidifier. I tried for first time, I kept waking thru nite with a dry mouth and next morning I felt like getting a cold. Head full of crap. So last nite the second nite using new machine I took the humidifier off. I found it a lot louder and fi did my wife. But no where as loud as my old machine. I think putting humidifier back on running with no water. Thx for video mate

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@robinsd4]

I’m on CPAP for 15 years and most of the time without humidity. I feel more congestion in my nose when using humidifier.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@gosman949]

The Airsense 11 has a bypass insert for about $25 that you can use to replace the water tank. It automatically turns off the humidifier when inserted.

[@CPAPmyway]

Great Input. Thank you!!

[@Mogalize]

Honest question. Why pay extra money for that bypass when the empty tank works just fine? Sure, if the tank broke, but otherwise a waste of money is it not?

[@gosman949]

@@Mogalize you have to manually turn off the heater. The insert does it for you. Pop it out, and the heater is back on!

[@Mogalize]

@@gosman949 I still dont see the point? I shut off the humidifier, so once and done. Again, only if my tank breaks would I consider this as a new tank is way overpriced, especially when it's not used. Thanks.

[@gosman949]

@@Mogalize only $20 bucks haha

[@williamjones4483]

I have this same machine that was prescribed for me to use since April. I've tried it both ways and have found that keeping water (distilled, of course) is a major pain in the backside for me. Overall using the cpap has been marginal at best, in my case. I've had issues with pressure and mask leaks. Solved the mask leaking by tightening the straps tighter than anticipated. The pressure was turned up because I felt like I was suffocating before. Now maybe I'll try the water again. it's been a huge learning experience.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@JerryMcquade]

Great Viedio!

[@CPAPmyway]

Thank you!!

[@johns280]

In the summer I have a problem breathing in warm air, I feel like I’m suffocating. I like cool air. I fill my tank with ice cubes and turn off the humidifier. My first hour or so going to sleep I’m comfortable breathing cool air.

[@shirleyweltner9009]

😅

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for sharing

[@MyPaperStr8]

Can you use the cooling temperature without the water.. I like cool air while I sleep?

[@CPAPmyway]

No unfortunately the CPAP will not cool the air at all.

[@jbsimmons54]

Oxygen injection into the O2 tank humidifier actually produces a cool/cold humidity when it comes out of the machine tank. I hate warm humid air too.

[@bonanzatime]

​@@CPAPmywayThat Sucks.

[@timbuchman9158]

I tried no water =dry mouth+sneezing+runny nose with water temp 70 excellent results..that is my personal opinion..80 year old male using resmed equipment

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@mizzyroro]

I have not watched yet but recently on a long overseas trip I found out that turning off the humidifer saves battery. So I turned it off and it was fine. I never turned it back on. I have way less drooling and less complications around not cleaning on time.

[@CPAPmyway]

Great input. Thank you.

[@shyreetaallen2306]

What battery it plugs in

[@bonanzatime]

That's a game changer in my book.👍

[@techshabby0001]

What I really really need is to turn down the temp on my humidifier! It gets so hot in the deep of the night. I have to have it but I wake up from the heat. There's got to be a way to adjust it. I have AirSense11, P10. Heated tube set to 78°, humidifier on 6. If I lower the tube temp, I get rainout. If I lower the humidifier setting, I get waytoodry. I'm using a cover on the tube which helps prevent rainout. That's my setup. Any ideas?

[@Meagan0624]

My tube temp is set to 72 and my humidity level is 3. I would die at 78!

[@CPAPmyway]

That is a tough one. It sounds like you are doing everything with the CPAP that you can. Have you considered a humidifier for your room. The cheap little ones that you use for kids when they are sick may make a big difference for you.

[@techshabby0001]

@@Meagan0624 after reading your comment, I changed tube temp to 72 and it's so much better! My dr had it set at 82 when I got it and I've turned it down twice, getting it to 78. I only changed it last night, I'll see how it goes with humidity still at 6. I really like all the moisture since I'm naturally dry apparently.

[@levedia]

I have a vpap resmed. Which is also for central apnea not only obstoctive. I cant with a heated tube and water. So with a regular tube cool air in the room and no water chamber i feel good and breathe better if my nosenis dry, occasional nasal spray from the pharmacy is perfect. 10 years with resmed and working good.

[@greatfullded]

I have mine set at 78* too.. its luke warm air... I cant feel it going in.. so its good temp... the auto set temp is like 82*... its too hot.. I guess when it get closer to summer I will set the temp lower... but I have my humidity set at 3, the sleep tech has it set at 4 but thats right at the edge of rain out.. cause when i put it at 5 I had rain out... but i may try it without the humidifier one night and see if I get dry throat.. I know before i had cpap I wake up with super dry throat cause of breathing thru my mouth and snoring.. but other nights i dont have it cause my mouth was closed.. so maybe I can go without the humidifer... will have to give it a try..

[@ellobo1326]

Good video. Thanks. I am only a month or so into therapy and have the Airsense 11. I sleep with my mouth open and wake up with dry mouth even on setting 6. Will try 7 and see what happens.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for watching and good luck!

[@gosman949]

Quite common. Hope you are using a full-face mask, that will help.

[@ellobo1326]

@@gosman949 I am.

[@MrRClaudio]

I have the same problem, so I decided to use my full face mask with a chin strap. Problem solved.

[@jeffharwood1446]

Had dry mouth but started using chin strap and mouth tape. No more dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause tooth problems. Humidity helps me keep my sinuses from drying out.

[@stevencarosso5432]

I'm late to your site but I'm finding it very helpful. Does this water/no water information also apply to a BPAP?

[@CPAPmyway]

Yes

[@LeoSue25]

I put water in my chamber last night a full and I just came right now to put more water to take a nap now there is brown residue all over the bottom without any water and I use distilled water

[@ropsnikropsnik2327]

Can you still use the Climate Line tube when you disable the humidifier? Or do you have to use standard tubing?

[@CPAPmyway]

Yes, just turn it off.

[@AngryCalls]

@@CPAPmyway Thank you. I thought you had to use both. I don’t want to use the humidifier but want to use the heated tube. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@novawarrior7174]

I leave mine off because I get rained out all the time. I live in California and I even use a heated tube but my nasal mask is always damp.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thank you for the input!

[@gosman949]

turn it down. If you live in Northern California, you probably don't need it.

[@ich8159]

@@gosman949It is already turned off…

[@techshabby0001]

I bought a cover for the tube and it works great at stopping rainout. I really need the humidifier even though I live in Hawaii. I have grown to love the moisture. More tips, drink a lot of water. Use the xylimelt stick-on melts. I tried 2 the first night but one works best for me. I sleep on my right side, so I put it on my left side, upper gums. It actually works well and when I forget to do it, I get dry.

[@gosman949]

@@techshabby0001 I use the xylimelt melts after surgery when I am on heavy narcotics that dry my mouth out. Not needed after I recover.

[@AC-km9ww]

Can you use Saline solution as a saline humidifier in the CPAP

[@CPAPmyway]

I am not sure about that.

[@kyled1540]

Does the heated tube use more water??

[@CPAPmyway]

Typically it does.

[@darrellr267]

So if I don't use water do I still have to clean the mask and hose once a week?

[@CPAPmyway]

It is best to do it once per week even without water.

[@bettertoaster]

Dryness was a problem before I started using the CPAP. So I guess it will help me. If it doesn’t help, I will certainly turn it off.

[@CPAPmyway]

Understandable. Good Luck

[@CP-so4hg]

I live in a mediterranean and mostly neutral climate (neither humid or dry), so thankfully I don't need to user the humidifier.

[@CPAPmyway]

Awesome!

[@davidwillers652]

Can you use it wo water in tank but with HME packages to give humidity to ones airway?

[@CPAPmyway]

You can certainly use the HME in line with the CPAP.

[@davidwillers652]

What mask and hme would work w a teamed Airsense 10?

[@CPAPmyway]

@@davidwillers652 You can use any mask on the market and a generic HME would work just fine. I'll get you helpful links below. cpapmyway.com/store/humidifier-travel-cpap-hme?search=hme cpapmyway.com/blog/best-cpap-mask-style

[@blacktornado5212]

DOes the white cap open, so you don't have to take it out to fill it?

[@daviddavila7288]

Can you boil water and u use it I was told that it’s OK to boil water

[@CPAPmyway]

I am not sure. I think that it is best to use distilled water.

[@bonanzatime]

Sounds like a fun tradition you could be starting. Like a glass of warm milk every night before beddy by😬

[@josiecoote8975]

Here in the UK the sleep department advises you to use cooled, boiled water out of the kettle.

[@hongdouliu4381]

I use a ResMed S9 AutoSet, and I’ve removed the water tank, so the humidifying part is now empty. Benefits: I don’t need to refill the water every day. I don’t need to wash the water tank every other day. No more unpleasant smells from the water tank. I wake up without water on my face. Cons: None so far-everything’s been great! But I need scientific advise on how often should I clean the humidifying part. I just don't clean it now.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@peterpruimpjes]

Just starting my Cpap therapy 30 days ago on Resmed 11, my issue is opposite...my Resmed uses hardly any water at all, I dump most of the water in the morning, I know it's only a few ounces but still...my humidity level in the bedroom is 60%+ could that have something to do with it??? P.s I'm having wonderful results with therapy...manage to sleep 7hrs+every night... Thanks

[@CPAPmyway]

If the CPAP does not think that it can add more humidity to your room air, then it will not add it. The most important question is how you feel. Sounds like you are great so I would say that all is well.

[@grandmajane2593]

My cpap could use two fill-ups in the night. I don't know why.

[@bonanzatime]

​@CPAPmyway I had no idea the room humidity had anything to do with what the machine pumps in your face. Interesting, then that makes a lot of sense. .. would be nice if they told you this to begin with instead of just assuming everybody needs to use the humidifier no matter what.

[@mcroann]

What about tube heater? Do i have to turn it off too?

[@CPAPmyway]

Yes you should

[@AdrianPfeiffer-m3d]

I have had some sinus and blocked ears since I have had my cpap machine could not using the humidifier help this problem

[@CPAPmyway]

I would think that it is worth a try

[@HarleyQuinn-mn6wb]

I’m on the road sleeping while my hubby drive and hits every bump down the road my machine is wet or most days it empty I would love to look into different options for that

[@HarleyQuinn-mn6wb]

Probably should of said team driver

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for watching

[@bonanzatime]

You must feel really stupid when that happens. Like Chevy Chase in one of those Vacation movies.😂

[@2531biggun]

What About The Water Heater In Bottom Of Tank Hot Metal??

[@CPAPmyway]

You should turn the humidifier off when you run it empty.

[@dougkeirnes4540]

My dentist recommended that I raise my cpap humidity level after a dental exam. Please discus that aspect

[@CPAPmyway]

I think that we have some have that in the patient settings video of the AirSense 11. Link below to that blog and video. cpapmyway.com/blog/airsense-11-cpap-starter-guide

[@lisab3307]

I have been using this for about 8 weeks and I have developed a sore throat that does not go away. Should I be changing the humidity or other settings?

[@CPAPmyway]

It is worth a try to adjust settings for sure. Also make sure to clean everything really well in case you are recycling germs.

[@BobPulgino]

I’d be sure to talk to my doctor about this first, make sure you know what’s causing it.

[@jbsimmons54]

If the pressure is set too high and you don't have a nose/mouth piece, it will try to blow your lips open, even with a jaw strap keeping the mouth closed. That air coming out of the mouth will dry the airway out, humidifier or not.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@bonanzatime]

Chuck Yeager All The Way! Been there done that.

[@grandmajane2593]

My humidifer water runs dry in the middle of the night, (maybe 3 or 4 hours). I've been ignoring it and I have dry nose, dry mouth, dentist is concerned about my teeth & gums, and the latest thing ---NOSE Bleeds! - now I'm scared and I'm afraid to use the cpap (Res Med 11) at night now. I used my old one ( S-9) last night and got a good nights sleep. Any advice for me? I will ask vendor Mon. morning, but somehow I doubt if they will help me.

[@jonadabster8401]

I don't use a 11 but you should be able turn down the humidification regardless to where you get atleast some moisture for 8 hours . I think its turned up too high .

[@grandmajane2593]

@@jonadabster8401 - Yes, I;m going to work on it tomorrow and see what I can do. Thank you.

[@CPAPmyway]

Looks like you found the video that I would recommend. Good Luck!

[@grandmajane2593]

@@CPAPmyway - Yes, I turned the humidity down to 1 and 70 temperature, plus I hooked up my little tabletop humidifer. Now it's ok. No more dryness. A small amount of water is in the tank in the morning, so I can see it didn't use it all. But if it wasn't for all of you guys I wouldn't be able to help myself. Thank you and the others very much for providing this information.

[@carroldawson]

I have used a CPAP for 15 years. I never use distilled water. What difference does it make?

[@CPAPmyway]

Distilled water has no minerals. Tap or bottled water typically have minerals that will cause corrosion over time.

[@grandmajane2593]

@@CPAPmyway - I noticed that my distilled water leaves a fine white powdery substance on the water tank floor. Does this speak to the quality of my distilled water? It is the "store brand".

[@bonanzatime]

​@@grandmajane2593maybe some of your cocaine got in there?

[@michaelpearce6284]

I only use it in the winter when the air is dry. Summer I don’t use it.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@markzahir]

i can not open the water tank - what can i do ?

[@CPAPmyway]

Might be time to get a new Airsense 11 water chamber. Link below. cpapmyway.com/store/water-chamber/airsense-water-chamber

[@kappy1]

My reservoir is stuck and cannot pull out. Anyone have a solution for this?

[@CPAPmyway]

That is really strange. Have not heard that before.

[@israaezzat5660]

Which kind of water

[@CPAPmyway]

Distilled.

[@Drewy62]

You fail to mention that if want/need to run your CPAP off a battery, like for camping, it will run a lot longer without humidification.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input

[@erin19030]

Oh hells no, i uses jack Daniels in mines an boys dies ahh sleep!

[@CPAPmyway]

Can't beat some JD in the humidifier chamber. LOL!

[@billligon4005]

I have a glass of water on my night stand?!?! I don't use humidifier.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@billligon4005]

@@CPAPmyway I have never used water in my himidifier -- a real PIA!! But I do like the heated tube on my CPAP.

[@CPAPmyway]

@@billligon4005 Keepin it simple. Sounds good.

[@bonanzatime]

I tried that but it made me wet the bed.😢

[@Robin6512]

I use water because my gums gave me problems. But on 3 iso the “preferred” 5-6 by my doctor.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@briboy2009]

My first CPAP machine did not have a humidifier. It was fine at first then after a while I was waking up with a very dry mouth and nose. Eventually, I was getting nose bleeds, so I had to get one with a humidifier which prevented the nose bleeds. Of course, there will always be people that have not had a problem. But hey, that's life.

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@grandmajane2593]

Me too, with the nose bleeds. I don't know what to do. My water runs out in the night. I'm not using it, too scared.

[@bonanzatime]

Some people are just prone to getting nose bleeds with or without humidity and CPAPs.

[@adamczepiel1988]

The water tank is bad design...it does. Not open well..doesn't stay open well to fill. ..spillage unless very carefull. it should have just a refill cap the clamshell design is a joke...anyone with limited mobility ..this thing is a joke

[@CPAPmyway]

Thanks for the input.

[@petercoyotl5192]

I agree. I had a Phillips and had to stop using it due to the recall. It was a quality built machine. The Resmed is built like a dollar store toy by comparison. The water tank is a bad joke. The seal on the aircurve 10 vauto failed after four months. Most of the water leaked during the night. I hate Resmed. It is cheap junk.

[@jamesc7277]

You’re suggesting maybe vodka?🤪

[@CPAPmyway]

HAHA!

[@bonanzatime]

I just started my second month using this thing. The last two nights I used it without water just to see what would happen. What happened, I had fewer apnea episodes, I was averaging 10 to 12 episodes per hour with the humidity, without the water and humidity I had 1.7 episodes per hour. I also feel like I slept deeper without the water. It's more comfortable! The sleep experts Are Full Of Shit!

[@Boomie5150]

To that last sentence, I can only agree. Been CPAPing 4 years now, never had a water tank on my Airsense 10 at all (its extra and of course cost extra!) Or even a heated tube (Why would I need that? The air in my bedroom does not need heating up) The so called experts also make money on the equipment the are pushing you 😊

[@bonanzatime]

@Boomie5150 Yeah, I wish the doctors and 'experts' would be more transparent. So far, their lack of communication and incompetence makes me somewhat suspicious.

[@CPAPmyway]

Wow! That is some interesting info. Thanks

[@ralphdavis2535]

WHAT IS A , H M E. ??

[@CPAPmyway]

We have a great page explaining the HME (heat Moisture Exchanger). Link below. cpapmyway.com/blog/what-is-a-hme

[@terriance2011]

Throughout the night my water runs out

[@LeoSue25]

I put water in my chamber last night a full and I just came right now to put more water to take a nap now there is brown residue all over the bottom without any water and I use distilled water