Water on face when using CPAP?
– No, it does not comes from the humidifier, nor does the device produces water …

When moisture enters a non-heated tube, the temperature difference may cause condensation. Small water beads can form in the tube. As they accumulate, they can move to the mask and to your face as well. The hotter the humidifier air and the colder the tube (or space), the greater the condensation. If the humidifier setting is increased, there may be more moisture in the air to vaporize in the tubes or mask.
If you have set the humidifier to the highest setting, this is very likely to happen.
How to avoid moisture in the mask and tubing? What can be done to prevent this from happening?

Use heated tubing
Perhaps the most desirable option is to use a heated tube that delivers hot, humid air from the heated humidifier to the CPAP mask. This will maximize the benefit of the humidifier. All major CPAP equipment manufacturers now offer heat or climate line piping as part of their latest models. They have a heated coil that runs the length of the tube and keeps the air in the hot. Power is integrated into the back of the CPAP machine and the tubing is easily connected to the various connections of a mask. In general, it is recommended to set the pipe temperature between 25.6 and 27.8 ° C to reduce the likelihood of water forming on the equipment.

Change the temperature difference
Adjust the temperature of your heated humidifier or bedroom. Limit the humidifier temperature or turn the thermostat on in your bedroom. You may find that it is more comfortable to sleep in a cool room, so you can start by adjusting the humidifier.

Cover the CPAP tubing
Place the CPAP tubing under the bed covers. This will heat the tube and reduce condensation. There are also various sold fabrics that can be properly insulated.

Place the CPAP on the floor
Another useful option is to place the CPAP machine on the floor. By lowering it to where you were in bed, the moisture collected in the tubes will run back into the humidifier instead of splitting you in the face at night.

Finding the right solution
There are a number of extremely effective options for reducing the condensation that can be collected in the CPAP tubing using a heated humidifier. The benefits of humidity greatly offset the inconvenience and some accommodation will ensure that your sleep will continue to benefit from CPAP without unnecessary interruption.

Vasilis Binakis

Τμήμα R&D / CTO of Medical Division