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Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
#1
Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
I know it doesn't do a kettle any good, but the temperatures are very different.

Sometimes I get all masked up, and then realize that the humidifier is nearly empty. Generally I've just hoped that it will last the night and, so far, it has. But will it actually damage the humidifier if it's run dry?

Thanks; BW, DS
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#2
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
Running it dry is something I'd like to avoid. You might be given a hot plastic smell at least. Myself, I'd just fill it up and avoid the issues.
INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA. INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEBSITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#3
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
I run mine dry every once in awhile and the worst thing that happens is a bit of white stuff from the water that cleans out with a little vinegar added to the water when I scrub it out. I've never had the hot smell--bit again had almost enough water to make it through the night so it wasn't dry for long. From May until October I don't use heat in the humidified--just "pass over" humidification. Fill the tank once a week when I clean it, then no heat in tank or hose for the week. I can't stand breathing warm air--just use a little in the winter because a full face mask gets chilly if I don't.
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#4
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
Depending on the temperature, you might notice a burning smell and a discoloration on the heater plate.  

Ask me how I know... Rolleyes
OpalRose
Apnea Board Administrator
www.apneaboard.com

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INFORMATION ON APNEA BOARD FORUMS OR ON APNEABOARD.COM SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.  ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN BEFORE SEEKING TREATMENT FOR MEDICAL CONDITIONS, INCLUDING SLEEP APNEA.  INFORMATION POSTED ON THE APNEA BOARD WEB SITE AND FORUMS ARE PERSONAL OPINION ONLY AND NOT NECESSARILY A STATEMENT OF FACT.
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#5
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
OMG THE SMELL THE SMELL THE SMELL!!!!!!!!

I can sleep through a veritable s***storm of apneas, deep diving desaturations, etc.

But the smell of cooking humidifier residue -- wide awake ripping off that mask retching!

...and I use distilled water -- who knows how bad it would be with my tap water? (We have very hard water, and if I used tap water I would grow stalactites and stalagmites in my water tank, LOL.)
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#6
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
To OP - Wouldn't it just be easier to modify your routine by filling water tank before masking up? We all have routines, why not modify it?
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#7
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
Actually, it DOES hurt. It's happened to me a few times and, while i have never noticed a smell or done any damage, the extreme dryness I feel always wakes me up. You see, not only are you running with no humidity, the warming plate and heated hose warms the air passing through the tank, resulting in even more dryness than you would experience when running without a humidifier.

When this has happened to me, I have been so dry that it has left me with a sore throat. Awful. I am consequently careful to fill the tank as high as possible and use humidity settings that won't exhaust the water during the night.
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#8
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
Thanks for posting.

I woke up 3 times last night; got up twice. First was for the trip down the hall...second was because of the humidifier. I hadn't filled it last night.
DaveL
compliant for 35 years /// Still trying!

I'm just a cpap user like you. I don't give medical advice. Seek the advice of a physician before seeking treatment for medical conditions including sleep apnea. Sleep-well

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php..._The_Guide

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#9
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
(01-18-2022, 06:38 PM)cathyf Wrote: ...and I use distilled water -- who knows how bad it would be with my tap water? (We have very hard water, and if I used tap water I would grow stalactites and stalagmites in my water tank, LOL.)

Ditto on the distilled (from the big W).  
We're on a rural well that has iron. The softener takes care of it for the most part, so it's great for drinking.. but man, I put it in my tank once... never again ! ( the smell.. ugh)
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#10
RE: Does it hurt to let the humidifier tank run dry?
Those of you running non-chlorinated water, from whatever source, should ideally wash your tank and hose daily. The purpose of chlorine in the water supply is to prevent bacteria building up, usually in the form of 'biofilm', in the system. Chlorine usually does this very well. If 'pure' water is used, bacteria is likely to build up, especially given it's a wet and warm environment, perfect for biofilm growth.
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