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+--- Thread: humidifier running dry? (/Thread-humidifier-running-dry)
humidifier running dry? - stephen N - 12-14-2014
Gidday all,
I have a Respironics 560p - which has made a huge difference to my sleep quality!
But, I am a bit intrigued with the humidifier system.
No matter what setting is selected it usually lasts a little over 6 hours - but often not even that long before running out of water.
The tank is filled "to the line" every night, and I am a bit wary about it running dry and the humidifier's warming plate possibly melting something inside or doing damage.
Any advice or comments?
stephen
RE: humidifier running dry? - PaulaO2 - 12-14-2014
Most of these newer machines have a sensor that detects the humidity level in the room. It tries to keep a balance between what you have set and what the ambient room is. So if your bedroom is dry (like in winter), then it will use more water. If your bedroom is humid (like in summer), then it will use less.
No, it won't damage anything in there.
You could try turning the humidifier down a tad to see if it is enough humidity for you and yet last longer. Or add humidity to your bedroom.
RE: humidifier running dry? - Amie87 - 12-14-2014
(12-14-2014, 05:21 AM)stephen N Wrote: Gidday all,
I have a Respironics 560p - which has made a huge difference to my sleep quality!
But, I am a bit intrigued with the humidifier system.
No matter what setting is selected it usually lasts a little over 6 hours - but often not even that long before running out of water.
The tank is filled "to the line" every night, and I am a bit wary about it running dry and the humidifier's warming plate possibly melting something inside or doing damage.
Any advice or comments?
stephen
Like Paula said, a lot of machines seem to be auto set to deliver a set humidity level which the machine makes adjustments according the the humidity coming into the machine. (A lot of the machines I was shown do this).
If you have one that it set for an auto adjustment, you could either turn down the relative humidity (unless you need it that high) or add a humidifier to your room (but not too close to the machine). Also, if you have a heated humidifier perhaps turning down the heat level may conserve water. This is just a guess.
And is the reservoir small on your device? I feel like mine machine doesn't consume all that much
RE: humidifier running dry? - PaulaO2 - 12-14-2014
I've had winter nights where it didn't seem to use any water at all. And I've had nights where I got woke up with that gawd awful smell of the tank going dry. It really depends on the weather and the humidity and how much the aliens drink in the middle of the night.
RE: humidifier running dry? - DariaVader - 12-14-2014
aliens!
so that's it! 2 nights ago, the aliens didnt even touch the water - it was at the same (high but not max) level I started with, and then the next night they took all of it! I was wondering how on earth that happened....
RE: humidifier running dry? - Terry - 12-14-2014
(12-14-2014, 05:21 AM)stephen N Wrote: Gidday all,
I have a Respironics 560p - which has made a huge difference to my sleep quality!
But, I am a bit intrigued with the humidifier system.
No matter what setting is selected it usually lasts a little over 6 hours - but often not even that long before running out of water.
You're probably opening your mouth or have leaks.
As long as there isn't a ton of air moving past the humidifier, it should be plenty for at least 8 or 9 hours.
If you check your leak graph in SleepyHead, I'd almost be willing to bet you'll find some pretty good leaks.
Also, don't worry about running out of water. The machine is temperature-controlled and will be fine. You, however might be unhappy. 8-)
RE: humidifier running dry? - PaytonA - 12-14-2014
(12-14-2014, 12:41 PM)DariaVader Wrote: aliens!
so that's it! 2 nights ago, the aliens didnt even touch the water - it was at the same (high but not max) level I started with, and then the next night they took all of it! I was wondering how on earth that happened....
Obviously, it did not happen on earth.
RE: humidifier running dry? - Ghost1958 - 12-15-2014
I think Daria has your answer with that machine. I have the same one. Heated hose etc. The only time it has not went a min of nine hours on a tank of water set at it highest humidity setting is back before I learned how to control leaks. And that is in a wood fire heated house where the room air is DRY.
Independent of where it is set pretty much if you have a large leak problem it will use more water. Faster airflow equals picking up more water and sending it down the hose at a much faster rate.
That leak also would not nessacarily have to be at the mask. It could be pinholes in your hose, a crack at the cuff where it goes to the mask or the machine or anywhere along the line from machine to you.
I cracked a elbow on a mask and didnt know it a while back. Didnt realize it because I thought the sound I was hearing was venting. Very subtle but water use went way way up until I discovered and fixed it.
RE: humidifier running dry? - Galactus - 12-16-2014
I've been using that same machine type for a year with the standard humidifier and it has never run out of water in a night. Even with the heated kit now and set to max temp and humidity I can go 10 without running dry.
I'd say they have it right, you must have a leak or a gremlin.