A CPAP machine works by drawing air from the room, pressurizing it, and blowing it into your upper airway passages at a continuous rate. Climate and weather conditions can affect how well CPAP therapy works. Research shows that sleep apnea symptoms tend to be worse in the winter.
This is usually attributed to the changes in humidity and air temperature during these months. Obviously, the air becomes colder during the winter, and since CPAP draws oxygen from the room, breathing pressurized air that is cold may be less comfortable. Air also becomes drier in the winter, and CPAP users often report problems such as nosebleeds, infections, sneezing, swelling, and headaches during the winter related to a lack of humidity. The best CPAP machines have made adaptations to cope with these issues, but the solutions may pose their own challenges.
How To Safely Store Your CPAP Machine
CPAP machines themselves are generally smaller than they were 25 years ago. However, they can still be bulky and take up too much space in your bedroom, especially if it is a small area where living space is at a premium. The cords and hoses attached to your CPAP can not only form an eyesore but potentially pose a tripping hazard as well. If the size of your CPAP is a problem, you may benefit from a smaller model, such as the AirMini Travel CPAP, that can sit on your nightstand and not take up much room. Some people store hoses and masks in the drawers of nightstands, and others buy special nightstands with predrilled holes or built-in power outlets to allow the CPAP machine itself to hide in a nightstand until needed. Other people use CPAP holders or shelves that allow for storage under the bed when not in use.
How To Avoid Condensation In Your CPAP Mask
Some CPAP machines incorporate heated humidification. This helps to prevent the problems that result from breathing dry, cold air. However, as the heated air travels through the hose to your nose or mouth, it can cool off. This causes the water vapor to condense and form droplets inside your mask. Having cold water drip on your nose and mouth while you sleep can be very disturbing.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to prevent this problem. If you position your CPAP machine below the level of your AirFit P10 mask, gravity works in your favor. The air is propelled up into your nose and mouth, while the condensation runs back down the hose. Other simple things you can do are to cover the hose with the bedding to increase its temperature or get tubing wrappers for insulation purposes.
Often, the key to preventing CPAP condensation is to equalize the temperature of the compressed air from the CPAP and the air in the room. One effective way of doing this is to change the temperature of the room while you sleep. However, it is not always energy efficient.
You can also use heated tubing or talk to your equipment provider about changing the settings on your humidifier.
