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Heated Humidifier vs. Passover Humidifier

Nasal stuffiness is the most common side effect of CPAP therapy. You may also have a runny,itchy or dry nose, or nosebleeds. Nasal congestion often goes away after your first month ofuse. Keep in mind that many people with OSA naturally have an increased level of nasal congestion. This congestion is more common in the winter and during allergy season.

CPAP humidifiers are the best choice to increase comfort, reduce nasal symptoms, and increase compliance. All of the major manufacturers, including Respironics, ResMed, DeVilbiss, Puritan Bennett and Tiara Medical carry a complete line of cpap humidifiers. In fact, Fisher & Paykel beleives so strongly in the use of humidification, each of their cpap units is manufacturered with a humidifier. Unfortunately, in the age of cost-effectiveness and cost cutting, many insurance companies are unwilling to pay the high cost of heated humidifiers, even when research studies clearly demonstrate the benefit of heated humidification in conjuction with your cpap mask and machine. Heated humidifiers can cost up to five times more than cold passover humidifiers. Cold passover, although much less expensive, often does not add enough humidity to increase patient compliance. It may benefit individuals without adverse nasal symptoms, but are of little help for those suffering CPAP-related upper airway discomfort. The need for heated humidifiers can be justified by demonstrating the high percentage of nasal discomfort, morphological changes to the airway, and poor patient compliance without it.