Dryness and discomfort are some of the most common issues for CPAP users – and many report it’s due to their humidifier running dry too early in the night. But in a mild climate, your CPAP humidifier likely doesn’t need more than a quarter to half of the tank to last a good 8 hours. So what’s the issue? We’re going to cover the main reasons why it might happen and how to fix it.
Why Does Your Water Chamber Run Empty?
Humidifier Running Out of Water?
Dryness and discomfort are some of the most common issues for CPAP users – and many report it’s due to their humidifier running dry too early in the night. But in a mild climate, your CPAP humidifier likely doesn’t need more than a quarter to half of the tank to last a good 8 hours. So what’s the issue? We’re going to cover the main reasons why it might happen and how to fix it.
Why Does Your Humidifier Dry Out?
CPAP is designed to deliver clean, pressurized air to keep your airways open during sleep. But if the air is carrying mold spores, it’s doing the exact opposite—polluting your airways and undermining the benefits of the therapy. If you’ve noticed a decline in the quality of your sleep or have been waking up congested or coughing, it may be time to take a closer look at your CPAP water chamber.
There can be many causes of an empty humidifier on your CPAP, but the most common is therapy leaks. When your mask leaks or your tube leaks, the air escaping draws moisture from the humidifier faster, leaving you without water for your therapy. The other way therapy leaks happen is through your mouth. If you’re using a nasal mask, but your mouth sits open at night, you’ll lose all the moisture that way. Worse, you’ll also lose your CPAP therapy benefits as well!
After mask leaks, the second most common cause of empty water chambers is the climate of the room you sleep in. If you live somewhere temperate where your rooms is consistent through the year, you may not notice a different. But in more seasonal regions, winter means drier air all around, and heating in your house makes it even drier! This will empty your humidifier faster as the dry air passes over the water in the chamber. Conversely, sleeping in a very cold room will lead to the moisture reforming into water droplets throughout the tube. This is called rainout, and will also run your humidifier harder, leading to an empty water chamber sooner.
That’s it right? Sadly, no there’s more. Your water chamber could have hairline cracks leaking water slowly through the night. This one you’d probably notice in the morning pooled around the machine, but if your room is dry enough it’s possible it evaporates before you wake up. And of course, there’s the small possibility your humidifier or CPAP is malfunctioning, and you have an uncommon problem instead of a common one.
Don’t worry—we have a number of solutions to help you deal with emptying humidifiers.
Solutions for Your Humidifier Problem
Tip #1
Keep your supplies up to date.
Old supplies can mean an inefficient system prone to leaks and cracks. Tears in your tube can leak your humidification before reaching your mouth, and humidifiers can get hairline cracks that leak moisture through the night.
It is recommended to replace your water chamber once every 6 months. Most insurance providers adhere to this schedule, so you can get two water chambers covered per year.
Is your water chamber older than 6 months? You’re due for a replacement. Find the right water chamber for your machine by browsing our selection.
Your CPAP supplies could be yours for $0
Allow us to check with your insurance provider for you to find out what is covered (for free!). Click below to get started:
Tip #2
Use a machine with a heated tube.
Humidifiers often need changed settings during different seasons. Auto-adjusting machines can fix that without you lifting a finger. If even the auto adjusting humidity controls are running your system dry, you may need to use a heated tube to decrease how much moisture is lost along the way from the humidifier to your mask.
The AirSense 11 CPAP has all of the above and more:
- Humidification: 7 levels of humidity
- EPR: Expiratory Pressure Relief reduces pressure upon exhale, avoiding high pressure mask leaks
- AutoRamp: Starts your sleep therapy at a low pressure so you fall asleep more comfortably
Upgrade to the AirSense 11 today for just $399 down and 0% APR!
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Tip #3
Check for mask leaks.
If you’re using a nasal or pillow mask, you may actually need a full face mask instead to fix your humidity problem. If your mouth opens up, the CPAP therapy will escape through your mouth instead of going into your airways. Plus it weakens your CPAP therapy! The best solution is a strong sealing mask like ResMed’s most minimal full face mask, the AirFit F30.
- Under-the-nose full face cushion: Reduces red marks and irritation on the nasal bridge
- QuietAir technology: Makes for a quieter experience for you and your bed partner
- Quick-release elbow and universal headgear: Makes taking your mask on and off easier than ever
Save $30 when you buy the AirFit F30 today! Just enter coupon code F30SAVE at checkout.
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Tip #4
Adjust your room climate.
If you’re sleeping in an environment with dry air—whether it’s due to seasonal changes, indoor heating, or naturally arid conditions—a room humidifier can make a big difference. By increasing the overall humidity in your bedroom, you reduce the amount of moisture your CPAP machine needs to add to the air, easing the load on your humidifier chamber. This not only helps prevent the water from running out too soon, but also improves your overall comfort and reduces the chances of waking up with a dry mouth or nasal passages. Just make sure not to over-humidify the room, as excess moisture can lead to condensation issues (a.k.a. rainout) or mold growth.
Still having issues? Our CPAP Experts are happy to help you figure it out. For a free consultation with a CPAP expert give us a call at (866) 564-2252.
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