STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the humidification performance-defined as the maximum achievable absolute humidity in the CPAP tube-of two heated humidifier systems (HH) offered as CPAP accessories, as a function of ambient air conditions. DESIGN: In 48 patients undergoing CPAP treatment, temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) in the distal CPAP tube system were measured, with and without either of the two heated humidifiers A (HH-A, n=23), or B (HH-B, n=25), until a steady state was achieved. At the same time, ambient T and RH in the examination room were recorded. T and RH were used to calculate the absolute humidity (AH). SETTING: University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany. PATICIPANTS: 48 patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing CPAP therapy. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Conditions in the examination room during measurement with the HH-A, T = 22.5+2.1 (16.4-26.0) degrees C and AH = 9.3+2.4 (5.3-13.9) g/m3 did not differ significantly from those prevailing during measurements with the HH-B, T = 22.9+1.9 (18.9-26.3) degrees C and AH = 9.9+2.8 (6.2-16.4) g/m3. The mean humidification performance (steady state AH with HH within the CPAP tube) of the HH-A was 23.5+2.9 (19.1-29.9) g/m3, that of the HH-B 26.8+3.9 (21.0-34.4) g/m3. CONCLUSIONS: Under the ambient conditions of humidity and temperature, commonly found in European and North American bedrooms, both HH demonstrate a high humidification performance that even falls within the range recommended for intubated patients. The difference between the two HH is small, and probably not clinical relevant. Thus, it would appear that both HH are suitable for the treatment of dry upper airways under CPAP therapy.
STUDY OBJECTIVES: To investigate the humidification performance-defined as the maximum achievable absolute humidity in the CPAP tube-of two heated humidifier systems (HH) offered as CPAP accessories, as a function of ambient air conditions. DESIGN: In 48 patients undergoing CPAP treatment, temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) in the distal CPAP tube system were measured, with and without either of the two heated humidifiers A (HH-A, n=23), or B (HH-B, n=25), until a steady state was achieved. At the same time, ambient T and RH in the examination room were recorded. T and RH were used to calculate the absolute humidity (AH). SETTING: University Hospital, Erlangen, Germany. PATICIPANTS: 48 patients with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing CPAP therapy. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Conditions in the examination room during measurement with the HH-A, T = 22.5+2.1 (16.4-26.0) degrees C and AH = 9.3+2.4 (5.3-13.9) g/m3 did not differ significantly from those prevailing during measurements with the HH-B, T = 22.9+1.9 (18.9-26.3) degrees C and AH = 9.9+2.8 (6.2-16.4) g/m3. The mean humidification performance (steady state AH with HH within the CPAP tube) of the HH-A was 23.5+2.9 (19.1-29.9) g/m3, that of the HH-B 26.8+3.9 (21.0-34.4) g/m3. CONCLUSIONS: Under the ambient conditions of humidity and temperature, commonly found in European and North American bedrooms, both HH demonstrate a high humidification performance that even falls within the range recommended for intubated patients. The difference between the two HH is small, and probably not clinical relevant. Thus, it would appear that both HH are suitable for the treatment of dry upper airways under CPAP therapy.
Authors: Antonio M Esquinas Rodriguez; Raffaele Scala; Arie Soroksky; Ahmed BaHammam; Alan de Klerk; Arschang Valipour; Davide Chiumello; Claude Martin; Anne E Holland Journal: Crit Care Date: 2012-02-08 Impact factor: 9.097
Authors: Brenda M Button; Christine Wilson; Ruth Dentice; Narelle S Cox; Anna Middleton; Esta Tannenbaum; Jennifer Bishop; Robyn Cobb; Kate Burton; Michelle Wood; Fiona Moran; Ryan Black; Summar Bowen; Rosemary Day; Julie Depiazzi; Katherine Doiron; Michael Doumit; Tiffany Dwyer; Alison Elliot; Louise Fuller; Kathleen Hall; Matthew Hutchins; Melinda Kerr; Annemarie L Lee; Christina Mans; Lauren O'Connor; Ranjana Steward; Angela Potter; Tshepo Rasekaba; Rebecca Scoones; Ben Tarrant; Nathan Ward; Samantha West; Dianne White; Lisa Wilson; Jamie Wood; Anne E Holland Journal: Respirology Date: 2016-04-18 Impact factor: 6.424