Water in your CPAP Tube? - How to fix and it and why it happens
By Clay RollysonIf you have water in your CPAP tube and it is driving you crazy, then you have to check out our tips for fixing it quickly. We go over why you have water in your CPAP Tube and how to get the water out of the CPAP tube for good. We also have some very helpful links to the parts we discuss at the bottom of this blog.
Why is Water in the CPAP Tube?Â
Experiencing water in your CPAP tubing, often called CPAP rainout? This common issue is caused by excess condensation. Your CPAP's heated humidifier adds moisture to the air for comfort. If the air in the tube cools down too much, it reaches its dew point, and the moisture condenses into water.
Rainout is most common during colder months or if your room temperature drops (like when using air conditioning).
The good news? CPAP rainout is simple to prevent and fix. Discover the effective solutions below.
How to get rid of water in your CPAP tube
Immediate Solutions
- Dry the Tubing First: Before your next use, ensure you're starting with a dry CPAP tube. Run your machine briefly without water in the reservoir until the tubing is clear, or detach the hose and hang it vertically (over a door frame works well) until completely dry.
- Adjust the Humidity Setting: The most effective fix is to reduce the amount of moisture. Lower the humidity control setting on your CPAP machine. Less humidity in the air means less moisture available to condense.
Next-Level Solutions (If Condensation Continues)
- Insulate Your Tube (The "Snuggie" Fix): If lowering the humidity leaves you feeling too dry, try an insulating fabric CPAP tube cover (sometimes called a tubing wrap). This simple sleeve acts like a blanket, keeping the air inside the tube warm and preventing it from cooling down enough to condense.
- Upgrade to a Heated Tube: If your machine is compatible, heated CPAP tubing is the ultimate solution. The heated tube actively maintains a consistent temperature throughout its entire length, preventing the temperature drop that causes CPAP rainout.
Signs You Have CPAP Rainout
Experiencing water in your CPAP tube? Look out for these tell-tale signs:
- Gurgling or Popping Noises from your mask or machine.
- Water Droplets visible inside the mask or tubing.
- A Spray of Water hitting your face during the night.
