TiredMomNY, as with everything CPAP everyone has different preferences some like the humidifier some especially older users don't like them because they didn't have them in the start. They are designed to give you more comfort. If you are happy the way you are going don't use or or give it a try for a few nights. It is very hard to tell you what temp to set it at, I use mine like an air conditioner / heater, warmer in winter and cooler in summer. I also get hay fever but have never had any problems if anything CPAP has helped me and I have always used the humidifier. On cleaning again everyone has different idea's, I wash all my equipment twice a week, hose, ffm, humidifier etc, I top up the water on my humidifier daily . Not sure what model and brand of machine you have but I only top it up to 3/4 full. Always use either distilled water or boiled water not tap water.

Tez has given you good advice. The humidifier doesn't have to be used. It's strictly a comfort thing. The CPAP will dry you out simply due to the steady stream of air being blown into either your nose, mouth or both. I live in a dry climate anyway and cannot get by without my humidifier.
If you find you're waking up with a very dry nose and/or throat you may want to give the humidifier a try.
If you're using nasal pillows the air temp shouldn't be that big an issue. I wear an ffm and when I first turn my CPAP on it is blowing cool air. By the time the humidifier is warmed up I'm usually sound asleep. The only time I notice whether there is warm air blowing is when I wake in the morning.

I live in a humid climate and use a humidifer. If is difficult to discuss the setting because it depends on your preference, the climate you live in and the temperature of your bedroom. Furthermore, even your machine; as my travel CPAP has a higher humidity setting than what I use at home. I don't like the air to be cool when I put on my mask; therefore, I use the preheat setting on my machine. Just experiment with it .

There is so much humidity in NY right now that I don't think I need it. But once fall comes, I will do some experimenting. Thanks!

Humidity in the air all around you is different from your CPAP humidifier. Humidity in the outdoors or in closed rooms allows mold and mildew to grow.

Since you clean your CPAP air tubing and mask and water reservoir with vinegar, and use distilled water in the reservoir, the mold and mildew doesn't have a chance to take hold and grow. You just get clean H2O in the air you breathe from your CPAP.

Hello NYMom,

You state that you do not want to breath hot air. And you are interested in the humidifier settings.

Well: Good news awaits you. I'm unsure what machine you have. I have a ResMed S9 Autoset that allows the user to pick the humidifier setting and how cool or warm you would like to set the air blowing.

If I were you, I would set the Humidifier on the lowest setting: 1. Then, since you do not like warm air blowing on you, utilize the climate control button and choose a temperature that you find comfortable. Perhaps around 68 degrees to start and go up or down from there.

If you wake up and your nasal passages are dry, increase the Humidifier setting to: 2 on the next night. Keep this up until you find a comfortable setting that you like that keeps your nasal passages from drying up.

Also perform the same task with the Humidifier button until you find the exact temperature that is the most comfortable for you.

I sure hope this helps!

Be well,

TheWino

Hi TiredMomNY,
For as long as I have been using a CPAP machine, and from Nevada to Georgia, Buffalo/Canada, all over Europe..I am yet to use a Humidifier. I have known people that did, and always questioned why...For sure it's an individual issue, not sure if it's a mind need or a pyhsical one...Good Luck, my only advice is try and make it without a humidifier. You can go so far as running water through your hose and hanging it a couple hours before bed. That provides a likeness.

Being hypothyroid, my eyes have been dry to the point of waking me up several times a night to use drops. Since I started using my CPAP with humidifier, my eyes are moist again. It's a great off label benefit. I can't describe how much it helps, not having painful dry eyes.

Everyone is different, and it may not have the same effect for others, but for me it's been a Godsend.