Humidification FAQ

How do I know if I need heated humidification?

Well, the rule of thumb is that if your pressure is 10cm/H₂O or higher, you likely need heated humidification. There is some information in the Compliance section of this site. Be sure to read the information posted there.

Are there any symptoms I may be having that would be a sure sign that I should have heated humidification?

The telltale signs and symptoms would include, but not limited to:

• Nasal congestion

• Bloody nose

• Dry mouth

• Dry throat

• Excessive dried mucus

• Sinus congestion

• Possible awakenings as a result of the above symptoms

My insurance won't cover a heated humidifier. Is there any way to appeal the decision?

The best way to fight fire is with fire. Be sure to get an explanation from your insurance carrier why the humidification unit was denied. If the humidifier was denied, outright, because it is not covered under your plan, you need to ask one specific question: Why. If it was denied because it is "not medically necessary," there are ways to fight that. The easiest way is to consult with the physician who is treating you for the sleep disorder and ask for a prescription for a heated humidifier. Chances are, if you have been denied a heated humidifier you already have the prescription. Once denied, get the full explanation from your insurance carrier about the reason for the denial. Be sure to ask if it would be covered if it is proven to be medically necessary. Some plans, unfortunately, refuse to cover a humidifier or even a replacement mask or tubing. If you find that the humidifier would be covered if proven to be medically necessary, download a copy of the Letter of Medical Necessity from this site and have your sleep physician complete the form and submit it to your insurance carrier. In most cases I've heard about over the past two years, this letter will likely do the trick. You might also want to consult with your sleep physician and ask that the physician's office fax additional information from current professional journals about the benefits of heated humidification with an CPAP or BiPAP unit to your insurance carrier.

What's the best heated humidification unit available?

The best one, in all reality, is one that will work with your particular CPAP or BiPAP. In most instances, no specific humidification unit is required, although there are a few models that require a specific brand and model of humidifier. Check with your home healthcare provider for specifics, or in the handbook for your CPAP or BiPAP machine.

As of October 1, 2002 at 11:27:08 AM EDT (-0500), the U.S. population was 
288,181,442. With estimates that about five percent of the population suffers from

obstructive sleep apnea, that means there are potentially

14,409,072 apneics in the U.S.

As of October 1, 2002 at 11:27:08 AM EDT (-0500), the world population was 
6,253,616,576. With estimates that about five percent of the population suffers 
from obstructive sleep apnea, that means there are potentially

312,680,829 apneics in the world.

Awake In Philly is a support group for individuals who have been diagnosed with at least one of the recognized sleep disorders, as well as anyone else impacted by those with sleep disorders. The information on the Awake In Philly website is not intended to replace medical advice, nor is any information to be misinterpreted as an attempt to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

If you have questions about any of the medical conditions mentioned on this website, especially if you suspect that you (or someone you know) has sleep apnea, please contact a qualified medical professional immediately. The information is intended to provide support, guidance, and encouragement to others contending with the many challenges of sleep disorders. The goals of Awake In Philly are to support, educate, and inform those who feel the impact of sleep disorders, as well as the general public. Medical advice should only come from qualified, licensed, and trained health-care professionals.