Cleaning the HumidX cartridge

I've just begun a three-week stint away from home, and I'm using the AirMini with a HumidX filter that pops into my mask.

Of course ResMed says that HumidX cartridges are good for 30 days from the time the package is opened (although I suspect that's largely for marketing). I don't recall anything in the literature about whether the cartridge should be rinsed, daily or otherwise.

Can someone tell me whether the HumidX is supposed to be routinely flushed with water? After all, it appears to be just more plastic of some sort.

Actually, ResMed say not to rinse the cartridges as water will ruin them.

In order to work, the cartridges have to be filled with some type of humidifying gel, similar to what's used in cigar humidors or musical instrument storage. When you exhale, the cartridge absorbs some of the moisture from your breath which allows the air that you then inhale to be humidified.

I would only wipe them with a dry cloth, or perhaps a soft brush.

Even if it were possible to renew these cartridges, such a development is doubtful,
particularly by Resmed, because it would then be less profitable.
(I am certain that Resmed execs have the Ferengi Rules of Aquisition memorized.)
Even though such a device would be quite legal on Earth,
they would dare not return to Ferenginor--as reprisals would be serious.

randye80 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:42 am

Actually, ResMed say not to rinse the cartridges as water will ruin them.

In order to work, the cartridges have to be filled with some type of humidifying gel, similar to what's used in cigar humidors or musical instrument storage. When you exhale, the cartridge absorbs some of the moisture from your breath which allows the air that you then inhale to be humidified.

I would only wipe them with a dry cloth, or perhaps a soft brush.

Wow. After all that I read about the HumidX invention, I can't recall ever seeing a single word about adding a gel. Pretty sure ResMed forgot to include it in the packaging.

guswah wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:13 am

randye80 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:42 am

Actually, ResMed say not to rinse the cartridges as water will ruin them.

In order to work, the cartridges have to be filled with some type of humidifying gel, similar to what's used in cigar humidors or musical instrument storage. When you exhale, the cartridge absorbs some of the moisture from your breath which allows the air that you then inhale to be humidified.

I would only wipe them with a dry cloth, or perhaps a soft brush.

Wow. After all that I read about the HumidX invention, I can't recall ever seeing a single word about adding a gel. Pretty sure ResMed forgot to include it in the packaging.

Because you're not supposed to add a gel. randye80 was describing that the techniques used by humidity exchange devices require a Gel embedded within them. ResMed would have added the gel.

About your original question, ResMed is pretty clear in their instructions, the HumidX's should not be immersed in water.

Notes:

• The waterless humidifier should not be washed or immersed in
  water as this will affect the performance of therapy.

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:46 am

guswah wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:13 am

randye80 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:42 am

Actually, ResMed say not to rinse the cartridges as water will ruin them.

In order to work, the cartridges have to be filled with some type of humidifying gel, similar to what's used in cigar humidors or musical instrument storage. When you exhale, the cartridge absorbs some of the moisture from your breath which allows the air that you then inhale to be humidified.

I would only wipe them with a dry cloth, or perhaps a soft brush.

Wow. After all that I read about the HumidX invention, I can't recall ever seeing a single word about adding a gel. Pretty sure ResMed forgot to include it in the packaging.

Because you're not supposed to add a gel. randye80 was describing that the techniques used by humidity exchange devices require a Gel embedded within them. ResMed would have added the gel.

About your original question, ResMed is pretty clear in their instructions, the HumidX's should not be immersed in water.

Notes:

• The waterless humidifier should not be washed or immersed in
  water as this will affect the performance of therapy.

It probably washes away the embedded gel--or clogs it up.

Thanks to you all. This clears it up immeasurably.

But I will mention that in spite of your responses, I've nevertheless gone ahead with a quick rinse. I'm out of the country, by the way, and I have no backup cartridge with me. My theory is that if exhalations are filtered for their humidity, then adding a little excess humidity in a pinch to the inside surface can't be all that bad, and it certainly won't destroy the HumidX as ResMed would have us believe.

I immediately shook off any clear water beading on the surface. I have a feeling I won't detect any difference tonight. And I'll let you know in the morning in case you're interested.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 12:36 pm

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:46 am

guswah wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 11:13 am

randye80 wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 10:42 am

Actually, ResMed say not to rinse the cartridges as water will ruin them.

In order to work, the cartridges have to be filled with some type of humidifying gel, similar to what's used in cigar humidors or musical instrument storage. When you exhale, the cartridge absorbs some of the moisture from your breath which allows the air that you then inhale to be humidified.

I would only wipe them with a dry cloth, or perhaps a soft brush.

Wow. After all that I read about the HumidX invention, I can't recall ever seeing a single word about adding a gel. Pretty sure ResMed forgot to include it in the packaging.

Because you're not supposed to add a gel. randye80 was describing that the techniques used by humidity exchange devices require a Gel embedded within them. ResMed would have added the gel.

About your original question, ResMed is pretty clear in their instructions, the HumidX's should not be immersed in water.

Notes:

• The waterless humidifier should not be washed or immersed in
  water as this will affect the performance of therapy.

It probably washes away the embedded gel--or clogs it up.

Resmed says it will affect the performance, but NOT whether or not the performance will be improved. Jim

Have you tested the possibility of a positive change?
Using instruments would be preferable.
But not the musical type . . .

My HumidX cartridges routinely work well past 30 days.

guswah wrote: ↑

Sat Jan 22, 2022 2:23 pm

I've nevertheless gone ahead with a quick rinse. I'm out of the country, by the way, and I have no backup cartridge with me. My theory is that if exhalations are filtered for their humidity, then adding a little excess humidity in a pinch to the inside surface can't be all that bad, and it certainly won't destroy the HumidX as ResMed would have us believe.

I immediately shook off any clear water beading on the surface. I have a feeling I won't detect any difference tonight. And I'll let you know in the morning in case you're interested.

... and I was absolutely right. At least I didn't detect a difference, not an iota. I imagine that this topic will iron itself out as time goes on.

Holocron wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 23, 2022 6:38 am

My HumidX cartridges routinely work well past 30 days.

Yea, I've had no issues using them up to 2 months. Most of the time I use them for 1-2 nights while away, and then we don't travel again for 2-3 months so I just get a new one. No telling what kind of bacteria starts growing in those things.

One could vacuum seal it, and freeze it until the next trip.
Worth a try.

I honestly feel that the company needs to be clearer about this thing. When the cartridge is brand new, it has a noxious odour that disappears after the first use. No doubt users inhale whatever is responsible. But if those molecules are no longer needed after Day 1, then what is owing to the cartridge's functionality for the remaining 29 days?

If you believe ResMed's product literature, it's clear that when you open the package the clock starts ticking regardless of frequency of use or hours of exposure. But there is nothing in the instructions that says you must seal the cartridge from air exposure during the day. Nor is there any suggestion that there is evaporation of the "secret ingredient" now that the package has been removed. Since I rinse my mask each morning, I would have expected an advisory to remove the HumidX cartridge daily and to shield it from water or from ambient air. But that detail is entirely absent. ResMed's directive seems only that you must replace it after 30 days (with purchases from ResMed). Hmmm.

Such claims could warrant serious testing.
Results can be shared over the internet, and any self-serving BS would be revealed.
Go for it--but please share.