Sign in to see our lowest prices ✨ | Free shipping on orders over $99 | Forgot to submit your prescription? Submit now | Toll Free: 1-855-3GoCPAP
|
Buy now, pay over time |
Prescription Not Required
Standard Nationwide Shipping
The Breas Heat Moisture Exchange (HME) for Z2 is a compact, waterless alternative to a traditional CPAP humidifier. It captures heat and moisture from your exhaled breath and returns it on your next inhalation, helping prevent your airway from drying out during therapy — without a bulky water chamber or the risk of rainout.
An HME is worth using if you travel with a Breas Z1 or Z2 and want humidification without packing a water chamber, if you run your machine on battery power where a heated humidifier isn't practical, or if you simply want a lightweight, low-maintenance alternative to water-based humidification. If you rely on a heated humidifier at home and prefer that level of humidity control, this is meant as a travel or backup solution rather than a full replacement for a water chamber.
As you exhale, the HME captures the heat and moisture in that breath. On your next inhale, it returns that captured heat and moisture back into the airflow, creating a humidified breathing cycle without any added water. It's a simple physical exchange rather than an active heating or water-based system, which is why it works well for travel and battery use where running a heated humidifier isn't practical.
Traveling with a water-based humidifier means packing (and potentially spilling) a water chamber. The HME eliminates that entirely — there's no water to add, carry, or worry about leaking in your travel bag.
Rainout — condensation collecting in your tubing from a heated humidifier — is a common annoyance with water-based humidification. Because the HME doesn't use added water, rainout isn't a concern.
Heated humidifiers draw meaningfully more power than the machine alone, which matters if you're running your Z1 or Z2 on battery power while camping, on a plane, or anywhere without reliable outlet access. The HME provides humidification without that additional power draw.
Most CPAP machines shouldn't need re-calibration after installing an HME.
Note: in-line HME packaging originally recommended daily replacement; the manufacturer has since found weekly changes to be more effective, and packaging is being updated to reflect this.
|
Spec |
Detail |
|
Brand |
Breas |
|
Compatible machines |
Breas Z2 (compatible with Z1 setups) |
|
Humidification type |
Waterless heat and moisture exchange |
|
Recommended replacement |
About once a week |
|
Storage |
Sealed plastic bag when not in use |
|
Prescription required |
No |
Traveling with your Z2? Pair the HME with the Breas Z2 Premium Travel Bag and, if you need power on the go, the Breas Z2 Extended Life Overnight Battery or Breas Z1 and Z2 Power Supply. Don't forget the Breas Z2 Plastic Filter End Cap, which must always be in place during use. See more from the brand on the Breas brand page, or browse the full Waterless Humidifier Parts category.
About once a week with proper storage and nightly use, or sooner if you notice humidification levels dropping. Earlier packaging recommended daily replacement, but weekly changes have since been found more effective.
Keep it in a sealed plastic bag, such as a zip-top bag. It begins absorbing moisture from the air as soon as it's exposed, so sealing it helps it last through its full replacement cycle.
Most CPAP machines shouldn't require re-calibration after installing an HME. If you notice any change in therapy pressure or performance, check your machine's manual for guidance specific to your model.
Yes, particularly for travel or battery-powered use where a water chamber is impractical. Some users prefer a water-based humidifier for maximum humidity at home and switch to an HME specifically when traveling.
This HME is designed for the Breas Z2 and is also compatible with Z1 setups.
No. This accessory does not require a prescription. A prescription is only needed for CPAP masks and machines.
This came with my Breas travel CPAP but I wanted to get a second one. I've used the original for over 4 weeks on two different trips now. It is supposed to trap breathing moisture. However, that didn't work for me. However, I learned on a CPAP forum that you could moisten the device with water. This worked very well for me. I then cleaned the device every few days with either soapy water or vinegar and water. The manufacturer instructions say to replace it every two weeks. Not doing that!
