I have a question. Is it normal for water to get into the filter on the ventilator and cause a person to smother? What I mean is, does that filter normally have to be emptied of water?

My brother frequently getts moisture in the filter. we take the filter off and shake it out or just remove the filter for an hour or so. we dont use a filter at night while he is sleeping . when he is lying down the water seems to come up through the tubing rather quickly. hope this helps

Thank you. The reason I was asking is because one hospital my grandmother was in had her smothering one whole day apparently because there was water in the filter, and she was "breathing through water" according to the respiratory therapist.

Granmother passed away June 6 on the ventilator. Her heart gave out.