[split] Worried - Could I have lung damage from exposure to hot plastic?

[LanieP]

I have the ResMed Airsense 10 autosense. I have had three different machines over the last 7 years. I find the current machine easy to use and see.  Much better design than other machines I've seen.  I have had one problem. After about 1 year the machine overheated when the humidifier ran out of water. I would wake and be breathing the smell of hot plastic.  I called the provider I purchased machine from. They immediately replaced the machine. I am worried about what kind of damage to my lungs might be done by the exposure to the hot plastic.  I normally like my CPAP. It allows me to get restful sleep and also helps me avoid taking antihistamines every night because of dust.

[Sleeprider]

The humidifier heating unit does not approach the combustion temperature of plastics, and its heat is applied to a stainless steel base on the humidifier chamber. Although the warm metal and empty plastic container may have some odor, it would not produce harmful fumes.

[AlanE]

What do you have your humidity level set at or are you using auto (ClimateLine hose)?

[kwhenrykerr]

The chance that it got so hot as to produce toxic fumes is very low. Heated enough to make a smell is like burning toast. It can still be buttered up and good.

Do not worry about it

[Beej]

If you were using tap water, you might have smelled some minerals overheating.