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Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - Printable Version

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Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - rdavis - 11-24-2014

Hi everyone. Still adjusting to my new CPAP one week in, and things are going pretty well.

I'm trying to think of ways to make the CPAP air smell better or fresher. I wash all my equipment as recommended but still get an industrial plastic smell which just makes me cringe every night!

All I've found online is suggestions to use essential oils. I am not 100% comfortable with this option (not sure how I feel about essential oils for a lot of reasons) so I was wondering if anyone has used other air-freshening CPAP options that don't involve essential oils?

I'm hopeful to find a solution because I really think the smell issue is a huge factor in my comfort level with the machine. I'd like to get back to lying quietly in bed thinking about my day, not concentrating on ignoring the plastic stink Smile



RE: Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - justMongo - 11-24-2014

The machine contains pressure sensors; so, I would not introduce anything into the air intake.
Usually, when I'm ready to strap on the mask, I am minutes from falling asleep. In fact, I am like Pavlov's dog -- I put on the mask and it's lights out. No real time to think about the day.

RE: Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - PsychoMike - 11-24-2014

If it is a new machine, the materials will off-gas for a bit. It will get better, but I agree that it is a PITA to start with. I have seen suggestions of essential oils or other fragrant items put on a cloth and placed near the intake (but not in the machine or on the filter). Unless you are using heavy amounts, I don't see it creating an issue for the pressure sensors...but I know some folks are not comfortable with it.

I wouldn't put anything in/on the tubing or mask unless you want it permanent....some of the silicone and plastics used in CPAP devices can be prone to latching on to such things.

A prolonged soak of the tubing, mask and humidifier chamber in hottish-warm water may help with the off-gassing (i.e. help it to be completed sooner).

Mongo and I are the same though....now that we're used to therapy, the mask goes on and the body says "g'night."

RE: Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - TyroneShoes - 11-24-2014

This Huhsign is your biggest problem?

Just don't fart into the humidifier intake.

RE: Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - PaulaO2 - 11-24-2014

My bet is it is the hose that you are smelling. Have you tried a simple vinegar solution rinse or soak? Every once in a while I get a hose that the stink just won't go away. I have found that filling the bathroom sink with hot water (not so hot I scald myself or melt the hose), pouring in a bit of white vinegar (not much!), then using a cup to fill the hose. I then put something on the hose so it is under the water enough and leave it there until the water cools. I rinse like crazy, let air dry, and this usually does the trick. Once I had to do it twice and once I just gave up and let it air out for a week. I always have a spare hose anyway.

RE: Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - Bompa - 11-25-2014

I find washing mine with a good brand name baby shampoo gets rid of the newness smell quite readily.

Works for me.

Coffee

RE: Ideas for making CPAP air smell better? - rjberube - 11-25-2014

I agree with PaulaO2 that you're probably smelling the hose, but it may also be the humidifier container.

I would also follow the recommendation of using only vinegar and water (or in my case, a germicide like Control III) in a total immersion/soak for several hours followed by a good rinse and dry-out before initial use, not for cleaning so much as to get rid of the "eau de plastique" perfume :-), vs. any form of soap, shampoo or detergent.

Many years ago, a food manufacturing specialist told me that if one is not careful, the residues from consumer-grade cleaning products can actually encourage mold growth [yuck!] - knowing how life can throw distractions your way (meaning I'm rushed and don't rinse properly), I use Control III...

You may find that gentle scrubbing of hose interior with an appropriately-sized brush may also help....

Finally, for normal hose cleaning/soaking, a number of vendors [e.g. Amazon, [link removed] Supplier #1, etc] sell this little hanging pale blue hose rack with end caps. It IS a bit flimsy, but it does allow total soaking of a hose's interior with only the liquid required to fill the hose vs. filling a bucket with cleaning solution etc..

Hope this helps...

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