Ideas for making CPAP air smell better?

[rdavis]

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

[justMongo]

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.

[PsychoMike]

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."

[TyroneShoes]

This is your biggest problem?

Just don't fart into the humidifier intake.

[PaulaO2]

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.

[Bompa]

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

Works for me.

[rjberube]

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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