new cpap smell -- yeech!

I just purchased a new apap machine and have used it for two nights . The good news is I seem to be sleeping well with it, and it's great to be able to check my info via the app.

But when I put my mask on, the machine smells like it's de-gassing right into my nose. I stop noticing it quickly, so it's not a big hindrance, but from a health standpoint, it makes me pretty uneasy.

Is this common? I don't recall ever noticing such a strong odor before and this is my 4th machine. Can I do anything to improve it?

P.S. I haven't yet tried the humidifier out, because I have to buy distilled water for it.

shaina wrote:I just purchased a new apap machine and have used it for two nights . The good news is I seem to be sleeping well with it, and it's great to be able to check my info via the app.

But when I put my mask on, the machine smells like it's de-gassing right into my nose. I stop noticing it quickly, so it's not a big hindrance, but from a health standpoint, it makes me pretty uneasy.

Is this common? I don't recall ever noticing such a strong odor before and this is my 4th machine. Can I do anything to improve it?

More knowledgeable members will be along with advice. Do you notice the smell coming through the hose before you hook up the mask?

shaina wrote:P.S. I haven't yet tried the humidifier out, because I have to buy distilled water for it.

If your nose doesn't get dry, you might not need the humidifier. Not everyone uses one. What climate do you live in?

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About that degassing, it's not the kind of thing I worry about. If you are concerned about cancer, there are several very big causes of cancer. Plastics degassing is not one of them.

It is OK to use tap water, but cleaning will be a little more work, especially if local water has high mineral content.
I always put something pleasant-smelling near the air intake.
A used dryer sheet is nice--not a new one. (that would be too strong)

Try running the machine for a couple of days ?? 10 hrs ea. in the daytime (without you) and see if it helps the smell.

chunkyfrog wrote:It is OK to use tap water, but cleaning will be a little more work, especially if local water has high mineral content.
I always put something pleasant-smelling near the air intake.
A used dryer sheet is nice--not a new one. (that would be too strong)

I've done this as well with a scented candle. A lot of scents bother me, but a few like berry scents aren't a problem. I never noticed any odors from new machines, but I do with new masks until I've used them a few times. And I've also used tap water on occasion, especially when traveling.

Bertha deBlues wrote:

shaina wrote:I just purchased a new apap machine and have used it for two nights . The good news is I seem to be sleeping well with it, and it's great to be able to check my info via the app.

But when I put my mask on, the machine smells like it's de-gassing right into my nose. I stop noticing it quickly, so it's not a big hindrance, but from a health standpoint, it makes me pretty uneasy.

Is this common? I don't recall ever noticing such a strong odor before and this is my 4th machine. Can I do anything to improve it?

More knowledgeable members will be along with advice. Do you notice the smell coming through the hose before you hook up the mask?

I haven't checked, but it is the same hose and mask I was previously using with my old machine.

Julie wrote:Try running the machine for a couple of days ?? 10 hrs ea. in the daytime (without you) and see if it helps the smell.

I guess I'll give that a try!

WearyOne wrote:

chunkyfrog wrote:It is OK to use tap water, but cleaning will be a little more work, especially if local water has high mineral content.
I always put something pleasant-smelling near the air intake.
A used dryer sheet is nice--not a new one. (that would be too strong)

I've done this as well with a scented candle. A lot of scents bother me, but a few like berry scents aren't a problem. I never noticed any odors from new machines, but I do with new masks until I've used them a few times. And I've also used tap water on occasion, especially when traveling.

May sound odd, but I use a small piece of aluminum foil, place a drop or two of my favorite essential oil on it, and place that under the intake.

Most do the same thing, only using a cotton ball instead of foil.

Just don't let the essential oil touch the finish on your furniture--thus the foil.
I like to use a stainless steel olive dish or a glass mise en place dish under the cotton ball (or even a Q-tip)

The smell itself is less the issue than concern about it de-gassing into my lungs. I have been running it for several hours and it does seem improved.

shaina wrote:The smell itself is less the issue than concern about it de-gassing into my lungs. I have been running it for several hours and it does seem improved.

Sounds like that was the right thing to do. Do it for a few more days to be sure.

BTW, have you tried the humidifier yet? Try with (and several settings) and without and see which you like best.

Also, please fill in your equipment profile.

You wish is my command.

I still haven't had a chance to get distilled water (It's weirdly hard to find) so have yet to try the humidifier. I've never had one with a heated hose before, so am curious to see how it feels.