Filtering out fumes

Hi,

I work on a tugboat and the USCG says I must use a CPAP while onboard, the problem is; I get severly dizzy while wearing it. It must be picking up fumes I can't detect. How can I filter these out ? can someone please help ?????

Thanks

The CPAP is picking up the same air that you would normally be breathing. I doubt it's fumes. What pressure does your sleep study call for? And what is your CPAP set for?

Rufus T Firefly wrote:Hi,

I work on a tugboat and the USCG says I must use a CPAP while onboard, the problem is; I get severly dizzy while wearing it. It must be picking up fumes I can't detect. How can I filter these out ? can someone please help ?????

Thanks

Fumes from what?

Hi,

It's set on 13, why would I be getting dizzy nere and not at my home ?

Thanks

Do you use the same machine at home?

Have you slept on the tug in the same location without the CPAP?

Yes I have No problem

OutaSync wrote:Do you use the same machine at home?

Have you slept on the tug in the same location without the CPAP?

The CPAP draws from the room air. It doesn't concentrate it, so the air should be the same as you would be breathing awake, or without CPAP. In fact, it should be better with CPAP because of the filters in place. Have you replaced your filters lately?

Rufus T Firefly wrote:Hi,

I work on a tugboat and the USCG says I must use a CPAP while onboard, the problem is; I get severly dizzy while wearing it. It must be picking up fumes I can't detect. How can I filter these out ? can someone please help ?????

Thanks

How can you work on a tugboat and use a CPAP? Is it possible that you are wrong and it meant to be a filtering mask to filter the exhaust of the diesel engine?

If it is a real CPAP that you use while you're asleep aboard the tug then I would place the CPAP unit inside a box that is ventilated thru the appropriate filter. Let me find some links to such laboratories sealed compartments.

That is exactly how I feel, let the ones who say I have to use this thing come and try and sleep with diesel engines running, this thing has to be picking up the odor.

What machine are you using? What size/micron particles does your filter exclude? I looked all over and can't find the spec on my filters, but know that the ultra fine filter (versus the sponge-like filter) do a good job of filtering out odors.

I use these filters in my Respironics APAP: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -pack.html

Rufus, take a look at this "clean box". You place the CPAP machine inside and the air hose from it comes out tru a hole to the mask on your face. The fan on top of the box blows air into it thru the correct filter for cleaning diesel exhaust.

http://www.terrauniversal.com/glove-box ... ures-2.php

You may want to try adding an activated charcoal filter to the inlet of your xPAP machine. These can be found in building supply stores in the furnace filter section, or in pet stores in the aquarium supply section. The only caution is to make sure you have a large enough filter so there is not restriction to the air intake of your machine.

I would probably start with a furnace filter and cut it down to fit one side of your machine and tape it in place. If that helps, you can refine it from there.

Note that this will eliminate odors, but will not add additional oxygen to the air. If you are sleeping in an oxygen deprived room, this will not help. If that is the case, open up a window that allows fresh air into your sleeping quarters.

HoseCrusher wrote:You may want to try adding an activated charcoal filter to the inlet of your xPAP machine. These can be found in building supply stores in the furnace filter section, or in pet stores in the aquarium supply section. The only caution is to make sure you have a large enough filter so there is not restriction to the air intake of your machine.

I would probably start with a furnace filter and cut it down to fit one side of your machine and tape it in place. If that helps, you can refine it from there.

Note that this will eliminate odors, but will not add additional oxygen to the air. If you are sleeping in an oxygen deprived room, this will not help. If that is the case, open up a window that allows fresh air into your sleeping quarters.

I may be out in left field again but the very first step should be to identify what it is you are trying to filter.

Tho, Not as much fun as just throwing darts

Exactly when are you getting dizzy?

Good question.

Anytime you smell exhaust, you're inhaling carbon monoxide. If there are exhaust leaks belowdecks or from a deck-mounted auxiliar generator, that are making it into crew sleeping quarters, that's not right. I'd expect a USCG inspected vessel would have to insure crew aren't exposed to carbon monoxide. Dizziness is one symptom of CO2 or CO poisoning. As a last resort, do you have a union rep you might run this by?