Weird question about smell

delaney725 · Post by **delaney725** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:20 am

Okay, this is going to sound really strange- I know it will, but I'm hoping someone else has dealt with this issue so that I don't feel like the only looney in the bin.

I've been using my mask (the nasal pillows one- sorry, can't remember name) since Monday. I am fine when I put it on and I fall asleep with the TV on (intentionally). However, if something wakes me up (hubby coming in room, my needing to use the bathroom, etc), I rip the mask off my face and can't bring myself to put it back on. The thing is that there is a very strong baby powder smell when I take the mask off and I seem to be the only one smelling it. There is no actual powder in my room, btw.

Has anyone else had this issue? Any ideas for getting past it. I'm pretty happy with the 2 hours per night I've been getting, but I'd love to see what a full night's sleep feels like.

momadams · Post by **momadams** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:31 am

Welcome to the club! Most of us have experienced the phenomenon.
It's probably due to breathing that nice filtered air; makes us particularly sensitive to aromas in the air we've never noticed.
I don't have that experience at home any more (used to wake smelling dust), but if I'm travelling I enter a hotel room and think "Oh, good. No hotel smells (polish, cleaners, roach killer)." When I wake up in the morning, GAK Horrible perfumy nonsense!
Shari

NeedinZs · Post by **NeedinZs** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:48 am

NO, you are not the ONLY looney in the bin, there are lots of us here.

When I first started CPAP, it was exactly as you said, I smelled baby powder when I first took off the mask. It was a mystery, because I pretty much use everything unscented in my whole house.

After a couple of weeks or so, I quit smelling it. But I still notice odors immediately and STRONGLY for about 5 minutes after taking off the mask.
Unfortunately the first place I head upon arrising is the restroom! TMI, I know!

My guess is it's just our nose getting use to having all that air forced up there.

Why exactly do you "feel" the need to rip the mask off? Maybe hubby could be a little more quiet, so as not to wake you, if you explain that you REALLY need to stay asleep, to get used to this thing!

TerryB · Post by **TerryB** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:59 am

I noticed the feeling the night of titration in the lab. I smelled the fabric softener/detergent in the bed linens. I'm convinced that it comes from breathing through the filters on the machine and becoming used to only those smells in that environment (for example the Pur-Sleep oils I put into the system. When I put on the mask first thing I smell the oils as intended. When I awake they are gone because I am used to them. When I return from the potty break, the oils are strong again. The theory is that and persistent smell is noticed and sent to the brain as sort of an alarm 'I smell this stuff, should we be concerned'. Then the smell is forgotten if it didn't require action and the alarm is reset awaiting the next 'new' smell.

I'm sure the baby powder smell exists in the area, you are made sensitive by the time on filtered air. I would suggest you try to identify the specific source and change the smell to something you like. The way your sense of smell works probably can't be changed, only what you smell.

Do a search on the pur-sleep system, designed for this problem.

TerryB

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:27 am

For years I have smelled things that "were not there". I have even made comments about the aroma of things that I can smell only to be told -- we don't smell it.

Several years ago I asked my ENT at the time why I do this and he stated he thought it had something to do with my severe allergies and my sense of smell. My scent receptors are screwed up somehow and it makes me smell things not there.

Those that are around me know that my sense of smell is off and it is no longer embarrassing to ask if they smell "it" too.

I can smell food aromas such as pies baking, chicken, and others -- but am not limited to only foods. I have also smelled fresh dug earth, perfumes (other than public places), among others.

Do any of you suffer from allergies? It would be interesting to take a poll and see if there is a connection.

jules · Post by **jules** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:00 am

The problem might be a syndrome called MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities). It isn't allergies but actually disturbances in the brain synapses. It has been called "brain allergies" but it isn't the typical histamine in your body reaction that allergies are. It overlaps with fibromyalgia many times and actually it isn't accepted always by mainstream doctors. It isn't a fun condition to have and try to get help for.

For the original poster, I bet there is some "baby powder" product in your house. It might have been deodorant in the past that is still in your clothes, or it might be some air freshener or rug cleaner again from the past. Those of us with MCS have super heightened awareness of "odors" and can detect things ordinary mortals can't.

CompuTech007 · Post by **CompuTech007** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:04 pm

Very interesting

I'm glad I'm not alone in this. Was looking around for something near the air intake on my machine. I couldn't find anything that would even come close to this baby powder smell.

Maybe this is related to only certian headgear?

RipVW · Post by **RipVW** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:07 pm

I always noticed a "shower curtain" smell when using my xPAP. Then, I tried Pur-Sleep Aromatherapy essential oils designed for xPAP. I prefer this aroma to the plastic smell.

papdaddy · Post by **papdaddy** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:09 pm

I used to get that "baby powder smell " every time I get a new mask. I now soak my mask overnight with baby shampoo, when i first get it and once a week maintenance cleaning. I no longer get that "baby powder smell.

Country4ever · Post by **Country4ever** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 3:39 pm

I can't address the smell issue, but I can the ripping-your-mask-off issue.
If I can gently go to sleep with it on, I'm okay. But if someone or a noise wakes me up, its much harder for me to accept it on my face. And if I'm not real tired at night, I can't tolerate it either........so I try to always be really worn out!
I'm lucky in that my husband moved into another bedroom, along with the cat and dog and I keep the door closed........otherwise, I'd be ripping my mask off all the time.
Is there any way your hubby could sleep in another room? I know that sounds strange to some people, but I got really desperate for sleep, and you might be too.

LavenderMist · Post by **LavenderMist** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:01 pm

Never had the baby powder smell, but I have noticed with a ComfortGel mask when I would put it on I had the scent of maple syrup. True story. Only mask I experienced that with though.

Bearded_One · Post by **Bearded_One** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:49 pm

I have noticed that I can smell cigarette smoke coming from the car ahead of me on the road, also light traces of cigarette smoke have an unusual smell.

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 7:40 pm

Like everyone here has already said, you're not looney.

Breathing that filtered air just gives you enhanced olfactory sensations.

I agree with Papdaddy, soaking the mask regularly seems to help with this problem.

Sundown · Post by **Sundown** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 8:40 pm

Yep... exact same "baby powder like" smell!!!

Now I feel better knowing I am not an isolated case!!!

RosemaryB · Post by **RosemaryB** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:13 pm

I think it's a new mask smell. I've noticed a similar smell when trying a new mask. I soak mine overnight and after a while it goes away. Perhaps a new hose would be the same, or new pillows, etc. I've used the same mask for a couple of months at least, so I forgot about this. I think maybe the mfgr's put this smell in to cover the plastic smell.

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