Taste Issues with new CPAP?

Murkk · Post by **Murkk** » Tue May 30, 2006 12:35 pm

Well, I've been using my new CPAP machine unsuccessfully for the last few nights (only 1-4 hours a night, very little sleep). Can't sleep for hours on end with the CPAP machine, but fall alseep instantly when I take the mask off. Not sure why, I don't really have difficulty breathing and there is now very litttle discomfort.

Anyways, yes, I've washed and cleaned the machine properly, rinsed everything, etc etc. However, I have this horrible chemical taste in my mouth which makes everything taste like chemical soup. I'm sure there is nothing on the machine/mask, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Maybe a reaction to the pillows mask that effects the taste buds?

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue May 30, 2006 12:47 pm

You have us in the DARK, pun intended. you fail to list your equiptment, pressures and anything else of vaule. Plastics give off a chemical smell and that will subside in time. The keeping of the airways more open may highten your sence of smell. I about go nuts in the store in the soap display. Jim

Murkk · Post by **Murkk** » Tue May 30, 2006 12:57 pm

MM... strange, I thought I set my preferences
Mirage Swift
Remstar Auto with Heated Humidifier
Pressure 10

Thing is, I can smell a very faint plastic latex like smell when using it, but it doesn't bother me. But today and yesterday, when I eat anything or drink anything I get this horrible chemical taste in my mouth.

oldgearhead · Post by **oldgearhead** » Tue May 30, 2006 1:58 pm

That sounds like the taste get after taking Lunesta...You sure you haven't
been into the pills?

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Tue May 30, 2006 2:02 pm

Was this machine NEW? As in... did you see it come out of a factory sealed box?

If not, and if you got it from a DME, it may have been "cleaned" with something you are sensitive to.
If you know for a fact that it's brand new and never used before you got it, then take your hose and mask and give them a vinegar and water soak. Easiest way I found to do this is to clean out the sink real well, see how much water it takes to get stuff submerged, and then add the appropriate amount of vinegar (which for the LIFE of me I can't remember right now, but I know it's on here somewhere if you search on cleaning and vinegar)...

OR... if you use plastic milk jugs, you can coil the hose in there and then put the mask down the middle. Uses less water and vinegar than the sink. Just cut out part of the top of the jug (I left the handle on )

AHAH!

To clean a CPAP mask, take the mask apart and apply a small amount of baby shampoo to your fingers. Allow the mask parts to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash thoroughly with water to remove all soap. Place the wet mask parts on a towel and allow to air dry. This should be done daily.

To disinfect hoses, and humidifier water chambers, use one part vinegar, to three parts water. Let the mask soak for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with warm water, and place on a towel or over the shower rod to dry. These methods do not require any special chemicals.

Try the vinegar soak part of that. Heck, you may even try the baby shampoo part. But I think the soak is going to do the most good. I wash all of the new parts before first use. They're CLEAN when new, but they smell funny and I can relate to the funny taste.

For what it's worth, I've found using the distilled white vinegar works best for me. Even with a good drying time you might still notice a slight vinegar smell when you first put it on. I just find, personally, the distilled white vinegar has less residual aroma than... say... apple cider vinegar.

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:25 pm

Although this has nothing to do with 'taste', but after following Yardbird's recommendations, why not try giving a final rinse of the inside of hose with a favorite mouthwash - (watered down) ..worked for me.
Good luck!

roztom · Post by **roztom** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:34 pm

After I clean with Vinegar I wash with Johnson's baby shampoo because I'm sensitive to the Vinegar smell.

BTW after I wash a mask or hose and AFTER it has air dried, if I put them in a plastic bag they get a sour smell - anyone know what that's about?

Thanks,

Tom

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:47 pm

roztom wrote: BTW after I wash a mask or hose and AFTER it has air dried, if I put them in a plastic bag they get a sour smell - anyone know what that's about?

Tom, could possibly be that it's not completely dry.
Same thing happens to those washcloths in the summer - they don't dry as quickly.
Same deal with leaving a wet bathing suit in the sports bag too long.
I've also found this to happen when I store plastic containers with the lids ON.

Like us, some things just need air!!

brasshopper · Post by **brasshopper** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:47 pm

Bacteria or yeast - different areas have different wild bacteria and yeast.

That is why Belgium has Lambic beer, San Francisco makes good sourdough bread while the cultures won't last in other parts of the country and some places can make cheese that can't be replicated in others.

roztom · Post by **roztom** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:52 pm

THAT's IT !!!!!! I got cheese growing in my mask and hose. I should have known - probably Linburger.

Thanks,

Tpm

Offerocker · Post by **Offerocker** » Tue May 30, 2006 4:58 pm

...and now you can eat while you sleep, Tom!!

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Tue May 30, 2006 5:12 pm

ewww! linburger, blecch!