HELP: Removing smell from the machine itself

[KoolCPap]

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here, but I’m looking for any help whatsoever with an issue I’m expericing with my CPAP machine.

I began using a ResMed this past March, and I have to say it’s been revelatory; I absolutely notice the difference from when I wasn’t using a CPAP at night. However, recently I stayed at a house with an indoor fireplace that was in use during the weekend, and the distinct smell of smoke has gotten trapped in the machine. I’ve cleaned my equipment thoroughly: first, with vinegar/water, then water/baking soda, and finally with mild soap and water, as usual. However, the smell is still trapped inside the machine itself.

I’ve also tried running the machine next to an open window for fresh air, and with a small saucer of vinegar near the intake so that the vinegar scent it will permeate through the machine, but this hasn’t eliminated the smell. I’ve only used my CPAP twice since this issue came up, and when doing so I wake up feeling very nauseated.

I’ve reached out to my CPAP supplier, as recommended by my insurance, but haven’t heard back from them yet. I’m worried that if a new machine itself is not covered, that I’m going to be stuck using my current machine and risking illness because of the odor.

If anyone has any tips on what more can be done to try and eliminate this odor from my machine for good, please let me know! I’ve done a lot of searching and have seen topics pertaining to CPAPS that retain a smell of cigarette smoke, and although I’m not a smoker, the issue seems similar to what I’m experiencing: hard to eliminate, makes you feel sick, etc.

Thank you!

[Pugsy]

Welcome to the forum.

I would assume that you have already changed the air filter but if you haven't ....do that first thing.

Do you have some place to take the machine that is outside...covered porch, etc....where you can let the machine run in the fresh air for hours and hours? That's what I would do first...with no filter... if your air quality where you live is decent.

Do you have a spare hose and water chamber that you could also use?

[KoolCPap]

Welcome to the forum.

I would assume that you have already changed the air filter but if you haven't ....do that first thing.

Do you have some place to take the machine that is outside...covered porch, etc....where you can let the machine run in the fresh air for hours and hours? That's what I would do first...with no filter... if your air quality where you live is decent.

Do you have a spare hose and water chamber that you could also use?

Thanks for the reply! I did change the filter when I got home, but it was the last one I had and the machine still has the smoky odor.

I have replacement mask, hose, water tank, etc. coming any day now; I was due for new equipment, so these pieces will be replaced soon. My only concern is, again, the machine itself. The smell seems to have stuck to the inside, or at least the rubber pieces that are inside.

I don’t have a covered porch, just a garage, but my parents have a farmer’s porch so maybe I can let it run over there today.

[Pugsy]

Run it without the filter at your parents home outside all day or as long as possible.

It's weird how plastics can absorb odor but the hose and water chamber may also be part of the issue. I once gave a brand new water chamber to someone that had never been used but it was boxed up in a house that had a smoker and the person who got it could tell.
Was faint odor and easily removed but it was there.

chunkyfrog has used some sort of ozium stuff she got at the hardware store. Put it at the air intake I think.
Send her a note and ask her about it.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=50728
She will probably be here sometime today.

[D.H.]

What you might want to do is find a car wash that specializes in removing odors from cars. They might be able to help you remove it from your machine.

[KoolCPap]

Run it without the filter at your parents home outside all day or as long as possible.

It's weird how plastics can absorb odor but the hose and water chamber may also be part of the issue. I once gave a brand new water chamber to someone that had never been used but it was boxed up in a house that had a smoker and the person who got it could tell.
Was faint odor and easily removed but it was there.

chunkyfrog has used some sort of ozium stuff she got at the hardware store. Put it at the air intake I think.
Send her a note and ask her about it.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=50728
She will probably be here sometime today.

The only reservation I have about that is that the temperature is well below freezing here today (currently 17 Fahrenheit). I don’t want it to have any negative impact on how my machine operates.

[Pugsy]

I don't think the cold will hurt it.
I know people camping in temps below freezing using the machine off a battery all night with no issues.
Totally amazes me that they can sleep in that much cold but they do it.
Those are some serious campers...tent, sleeping bag, water freezes, etc...but they still use the machine.

[prodigyplace]

Run it without the filter at your parents home outside all day or as long as possible.

It's weird how plastics can absorb odor but the hose and water chamber may also be part of the issue. I once gave a brand new water chamber to someone that had never been used but it was boxed up in a house that had a smoker and the person who got it could tell.
Was faint odor and easily removed but it was there.

chunkyfrog has used some sort of ozium stuff she got at the hardware store. Put it at the air intake I think.
Send her a note and ask her about it.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=50728
She will probably be here sometime today.

The only reservation I have about that is that the temperature is well below freezing here today (currently 17 Fahrenheit). I don’t want it to have any negative impact on how my machine operates.

I would turn off the heated humidity & make sure the water chamber is empty first. Otherwise it should be OK.

What model machine do you have? The clinical manual may have some additional cleaning hints.

[KoolCPap]

Run it without the filter at your parents home outside all day or as long as possible.

It's weird how plastics can absorb odor but the hose and water chamber may also be part of the issue. I once gave a brand new water chamber to someone that had never been used but it was boxed up in a house that had a smoker and the person who got it could tell.
Was faint odor and easily removed but it was there.

chunkyfrog has used some sort of ozium stuff she got at the hardware store. Put it at the air intake I think.
Send her a note and ask her about it.
memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=50728
She will probably be here sometime today.

The only reservation I have about that is that the temperature is well below freezing here today (currently 17 Fahrenheit). I don’t want it to have any negative impact on how my machine operates.

I would turn off the heated humidity & make sure the water chamber is empty first. Otherwise it should be OK.

What model machine do you have? The clinical manual may have some additional cleaning hints.

I actually have the same machine listed in your signature: ResMed AirSense 10.

[igotsuckeredtoo]

I don't know the rules about posting links from other CPAP sites so I have copied this post in a similar thread.It is the OP describingw hat they did to get rid of teh odor.

"Well, the humidifier certainly didn't run without any water. I emptied half a cup in the morning. It just wasn't full.

Anyway, I washed everything with warm water and soap, except for the main unit and humidifier case. Then I let the machine run outdoors for about an hour after placing a cotton swab soaked in vinegar in front of the filter. It removed the awful odor. I can still smell some vinegar, but it doesn't bother me nearly as much as the other smell did. I just hope the bad odor doesn't return..."

[prodigyplace]

I don't know the rules about posting links from other CPAP sites so I have copied this post in a similar thread.It is the OP describingw hat they did to get rid of teh odor.

"Well, the humidifier certainly didn't run without any water. I emptied half a cup in the morning. It just wasn't full.

Anyway, I washed everything with warm water and soap, except for the main unit and humidifier case. Then I let the machine run outdoors for about an hour after placing a cotton swab soaked in vinegar in front of the filter. It removed the awful odor. I can still smell some vinegar, but it doesn't bother me nearly as much as the other smell did. I just hope the bad odor doesn't return..."

I think this is the link to the manual even though it says "for her". https://www.respshop.com/manuals/ResMed ... %20her.pdf

On Page 24 they mention how to remove the air outlet for cleaning & reinstall. I am not sure if that will help or not.

[palerider]

recently I stayed at a house with an indoor fireplace that was in use during the weekend, and the distinct smell of smoke has gotten trapped in the machine. ...

I’m going to be stuck using my current machine and risking illness because of the odor.

You shouldn't worry about illness.

You stayed somewhere that the smoke was much more powerful, presumably people live there, and are doing their thing, and going on about their lives with that smoke.

A little residual smokey smell is far far far less than you got while you were there.

[chunkyfrog]

Fireplace smoke is relatively harmless--and should fade with time.
Aromatherapy oils on a tissue by the intake may help--if it does not irritate you.
As for spray, Ozium is the brand name, and I have seen the spray at hardware stores.
You might also find it in automotive stores, as it is sometimes used by auto detailers.