Need Some help on CPAP/Humidifier

[thompsdw]

Hello all. I have been on my cpap for a little under a year now. I am running a bottom pressure of 7.5 and I have always kept my humidifier and hose heater cranked up to 5. AHI's have all been below 5 now and mask fit is good. I am cleaning the cpap weekly with the VirtuClean. I clean the mask with the VirtuClean in it's pouch, soap wash the humidifier water tray, wipe the interior of the humidifier with cleaner wipes, and then blow the VirtuClean back into the cpap.

I have been developing over the past several months much worse allergy symptoms. A LOT of sinus drainage - clearing my throat, etc.. When i turn down the humidifier i get much worse congestion and dry throat. I live in Utah with very low ambient humidity, that is why I have always kept the humidifier on line. Can someone coach me on routine use of the humidifier? Should I use it, should I not? Also, given i am always pumping humidity - am i cleaning enough and do I have the right equipment? Just need some help to kick this "rut" that I seem to be stuck in.

[prodigyplace]

Hello all. I have been on my cpap for a little under a year now. I am running a bottom pressure of 7.5 and I have always kept my humidifier and hose heater cranked up to 5. AHI's have all been below 5 now and mask fit is good. I am cleaning the cpap weekly with the VirtuClean. I clean the mask with the VirtuClean in it's pouch, soap wash the humidifier water tray, wipe the interior of the humidifier with cleaner wipes, and then blow the VirtuClean back into the cpap.

I have been developing over the past several months much worse allergy symptoms. A LOT of sinus drainage - clearing my throat, etc.. When i turn down the humidifier i get much worse congestion and dry throat. I live in Utah with very low ambient humidity, that is why I have always kept the humidifier on line. Can someone coach me on routine use of the humidifier? Should I use it, should I not? Also, given i am always pumping humidity - am i cleaning enough and do I have the right equipment? Just need some help to kick this "rut" that I seem to be stuck in.

Welcome!

I just had to look up VirtuClean. https://www.virtuclean.com/about-virtuclean/

Very much like SoClean, the only thing that cleans out is your wallet. It does say it disinfects or sanitizes but the level of poisonour ozone cannot be high enough for that. In fact SoClean s being sued for their use of ozone.

Just search here for SoClean or NoClean for more details.

You may want to actually clean the mask occasionally. Many here like using Dawn dish soap for cleaning. Some people use distilled water in the humidifier to reduce mineral buildup. There should be no need to "clean" inside the CPAP machine.

[Pugsy]

Try not using the VirtuClean for a couple of months. Just use plain soap and water to clean your mask and water chamber.
It uses ozone to sanitize and Ozone isn't good for you.
It's possible that your symptoms are a reaction to the ozone.

SoClean uses the same technology...you might want to read up on some past discussions here about it

https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-you-n ... in-4171650

viewtopic/t175986/NoClean-sued-for-fals ... it=SoClean

search.php?keywords=SoClean

[thompsdw]

I only use distilled water in the humidifier.

[D.H.]

I don’t know if this will help, but please give it a try.

1) Use only distilled water. You can get that for 82¢ per US gallon at Walmart.
2) Dump the water completely every morning. If you’re dumping a lot, fill it with less each evening.
3) Wash the face piece every morning.
4) Blow your nose immediately before putting on the mask.
5) Run the machine with no water (to dry thoroughly) every morning for about ½ hour, with the hose and mask attached (after having washed and dried the face piece). You can do this while you eat breakfast, take a shower, and/or get dressed. You will need to disable the auto-off feature to do this.

[Pugsy]

You might also simply need more added moisture (turn the humidifier setting up instead of down).
Google "cpap rhinitis" and start reading.

[prodigyplace]

I don’t know if this will help, but please give it a try.

1) Use only distilled water. You can get that for 82¢ per US gallon at Walmart.

The above is true if the OP is in the US.
This is an International forum, so ASSuming is not wise.
That is why my usage wording was so general.

[D.H.]

I don’t know if this will help, but please give it a try.

1) Use only distilled water. You can get that for 82¢ per US gallon at Walmart.

The above is true if the OP is in the US.
This is an International forum, so ASSuming is not wise.
That is why my usage wording was so general.

Good point. I know it's easily available in the U.S. and in Canada. Not so sure about the rest of the world. Second choice is purified water.

[chunkyfrog]

Distilled water prices vary by location, regardless of retailer.
Wal Mart is usually cheapest, but I have seen it for under a buck a gallon at Menards.
Get it during the 11% rebate promo, and spend the rebate for whatever--I love Menards.

[Muse-Inc]

If you are not washing out the overnight crud from your mask, that could be the source of increased allergies. Soap and water is your friend to CLEAN the mask.

After washing, I spray with plain old white vinegar to get rid of soap residues and let sit a min or so before rinsing BUT that works for me. If I get a cold, I let the vinegar sit for 5-10 mins before rinsing to disinfect. I no longer need humidification during warm weather, just when temps get below 50. Then, I use distilled water, top up the second night, dump and wash the tank and spray with vinegar for min soak then rinse.

[Marko2019]

Well said. Here is a good synopsis: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-c ... ap-3015322

Most interesting is this line of thought: "Though heavily advertised, it's not necessary to use a CPAP cleaner or SoClean sanitizer device to keep your CPAP equipment clean."

But then again, don't let facts or the manufacturers recommendations get in the way. I think it's mostly about fear, marketing, and simply making money.

M

If you are not washing out the overnight crud from your mask, that could be the source of increased allergies. Soap and water is your friend to CLEAN the mask.

After washing, I spray with plain old white vinegar to get rid of soap residues and let sit a min or so before rinsing BUT that works for me. If I get a cold, I let the vinegar sit for 5-10 mins before rinsing to disinfect. I no longer need humidification during warm weather, just when temps get below 50. Then, I use distilled water, top up the second night, dump and wash the tank and spray with vinegar for min soap then rinse.

[palerider]

Well said. Here is a good synopsis: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-c ... ap-3015322

Most interesting is this line of thought: "Though heavily advertised, it's not necessary to use a CPAP cleaner or SoClean sanitizer device to keep your CPAP equipment clean."

But then again, don't let facts or the manufacturers recommendations get in the way. I think it's mostly about fear, marketing, and simply making money.

Yup.