CPAP machine as a respirator for DIY projects

[davep700]

I wonder if its possible to use an CPAP machine (maybe an old one) with a long hose and a mask as simple protection from vapors for indoor DIY projects involving cleaning chemicals (such as paint stripper) to protect ones' lungs. The machine could be set up at a window or in an adjacent room with hose going under the door.

There is professional equipment called an air fed respirator (i think) with either a hood or a total face mask and a hose at front but those are expensive.

With a CPAP, I would be exhaling from the mask, but with high enough pressure, would I be exclusively inhaling from the air inlet at the CPAP machine, or would I also catch some of the air in front of me?

[Julie]

And the air inlet is getting air from... where? The room you're in? That has the chemical residue etc. from projects, etc?

The machine filters can't really deal with those, only particles that may be in the air (but not microscopic ones).

[davep700]

Clean air to the machine is assumed from a window or adjacent room. I know I can use a 10 ft hose, perhaps it can be extended even longer.

[Julie]

Oh, sorry, did not read your note properly... it makes sense, but I don't know how to test it (though lots more techies here will help).

[Dog Slobber]

I would think this would work fine.

The AirCurve supports a 10 foot hose, though you need to explicitly indicate as much in the settings.

For the purposes of just supplying air from a source beyond that distance, why not? The extra length and drag would result in inaccurate flow, event, inhale, etc measurements, but that's not important for this application.

Don't use it as a snorkel, especially if you plan on going deeper than 20-25 cm.

[Goofproof]

Get one that's got a Meth Rated and Explosion Proof! A Cop detector would be a nice addition also. Jim

[davep700]

I did a little more inquiry. seems like the professional system is called an "Atmosphere supplied respirator"

The benefit is that I already have a face mask with a good fit compared to the work respirators/masks which are one-size-fits-all and not easy to get fit.

[SleepGeek]

Take the plunge and become a volunteer firefighter - get fitted with a mask and air tank.

[chunkyfrog]

Several years back a poster mentioned that she had used a cpap
while using very strong cleaners on the shower walls.
Showers can get nasty--especially in rentals/bunkhouses/locker rooms, etc.
I would add goggles and gloves to the getup.
DIY--sure, go ahead, but caution if products are industrial only.
I would suggest you either seal around the hose or use a fan
opposite the hose intake to provide negative air pressure in the workshop
to prevent fumes leaking out to the cpap.

[davep700]

Thanks chunkyfrog. You have a good memory.

I wouldn't trust using the machine used for sleep for DIY purposes, because I'm sensitive to lingering odors (like painted walls, etc) so it's too risky.

[chunkyfrog]

Thanks chunkyfrog. You have a good memory.

I wouldn't trust using the machine used for sleep for DIY purposes, because I'm sensitive to lingering odors (like painted walls, etc) so it's too risky.

Actually, it's a good use for a "brick" cpap. They often do a credible job for basic stuff.
Even emergency backup.
Used ones can be rather cheap--if the seller is realistic.
Meet seller in a public place with electrical outlets.
Confirm function, use hours, and smell.
Or buy from secondwindcpap.com.