Adding a drop of Olbas to the mask?

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:42 am

Has anyone had any experience adding a drop of Olbas (the Swiss/English POWERFUL peppermint natural decongestant;available at Wild Oats) to a mask? I cleaned my Swift yesterday in Dr. Bronner's Peppermint pure castile soap, and LOVED how the lingering peppermint aroma cleared my nose. However, it was short-lived. I wonder if Olbas would provide the same effect and would be longer lasting. Its entirely natural, and I've found that the silicon pillows are MUCH more robust than most believe that it is here, so I'm pretty sure that the Olbas would not damage or degrade the mask. And, its marketted for use in the nares and works GREAT, so I'm pretty sure that it won't damage the respiratory tract/lungs.

I find that the Swift itself keeps my nose remarkably clear, but I really enjoyed the peppermint scent last night. So, does anyone have any experience with using Olbas?

Many thanks!

Chuck

kcarter · Post by **kcarter** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 10:56 am

GoofyUT,

Interesting idea. I was going to ask for some advice on cleaning my swift. I've only been on treatment for three nights, but so far with really good results. I've been comfortable with the swift with only a minor annoyance (which is already fading) of a bit of a "new car smell."

Is Olbas essential-oil based? I've used oils on occasion and one general thing that might apply here is that they can be overwhelming in a "closed system" and a breathing circuit sure is that. Even when using them diffused in a room or lightly applied topically (usually diluted!) they can be very strong so it's always better to start with less and work gradually up. I get great results for congestion just by uncapping an oil, holding the container several inches away from my nose and inhaling. Peppermint is an excellent choice for this as is the various Eucalyptus types and blends based on them.

I'd be really interested to know if anyone has experience with Olbas or anything similar.

thanks

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:17 am

I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Bronner's pure castile soap for cleaning your mask. I wash mine once weekly in its, and I'm still using the original mask and all of its original parts nearly 10 months later. Plus, the label is a hoot to read! Its cheap and available at Wild Oats and larger supermarkets.

Re: Olbas, yes it is entirely made of essential oils.

Cheers!

Chuck[/list]

jules · Post by **jules** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 11:43 am

I have experimented with adding guaze and mesh inside the swift to cut down on noise. You don't want too much to block CO2 venting out.

As I read your suggestion I would suggest trying to use a drop of the peppermint oil on a small piece of guaze rolled inside the swift barrel. You can then change the guaze often as needed.

kcarter · Post by **kcarter** » Sun Jan 07, 2007 12:07 pm

jules, good idea about the gauze. If essential oils get into the barrel material itself, it would be really hard to get them out if you found the effect too intense. Probably a good idea to keep the swift as clean and neutral as possible.

Dr. Bronner's is a blast from the past for me, Chuck. I had forgotten about it and it's a great idea.

Ken