Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
mmcmahon3
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Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by mmcmahon3 » Sat Jan 14, 2023 5:45 pm

I am specifically seeking authentic research - not hearsay or poor research. Rather than just telling me "NO!" and mimicking what you've heard, would someone, please, kindly share with me actual research that proves that using eucalyptus oil in or near your CPAP machine is bad for your HEALTH? At this stage, I am totally unconcerned about the CPAP machine itself - that is a secondary issue, for discussion on another day - a discussion which would become irrelevant if you can prove to me that using a drop or two of eucalyptus oil is adverse for my health.
I have struggled with nasal congestion for decades and, in fact, I believe it has been the main cause of my eventual demise to sleep apnea. Having a blocked nose has also hindered my ability to be successful in using a CPAP machine. However, I found that when I used a couple of drops of high grade/quality eucalyptus oil, I was able to fall asleep almost instantly and slept solidly until morning, awaking feeling the most refreshed I had felt in (what seems like) forever! My energy was incredible. So much so that my husband said I was exhausting.
I went onto the web to see if others had also discovered this incredible secret, only to see, consistently, that everyone is saying that adding eucalyptus oil, or inhaling its vapour all night, is dangerous and not to do it. Many reasons are cited however practically no research was cited. There was one study of one person and her negative response was easily treated. There were studies of other essential oils but none of eucalyptus oil, that I could find.
Plus, there do not seem to be any studies of the benefits of inhaling eucalyptus vapours. Sleep deprivation and sleep apnea have extensive health risks. Research would support the fact that having a good quality sleep is beneficial for your health in countless ways, including boosting your immune system. Surely the benefit of improved sleep would far outweigh any minimal dangers associated with inhaling the eucalyptus vapours?
If you can direct me towards the specific research, I would be grateful. Otherwise, I will continue to use eucalyptus vapour to assist my sleep because, from my research of one (me), it works, where nothing else has. From my experience, nothing in life can compare to waking up after having a great night's sleep. It's worth more than all the gold in the world.

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Conrad
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by Conrad » Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:25 am

Do what you like with your health.

I believe the reason that you're not finding that any research is being conducted on this is because it's not safe to inhale eucalyptus vapors all night long. People don't do this because it's not safe. What more do you need?
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by chunkyfrog » Sun Jan 15, 2023 11:28 am

Eucalyptus has traditionally been thought to clear nasal passages because
it gives a similar sensation--actually irritation of mucus membranes,
which damages their ability to do their job.
Be kind to your membranes.

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CPAP-A-MUST
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by CPAP-A-MUST » Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:40 pm

Do what works for you as there is no research on this subject that I’m aware of.

I have an essential oil diffuser that attaches to the hose. I only use is a few times a year when my nose gets stuffy and in my situation have no need for it any other time.

For a persistent blocked nose perhaps it is worth researching the cause and seeking treatment for it. All the best!
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mmcmahon3
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by mmcmahon3 » Sun Jan 15, 2023 3:22 pm

Conrad wrote:
Sun Jan 15, 2023 9:25 am
Do what you like with your health.

I believe the reason that you're not finding that any research is being conducted on this is because it's not safe to inhale eucalyptus vapors all night long. People don't do this because it's not safe. What more do you need?
OK. Thank you.

mmcmahon3
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by mmcmahon3 » Sun Jan 15, 2023 3:25 pm

CPAP-A-MUST wrote:
Sun Jan 15, 2023 1:40 pm
Do what works for you as there is no research on this subject that I’m aware of.

I have an essential oil diffuser that attaches to the hose. I only use is a few times a year when my nose gets stuffy and in my situation have no need for it any other time.

For a persistent blocked nose perhaps it is worth researching the cause and seeking treatment for it. All the best!
Yes, you're right. Thank you.

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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by Janknitz » Sun Jan 15, 2023 7:10 pm

While there is a study suggesting the benefits of Eucalyptus oil https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5687727/,

The dose makes the poison:

https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/gu ... Poisoning/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ful ... epi4.12065

So the question is how will you regulate the dose? And as it is an oil based aromatic--it will tend to remain in the intake, hose, and mask afterward--and perhaps intensifying the dose after multiple applications.

It's your health and your decision, but make sure you are informed.
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mmcmahon3
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by mmcmahon3 » Mon Jan 16, 2023 2:45 am

Janknitz wrote:
Sun Jan 15, 2023 7:10 pm
While there is a study suggesting the benefits of Eucalyptus oil https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5687727/,

The dose makes the poison:

https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/gu ... Poisoning/

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ful ... epi4.12065

So the question is how will you regulate the dose? And as it is an oil based aromatic--it will tend to remain in the intake, hose, and mask afterward--and perhaps intensifying the dose after multiple applications.

It's your health and your decision, but make sure you are informed.
Ahhh brilliant points! Thank you for your valuable input and for your time!

Pod153
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by Pod153 » Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:21 am

I am someone with a horribly blocked nose and currently trying to problem-solve it like it’s my full-time job. I really feel for you. It’s profoundly frustrating.

This is not what you asked, but it made me think. Since the benefit of eucalyptus is sensory — it activates neurons that make your nose feel clearer rather than actually increasing airflow — I wonder if something like capsaicin nasal spray before bed is worth investigating. There seems to be rather mixed evidence for it, but if the issue solved by eucalyptus is the sensation of limited airflow causing your brain to awaken you, then since capsaicin also works on sensory nerves (and the effect is longer-lasting, hopefully avoiding the need to continually huff it all night) I wonder if it’s worth trying.
I live in the UK, so my access to various aspects of healthcare may not be quite the same as yours.

mmcmahon3
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by mmcmahon3 » Mon Jan 23, 2023 12:18 am

Pod153 wrote:
Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:21 am
I am someone with a horribly blocked nose and currently trying to problem-solve it like it’s my full-time job. I really feel for you. It’s profoundly frustrating.

This is not what you asked, but it made me think. Since the benefit of eucalyptus is sensory — it activates neurons that make your nose feel clearer rather than actually increasing airflow — I wonder if something like capsaicin nasal spray before bed is worth investigating. There seems to be rather mixed evidence for it, but if the issue solved by eucalyptus is the sensation of limited airflow causing your brain to awaken you, then since capsaicin also works on sensory nerves (and the effect is longer-lasting, hopefully avoiding the need to continually huff it all night) I wonder if it’s worth trying.
Thank you for this insightful comment. I will look into capsaicin.
I have learnt much from people compassionate and helpful comments to this question.
Apologies that I did not see this answer sooner.

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Julie
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by Julie » Mon Jan 23, 2023 12:54 am

Capsaicin burns!

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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by zonker » Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:04 pm

Julie wrote:
Mon Jan 23, 2023 12:54 am
Capsaicin burns!
google capsaicin as decongestant.

seems to work, but then i didn't read every article, so what do *I* know?
:lol: :lol: :lol:
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Julie
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by Julie » Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:19 pm

Just going by patients in our office for whom it was prescribed..... they complained quite loudly!

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zonker
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by zonker » Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:43 pm

Julie wrote:
Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:19 pm
Just going by patients in our office for whom it was prescribed..... they complained quite loudly!
believe me, i would too!

but then i'm a wimp who doesn't like much of anything spicy.
people say i'm self absorbed.
but that's enough about them.
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Re: Using eucalyptus with CPAP for persistent blocked nose

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:03 pm

zonker wrote:
Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:43 pm
Julie wrote:
Mon Jan 23, 2023 6:19 pm
Just going by patients in our office for whom it was prescribed..... they complained quite loudly!
believe me, i would too!

but then i'm a wimp who doesn't like much of anything spicy.
Agreed!
Even externally, I am no fan--tried some for arthritis--only once!
Very unpleasant.

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