Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

[GearChange]

I don't see why not.
CPAP humidifiers work in exactly the same way as regular steamers except with far less temperature (for obvious reasons).
Adding a drop or two of the Vicks Vapo Steam (or similar products) to the humidifier water should have the same effect. Just don't go pouring in a half a bottle of the stuff in your humidifier, unless you want to cough and gag all night.
Just one or two drops in a full humidifier will do wonders for that pesky cough.

[vandownbytheriver]

I don't see why not.
(snip)

Just put VapoRub on your upper lip. There's a reason that pure water is spec'd for the tank. Have a thought for the hose too... aromatics don't belong in the system.

[Conrad]

I don't see why not.
CPAP humidifiers work in exactly the same way as regular steamers except with far less temperature (for obvious reasons).
Adding a drop or two of the Vicks Vapo Steam (or similar products) to the humidifier water should have the same effect. Just don't go pouring in a half a bottle of the stuff in your humidifier, unless you want to cough and gag all night.
Just one or two drops in a full humidifier will do wonders for that pesky cough.

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and have done this, why as us?

I wouldn't do it but that's me.

[GearChange]

I don't see why not.
(snip)

Just put VapoRub on your upper lip. There's a reason that pure water is spec'd for the tank. Have a thought for the hose too... aromatics don't belong in the system.

Yup that will work too but just so we are clear, the reason for recommending DISTILLED water instead of tap water in the humidifier, is to ensure that you are not inhaling pathogens that may be lurking around in tap water. Also tap water may leave scaling behind.

[GearChange]

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and have done this, why as us?

I wouldn't do it but that's me.

Hey, it's a free world.

[Conrad]

Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and have done this, why as us?

I wouldn't do it but that's me.

Hey, it's a free world.

Since when?

[Dog Slobber]

Yup that will work too but just so we are clear, the reason for recommending DISTILLED water instead of tap water in the humidifier, is to ensure that you are not inhaling pathogens that may be lurking around in tap water. Also tap water may leave scaling behind.

Not according to ResMed. According to ResMed the reason is purely to prevent scaling.

https://www.resmed.com/en-us/covid-19/

There’s a shortage of distilled water where I live. What can I use as an alternative for my CPAP humidification?

As stated in our clinical and user guides, optimal humidifier performance requires distilled water. That’s because most or all of its minerals have been removed, preventing mineral buildup in the humidifier tub. That said, tap or bottled water may also be used. It will not harm the device or pose a risk to patients. It will, however, require more rigorous humidifier cleaning to prevent excess mineral buildup in the tub.

[lazarus]

And according to a blog entry hosted by our host:

Can you add anything to CPAP water? The list of substances you should add . . .--https://www.cpap.com/blog/cpap-water/