using oils in my humidifier tank

[helpmesleep66]

I have a Resmed CPAP with humidifier. I used to go to AWAKE meetings. Somebody mentioned using eucaliptus oil in the tank when your nose is stopped up. I would like to know if anything like this would work. Thanks

[chunkyfrog]

Putting any foreign material inside the water tank is a bad idea.
Too much scent might be too hard to remedy.
Many here use this:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/cpap-a ... aster.html
You can easily move the scent disc away to adjust the scent level.
Some also put a dab of Vicks on a cotton ball in a saucer by the intake vent.

[TheDuke]

I agree with "Chunky Frog", that oils should not be used. It is my belief that distilled water is the only substance that should be put into the Humidifier tank.

That said, I have to make a plea for faithful use of a heated humidifier-I was on XPAP for about 18 or so years without a humidifier and kept experiencing congestion, dryness, etc. when I was re-examined by a doctor who insisted that I have a heated humidifier . Part of those years I knew that there were humidifiers, but no doctor had advised me to have one. I was skeptical, but once I got a good insulated sleeve on my hose and got accustomed to keeping distilled water on hand my condition improved substantially.

TheDuke

[greatunclebill]

That said, I have to make a plea for faithful use of a heated humidifier-I was on XPAP for about 18 or so years without a humidifier and kept experiencing congestion, dryness, etc. when I was re-examined by a doctor who insisted that I have a heated humidifier . Part of those years I knew that there were humidifiers, but no doctor had advised me to have one. I was skeptical, but once I got a good insulated sleeve on my hose and got accustomed to keeping distilled water on hand my condition improved substantially.

TheDuke

i use a humidifier while my wife's humidifier is in the closet. humidifier is just another personal convenience item. some need it and want it, some don't.

[chunkyfrog]

For many of us, heated humidification is a medical necessity--we would suffer a great many infections without it.
Discomfort is just the body's way of telling us something is wrong.

[Guest]

Thanks for the help and ideas. As far no humidifier, 11 years ago I had none. When I complained about the dry mouth, the doctor had me get the humidifier. I always use it. I was wrapping tea towels around my hose till somebody told me about Hose Snuggles. In winter time the air in the hose would cool down too much. I tried different masks, pillows, chinstraps and such and am now doing OK. Still looking and learning about about different ways to do things.

[bjcyorkiemom]

There are aromatherapy items to be used with a cpap. A small stand and re-usable pad, plus essential oils to go on the pad, that you place near your air intake / filter area of your cpap.

[JO'M]

I use a bit of salve ( which contains eculyptus adn tree tea oil) on the inside of each nostril. Keeps my nose from drying out, even with the humidifer and helps when I am stuffed up.

[DiverCTHunter]

I've put 3-4 drops of Eucalyptus in my humidifier tank with no ill effects. The main arguments against doing it is that it can create a growth medium for bacteria. Theoretically you could also cause lipid pneumonia, but the only way I could see that happening is if you used enough oil to fill the entire tank.

[chunkyfrog]

My experience is, that a nice smell when you first lie down, may become overwhelming after a few breaths.
If oil has been added to the tank, this means that "somebody" has to get up, empty the tank, wash it thoroughly, and refill it.
Not my idea of a restful night. I'd prefer to move the saucer with a scent disk or cotton ball farther from the machine.
Out of the room if necessary. Too easy to risk the alternative.

[cosmo]

Discomfort is just the body's way of telling us something is wrong.

I have discomfort if I don't get any cake. Wonder if that would fly....

[chunkyfrog]

Cosmo, you are a genius!