mold in mask seam

I'm new to this site. Have been using a cpap for about 2 years now and get frequent colds--approx once or twice every 2weeks. Before using the cpap I very rarely got a cold. I'm a firm believer in using products to boost immunity, like garlic tablets and some of the herbs and emergen-c. When I get the cold symptoms I hit it hard with extra garlic, etc. The rest of the time I have a chronic dry cough and sometimes wake up with chest aching (which goes away quickly). I always use the water tank because of very dry (bone dry) mouth and throat. I use distilled water except on a few travels where my hosts did not have distilled water and offered filtered water instead. Since a trip to Florida there has been a been a visible black mold in the corners of the plastic and on the soft seal on the inside of the tank. It seems impossible to clean completely. Instructions say to use mild detergent, but I often use a squirt or 2 of clorox spray in the water. Now I've been using 100%vinegar for soaking. Have just ordered new tank and hose and mask, however there is also mold on a plastic part under the lid. My husband managed to remove the part and boiled it. Anyhow, maybe I'll try the Listerine idea--sounds like it might help. Thanks for sharing that idea!

Have this on hand for the future: from our hosts https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Contro ... eaner.html

The frequency of your "colds" sounds very familiar. When I started taking 10 mg. loratadine nightly, they all but disappeared completely.
I'm allergic--as are so many others. Garlic is antibacterial, which will have no effect on colds, which are caused by a virus.
This thread is 3 years old--it will be ignored by most.

dianenapa @ gmail . com wrote:I'm new to this site. Have been using a cpap for about 2 years now and get frequent colds--approx once or twice every 2weeks. Before using the cpap I very rarely got a cold. I'm a firm believer in using products to boost immunity, like garlic tablets and some of the herbs and emergen-c. When I get the cold symptoms I hit it hard with extra garlic, etc. The rest of the time I have a chronic dry cough and sometimes wake up with chest aching (which goes away quickly). I always use the water tank because of very dry (bone dry) mouth and throat. I use distilled water except on a few travels where my hosts did not have distilled water and offered filtered water instead. Since a trip to Florida there has been a been a visible black mold in the corners of the plastic and on the soft seal on the inside of the tank. It seems impossible to clean completely. Instructions say to use mild detergent, but I often use a squirt or 2 of clorox spray in the water. Now I've been using 100%vinegar for soaking. Have just ordered new tank and hose and mask, however there is also mold on a plastic part under the lid. My husband managed to remove the part and boiled it. Anyhow, maybe I'll try the Listerine idea--sounds like it might help. Thanks for sharing that idea!

Are you taking Lisinopril? It's known to cause a dry cough.

I'd also advise to get a blood draw with full screening. Most of us who have been on this therapy for any length of time have the exact opposite of what you're describing.......that is, fewer colds, flu or other illnesses. Your frequent colds may be a sign of something else.

Also, try using Dawn dishwashing liquid to clean your equipment.


Den

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