Scented Water

Samuel · Post by **Samuel** » Wed Oct 20, 2004 7:39 pm

Hello,

My wife has been trying CPAP now for a couple weeks. We have a variety of difficulties, but I am learning a lot by reading this board.

One thing that is bothering my wife is the plastic smell of the equipment. We were wondering if there might be any safe way to scent the water in the machine to help overcome this.

Thanks for thoughts.

not2worry · Post by **not2worry** » Sat Oct 23, 2004 4:43 am

There is a site on the web, I think it's called cpapman and they carry a prodcut that you can wash, disinfect and daily clean your mask and eequipment. It's got a citrus smell and is safe for your mask, hoses, etc.

I tried it and it seems to take away some of the ordor of the plastic.

I don't think adding anything to your water is at all advisable!

Check with your doctor. I think the longer you use the equipment the more likely you will get use to the smell. Then again, most mask parts need replacement every 3 months.

Good Luck. If you can't find the site, let me know and I'll look up in my file.

JudyAnn · Post by **JudyAnn** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 11:01 am

I am not a doctor but I would not think that your wife should put anything in the water, as it is being inhaled into her lungs. It should be distilled water also which means NO CHEMICALS.

Hope she finds something that helps. I use Ivory soap mixed with white vinigar and the plastic smell doesn't seem to be there.

Judy

sharonokc · Post by **sharonokc** » Sat Oct 30, 2004 9:15 pm

It is intriguing you say most mask need replacement parts every few months. Which masks and which parts? And does your insurance help pay for it.

Most of my masks last much longer than that. And my insurance only okays one mask per year, which can be hard if one trys a new mask and loathes it.

In cleaning the mask, I find water alone works best. You have to be extremely carefull in using anything which contains alcohol. I wrecked at least one mask when I tried to clean it with rubbing alcohol. the silicon hardened very quickly.

not2worry · Post by **not2worry** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 11:12 am

I was told by my provider that normally the siicone "mask" part will need to be replaced about every 3 months. Seems that the oil from one's face will deterioriate this part of the mask. That in most masks this become apparent when you begin to have difficulty keeping the seal.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 4:19 pm

I've heard of quite a few people whose masks lasted far longer than 3 months...a year, in some cases, and still sealing fine. Gently cleaning off skin oils probably has a lot to do with prolonging the life of a mask (as well as cleaning the face before putting a mask on.) Also, using mild soap and water and never scrubbing - just washing the cushion gently. I also have my own personal theory that it's probably best to not ever take a mask apart for cleaning. Might not reassemble as snugly as before.

May depend on the mask itself. Gel masks were too leaky on me even when new, so I don't know how they hold up. My masks certainly last much longer than 3 months of actual use time and seal perfectly well.

loonlvr · Post by **loonlvr** » Sun Oct 31, 2004 4:52 pm

this has to do with masks. it seems only the silicone seal around plastic mask rips. I use a full face respironics and must buy entire unit when it looks to me like just the seal can be replaced. anyone seen somewhere to buy it.

Scented Water

Scented Water

mask mileage may vary - quite a bit

scented water