Opinions on Vicks and CPAP

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:40 am

Please don't let this question spark another Vasoline debate. But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried putting a little dab of Vicks inside their mask to help keep nasal passases open during the night. I'm wondering if it would be okay to use just a little in a place that is not in the direct line of fire with air movement. I know we don't want to get substances like petroleum jelly or vicks down in the lungs. What if it could be done do that you only inhale the fumes? I know that PJ can degrade certain substances often found in masks. I'm thinking if it's a small amount of vicks put on a small piece of paper towel inside the barrel of my swift, that it might work. I've been stuffy lately so I was looking for a solution. I plan to get a FF mask the next time I'm eligble for a mask, but that's not for a couple months yet. Opinions?

MandoJohnny · Post by **MandoJohnny** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:53 am

It doesn't sound like a good plan to me. I wouldn't want to put a piece of paper, or anything else, in the barrel. I also wouldn't want to use a strong aromatic like Vicks in a way that it was not intended. I have a great sleep doc and I would call him and ask what he recommends. Also, if you really need a different kind of mask for a valid medical reason, your doc should be able to prescribe it and your insurance should pay for it now.

Bryonrw · Post by **Bryonrw** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:53 am

I use the Vics nasal 12hr spray. This seems to work great for me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:59 am

I wouldn't want to put a piece of paper, or anything else, in the barrel.

I've heard of folks putting small pieces of mesh inside the barrel of the swift interfact to act as sort of a baffle to help with noice issues. Not sure there is an issue with that part of the plan. I more concerned about whether or not I'll harm the mask, or will the vapors become an irritant as the night goes on.

MandoJohnny · Post by **MandoJohnny** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:02 am

I use nasal spray also. The only thing you have to worry about is "rebound effect." Using a nasal spray can actually cause your sinuses to close up when it wears off. Then you need more nasal spray and a vicious cycle starts. Long term use can really mess up your membranes. A doctor once told me that the formula in original Afrin is the most benign. It takes a bit longer to work, but it does not rebound as much. I use as little as possible and plan for it to take about 20 minutes to work. I also never exceed the recommended useage. Another thing that works well, but does not rebound, is nasal washes, which have been discussed on other threads.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 9:26 am

Thanks Johhny. Would you put Vicks Vapo Rub in the category of something that could cause rebound effect? Last thing I need is to get hooked on nasal decongestant. My sister in law did that and it took her a long time to get off that stuff. It's one of those problems people do not talk about much, but it's still out there.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:07 am

I was a nasal spray junkie for the better part of 10 years. Now, 20 years later I won't touch the stuff. Terrible habit. I wonder if some of my sinus issues are related to irreversable damage of membranes.

I also took otc antihist/decongest's for years after quitting the nasal spray.

I now find that with my swift blowing up my nose I am no longer congested!!! Side benefit of CPAP for me at least.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:20 am

I now find that with my swift blowing up my nose I am no longer congested!!! Side benefit of CPAP for me at least.

I find this true most of the time also. On nights when it is not true I suffer. Seldom but enough to try to find a solution.

roster · Post by **roster** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 10:33 am

[quote="Anonymous"]Please don't let this question spark another Vasoline debate. But, I was wondering if anyone has ever tried putting a little dab of Vicks inside their mask to help keep nasal passases open during the night. I'm wondering if it would be okay to use just a little in a place that is not in the direct line of fire with air movement. I know we don't want to get substances like petroleum jelly or vicks down in the lungs. What if it could be done do that you only inhale the fumes? I know that PJ can degrade certain substances often found in masks. I'm thinking if it's a small amount of vicks put on a small piece of paper towel inside the barrel of my swift, that it might work. I've been stuffy lately so I was looking for a solution. I plan to get a FF mask the next time I'm eligble for a mask, but that's not for a couple months yet. Opinions?

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:20 am

I too would not put a piece of paper in the mask-it might get blown into your airway. How about a dab on your upper lip-let it sit for awhile then remove excess and put on your mask. Or smear it on your upper chest-you'll smell it. If you live in an area where there is an Asian/Chinese Market- I'll pass on a tip from my TCM practitioner. As I've noted before there is no accountability for what I say and you can use the info in any way you choose. It is a liquid that smells like Vicks-but stronger. It is meant to be applied to the skin for muscle aches (but is not "hot" like Tiger Balm). It has a slightly oily feel so I don't put it on the mask. With a Q-tip I dab a small spot BELOW my nostrils-NOT IN the nostrils-let it sit a minute and wipe off any excess. If your skin is irritated from blowing your nose it will sting/burn so wait until your skin is clear. The name of the stuff is Po Sum On and it is not pronounced the way it it spelled so unless you speak Chinese write it down and show it to the sales person. The last time I bought it the brown bottle was packaged in a round red tin

Laurie · Post by **Laurie** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 11:52 am

Here is what you should try. Put a bit of Vicks on a tissue and place the tissue just next to, but not blocking, the air intake on the back of the xpap machine.

The aroma may give you a little psychological lift (which we apnea sufferers certainly need), but I doubt that it will have any substantial therapeutic value.

If you try it, let us know how it works.

Laurie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:00 pm

Good old aromatherapy. Been used for centuries.

krousseau · Post by **krousseau** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:15 pm

Great idea Laurie-think I'll set a little dish of PoSumOn by my air intake tonight-more volatile than Vicks and cheaper for the experiment....Thanks.....Kay

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:44 pm

Thanks Laurie, et al for the replies. I think I'll try keeping the Vicks outside the machine to see if/how that works. I may try the chineese thing too if my nose does not improve.

I have to say that us xpap-ers are some of most resourseful folks I've run across and many of us are still half asleep. Awesome.

Opinions on Vicks and CPAP

Opinions on Vicks and CPAP

Re: Opinions on Vicks and CPAP