Decongestant in the humidifier water?

hammondr · Post by **hammondr** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:03 pm

OK, would this kill me?

I've been using CPAP for about 6 weeks now, but recently my allergies have really flared up. It seems like no matter what I do, my nose nearly closes shut (slight exaggeration) every morning at 2-3am. The same problem happens even if I take OTC decongestants and antihistimines. I've just bought some nice Phenylephrine HCl 1% drops at the grocery store. 2-3 drops in each nostril keep me very clear for several hours, but not long enough to make it through the night.

Would it kill me to put several drops (more?) in the humidifier chamber? I thought that might give me some "extended relief", but I am worried that breathing that moist medicated mixture would have unwanted consequences -- something different than just breathing past the 2-3 drops in the nostril before bed.

Any tips? I'm sure I could use a full face mask, get some prescription meds, try some OTC nasal sprays like Afrin, etc. What I'm interested in is knowing whether my idea has potential, whether it would be dangerous, etc.

Thanks,
Ryan

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:35 pm

Hi Ryan,

Welcome to the forum.

Don't put ANYTHING in your humidifier EXCEPT distilled water. PERIOD.

That question has come up on the forum a number of times and with the same final answer.
It may not "hurt" you, but it might make a mess of your machine (at the least).

Best wishes,

Den

bank4cat · Post by **bank4cat** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 6:57 pm

sorry to here stuffed up me to, i have tried everything and nothing clears me out totally. i get by with a full face mask my numbers are pretty good even when stuffed up.......good luck in your search for a clear nose if u find something haller at me ok bye

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 7:31 pm

Only 286 posts on the subject by my search for saline:

Link to Stuffy Nose Postings

You may wish to narrow your search.

Ta.

NyNurse33 · Post by **NyNurse33** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 8:01 pm

The problem with any medicated nasal sprays or drops is that a "rebound" effect can occur. Its like your nose being addicted to the sprays and doesn't know how to function without them. I'm giving my professional advice to you on this matter and would stongly suggest you look into the saline solution. I have been using this and just discovered the "neti pot" through this forum, which sounds good, b/c again it is only using saline and nothing medicated. On the matter of putting something in your water......DON'T!!!

Alisha · Post by **Alisha** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:07 pm

To Melissa (our nurse),

I would not put anything in the water, because I have assumed anything we're breathing from the cpap would have the possibility of getting into our lungs. Since I am not in the medical profession, please let me know if this is a false assumption.

Thanks for clarifying this for me.

preemiern · Post by **preemiern** » Sun Sep 24, 2006 10:32 pm

Yes--anything that you put into that water could be inhaled into your lungs, and inhaling decongestant drops would NOT be good for your lungs or your heart--it could have serious consequences on the heart...this is another professional opinion...so...please don't do it

JCraig · Post by **JCraig** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:15 am

Even if it doesn't hurt you health-wise, it will likely damage/destroy your machine. Not a good thing. Like the others said, distilled water ONLY.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 7:42 am

hammondr wrote:OK, would this kill me?

I've been using CPAP for about 6 weeks now, but recently my allergies have really flared up. It seems like no matter what I do, my nose nearly closes shut (slight exaggeration) every morning at 2-3am. The same problem happens even if I take OTC decongestants and antihistimines. I've just bought some nice Phenylephrine HCl 1% drops at the grocery store. 2-3 drops in each nostril keep me very clear for several hours, but not long enough to make it through the night.

Would it kill me to put several drops (more?) in the humidifier chamber? I thought that might give me some "extended relief", but I am worried that breathing that moist medicated mixture would have unwanted consequences -- something different than just breathing past the 2-3 drops in the nostril before bed.

Any tips? I'm sure I could use a full face mask, get some prescription meds, try some OTC nasal sprays like Afrin, etc. What I'm interested in is knowing whether my idea has potential, whether it would be dangerous, etc.

Thanks,
Ryan

If you feel the extreme need to intorduce Vicks or some other type of respiratory treatment into a PAP humidifier system ... you may want to consider the HC150 humidifier and some disposable water chambers(only $14 each).

However, YOU would want to check with your doctor first to make certain it is safe and/or effective.

- r

Decongestant in the humidifier water?

Decongestant in the humidifier water?

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Re: Decongestant in the humidifier water?

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