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I am wondering if the cells that affect smell in your nose/sinus area that lead to the brain aren't getting confused by all the air blowing on them all night?

I once had bad sinusitis and lost my sense of smell for months. My ent says that the virus can damage those cells that lead to the brain and get them all confused. Sometimes irreversable.

When the sense of smell came back it was very confused. For example, chocolate tasted like a dirty garbage can--that made me soooooooooo unhappy because it went on for months and I was afraid it was permanent.

Eventually everything went back to normal. Now I actually think I have an even stronger sense of smell. My husband sure thinks so, but then women genetically are known to have a more keen sense of smell because of the importance with caring for babies and preparing their food etc.

Anyway, I haven't experienced the mask effect you mention, but I'm intrigued.

Jen

I used to have sinus problems and sinusitus. But I started using a Neti Pot regularly, and I am amazed how how clear my sinuses and lack of drainage have cleared up. I hope this "sensation" isn't a sign of confusion in my sniffer.

Now if only chocolate would taste like a dirty garbage can, I might lose some weight.

Interesting thread.
I just got back from a week's travel. HEPA filter was filthy (and had been changed just before the trip).
Changed the HEPA and the foam filters, and ran the machine for 15 minutes, but I'm still getting that "hotel perfumed cleaner/ roach spray" odor from it faintly.
Wonder how to get rid of that?'

Gosh, I would try soaking your hose in soapy water for a few hours. Maybe baking soda would help? I wonder if it is stuck in the hose or the machine? I'd try a spare hose if you have one. Might be time for pursleep! I've been thinking of trying that product for a while. Right now I'm just focused on getting my treatment optimized.

Jen

That's what I smell! A sweet, dusty, powdery kind of smell. It was weird but I figured it had something to do with having my sinuses blown open by the forced air lol. It goes away pretty quick. One thing I noticed in the sleep lab is the morning after my cpap treatment/pressure adjustment I could smell ALL kinds of things in there I couldn't smell the night before.

The funny thing is I can already smell things in the air others can't, so now it's just gonna get even worse.

Anonymous wrote:From the first time of use, I had a sweet, powdery smell as soon as I remove the mask. Glad to know it is not just me.

As far as getting rid of hotel smell, it just takes time. Usually my PB 420E doesn't clear out for about 3-4 days following a stay in a hotel. I'm hoping using the PurSleep will help.

Kajun

My husband and kids laugh at my overly keen sense of smell, so it's nice to know that an aroma upon mask removal is a common phenomenom.

I must admit that I LOVE that first breath after I take off my mask -- an intense, sweet, fresh scent that unfortunately lasts only a brief instant. Oh how I'd like to bottle that fragrance.

My experience in the sleep lab last night made me think about this thread! I had to get up once to go bathroom. We unhooked the mask from the main hose and I just wore it to the restroom. The first thing I noticed upon opening the bathroom door was a strong "bathroomy" smell! Whew! Glad it didn't last long. The bathroom was perfectly clean, so I know it had to be what has been mentioned here.

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Just got back from a hotel. A sweet powdery smell comes from the machine. I ruled out the hose and other pieces and put in a new filter. The scent might be stuck on the outer foam filter (don't have a new one right now).

But I think it's ingrained for now from taking in general hotel room smells, like remnants of cleaning products, air fresheners, etc.

sleepless777 wrote:Just got back from a hotel. A sweet powdery smell comes from the machine. I ruled out the hose and other pieces and put in a new filter. The scent might be stuck on the outer foam filter (don't have a new one right now).

But I think it's ingrained for now from taking in general hotel room smells, like remnants of cleaning products, air fresheners, etc.

2007 Post

DreamStalker wrote:

tangents wrote:Some have reported a dusty smell, too. For me, that first natural breath in the morning is wonderful - no imaginary smells, just sweet unfiltered unhosed unpressurized air.

I always wait until I'm wide awake before I take off the mask, because I'm afraid I'll doze off without it. Maybe that has something to do with it?

Anyway, sweet is lots better than dusty!

Cathy

... but bacon is even better than sweet ... mmmm ba con ...

Even better Maple Smoked Bacon!!! Jim What a way to wake up.

sleepless777 wrote:Just got back from a hotel. A sweet powdery smell comes from the machine. I ruled out the hose and other pieces and put in a new filter. The scent might be stuck on the outer foam filter (don't have a new one right now).

But I think it's ingrained for now from taking in general hotel room smells, like remnants of cleaning products, air fresheners, etc.

The outer foam filter is washable, soap and hot water, then rinse. Dry be squeeze it dry in a CLEAN towel. It can be cleaned until it starts to degrade. (Over 6 months)

Do NOT Wash the White Filter!!! Jim

It is a good idea to repeat the warning that any sensation that is not confirmed by others
is a possible symptom of stroke. Do not wait! Get checked out!
In the first few hours, many strokes are reversible. Later, not so much.