Off Gassing is Killing Me!

just got a new CPAP machine, Respironics M-Series and a Forma mask.

the off gassing from the machine itself, the air hose/tube, and the mask is killing me: severe headache, teary/burning eyes, sore/burning nose and throat.

what can be done to remove the noxious smell from the machine, hose, and the mask/seal/foam???

I cannot use the CPAP like this.

Cancel the machine's "auto off' if it's on, and let the machine run for a few hours in a well ventilated room.

Soak the hose and masks in lukewarm, soapy water (mild soap) some masks (notably Fisher and Paykel's) say to soal them for 10 min only -- others can take 30 - 60 minutes.

If jules doens't catch your post - PM her -- she has a lot personal experience with that problem -- and I couldn't locate her posts...

O.

If it has a heated humidifier I would pull the tank and scrub it good.

zumbooruk wrote:just got a new CPAP machine, Respironics M-Series and a Forma mask.

the off gassing from the machine itself, the air hose/tube, and the mask is killing me: severe headache, teary/burning eyes, sore/burning nose and throat.

what can be done to remove the noxious smell from the machine, hose, and the mask/seal/foam???

I cannot use the CPAP like this.

In quickly looking up your mask, it looks like it has foam in it. I cannot wear any mask with a foam insert because of the odor--makes me sick and gives me headaches. Nothing I've tried with the foam-type masks gets rid of it enough for me.

As someone else suggested, run the machine for a few hours without being attached to it. I don't like much of anything with a fragrance, but I love the orange smell of a particular antibacterial handsoap. And although they say not to use that type of soap, I often will use it on new seals and cushions because it helps get rid of that "new" smell. Letting them sit out for a couple of weeks helps, too, although if it's the only mask you have, you can't do that!

I don't remember noticing an odor from my new machine, but I definitely notice one with new seals and cushions. I agree, it can be extremely bothersome to the point I just can't wear them until most of the odor is gone.

Pam

I wonder if placing a small bowl of backing soda by the machine's air intake while it is running would help.