Menthol humidifier additive

I just got a bad virus. My son is with us from the UK, while he decides where he would like to live. He travels about 80% and can live anywhere. We're in FL. Anyway, he came home with a really bad virus on New Years Eve and is still very, very, sick and congested. Now, I'm following in his footsteps.

I use an S9. I've read the documentation...no additives. But, wouldn't it be nice if a small amount of liquid methol could be added to the humidifier when you're experiencing congestion, coughing, etc.? Vicks does make a liquid for use in the large, room size heated humidifier.

Don't laugh...but, I've used Vicks for years around the base of my nostrils when I'm sick. I stopped when I got the CPAP.

I wouldn't. They wouldn't say that in the documentation if there wasn't a reason.

Wonka wrote:I just got a bad virus. My son is with us from the UK, while he decides where he would like to live. He travels about 80% and can live anywhere. We're in FL. Anyway, he came home with a really bad virus on New Years Eve and is still very, very, sick and congested. Now, I'm following in his footsteps.

I use an S9. I've read the documentation...no additives. But, wouldn't it be nice if a small amount of liquid methol could be added to the humidifier when you're experiencing congestion, coughing, etc.? Vicks does make a liquid for use in the large, room size heated humidifier.

Don't laugh...but, I've used Vicks for years around the base of my nostrils when I'm sick. I stopped when I got the CPAP.

I used some recently around my nares, etc. w/o any damage to my nasal pillows. If that is what you are worried about.

If you only have one mask and are not due another don't try it but if you have a spare you might be surprised that the petroleum warnings must be for something else.

I wouldn't put anything into the chamber. You would never get it out. I saw a thread the other day about putting a lavender sachet behind the intake. Maybe you could set an open jar of Vicks behind it and let me know how it works!

Lizistired wrote: Maybe you could set an open jar of Vicks behind it and let me know how it works!

I know a guy who swears by that, every nite. But when I tried it I couldn't smell anything.

Come to think of it once I got my sinuses open - putting on the cpap pressure kept them open nicely.

I have put Vicks on a cotton ball and placed it by the intake when I am congested to help sooth my throat and help with the cough and congestion (I don't care if it is just a placebo effect from childhood memories if it helps why not?).

The Vicks will last through the night and I have even used it more than one night (same cotton ball and Vicks from the night before) with the smell a little less strong.

My DME told to about the vicks behind the intake. He said just take off the lid and set it there. But, he also told me he wasn't suppose to tell patients that.
I have done it...it's nice.

Several years ago, I bought a little gadget called a water-free vaporizer.
It plugged into the wall like a night light and ran for 8 hours on a rather expensive little refill like an air freshener.
It worked--but was pricey to use; so I'm glad you folks have so many good ideas.

I myself HAVE used a few "drops" of liquid vicks in my water chamber with no problems, it rinsed out just fine.

I would NOT put anything but distilled water in the tank. This is a direct route to your LUNGS and it can be dangerous IMHO. The humidifier works like a distiller and can aerosolize little particles that can go into the lungs.

I don't see anything wrong with putting a bit of menthol on a cotton ball behind the intake filter. But NOT in the tank!

I've been using Pur-sleep's essential oil with eucalyptus in it.... it has helped me with congestions the last few nights. A drop or two on a disk by the filter intake......

jazzer4 wrote:My DME told to about the vicks behind the intake. He said just take off the lid and set it there. But, he also told me he wasn't suppose to tell patients that.
I have done it...it's nice.

I like that idea. But, if you put a cotton ball in the intake of the S9 humidifier, doesn't the air pressure blow it into the water? Or, are you suggesting the filter intake (like Emilia)?

Emilia posted, "I've been using Pur-sleep's essential oil with eucalyptus in it.... it has helped me with congestions the last few nights. A drop or two on a disk by the filter intake. I haven't heard of that product, but that also seems like a good idea. I wonder if a few drops on the filter would be ok?

As far as the equipment goes I don't see how a couple of minimal drops of a liquid would hurt the chamber, although I also use a Climateline hose...I suppose it could create problems with the sensor.

I used a little Vicks around my Nares (I've learned a new word since finding this website). It helped. If Lansinoh can be used without damaging the pillows, why not Vicks? Aren't both petroleum based?

There are so many good, helpful ideas here. I can't tell everyone how thankful I am for finding this site. I do appreciate the cautionary side as well. Thanks again!

Wonka wrote:I used a little Vicks around my Nares (I've learned a new word since finding this website). It helped. If Lansinoh can be used without damaging the pillows, why not Vicks? Aren't both petroleum based?

NO, Lansinoh is pure lanolin. Tho I have tried some petroleum products including vicks and triple anti-biotic ointments (plus another med I think) with out any adverse affect to my Aeiomed nasal pillows.

NOTE: If your pillows are made of a different material you should experiment carefully and be sure you have a replacement "On Hand" in case you have troubles.

GumbyCT wrote:

Wonka wrote:I used a little Vicks around my Nares (I've learned a new word since finding this website). It helped. If Lansinoh can be used without damaging the pillows, why not Vicks? Aren't both petroleum based?

NO, Lansinoh is pure lanolin. Tho I have tried some petroleum products including vicks and triple anti-biotic ointments (plus another med I think) with out any adverse affect to my Aeiomed nasal pillows.

NOTE: If your pillows are made of a different material you should experiment carefully and be sure you have a replacement "On Hand" in case you have troubles.

Of course, that's why it's called 100% Lanolin. You would think I would know that. But, I guess since it looked like grease to me, it must be petroleum based. Now, I'll have to find out what Lanolin comes from. LOL I have no idea what the Swift LT pillow is made of.