Horrible new mask smell

DME rep stopped by last night to adjust my ramp up (from 4 to 10) and to have me fill out some papers. Told her of the issues I was having with mask comfort (side sleeper, can't find comfortable position where mask doesn't leak, even with liner), dry mouth, etc.

She left me with a new mask to try, a Respironics "Amara" full face mask, size M. It has a forehead rest, unlike the Quattro FX I've been using, and I found it very comfortable, but oy vey! the outgassing of fumes! No way I could try to wear that to bed last night.

I put the mask in an oversized ziplock bag with a bunch of crumpled up newspapers (I read somewhere a long time ago that newspaper absorbs odors) last night. Will check it after work tonight to see if that old wive's tale is for real.

Is there anything that can help get rid of that awful platic, petroleum stench? That smell is nasty.

Put a new refrigerator deodorizer in with it.
Or put something that smells good behind the machine tonight.
(like a lavender-scented candle-unlit) You can move it closer or farther as it suits you.
I would suggest washing it, but that may or may not work--the silicone needs to out-gas at its own speed.

Did you give it a good wash before you tried to use it?? Much of our gear is made in China.... who knows what it was near or packed with that was smelly. I wash my gear in baby shampoo so everything smells like a new babe

No, I didn't wash it. I just assumed that the odor came from the outgassing and wouldn't wash off, but I'll definitely do that when I get home tonight.

Baking soda is supposed to remove odors as well. Do you think it would damage the silicone or whatever material the mask is made of?

ellen1159 wrote:No, I didn't wash it. I just assumed that the odor came from the outgassing and wouldn't wash off, but I'll definitely do that when I get home tonight.

Baking soda is supposed to remove odors as well. Do you think it would damage the silicone or whatever material the mask is made of?

Baking soda should not harm it at all. Drink it for an antacid, put in my shampoo, brush my teeth... etc., it is really amazing stuff.

Try soaking the mask in a baking soda solution for an hour or so, then wash in with a liquid soap and see if that helps. If it doesn't toss it in the trash or return it.

I'm with Nan, I always wash new masks with baby shampoo, rinse well and let air dry, smells like a baby's "tush"!

I soak my nasal pillows in a mixture of water and white vinegar plus the original palmalive (green) dish soap (not too much).
I am very sensitive to scents.
Sorry Chunkyfrog, no Lavender or smelly stuff for me, all of those things make me sick. I try to have a scent free home.

Bryansong