Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

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GearChange
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Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by GearChange » Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:27 pm

I don't see why not.
CPAP humidifiers work in exactly the same way as regular steamers except with far less temperature (for obvious reasons).
Adding a drop or two of the Vicks Vapo Steam (or similar products) to the humidifier water should have the same effect. Just don't go pouring in a half a bottle of the stuff in your humidifier, unless you want to cough and gag all night.
Just one or two drops in a full humidifier will do wonders for that pesky cough.
Even though I have had extensive experience with the use and functionality of several types of different PAP machines,no information in my posts should be put in practice unless cleared by your own medical practitioner first.
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vandownbytheriver
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by vandownbytheriver » Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:57 pm

GearChange wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:27 pm
 I don't see why not.
(snip)
Just put VapoRub on your upper lip. There's a reason that pure water is spec'd for the tank. Have a thought for the hose too... aromatics don't belong in the system.

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Conrad
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by Conrad » Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:54 am

GearChange wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:27 pm
 I don't see why not.
CPAP humidifiers work in exactly the same way as regular steamers except with far less temperature (for obvious reasons).
Adding a drop or two of the Vicks Vapo Steam (or similar products) to the humidifier water should have the same effect. Just don't go pouring in a half a bottle of the stuff in your humidifier, unless you want to cough and gag all night.
Just one or two drops in a full humidifier will do wonders for that pesky cough.
Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and have done this, why as us?

I wouldn't do it but that's me.

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GearChange
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by GearChange » Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:02 am

vandownbytheriver wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 14, 2024 9:57 pm
GearChange wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:27 pm
 I don't see why not.
(snip)
Just put VapoRub on your upper lip. There's a reason that pure water is spec'd for the tank. Have a thought for the hose too... aromatics don't belong in the system.
Yup that will work too but just so we are clear, the reason for recommending DISTILLED water instead of tap water in the humidifier, is to ensure that you are not inhaling pathogens that may be lurking around in tap water. Also tap water may leave scaling behind.
Even though I have had extensive experience with the use and functionality of several types of different PAP machines,no information in my posts should be put in practice unless cleared by your own medical practitioner first.
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GearChange
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by GearChange » Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:05 am

Conrad wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:54 am
GearChange wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:27 pm
Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and have done this, why as us?

I wouldn't do it but that's me.
Hey, it's a free world.
Even though I have had extensive experience with the use and functionality of several types of different PAP machines,no information in my posts should be put in practice unless cleared by your own medical practitioner first.
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Conrad
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by Conrad » Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:11 am

GearChange wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:05 am
Conrad wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 15, 2024 6:54 am
GearChange wrote: ↑
Thu Mar 14, 2024 8:27 pm
Sounds to me like you've already made up your mind and have done this, why as us?

I wouldn't do it but that's me.
Hey, it's a free world.
Since when?

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Dog Slobber
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by Dog Slobber » Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:37 am

GearChange wrote: ↑
Fri Mar 15, 2024 7:02 am
 Yup that will work too but just so we are clear, the reason for recommending DISTILLED water instead of tap water in the humidifier, is to ensure that you are not inhaling pathogens that may be lurking around in tap water. Also tap water may leave scaling behind.
Not according to ResMed. According to ResMed the reason is purely to prevent scaling.

https://www.resmed.com/en-us/covid-19/
There’s a shortage of distilled water where I live. What can I use as an alternative for my CPAP humidification?

As stated in our clinical and user guides, optimal humidifier performance requires distilled water. That’s because most or all of its minerals have been removed, preventing mineral buildup in the humidifier tub. That said, tap or bottled water may also be used. It will not harm the device or pose a risk to patients. It will, however, require more rigorous humidifier cleaning to prevent excess mineral buildup in the tub.

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lazarus
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Re: Can I put a few drops of Vick Vapo Steam in my CPAP Humidifier?

Post by lazarus » Fri Mar 15, 2024 1:29 pm

And according to a blog entry hosted by our host:
Can you add anything to CPAP water? The list of substances you should add . . .--https://www.cpap.com/blog/cpap-water/

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