Cpap mask exhaust diffuser filter developing black spots overnight.

[Fvsanna]

Hi, I’m looking for some help/ answer to a concern. I have a Resmed airsense10 machine and use a F&P Eson 2 nasal mask. My mask diffuser filter has black dots that match the small “holes” in the plastic clip that holds it in place. I have removed the original “factory” filter because of this reason and use replacement filters. This occurs nightly and has raised a concern of where it’s coming from and is it harmful? We are non-smokers in our household. This has been occurring for several months. I have only used a Cpap for under 2 yrs and use my machine every night. My humidity level usually stays set at “4”. My machine was new and I find it hard to believe it’s damaged. I’ve read another feed that someone considered this may be mildew forming. Is it possible that mildew could form that quickly (roughly 8 hrs) even on a new filter. Looking for any other cpap user that my have this issue and have you found an answer? Thank you.

[Sheriff Buford]

Sounds like it is mildew or mold. I would clean the area real good with a splash of bleach or vinegar. Can you go one night without your humidifier? If it was me, I'd go one night without the humidifier and see if the black spots appear the next morning.

Sheriff

[Fvsanna]

Is it possible that mildew/mold to form so quickly? I keep my equipment clean. My masks are washed daily and I equip a new/clean one every night. After 7 hrs of use it occurred again. I’m trying to link photos to see the issue but having issue with uploading to site. Thanks for the input.

[zoocrewphoto]

Any chance there has been a candle burning?

[BlueDragon]

How does the filter in your CPAP machine look? The machine filter will be filtering air before it comes into the machine.

[Fvsanna]

As for the the reply about candles, yes my wife burns a candle in the living room every now and then. Nothing remotely close to the bedrooms which are in the back of the house. Also my machine filter is clean and is changed regularly. I’ve never seen this black on the machine filters.

[chunkyfrog]

If deposits are on the inside of the filter, take said filter to your doctor.
Are you exposed to fine particulate at work?
OSHA may be able to test the deposits for you.
Your work environment may be unsafe--or harmless . . . .
The bullfrog used to be a factory spray painter.
He wore a mask at work, and I could see overspray on his face
where his goggles and breathing mask did not cover.
The only time he did not have solvent on his breath at night
was at least a WEEK into vacation.

[Fatterthanever]

I believe this is from the black foam filter particles originating whithin the motor housing. This foam filter is installed for noise reduction and has been the cause of a huge recall in the Phillips brand dreamstation cpap model. The foam breaks down and is sent along with air to the mask. This is why your external intake filter is clean but your diffuser is showing this material, as it is being expelled from inside the blower motor housing. This is not mold, it's likey carcinogenic polyester foam particles from the machine's sound reducing internal foam filter.

[Julie]

The particles are not carcinogenic - that they are has been repeated over and over without basis in fact and I'd remove that diagnosis from the argument.

There may be a mold problem, but only you are in a position to judge that. In any case, can you possibly e.g. rent another machine (same type but different mfgr), adjust pressures etc. to fit the new machines algorithms and examine your set up closely for possible mold issues (in your home, room, use of humidifier, etc) and see if the problem persists.

[Pugsy]

OP in this thread is using a ResMed machine anyway....and it's a 2 year old post.

[chunkyfrog]

Fatterthanever, (first time poster) revived this zombie thread.
Went all the way back to early 2019 to find this oddball problem.
FIRST POST--EVER
Newbie mistake?

[palerider]

I believe

I believe in little green men visiting in a flying saucer!

[ILoveFlowers]

Fatterthanever, (first time poster) revived this zombie thread.
Went all the way back to early 2019 to find this oddball problem.
FIRST POST--EVER
Newbie mistake?

Benefit of the doubt/ the post may have come up in response to a google search and Fatter didn't notice the date on it. Cpaptalk posts are very visible on the google! That said, I wonder what it turned out to be?

[chunkyfrog]

Dust motes, body lice, bedbugs, ashes from a fire, or
even floaters inside his eyes?
Probably nothing of consequence--as usual.

[palerider]

Fatterthanever, (first time poster) revived this zombie thread.
Went all the way back to early 2019 to find this oddball problem.
FIRST POST--EVER
Newbie mistake?

Benefit of the doubt/

No, experience has taught us that first posters that come in and make some declaration are almost always full of crap, or trolls, and need to be ignored.