Ever add anything to your humidifier water?

[Rip Van Winkle]

I tried to do a search on this but came up empty:

Do any of you folks add anything to your humidifier water? I don't know...like saline or a mentholyptus cough drop. I get congested in the winter and was tempted to add some Afrin to mine but quickly wised up - so I just thought I'd ask you guys

[jmelby]

No..... just don't do it. Not only would it likely void any warranty on the machine, this is just a bad idea. If you search for aromatherapy, you'll find people talking about putting scents by the air intake. Personally, that sounds awful as I am very sensitive to scents, but some seem to like it.

[Wulfman]

And, stay away from Afrin......PERIOD!
The rebound effects only make the original problem worse......and it'll be hard to get off of it.


Den

[bearded_two]

Afrin wouldn't do anything if it is put into the humidifier, the active ingredient would just stay in the water. Most CPAP humidifier water chambers have an aluminum plate in the bottom, and adding certain things to the water can corrode the aluminum.

[Wulfman]

Afrin wouldn't do anything if it is put into the humidifier, the active ingredient would just stay in the water. Most CPAP humidifier water chambers have an aluminum plate in the bottom, and adding certain things to the water can corrode the aluminum.

That's true, but I was implying not to be putting it up his nose. If it's in the house (he was tempted to put some in the humidifier) it may be being used as a direct decongestant. There are too many sad examples of people getting hooked on it.


Den

[sleeplessinaz]

oh no---don't ever add anything to the water in your humidifier. Like someone else said--it might void your warranty, or goof up your machine--it is not a good idea at all. You want that chamber to stay nice and clear.

Carrie

[Jersey Girl]

As others have already said, definitely do NOT put anything into the humidifier water. It will mess up your machine.

If you are congested I recommend going to the doctor and asking about the following:

1. Flonase Nasal Spray- it helps to maintain proper moisture in the nasal passages
2. Astepro Nasal Spray - Has an antihistimine in is safe to use

3. Musinex - sold over the counter - but I would use it in conjunction with the above if you are very congested.

Again, I would definitely consult with your doctor. My husband got "hooked" on Afrin and that was very bad. I myself use Flonase and Astepro and find them to be very necessary during the winter months.

Wishing you good health,

Jersey Girl

[Paul56]

Some add ice cubes / chunks... also made from distilled water.

[GumbyCT]

Until recently, I did not have a cold in my 3yrs. on cpap. The 1st nite I felt the congestion, I tried switching back to my FFM. After a couple hours of that I fumbled thru the basement storage to find an unopened but old jar of Vicks.

Applying the Vicks along with nasal saline spray and rinse did the trick for me. Once I turn the hose on - the pressure kept my passages open the rest of the nite.

fwiw - I even put some Vicks on my nasal pillows w/o a problem.

[steelheadid]

I would not add anything to your water or even use aromatherapy next to the intake. Remember whatever goes into the system ends up in your lungs. From a person who has lung, problems it is not a pleasant feeling.

[Judy R]

Never ever use anything in your humidifer except the distilled water. I use "Pur-Sleep" on occasion. I use a FF mask for two reasons, one- I tend to get colds very easily, and two- I'm a mouth breather any way. I do sometimes use a nasal spray, but not Afran, it's highly addictive. Maybe calling the Dr. would be a wise choice. Take care of yourself, and I hope you get to feeling better really soon.

[ifrimmel]

A few days ago - I dropped about 10-20 Morton's Kosher Salt Crystals into a gallon of the distilled water - the way I figured it .. is that it would create a saline mist .. to alleviate some of the congestion I had been having - I think most of the crystals managed to deposit themselves on the bottom of the humidifier - leaving a white "scale" on the aluminum. All I know is that I woke up with a burning throat and nose, and thirsty as all hell. Won't do that again.

[FigeFaislange]

thanks

[Summergirl]

When I turn my CPAP on the air smells funny I was thinking of putting something in water like vanilla. Anyone have any ideas

[Wulfman...]

When I turn my CPAP on the air smells funny I was thinking of putting something in water like vanilla. Anyone have any ideas

Clean the tank and clean/change the air intake filters.
Otherwise, your bedroom may be the source of the "funny" smells.
And, use distilled water.......and NO "additives".


Den

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