Ozium: odor killing frenemy?

[InsomniacGuy]

Some folks have suggested Ozium as an effective means of eliminating (not covering) smoke odor in CPAP machines and parts.

Curious about this, I did some cursory reading. Ozium contains phthalates, and this article from TIME mentions Ozium specifically and is a succinct summary of the health concerns related to phthalates:

http://content.time.com/time/health/art ... 54,00.html

Generally, I assume that chemicals that clean or deodorize can react to parts inside a CPAP machine and yield byproducts or cause effects that may be unintended and/or undesirable. For instance, I read that strong acids and bases can cause deterioration of medical grade silicone, but weak acids and bases in dilute concentrations did not damage silicone. (Vinegar is a weak acid. A solution of water and baking soda is a weak base.)

Admittedly, I am in the 1 percent of paranoia about chemicals and chemical reactions and their potential effects on health, and I know the ambient air that blows through the machines isn't so pure and chemical free, but still... maybe the fewer chemicals the better.

[Sleeprider]

From what I've read, Ozium spray can contribute to phthalate inhalation exposure. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is ubiquitous in the environment, and in particular is what give medical devices like a new CPAP or CPAP hose that new plastics smell. Those of us that have used this material in a machine, have not advocated inhaling the spray, but use this to remove odors, then air the machines out. In my experience by the time the device is used, it is less objectionable than a new unit.

The U.S. EPA I.R.I.S. provides acute and carcinogenic risk for many chemicals. Here is DEHP risk evaluation for oral and inhalation pathways http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0014.htm It's easier to say that you'll have to assess your own level of risk acceptance, but for me, the exposures imposed by cleaning with Ozium, in a non-confined atmosphere, and letting the equipment fully air out, falls into the acceptable (negligible) range. The amounts being used are miniscule, and we are not inhaling the vapor. As risks go in daily life, this one falls pretty far down the list for me.

Here is a more plain English risk assessment from ATSDR http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp73.pdf

[chunkyfrog]

I hope no one thinks that Ozium should be used inside an active therapy device or its accessories.
I would also hope that anyone would avoid spraying directly on to the silicone!
silicone absorbs odors, all kinds.
The vapor alone is quite effective, and dissipates within an hour or two--even inside a sealed plastic bag.
{{{{which, of course is thoroughly aired out afterwards!}}}}
If one is opposed to using a product containing phthalates, then they can use a baking soda paste,
and time. Or just discard the stinky silicone and buy new. It's a pity the manufacturers have elected to use
hard plastics that warp when boiled. It does make assembly easier, but extended use is restricted.

[SGearhart]

We used Ozium in aircraft after somebody decided to show-off what they had previously eaten. The way I remember, the directions on the can stated to spray and leave the area for 30 minutes to an hour.

[InsomniacGuy]

From what I've read, Ozium spray can contribute to phthalate inhalation exposure. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is ubiquitous in the environment, and in particular is what give medical devices like a new CPAP or CPAP hose that new plastics smell. Those of us that have used this material in a machine, have not advocated inhaling the spray, but use this to remove odors, then air the machines out. In my experience by the time the device is used, it is less objectionable than a new unit.

The U.S. EPA I.R.I.S. provides acute and carcinogenic risk for many chemicals. Here is DEHP risk evaluation for oral and inhalation pathways http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0014.htm It's easier to say that you'll have to assess your own level of risk acceptance, but for me, the exposures imposed by cleaning with Ozium, in a non-confined atmosphere, and letting the equipment fully air out, falls into the acceptable (negligible) range. The amounts being used are miniscule, and we are not inhaling the vapor. As risks go in daily life, this one falls pretty far down the list for me.

Here is a more plain English risk assessment from ATSDR http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp73.pdf

Thanks for the articles -- interesting stuff.

Your comment about the new CPAP /hose smell helps me identify that weird fragrance I have experienced from two new-ish machines (one CPAP and one Auto PAP). For me, the smell is like a fragrance that might be used in a cleaning chemical. I found a similar smell in a plastic storage tote box today. So, I bet that's the phtalates odor.

How long does it take with normal usage for the new smell to fade? Any ways to accelerate the fading of that that smell from the new CPAP machine / hose safely? I was thinking about putting it in the sun or on top of a steam radiator.

Sometimes, I wake up with "CPAP-lung", where I spend the day attempting to get something out of my lungs. I clear my throat -- not really a cough.

Wonder if this odor could be a contributing factor.

I don't smell it in the mask, but the mask is now 2 months old.

[Sleeprider]

The smell airs out in a week or two, and you can accelerate that by washing in diluted white vinegar solution and rinsing. It really is the same smell, and that may be why the Ozium works so well. It is a glycol sanitizer and you definitely don't want to be huffing the live vapor. Just like the new machine, it dissipates after drying and airing out.

The links are pretty standard health risk assessment sources, and I have done a lot of work with environmental air toxics inventory and risk assessment over the years. It's kind of funny how people will engage in relatively high risk activities on a daily basis, then have a cow when a chemical name gets involved. Phthalates are everywhere, and in your new CPAP equipment, but they do de-gas pretty quickly, and most of the toxics concerns are via ingestion, especially infant exposure from plastic bottles and food canning processes.

[chunkyfrog]

I would NEVER endorse putting a cpap machine in the sun or on top of a heat source.
Just not a good idea. Just take it out of the box, and place in a cool, well-ventilated place.