Decongestant in the humidifier water - naughty?

What’s the word on putting a few drops of decongestant (e.g. Olbas Oil) in the heated humidifier water? Is it a no-no? Do manufacturers freak out or is it ok?

Gregg

I would think (but this is JUST A GUESS) that it would depend rather highly on whether the decongestant was made of something that would react poorly with the lining of your humidifier or the hose or the mask.

And, I suppose, whether the decongestant was made to be heated.

I don't think I'd try it, but that may just be that I'm more wimpy than you are.

Liam, scared of his own shadow.

That stuff isn't made to go right into your nose. I would be very cautious...


Mike who runs with scissors...

Mikesus wrote:That stuff isn't made to go right into your nose. I would be very cautious...

Well, my initial thought was "Vicks Vapo-Steam", that's made to be put into hot air humidifiers, which people often then sit and directly inhale.

But I think that stuff might be slightly caustic, and I wouldn't want it to eat away at the lining of hose, mask or humidifier. I don't think one or two small drops of it would harm your nose, though. (Then again, I'm not a doctor).

Mikesus wrote:Mike who runs with scissors...

Ah yes, memories of when I removed my own appendix.


Liam, who no longer runs with anything more dangerous than a large bowl of jello. Then again, he rarely runs, so the point is somewhat moot.

I am pretty sure I saw in the instructions for my humidifier that you aren't supposed to put anything other than water in it...



(I found that out AFTER my elbow wouldn't fit... )


Seriously tho, you might wanna talk to your Doc about Flonase or Vancenase AQ (or any other steroid type inhaler) Just remember when you use those to go up and away from your nose so you don't cause any damage (got that tidbit from National Jewish when I was there for my Asthma). Definately do not use Afrin. Not only does it cause congestion rebound, it also eats away at the underlying structures...

A real no no.
The use of the vaposteam and aromatic oil based substances are more placebo than effective. The only thing this does is coat your blinds, mirrors and carpet. It is of very limited value in breathing problems. Forget it.

The use of afrin, flonase or any other things will NOT be inhaled at all. All that comes up from the water is WATER. Everything stays in the chamber. This includes virus, bacteria, etc.
Put only WATER in chamber.

Putting aside the issue of additives to the water. How significant is the issue of whether the water is distilled or not? Distilled water is recommended, and I understand this is because salts and minerals in some water supplies could cause corrosion to aluminium plate used Respironcs humidifier for eg. But I IMHO providng the unit is washed and dried daily after use tap water should be fine. Comments please for humidifier users

Davidmcc wrote:Putting aside the issue of additives to the water. How significant is the issue of whether the water is distilled or not? Distilled water is recommended, and I understand this is because salts and minerals in some water supplies could cause corrosion to aluminium plate used Respironcs humidifier for eg. But I IMHO providng the unit is washed and dried daily after use tap water should be fine. Comments please for humidifier users

Personally I wouldn't want inhale the stuff that is in tap water. (try distilling some tapwater some time and you will understand, I have a sears distiller and the stuff that is left behind smells like sewer...) I would at least filter it if you are going to do that.

Hi all,

I started out using filtered water from my refrigerator (activated carbon filter I believe). I was amazed at the "stuff" left in the bottom of the humidifier around and on the heater plate especially. That no longer occurs with distilled water -- so from a cleaning perspective, it seems better. I drain the chamber and open to dry every few days and it seems to work ok -- no sinus problems, and definately no build up of "stuff". I try to clean with Ivory soap every weekend, but don't always make that.

I used to have a lot of sinus trouble, and since I have been using C/APAP with heated humidifier, my sinuses have been better than they have in years! I am seriously considering an Aussie heated hose so I can really crank it up!

I live in Southern California, with very hard, very alkaline water -- those of you with naturally "softer" water may not have this problem. I don't know where all of you are, but anyone in the Southwest part of the US should probably be using distilled water to avoid corrosion and breathing the mineral residue that builds up. If you must use tap water, I would check frequently for hard water deposits and use a mild white vinegar solution to clean your equipment. Then you have to get the vinegar smell out, so I am back to distilled...

I will NOT put anything but distilled water in my humidifier -- it is an expensive accessory that needs to be treated well so it lasts! Change the oil in your car on schedule, rotate the tires, use distilled water in your humidifier (and car battery?) and they will last longer and serve you well. (Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance!)

That's my take on it!

Sleep well,

Jane

I agree with Jane. I tried to go the cheap route with tap water all the time in my first humidifier chamber. Wasn't worth it considering the inconvenience of trying to soak the sediments off the plastic walls. Not to mention the damage the tap water was doing to the aluminum bottom.

Distilled water is so cheap - that's all I ever use now, just adding as needed. The plastic chamber stays crystal clear. Much, much easier and more economical in the long run, imho.