CPAP – Page 3 – Plentiful Air

A CPAP machine smells like it's burning because the water level in the humidifier compartment is low. Burnt wiring, mold or a dirty CPAP machine can also create a burning smell. Approximately 22 million of us suffer from sleep apnea, with many needing the help of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Unfortunately, if a CPAP machine begins to smell like smoke, or like it's burning, then it can't be used. This guide helps you understand why your CPAP machine smells like it's burning. It also gives you easy-to-follow steps to fix each problem. 4 Reasons Why Your CPAP Machine Has A Burning Smell 1. Dirty components A dirty CPAP machine can give off a burning or smoky smell. Dirty hoses, housing, and mask cushions can all contribute to the burning smell from your CPAP. Which is why CPAP manufacturers recommend regular cleaning. It's also important to note that anything that comes into contact with water is an ideal breeding ground for hazardous bacteria, odors, and viruses, and a CPAP is certainly one of them. These nasty germs also create smells that mix with the burning odor. You're exposed to these pollutants every time you take a breath if they aren't removed with regular cleaning. Check inside the fan housing area and clean both the fan, and housing. It's possible that a build-up of dirt in this area can result in the fan making contact with the housing, and creating a burning smell from the plastic-on-plastic contact. Check for yellowing, softening, stickiness, straining, and discoloration on the mask cushion and headgear. The mask cushion will last longer if washed on a daily or weekly basis. If your mask cushion has not been replaced in more than 6 to 9 months, it's time to get a new one. If your headgear is longer, discolored, misshaped, or stiffening up in areas it is time to replace it. Always clean the components of your CPAP, including the hoses, mask, and filter, according to the recommendations in your specific user handbook. If you don't have it anymore you can contact the manufacturer to get a digital copy. 2. Low water A CPAP machine will give off a burning odor when the water in the humidifier chamber is low and the humidifier is in use. This is the most common cause of a burning CPAP smell. The higher your CPAP pressure and the higher your humidifier temperature is set, the more water will be used and depleted, leading to a burning smell. Some newer models automatically switch off when the water level drops this low, but older models will keep running. Water is needed for CPAP humidifiers to work effectively. However, CPAP machines can also be used without a humidifier or water chamber and still deliver dry air to your mask. Check the water level in your humidifier, and refill if necessary. Turn off or disconnect the humidifier component to confirm this is the cause of the burning smell. Avoid water being depleted quickly, by turning the heat on the humidifier down a notch. Insulate the line and avoid extra moisture loss by using a CPAP tubing cover. Avoid overfilling the water chamber as it will result in a gurgling sound and spitting water. Ask your CPAP provider about the availability of humidifier chambers with a larger water capacity. 3. Mold The air going in and out of the CPAP machine can spread mold to all of the equipment's components. If your system has a smoky and musty odor, it's most likely accumulating mold. Remember mold can grow inside your device even if you don't use a humidifier because of the damp air you exhale each night. Molds commonly found indoors can grow on practically any surface if oxygen, water, and organic materials are available, which explains why mold can grow in a CPAP machine. Some CPAP mold symptoms are obvious, like black growths on the inside of your hose. It helps to kept an eye out for evidence of mold in your CPAP device, as well as any mold symptoms that may affect your health. Smell, dust, discoloration, and a dirty humidifier are all indicators of mold in your CPAP machine. Mold can be avoided by cleaning your CPAP machine thoroughly and on a regular basis. If you don't see the mold until it is well established, contact your CPAP provider to help you remove it, as some parts may need replacing. 4. Burnt wiring Burnt wiring is a common cause of CPAP machines creating a burning odor. This is common, not only with CPAP machines but also with most other household appliances, like kettles. There will always be a burning odor whenever there is burnt wiring. Fortunately, many CPAPs feature a smoke detector that will turn them off if the wiring is burnt. Burnt power cords, circuit boards, and wiring within the humidifier component have all been reported by people that use CPAP machines. Most burnt wiring is the result of poor connections at the time of manufacture. So this is more common in newer CPAPs. While burnt circuit boards is more common in older units. If you suspect burnt wiring, try a different power cord, which is usually an IEC type, and then contact your CPAP provider to obtain a replacement unit. If you can, keep a backup machine on hand to use while your wait for a new one. Related Information CPAP machines and fire Although it's quite rare, a CPAP machine can catch fire. Because most CPAP machines don't have an oxygen supply (which is needed for fire) catching fire is highly unusual. However, use of oxygen therapy in conjunction with a CPAP machine can increase the likelihood. In one of the most famous cases, James Proctor a patient with sleep apnea from Chicago filed a lawsuit against his landlord and the CPAP machine manufacturer when it caught fire in December 2013. But this is 10 years ago, and just highlights how rare a CPAP catching fire is. How to get rid of the smell in a CPAP machine Cleaning your CPAP will remove any smells. If you don't clean it regularly enough, dust, oils, and dead skin cells can accumulate on the inside, creating a breeding environment for bacteria, mold, and germs. There are special cleaning products and instructions for cleaning each part of your CPAP machine outlined in your user manual. However, warm, clean water, light soap or dish detergent, and vinegar are usually all you will need to clean it. When you're finished, wipe it down with a clean, dry towel. During cleaning, there are essential factors to consider: Always unplug it first. Wipe the outside with a clean, moist cloth to eliminate any dust. Before plugging it back in, dry it with a clean towel to make sure it is totally dry. How to clean a CPAP machine Turn off the electricity to your CPAP machine. Unplug the CPAP machine and remove the mask and air tubing. Dismantle your mask into three pieces (headgear, cushion and frame). Clean your mask cushion and headpiece in a sink or tub to remove any oils. To clean the mask, avoid using aromatic-based solutions/scented oils, antibacterial soaps, dish detergents, alcohol, bleach, strong-smelling items e.g soaps, and the washing machine or dryer. Rub gently with warm, safe to drink water. Note: Stronger cleaning agents, such as dish detergents, should be avoided because they may destroy the mask or leave a toxic residue. Detergents may produce cracks in your mask, resulting in skin irritation and poor mask performance, while a dryer is likely to cause damage and require replacement. Rinse thoroughly with warm, safe-to-drink water once more. To dry the cushion and frame, place them on a flat surface on top of a towel. Keep them out of direct sunshine. Clean the air tubing and humidifier with warm water and dry them. Note: When it comes to cleaning your CPAP machine, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Regular cleaning is vital not only for health reasons but also to help you get the most out of your CPAP machine. Most importantly, it can help you save money by extending the life of your equipment, which means you will not have to replace parts as frequently. The symptoms of a dirty CPAP machine If a CPAP machine is dirty it will have a bad smell and can cause skin irritation, frequent illness, and often a runny nose. Doctors and CPAP manufacturers recommend regular cleaning of CPAP machines to prevent such symptoms and ensure effective breathing support. You'll know if your CPAP machine is dirty if you haven't been cleaning it regularly, and most importantly, by simply looking at it. Look for symptoms of yellowing, softening, stickiness, straining, and discoloration on the mask cushion, which is the part that touches your face or nose. Examine whether the mask headgear that wraps around your head is longer, discolored, misshaped, or hardening up in places. These are all indicators that your headgear needs to be replaced. Smell the air that comes from your CPAP tube when it is attached to your running machine. If you detect any weird, mildew-like, or odoriferous odors, it is time to wash the tubing or replace it. Check the CPAP filter on the rear of your machine as well. If you can see a discolored line on your filter, see particles erupt into the air, or feel dirt on your fingertip, it is time to either replace the filter or clean it. If your CPAP filter keeps turning black Plentiful Air has a detailed guide on how to fix the problem available here.