We are often asked " Can I safely use Essential Oils in my CPAP machine?"
With the popularity of aromatherapy and the huge number of CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine users it's a very valid question to ask.
While essential oil therapy can be of great benefit for those with sleep apnea it becomes more complicated when a CPAP machine is involved.
CPAP Forces Air Under Pressure Deep into the Lungs
You see CPAP machines force air (and pure water vapour if you use a humidifier) deep into the lungs.at significant pressure to help keep the airways open when a person sleeps.
Do Not Use Essential oils in your CPAP machine
For this reason putting essential oils in your CPAP machine is not safe.
Not only can essential oils damage your CPAP machine, but it can also cause significant injuries your mouth, throat and lungs.
It does not matter if you put the essential oils in the machine itself, in the hose, on the mask, filter or in the water of the humidifier. Forcing essential oils deep into the lungs over a number of hours every night can cause significant irritation, scarring and inflammation. This in turn can lead to poor lung function and disease.
How to Use Essential Oils Safely While Undergoing CPAP Therapy
All is not lost though.
You can still get the benefits of aromatherapy while using your CPAP machine. The trick is to scent the air around the CPAP intake with your essential oil.
We've found that the best way to do this is to place One drop only onto a disposable makeup remover pad or tissue and place this near the air intake of the CPAP machine.
This way only the very smallest amounts of the lightest, most volatile components of the essential oil are introduced to the air around the CPAP machine. This greatly reduces the risk of irritation to the lungs and eliminates damage to the CPAP machine.
A Win Win all round.
Suggested Essential Oils and Pulse Point Potions
One drop of any of the following on a tissue or makeup remover pad next to the CPAP air intake would be effective
- Roman Chamomile 3 % in Jojoba - help with sleep issues
- Breathe Easy Essential Oil Blend - can help with sinus issues
- Deep Sleep Pulse Point Potion - wonderful sleep enhancing potion
- Meditate Pulse Point Potion - a great alternative to Deep Sleep includes sandalwood essential oil
I hope this information is helpful
Enjoy!
Leonie of moon haven
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Please note: Information in this article and on the moonhaven.com.au website represents the opinion of the author and as such is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
