Odor Masking Power?

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Specializes in LTC, Dementia/Alzheimer's.

okay, so ---

we've all heard about the magic oils and gels that one can wipe under one's nose to hide odors..

are there any that really work?!

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Vicks! It helps especially with gangrene.

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Vicks! It helps especially with gangrene.

Agreed! or peppermint oil. Chewing gum or a piece of peppermint candy also helps, but that seems a bit unprofessional imo... :)

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I agree, Vicks is the one most recommended by the police officers I know that work the police wagon, which used to pick up bodies, many of which were "stinkers". I have also seen them sprinkle coffee grounds to mask that smell. Some people also like Tiger Balm, just a touch under the nose.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Where do you find peppermint oil? Do you ask for it at the pharmacy? Or is it in the baking section at the grocery store?

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Where do you find peppermint oil? Do you ask for it at the pharmacy? Or is it in the baking section at the grocery store?

The type in the baking section of the grocery store will be peppermint flavoring/extract. If you go to your local health food store, they probably have an essential oil section--at which you will probably find the peppermint oil. Careful, it's strong! :p

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Vicks.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

Hall's mentholyptus cough drops...I always have some in my pocket and if a smell gets to me I excuse myself and pop one in due to "a tickle in my throat."

Also, those little breath strips that dissolve in your mouth...use 3 or four and you can't smell a thing because your mouth is yelling at you!

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Specializes in ER, ICU,.

We put a couple of cc's pepperment oil in a bubble humidifier and turn it on 2 lpm. (you can use this on air flowmeters or O2 flowmeters) Or put a bit on a rag and place in front of fan.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC, Rehab, Hospice, Endocrine.

I never understood the Vick's thing. I attended an autopsy during my last rotation and everyone who used Vick's complained that they smelled everything...something about Vick's opening up the airway better. /shrug

Something that has been used to deodorize a room with success: open a packet of coffee (we used to get the single pot packs from supply) and pour it into a basin. Set it just inside the door of the offending room. Works great as a neutralizer. Just hope you like the smell of coffee!!! :)

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