Gritty Foul Smelling Residue In Humidifier

[Big Guy]

I just assumed that he had used water in it at some time, then forgot to do so for a while. 

Me.....my reservoir gets emptied each & every morning like clockwork. I dump the remaining tap water, then it gets wiped dry with a tissue, then allowed to air dry for a few hours. 

Initially, I did use distilled water. Got tired of trying to keep some on hand, as well as the expense. I know it's only about a buck a gallon, but that adds up over time. 

I took that money, and redirected it towards gas......for my motorcycle. 

[Melman]

Distilled water is pretty much totally "inert" -- nothing grows in it

This is a common misconception. There are bacteria that grow very well in distilled water. More growth will occur in distilled water than chlorinated tap water. I base this on years of experience dealing with microbial growth in industrial purified water systems that exceed the purity of grocery store distilled water. The only benefit to using distilled water is elimination of mineral scale.

[SideSleeper]

My husband doesn't use his humidifier and doesn't get junk of any kind in it.

[Quick]

Distilled water is pretty much totally "inert" -- nothing grows in it

This is a common misconception. There are bacteria that grow very well in distilled water. More growth will occur in distilled water than chlorinated tap water. I base this on years of experience dealing with microbial growth in industrial purified water systems that exceed the purity of grocery store distilled water. The only benefit to using distilled water is elimination of mineral scale.

yeewww. Here I had always considered distilled water as close to being a slow acting disinfectant...  good to know (I think. I might have washed my tank 3 or 4 times over the last 10 years).

[DaveL]

Good lessons here. Thanks.

I use tap water too. My ResMed humidifier reservoir developed a leak because of this.

[Big Guy]

Good lessons here. Thanks.

I use tap water too.  My ResMed humidifier reservoir developed a leak because of this.

It developed a leak cause of using tap water? 

How so?   Inquiring mind would like to know.

[ardenum]

Distilled water is pretty much totally "inert" -- nothing grows in it

This is a common misconception. There are bacteria that grow very well in distilled water. More growth will occur in distilled water than chlorinated tap water. I base this on years of experience dealing with microbial growth in industrial purified water systems that exceed the purity of grocery store distilled water. The only benefit to using distilled water is elimination of mineral scale.

Totally true! I had mold grow in my water tank directly in the distilled water for an oxygen generator. The thing looked like some sludge monster from outer space!

[ardenum]

Good lessons here. Thanks.

I use tap water too.  My ResMed humidifier reservoir developed a leak because of this.

It developed a leak cause of using tap water? 

How so?   Inquiring mind would like to know.

Once it starts building up in the cavities between the heating plate and the plastic wall, it can put pressure on the joint, when you use vinegar to remove the residue, repeat this for a few years, and with time it will start leaking.

[SarcasticDave94]

If you can get a few years out of the humidifier tub that's not bad on the mileage there. Especially since most insurances expect changing these out every few months. For you out of pocket people just change it when you want.

[Big Guy]

I'm going to see how long I can use my reservoir before it begins to fail. I see it as a piece of equipment that can possibly outlast all other pieces of CPAP. 

Then again, I have an appt. with my sleep doctor on May 6. I have truly been working on myself in an effort to want to remain on SA Therapy. This, I will discuss with him. 

I am going to see two years of treatment though, before I may decide to stop it.