Difference between revisions of "CPAP humidifier water"
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| − | There are many opinions on what type of water to use in a CPAP humidifier. The safety and quality of your water supply may be the key consideration in deciding whether to use distilled, boiled, filtered or tap water in the humidifier. Boiling water will kill microbes, but it will not remove minerals or chemical contaminants. Filtered water may remove some of the minerals but may not remove living organisms or other chemicals. Bottled water that has been distilled might be the safest option. | + | There are many opinions on what type of water to use in a [[CPAP humidifier]]. The safety and quality of your water supply may be the key consideration in deciding whether to use distilled, boiled, filtered or tap water in the humidifier. Boiling water will kill microbes, but it will not remove minerals or chemical contaminants. Filtered water may remove some of the minerals but may not remove living organisms or other chemicals. Bottled water that has been distilled might be the safest option. |
As for whether you're required to use distilled water in the CPAP humidifier: most manufacturers do recommend the use of distilled water. According to ResMed’s product website, the use of distilled water "will maximize the life of the water tub and reduce mineral deposits." The site also points out that it's okay to occasionally use tap water to clean the equipment. But since the water tub is typically replaced on a regular basis — perhaps every 6 months — maximizing the product life may not be a major concern. The degree of hard mineralization that is present will depend on your water supply. | As for whether you're required to use distilled water in the CPAP humidifier: most manufacturers do recommend the use of distilled water. According to ResMed’s product website, the use of distilled water "will maximize the life of the water tub and reduce mineral deposits." The site also points out that it's okay to occasionally use tap water to clean the equipment. But since the water tub is typically replaced on a regular basis — perhaps every 6 months — maximizing the product life may not be a major concern. The degree of hard mineralization that is present will depend on your water supply. | ||
Revision as of 02:41, 8 February 2014
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There are many opinions on what type of water to use in a CPAP humidifier. The safety and quality of your water supply may be the key consideration in deciding whether to use distilled, boiled, filtered or tap water in the humidifier. Boiling water will kill microbes, but it will not remove minerals or chemical contaminants. Filtered water may remove some of the minerals but may not remove living organisms or other chemicals. Bottled water that has been distilled might be the safest option.
As for whether you're required to use distilled water in the CPAP humidifier: most manufacturers do recommend the use of distilled water. According to ResMed’s product website, the use of distilled water "will maximize the life of the water tub and reduce mineral deposits." The site also points out that it's okay to occasionally use tap water to clean the equipment. But since the water tub is typically replaced on a regular basis — perhaps every 6 months — maximizing the product life may not be a major concern. The degree of hard mineralization that is present will depend on your water supply.
If you're traveling to a part of the world where you don't trust the water supply, you should use distilled water in the humidifier. If water's not safe for you to drink, it's probably safer to not put it in your CPAP. Using distilled water in this case will minimize your exposure to potentially harmful substances. In addition, the use of tap water within Neti pots in Louisiana has led to a few reports of harmful parasite infections affecting the brain. The same risk has not been demonstrated with the use of CPAP, however.
Ultimately, you must be aware that you'll be exposing your lungs to the water placed in the humidifier, which may motivate you to clean it on a more regular basis. Moreover, you must not place any substances in the tank that would be harmful to breathe. Perfumes, cologne, or scented oils should not be placed in the water. Exposure to fumes from bleach, alcohol, chlorine or ammonia may damage your lungs. The use of moisturizing, antibacterial, and glycerine-based soaps is also discouraged. Water softeners and descaling agents should also not be used in the reservoir.
If you question the safety or quality of your water supply, err on the side of caution and use distilled water in your CPAP humidifier. This is especially true if you are traveling in regions of the world with unsafe water supplies. Tap water may lead to mineralization of your water tank and the potential for undesirable exposures and effects.
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