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Using distilled water in your CPAP humidifier is important. Even though tap water is convenient for many users, manufacturers of CPAP equipment recommend the use of distilled water for many reasons. Tap water could contain organisms and minerals that you can’t risk breathing in. These minerals also build up on your equipment and can break down the material.
The Downsides Of Using Tap Water In Your CPAP Humidifier
When choosing the best water to use in your humidifier, it is important to keep in mind that even after boiling tap water, some minerals such as magnesium, iron, and calcium are not eliminated and the water may remain ‘hard’. Boiling might kill microbes, but it can’t fully eliminate the chemical contaminants.
Because these minerals are abrasive, when they accumulate, they can destroy the water chamber and even the rest of the machine. The harsh nature of these minerals can cause the physical breakdown of the plastic and other material on your equipment. If your only option is tap water, you can soak the reservoir in white vinegar to remove the build-up of minerals.
The Best Water To Use While Traveling?
Water that is not safe to drink will be unsafe to inhale. Using tap water will expose you to chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and bleach, and harmful pathogens as well.
If you are unsure of or do not trust the water supply, do not use it in your humidifier. It is easier to look for the nearest pharmacy and buy distilled water.
Some CPAP users will temporarily use bottled water until they have access to distilled water. Using distilled water minimizes exposure to risks to both yourself and your equipment.
If finding safe water is a problem, you can forego the use of your humidifier until you can access distilled water, or get back home.
Benefits of Distilled Water
Distilled water keeps away bacteria and helps your CPAP equipment run smoothly. Using distilled water on your humidifier also ensures the right amount of pressure from your equipment. Using a humidifier directly exposes your lungs to the water. Adding scented oils, soaps or water softeners will definitely expose you to harmful chemical fumes such as alcohol, chlorine, and bleach. This is why using plain distilled water is crucial to your health.
The Need For A Humidifier?
A CPAP is used together with a humidifier makes the experience comfortable for the user by adding moisture to the air that reaches your nose, thus preventing irritation to the throat, mouth, and nose.
To help relieve dryness that is caused by CPAP therapy, you can use both the heated humidifier and water chambers. This will help prevent soreness in the throat. The moisture also breaks up nasal congestion and obstruction caused by colds and allergies.
Maintenance Of The Humidifier Chamber: Best Humidity Level For Cpap Machine
Keeping your CPAP supplies clean is essential to one’s health as it helps avoid the build-up of bacteria, molds, pathogens, and germs.
To keep your humidifier clean:
- Replace your humidifier regularly, the recommended time is every six months.
- Some CPAP humidifiers are dishwasher safe but you should refer to your manual.
- Changing the water daily will prevent the build-up of bacteria
- Cleaning your humidifier once a week with warm soapy water and allowing it to air dry
- To disinfect the humidifier, soak it in a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water and thoroughly rinse it with distilled water once a week.
- You can also use CPAP cleaner such as The Lumin to eliminate 99% of harmful bacteria
All equipment will come with manuals and the best way to avoid confusion is by referring to the user manuals, however, you can always reach out to us at BestCPAP Cleaner and we will give our recommendations on the best equipment for your specific needs.
Your Best Choice
We take pride in our experience over the years in matters of CPAP equipment and we believe our input in your choice of equipment will go a long way in receiving the desired results from the said equipment. Call us on (855) 275-8951 for any further information on the same.
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