Do you need distilled water for CPAP therapy?

Distilled water is recommended for CPAP machines for several reasons related to the maintenance and performance of the device, as well as the health of the user:
Purity: Distilled water is free from minerals and impurities found in tap water. These minerals can deposit inside the CPAP machine's humidifier chamber and lead to scale buildup, potentially damaging the machine over time.
Prevents Mineral Deposits: The use of distilled water prevents the formation of mineral deposits in the humidifier tank. These deposits can be difficult to clean and might shorten the lifespan of the humidifier component.
Health Reasons: Using distilled water reduces the risk of inhaling any contaminants or minerals that could be present in tap water. While most tap water is safe to drink, it can contain levels of minerals, bacteria, or other substances that, when aerosolized and inhaled through the CPAP machine, could pose health risks or cause irritation to the respiratory system.
Machine Efficiency: Keeping the CPAP machine clean and free from mineral buildup ensures it runs efficiently and effectively. This means the user gets the full therapeutic benefit of the treatment without unnecessary interruptions or maintenance issues.
Manufacturer's Recommendations: Most CPAP manufacturers recommend the use of distilled water to extend the life of the device. Following these guidelines ensures that any warranty or service agreements remain valid.
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[@robertjanji915]

Is it fine to use ''No water'' ? If you are not able to find distilled water for one night ? Awesome content btw :) Really love that we have a Canadian CPAP channel !!

[@thecpapstore]

Totally fine! Just not as comfortable. For long periods of time however, dry air is more likely to cause sinus infections or colds. Come visit us if you are on the West Coast!

[@johnmazzella5943]

Hi. I’m on the road. Could I use “vapor distilled water with ELECTROLYTES added for TASTE”?? Thanks for your help.

[@lllmmm3572]

I think you have missed one very important option that I can personally attest to. I use a Zero Water pitcher (Zero Water is a brand of water filter pitcher like Brita is a brand). The Zero Water filter removes all dissolved solids (minerals). It even comes with a meter to prove that. I live in an area with very hard water. The Zero Water filter takes my tap water from a TDS reading of around 350 to 0. I have been using CPAP machines absolutely every night for the past 17 years. I never sleep without my CPAP machine. I have used only water from my Zero Water pitcher in my CPAP machines for over seven years now. Before that, I always used distilled water. I noticed absolutely no difference when I switched from distilled to the Zero Water water. I have had absolutely no mineral buildup. I have never had to use vinegar or any sort of descaling agent. I have never had any type of problem with the water from the Zero Water pitcher. What’s great is that with the included TDS meter, you can tell when it’s time to replace the filter. I can’t recommend this enough. It is so much easier than buying and transporting distilled water. It’s probably cheaper, too. Also, I was always concerned about chemicals from the plastic bottles that the distilled water is in leaching into the distilled water. That’s probably not likely to happen at the temperatures in a grocery store, but that water is transported in trucks that get very hot, I’m sure.

[@dewitubeX1]

I been doing this for a long time.

[@wasabifilms9291]

I thought that bottled alklaine water was totally fine and I have been using it since late December since I always had it at home. My CPAP had been running fine but, I will switch to distilled water tomorrow. Should I be fine?

[@philipreitz8764]

I went to a store thay ran out of destroyed water. Is pure life water ok

[@davidstearn1342]

What about reverse osmosis water?

[@edthelazyboy]

I use RO water in my Resmed Airsense 11 and it seems OK. I do notice some buildup in the water chamber, but I clean it daily. Here's the response I got from Gemini:
Yes, you can generally use RO water instead of distilled water in your Resmed Airsense 11 humidifier. Both distilled and RO water are purified and lack the minerals that can cause mineral buildup in your CPAP machine.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Make sure your RO system is functioning properly. Over time, RO filters can become less effective, and may not adequately remove impurities. Change your RO filters regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Some sources recommend using distilled water over RO water because RO water may still contain a small amount of dissolved solids. However, in most cases, this difference is negligible.
If you are concerned about using RO water in your CPAP machine, you can always consult the user manual for your Resmed Airsense 11 or contact ResMed directly.

[@brotherjohnwaynecausey]

Yes you need distilled Water in your cpap machine

[@lllmmm3572]

I have been using CPAP every night for the past 17 years. For the first 7 to 10 years, I used distilled water. I then switched to water from a “Zero Water” brand water filter pitcher. It removes absolutely all solids from the water. I have very hard tapwater. The Zero Water pitcher comes with a TDS meter that proves that it brings the TDS reading down from around 350 to 0. I have used it exclusively with my CPAP machines for the past seven or more years. I have never had any mineral buildup, and I have never had any problems. I noticed no difference between it and the distilled water I used to use. I’ve never had a CPAP machine fail. I only replace them when my insurance pays for a new one. Again, I use my CPAP machine every night.

[@thecpapstore]

Distilled water is recommended for CPAP machines for several reasons related to the maintenance and performance of the device, as well as the health of the user. However, we get asked all the time "what if I'm on vacation?" or "what if I run out?". In general, using purified bottle water for temporary durations will not greatly effect the machine or CPAP therapy. However, always consult your doctor before any changes to your CPAP treatment.

[@tomclark2850]

We travel by auto most of the time on vacations. One trick I use is to freeze a number of 16.9oz bottles of CPAP water to use in our cooler. Refreeze in the hotel each night and thaw out as needed for the CPAP machine.

[@lindahamon6183]

What's your opinion on reverse osmosis water filtration? My husband is a home dialysis patient and the hospital installed a RO filtration system in our home, so this filtered water is readily available to me. Thanks

[@poetmaggie1]

I bought a Distiller and make my own.

[@tomclark2850]

Where would you place Reverse Osmoses (RO) water in your hierarchy? And why?

[@thecpapstore]

RO water is safe to use, similar to distilled water. Tier A

[@lvlup.living]

Also, brain eating amoebas.

[@jeffreyatvars148]

I destroyed my CPAP with tap water. Expensive to fix and never again make the mistake. President Choice Distilled Water in 2 liter bottles only. Purchase 8 bottles whenever stopping for groceries at Loblaw's stores.

[@dewitubeX1]

So how you destroyed your cpap with tap water?

[@hamop78]

Where does RO water fall in your opinion??

[@thecpapstore]

RO water is safe to use, similar to distilled water. Tier A

[@buelah3]

I was in Italy and couldn’t find distilled water. I used demineralized instead. Is this ok?

[@Luau_1957]

I had been wearing Resmed masks with magnets for past 7 years. I have a cochlear implant by my left ear and had to stop using them. I am a side sleeper it helps me stop breathing thru mouth and use nasal pillow masks. I am trying to find a mask without magnets that works best. Full masks do not work well with me. Consistently my best Ahi readings come with the Airfit N20 but it has magnets and cannot use anymore. I keep machine below bed at night table and get the hose thru a flexible pole above my head that prevents tangling of the hose while moving in the night. Tristan could you cover best masks avoiding magnets, thank you

[@nancyr45]

Can i resuse the distilled water left over night? Thank you

[@dewitubeX1]

Buy a cheap water distiller, zero water filter or use RO.

[@1cantu2468]

Do you have to change out the water every day if you use distilled water?

[@Gamingwithdes23]

What about spring water

[@hubertmlao]

Do I have to replace the distilled water everyday after used capa. Machine, or I just add on it?

[@thecpapstore]

replace is recommended!

[@Trump2024Kentucky]

Yes. It does matter. 👍🏼