Feeding the CPAP humidifier when traveling

[Cpers]

I just started to use a CPAP machine last week and had to travel this week. My machine requires that I use distilled water. I wonder how others cope with this issue as I had to find a store that sold distilled water and the smallest amount I could purchase was gallon. This seems wasteful as I am only here 3 days and I wonder how others are dealing with this especially since there are limitations of how much liquid one can carry on to a plane.

[SGearhart]

Even though the manufacturers say to use distilled water (I think it may be a legal issue) you can use regular tap water. Just wash out the reservoir each day with mild soap and warm water. Dawn or liquid hand soap, with no abrasives, will work fine. Most drug stores and groceries sell gallon jugs of distilled water.

[LSAT]

I just started to use a CPAP machine last week and had to travel this week. My machine requires that I use distilled water. I wonder how others cope with this issue as I had to find a store that sold distilled water and the smallest amount I could purchase was gallon. This seems wasteful as I am only here 3 days and I wonder how others are dealing with this especially since there are limitations of how much liquid one can carry on to a plane.

Distilled water sells for under a dollar at most retailers...would it really be a hardship if you had to dump it? There is no problem using tap water if you are in an area that has good water. Otherwise crack open a bottle of spring water (which costs as much as a gal of Distilled)

[hobbs]

1/2 liter bottle of drinking water works fine.

[palerider]

just use tap water.

[Gasper62]

How do your travel/lodging, food and PAP machine costs stack up against a whole gallon of distilled water ? Maybe it's best to stay home if things are really that tight budget-wise.

[Goofproof]

You DON'T feed Tribbles or XPAP HH's after midnite, they will multiply and eat all your grain. Jim

[SweetTeaGal]

I'm at the beach right now (I know-eat your heart out) and brought my distilled water with me. When I'm gone for just a few days, I fill up my big reusable water bottle with distilled water. It has a great seal on it (Thermos brand from Target). It has never leaked on me. Now if you can excuse me, I have to go collect some seashells!

Karen

[palerider]

How do your travel/lodging, food and PAP machine costs stack up against a whole gallon of distilled water ? Maybe it's best to stay home if things are really that tight budget-wise.

there's a difference in tight finances and not wanting to be wasteful.

[BlackSpinner]

They recommend distilled water to prevent mineral build up. That is it. You can use any drinkable tap water for a few weeks and dump the water every morning and rinse the tank. When you get home wash it with a vinegar solution.

[ChicagoGranny]

They recommend distilled water to prevent mineral build up. That is it. You can use any drinkable tap water for a few weeks and dump the water every morning and rinse the tank. When you get home wash it with a vinegar solution.

Perfect.

[ChicagoGranny]

Just wash out the reservoir each day with mild soap and warm water.

Not necessary!

[moonslice]

You won't get buildup in just three days. The only reason to use distilled is to avoid buildup. My DME told me it's ok to use tap on vacation.

[nanwilson]

I just use regular bottled water and clean out the tank when I get home with vinegar, have never had a problem using that method.