Is distilled water really necessary for CPAP machines?

[Auntducky59]

The water in San Antonio is extremely hard, no matter if it comes from the city or a well. After needing to replace multiple coffee pots, 2 dishwashers, a washing machine, & 3 water heaters due to hard water build up (vinegar works temporarily then stops working), I didn't want to use tap water when I first got my CPAP equipment, so I did buy distilled water. Eventually we purchased a water softener & added a filter system with it. Now I use tap water with no issues. I have question though: does the water circulate through the machine itself? or is it just the water tank & hose that gets wet? Because if water doesn't get inside the machine, then hard water isn't an issue really, even if it's hard because it's easy to clean the hose & tank if you get frequent enough replacements.

[Auntducky59]

I should have proof-read my last post before sending. I am half asleep.

[Goofproof]

The water in San Antonio is extremely hard, no matter if it comes from the city or a well. After needing to replace multiple coffee pots, 2 dishwashers, a washing machine, & 3 water heaters due to hard water build up (vinegar works temporarily then stops working), I didn't want to use tap water when I first got my CPAP equipment, so I did buy distilled water. Eventually we purchased a water softener & added a filter system with it. Now I use tap water with no issues. I have question though: does the water circulate through the machine itself? or is it just the water tank & hose that gets wet? Because if water doesn't get inside the machine, then hard water isn't an issue really, even if it's hard because it's easy to clean the hose & tank if you get frequent enough replacements.

The only thing that get limed up is the HH Tank, the hose and mask are using water vapor from the HH, the memerals are left behind (Distilled)! Jim

[Dog Slobber]

The only thing that get limed up is the HH Tank, the hose and mask are using water vapor from the HH, the memerals are left behind (Distilled)! Jim

Thanks for the memerals.

[batJDGman]

I've used distilled from Walmart its 60 -80 cents a gallon and will last me 2 weeks at least. We went to Chicago for a weekend and I forgot my water and then forgot to get a gallon while in the city. So I figured it would be alright just using tap water, I woke up less than an hour the water was so hard there was no way I could sleep. Took off the humidifier. I've used tap water here at home, it's not as bad but purified or distilled is what i find that works best here.

[D.H.]

You don't need to use distilled water, but it's preferable.

Only in north america.

You can use any potable water except for carbonated, colored, or flavored.

And why can't you use one of those? you got something against colors?

However, it's preferable to use distilled water if possible,

Only in north america.

so it's not big deal if you don't use distilled water

The only true thing you've said so far.

The reason for not using distilled water outside of North America is lack of availability, not that the underlying reasons are different. BTW, I did notice that in SouthEast Asia, the regular bottled water does not appear to leave any residue.

[Goofproof]

The only thing that get limed up is the HH Tank, the hose and mask are using water vapor from the HH, the memerals are left behind (Distilled)! Jim

Thanks for the memerals.

Warning Vinegar won't remove memerals, but if you have minerals, it will disolve them! Jim

I am handicapped, my Trackballs have quit, I now have to use the much hated touchpad! They want $ 1799 for a new Microsnot Trackball Explorer. (I bought 3 when they came out years ago for $39.95 each, same thing! If I won't buy a No Clean, I hope they won't miss me from getting a new Microsoft Trackball. Too bad it was the best one ever made, Hats Off to Microsoft for making one good product then killing it off, so they could make more CRAP MICE!

[zonker]

The only thing that get limed up is the HH Tank, the hose and mask are using water vapor from the HH, the memerals are left behind (Distilled)! Jim

Thanks for the memerals.

a twofer! a bad pun AND an obscure reference, ftw.

are you SURE we ain't related?

[Goofproof]

You don't need to use distilled water, but it's preferable.

Only in north america.

You can use any potable water except for carbonated, colored, or flavored.

And why can't you use one of those? you got something against colors?

However, it's preferable to use distilled water if possible,

Only in north america.

so it's not big deal if you don't use distilled water

The only true thing you've said so far.

The reason for not using distilled water outside of North America is lack of availability, not that the underlying reasons are different. BTW, I did notice that in SouthEast Asia, the regular bottled water does not appear to leave any residue.

Did you ever use Export "33" Beer? How about Tiger Beer, we used to hold rifles on each other to drink it. Sorry Au!

[palerider]

We went to Chicago for a weekend and I forgot my water and then forgot to get a gallon while in the city. So I figured it would be alright just using tap water, I woke up less than an hour the water was so hard there was no way I could sleep.

This is what is scientifically known as "nonsense'.

The only way the 'hardness' of the water would have an effect on sleep would be if someone poured it on your head.

[palerider]

The reason for not using distilled water outside of North America is lack of availability, not that the underlying reasons are different.

Thus re-enforcing the *POINT* that distilled water *IS NOT NECESSARY*.

[palerider]

The only thing that get limed up is the HH Tank, the hose and mask are using water vapor from the HH, the memerals are left behind (Distilled)! Jim

Thanks for the memerals.

Warning Vinegar won't remove memerals, but if you have minerals, it will disolve them! Jim

I am handicapped, my Trackballs have quit, I now have to use the much hated touchpad! They want $ 1799 for a new Microsnot Trackball Explorer.

"They" who? they're under 100$ on ebay.

But, Logitech trackballs are better anyway. (and cheaper)