What's wrong with using tap water?

[mlk18]

I did not read this whole thread, and am not an expert on this subject, but a few years ago a number of people died from using tap water in their neti pots (a pot used to pour water into one's nasal passages to clear out nasty stuff). Apparently there was some kind of amoeba called naegleria fowleri that got into the water supply and caused a serious infection.

This has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with cpap usage, you're breathing low temperature steam vapor, not snorting the water up your nose.

I checked with the local water treatment plant and they advised that they had some of the cleanest water in the nation, but that municipal water is never going to get out every contaminant. That was enough to convince me that using distilled water was the way to go. I will also report that since making the switch to distilled only I have seen a definite improvement in my respiratory health (less cough & colds, less congestion, less allergies symptoms, etc.). Just my two cents.

Your two cents are worth nothing.

Distilled water is nothing but a *convenience* so that you don't have to descale the water tank.

In other countries, where distilled water is not as easy to get, the cpap manuals say "Use water", not "use distilled water".

You forgot to add "In your opinion" while you decided to go on your little rant. You also forgot to post a copy of you degree in advanced microbiology and the extensive clinical studies you have completed. Otherwise my two cents aren't the only ones "worth nothing".

[palerider]

I did not read this whole thread, and am not an expert on this subject, but a few years ago a number of people died from using tap water in their neti pots (a pot used to pour water into one's nasal passages to clear out nasty stuff). Apparently there was some kind of amoeba called naegleria fowleri that got into the water supply and caused a serious infection.

This has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with cpap usage, you're breathing low temperature steam vapor, not snorting the water up your nose.

I checked with the local water treatment plant and they advised that they had some of the cleanest water in the nation, but that municipal water is never going to get out every contaminant. That was enough to convince me that using distilled water was the way to go. I will also report that since making the switch to distilled only I have seen a definite improvement in my respiratory health (less cough & colds, less congestion, less allergies symptoms, etc.). Just my two cents.

Your two cents are worth nothing.

Distilled water is nothing but a *convenience* so that you don't have to descale the water tank.

In other countries, where distilled water is not as easy to get, the cpap manuals say "Use water", not "use distilled water".

You forgot to add "In your opinion" while you decided to go on your little rant. You also forgot to post a copy of you degree in advanced microbiology and the extensive clinical studies you have completed. Otherwise my two cents aren't the only ones "worth nothing".

Because it's *fact* not *opinion*.

Here's some science, not opinion:

"infection" from cpap is BS:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5611769/
stuff in reservoir not transferred:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3716664/
sterile water unnecessary:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16236866

Again, your comentary about 'woooo, brain eating amoebas' (which, are a thing, if one *snorts* pond/river water) has *absolutely nothing to do with cpap usage. Not opinion. Fact.

[chunkyfrog]

Any water that makes it into the air tube is distilled.
That is what a heated humidifier DOES.
Even rainout is distilled water.
Harmless unless you inhale too much.

[palerider]

I did not read this whole thread, and am not an expert on this subject, but a few years ago a number of people died from using tap water in their neti pots (a pot used to pour water into one's nasal passages to clear out nasty stuff). Apparently there was some kind of amoeba called naegleria fowleri that got into the water supply and caused a serious infection.

This has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with cpap usage, you're breathing low temperature steam vapor, not snorting the water up your nose.

I checked with the local water treatment plant and they advised that they had some of the cleanest water in the nation, but that municipal water is never going to get out every contaminant. That was enough to convince me that using distilled water was the way to go. I will also report that since making the switch to distilled only I have seen a definite improvement in my respiratory health (less cough & colds, less congestion, less allergies symptoms, etc.). Just my two cents.

Your two cents are worth nothing.

Distilled water is nothing but a *convenience* so that you don't have to descale the water tank.

In other countries, where distilled water is not as easy to get, the cpap manuals say "Use water", not "use distilled water".

You forgot to add "In your opinion" while you decided to go on your little rant. You also forgot to post a copy of you degree in advanced microbiology and the extensive clinical studies you have completed. Otherwise my two cents aren't the only ones "worth nothing".

AND another thing.
European Resmed airsense 10 manual: https://www.resmed.com/uk/dam/documents ... r1_eng.pdf

Page 4, "4. Open the humidifier and fill it with water up to the maximum water level mark."
US Resmed airsense 10 manual:
Page 4: "4. Open the water tub and fill it with distilled water up to the maximum water level mark."

"in my opinion".

[palerider]

Any water that makes it into the air tube is distilled.
That is what a heated humidifier DOES.
Even rainout is distilled water.
Harmless unless you inhale too much.

More "not opinion", ie, facts.

[JimW159]

...In other countries, where distilled water is not as easy to get, the cpap manuals say "Use water", not "use distilled water".
AND another thing.
European Resmed airsense 10 manual: https://www.resmed.com/uk/dam/documents ... r1_eng.pdf

Page 4, "4. Open the humidifier and fill it with water up to the maximum water level mark."
US Resmed airsense 10 manual:
Page 4: "4. Open the water tub and fill it with distilled water up to the maximum water level mark."

"in my opinion".

One additional difference I noted between the US and EU manuals is the description of the cleaning regimen for the water tub: US - specific EXCLUSION of dishwasher; EU - specific INCLUSION of dishwasher. Is that because all EU machines are provided with dishwasher safe tubs and the US not?

[thomkyte]

A little about me .. I have moderate to severe apnea since I was 5 ! I was diagnosed when I turned 38 (now 54). I got onto a serious APAP use about 6 years ago at 48.

I agree with those who are using distilled water. However, even with DW, some growth of bacteria and micro plant life possible, over time due to perfect warmth and humidity in the tank, even if the unit is washed with vinegar (which is highly recommended). To suppress bacterial growth, I put in about 2-3 tbsp of H2O2 (3% variety hydrogen peroxide, commonly available in drug stores) each time I top up the DW. There is no medical effect and it doesn't smell. Over the last 5 years it has not had any effect on the rubber seals, hose or masks.

And from high school chemistry, I know that H2O2 breaks down into Oxygen and water, both of which are benign.

Strongly recommend this.

[Julie]

Maybe amts and ratios would help if others are interested...

[Sheriff Buford]

Dang.... I saw 5 pages on "distilled water" and thought.... why 5 pages on distilled water? Now I know...… sad....

Sheriff

and unnecessary…...

[BobEMiller]

In mt defense of my previous post, I was not told about replacement parts for my CPAP. So I am using the same unit, tubs, and pillow from 15 years ago. I just keep cleaning them the best I can. Yes, I'm looking into new equipment now. The calcium and mold that builds up in my toilet from the hard water, is the same thing that I keep cleaning from my equipment. All I'm saying, if it's getting in my CPAP, it's getting in my lungs, and it's getting in my bloodstream.

[D.H.]

In mt defense of my previous post, I was not told about replacement parts for my CPAP. So I am using the same unit, tubs, and pillow from 15 years ago. I just keep cleaning them the best I can. Yes, I'm looking into new equipment now. The calcium and mold that builds up in my toilet from the hard water, is the same thing that I keep cleaning from my equipment. All I'm saying, if it's getting in my CPAP, it's getting in my lungs, and it's getting in my bloodstream.

Fifteen years! It's time for new everything! If the only machine works, please keep it as an emergency backup. Even the programs that provide CPAP machines for the indigent won't take you old ones.

[Stom]

In mt defense of my previous post, I was not told about replacement parts for my CPAP. So I am using the same unit, tubs, and pillow from 15 years ago. I just keep cleaning them the best I can. Yes, I'm looking into new equipment now. The calcium and mold that builds up in my toilet from the hard water, is the same thing that I keep cleaning from my equipment. All I'm saying, if it's getting in my CPAP, it's getting in my lungs, and it's getting in my bloodstream.

Mold could be a real issue. But you aren't breathing the calcium. The calcium is being **left behind** in your humidifier chamber, so you aren't breathing it.

[palerider]

In mt defense of my previous post,

There is no defense for your previous post.

All I'm saying, if it's getting in my CPAP, it's getting in my lungs, and it's getting in my bloodstream.

That's horse manure.

Yes, it's getting in your blood stream, because you drink that water.

The only thing that's getting in your lungs, from your cpap, is *distilled water vapor*.

Learn a little about how distilled water is created. The first step is *exactly what happens in your cpap*.

[LinkC]

I am big on finding the root cause.

I prefer finding the root beer!

[/quote]