Water for CPAP

[zonker]

was just being polite.

Politeness? I believe that is in direct violation of S.O.P. on Internet forums. But I'll let you off with a simple warning this time.

openmouth.jpg

[jnk...]

. . . . Order of preference

-Distilled water
-Purified water
-Other bottled water
-Boiled tap water
-Tap water

But can I use swamp water, if I just make sure to use my SoClean right after?

(Sorry. Sometimes I can't resist my fundamental trolling tendencies when Pugsy isn't looking.)

[palerider]

Avoid tap water in under developed nations and if using it boil it first. If you wouldn’t drink it then don’t use it for cpap, mineral buildup is a minor concern compared to what some bacteria etc can do to you.

Spoken out of total ignorance of facts.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5611769/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3716664/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16236866

Boiling water for cpap does *nothing worthwhile*, you're not DRINKING it.

However, when you're *showering* in this water that ignorant people tell you to boil, you're actually inhaling water DROPLETS from the shower spray, which have all those bacteria and other nasties that they're afraid of.

Order of preference

-Distilled water
-Purified water
-Other bottled water
-Boiled tap water
-Tap water

Nonsense.

[palerider]

... when Pugsy isn't looking.)

What makes you think she's not looking?

[Geer1]

Wow you are dense Palerider...

Why do you think they sell bacterial filters for CPAP machines...

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556912/

Do yourselves a favour and don’t use potentially contaminated water. If you think it may be contaminated boil it as if you were going to drink it.

And yes you should also take precautions when bathing, brushing teeth and everything else in those situations...

[palerider]

Wow you are dense Palerider...

Why do you think they sell bacterial filters for CPAP machines...

At least I know what I'm talking about.

They sell bacterial filters for airborne bacteria.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2556912/

If you were actually interested in facts, you'd notice that one of the studies I quoted MANY years newer than the one you dredged up.

New science, eh?

[TropicalDiver]

My view is simple: If it does not meet modern water quality standards, I will not use it in my machine. Please note that I have used tap water, both in the US and abroad, and will do so again -- but only when it meets modern water standards.

In numerous localities around the world, unfortunately, local populations consume water that has undesirable contaminates. Just because a group uses the best water they can reasonably access does not make that water truly potable. The water source might be a contaminated open source (such as a river) without additional treatment, shallow wells, cisterns, etc. Contaminates could include amoeba, virus, bacteria, VOCs, etc.

While some studies are available, studies cannot cover every mix of machines, leak rates, settings, and contaminates. For me a simple matter of risk vs a very small reward (saving a dollar on bottled water).

And, yes, if the water is not potable caution should be applied to more than just pap -- drinking, showering, brushing, etc.

[Geer1]

At least I know what I'm talking about.

They sell bacterial filters for airborne bacteria.

If you were actually interested in facts, you'd notice that one of the studies I quoted MANY years newer than the one you dredged up.

New science, eh?

Did you notice that all of your studies were small and that they said (one quote from each of your studies).

Companies producing these CPAP machines should also note these results but should not desist in recommending regular cleaning of mask, tubing and humidifier together with filter change on a regular basis to patients utilising their machines.

It would seem then that further investigation regarding whether water from a nonsterile source (for example, tap water) has detrimental effects is warranted.

We suggest that nonsterile tap water is probably a safe alternative.

The "science" is far from proven (and obviously conflicting) and if you are travelling somewhere with poor water quality I think you would be crazy to use tap water if it is questionable quality. If you aren't supposed to drink it, brush your teeth with it, wash food or rinse dishes with it and are even supposed to be careful when bathing/showering (all recommended practices in poor water quality) then why the heck would you use it in a CPAP machine when you can buy bottled drinking water for cheap or boil the water first?

I find it surprising that you even choose to argue that using contaminated water in a CPAP machine is fine (ok not that hard, you love to argue...) and I strongly believe that stating to do so is very poor advice which is the only reason I am even bothering to respond...

[palerider]

The "science" is far from proven (and obviously conflicting) and if you are travelling somewhere with poor water quality I think you would be crazy to use tap water if it is questionable quality. If you aren't supposed to drink it, brush your teeth with it, wash food or rinse dishes with it and are even supposed to be careful when bathing/showering

So, you recommend not showering (actually breathing in that water, not just water vapor), or washing your hands (might cause a mist) while on vacation...

Got it,

Good travel tip... looking forward to more.

[chunkyfrog]

Local tap water is generally safe, as long as it does not smell unpleasant.
Most anything else will be left in the chamber, as only EVAPORATED water (and AIR)
goes through the tubing.

[jnk...]

The recommendation to use distilled water in CPAP machines is related to preventive maintenance, rather than avoiding contamination. Infections related to CPAP machines are rare, and most often related to poor cleaning of the machine.

However, the case report shows that, in unusual circumstances, using contaminated water in CPAP machines has the potential to cause respiratory illness. Dr. Raymond and co-authors conclude, "We do believe that caution is warranted in CPAP humidification using tap water from wells in remote locations."

--https://www.news-medical.net/news/20091 ... chine.aspx