CPAPtalk.com

*** I have no idea if the same applies for humidifiers or not. ***

Since some members do sinus rinses I will post the info.

Sinus rinse warning -- I was curious so I went looking for the warning for tap water I was thinking about.


FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration - Is Rinsing Your Sinuses Safe?
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/Consume ... 316375.htm

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention --
Naegleria fowleri — Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) — Amebic Encephalitis
Sinus Rinsing & Neti Pots
http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/ ... nsing.html
This site links back to the FDA site.

For short trips like you describe, I leave the humidifier at home. Less bulk, and no water issues. It's your call of course, but in my case the humidifier is between3-4 with an unheated hose. You could always test this at home first.

Phil

Thank you all for the 'experienced help' you have shared! I am now packing and feel much more confident that I'm ready! I think there will even be a bit of space in my CPAP carry-on bag to tuck a few extras! I don't really mind using it on vacation. I have really grown to 'love' my mask. It's cozy and I think that the slight 'white noise' that it makes lulls me to sleep. [PS - I'm going to fill in my profile info now!]

Congratulations; you have been assimilated.

I just use tap water when I'm traveling, using the cpap that I have for travel. Usually it isn't more than two or three weeks (often less than that), and then when I get home, I just wash out the tank. Haven't had any problems doing that. If I get any mineral deposits, it's easy to use a 10% white vinegar in water solution (or whatever the cpap owner's guide says to use) to get rid of that. Haven't had to do the vinegar thing yet.

If we're "car camping", sleeping in a tent and moving around by car, then I'll take distilled water in the car, since it isn't in my luggage. Otherwise I don't generally worry about it while traveling. Or if we're going someplace that's known for having bad tap water, I would get the best processed water I could find there, maybe take enough distilled water for the first night in my checked baggage if I was arriving late.

It's me again...half way there. Similar question: If I buy bottled water (cold) is just letting it get to room temp. going to be ok? Thanks for holding my hand on my first CPAP trip!

I travel periodically with my CPAP, and when using the humidifier, I commonly just use tap water. It really is just no big deal. If the tap water is good enough for drinking, then it is good enough for breathing. The only problem is that some dissolved minerals may precipitate onto the humidifier heating plate as the water evaporates. You can then clean the plate, as other posters have noted above.

The only issue would be if you are at a location where they recommend that you don't drink the tap water. I would then find a source for bottled water.