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We care because what you are left with when all the water has evaporated is a very dirty tank

Oh I love this!!!

You're probably right. But if you flush it out every day (and put the water on your tomatoes so it's not being wasted) there will be nu build up. It depends a lot on water quality I suppose, but the point I'm making is that when we are told that we must use distilled water, we are being badly advised.

Cheers

k

NeurosurgeryNP wrote: I would think in order to kill the bacteria from the sludge or unsterile water, it would have to be heated at high temperatures for a long period of time - same principles in heat sterilization in health care facilities.

I'd say a minimum of 20 minutes at high boil to kill the bacteria. I'm still not going to breath what the air will pickup as it is forced over the water that is not bacteria and won't be killed by high heat.

It depends a lot on water quality I suppose, but the point I'm making is that when we are told that we must use distilled water, we are being badly advised.

heers

k[/quote]

I'm not taking any chances with a direct delivery system to my lungs. I've seen the effects of a humidifier pushing air into a room when the water in the humidifier went "bad". Asthma and mold just don't mix.

Fredman wrote:I will be headed out this January on a Carribbean cruise and wondered if I will need to bring my Respironics integrated humidifier or if I should leave home. I actually haven't checked to see what kind of humidity levels, but the islands probably have high humidity? Earlier posts, indicate that cruise lines have supplied distilled water for those requiring it...but with the heat and humidity it seems a hassle to take the humidifier with me.

Experiences anyone?

Fredman,

Sorry,I have no advice but if it we're me, i'd definately take my HH along!

I just wanted to wish you a very and Safe and "Happy Cruise"!
Maybe you can post some pictures of your trip when you get back.

Take Care,

SNMore

Thanks for bringing this up. I too will be on a cruise to the Caribbean in January and while I was definitely planning to take my CPAP and the HH, there were some good points in the thread that I found very helpful.

Without diving into the whole distilled vs. non-distilled issue, is there anything seriously wrong with the tap water or bottled water on the cruise ships? I don't use distilled at home or when I stay in hotels throughout North America and I have never had any issues (except for the occasional hard water deposit that is easily removed with a soak in vinegar when I get home).

Thanks all!

S-Dubya wrote:Without diving into the whole distilled vs. non-distilled issue, is there anything seriously wrong with the tap water or bottled water on the cruise ships? I don't use distilled at home or when I stay in hotels throughout North America and I have never had any issues (except for the occasional hard water deposit that is easily removed with a soak in vinegar when I get home).

Thanks all!

I would NOT use tap water from the ship's tap, not even to drink. Use bottled water. The tap water is from a holding tank, and if the tanks are not cleaned properly (do you TRUST that line to do it right?), the level of contamination in the water can be severe.

http://www.cruisejunkie.com/Editorial%20-%20Water.html

From http://www.waterandhealth.org/newslette ... _sick.html:

"Typically, shipboard norovirus spawns from poor sanitation conditions, including contaminated bunkered water, inadequate disinfection of potable water, potable water contaminated by sewage on ship, deficiencies in food handling, and poor food preparation and cooking methods. Significantly, there is no vaccine to prevent contracting norovirus. Antibiotics will only work to fight bacterial infection, not to treat viral outbreaks. "

I've taken several Caribbean cruises - all before I was on CPAP. I agree with the comments on the AC and the tap water. I started off getting bottled water but last time brought along a little gizmo (from Hammacher-Schlemmer or Brookstone) that would treat the water with UV (took around 3 minutes, I think). I don't know if it did any good but it made me feel better

My sleepdoc gave me a letter on the sleep lab letterhead saying I needed the treatment. I haven't had to use it although I have flown since then.

I'll also pass along a tip I read here awhile back: bring along a couple of plastic garbage bags in your carry-on bag. When going through airport security, you have to take the CPAP out of the case and put it in one of those plastic bins ... yep - the same ones people put their shoes in. So I just whip out a plastic garbage bag and place it in the bin first, then my xPAP - also makes me feel better Also, if the TSA agent isn't wearing gloves, politely ask them to (and to change gloves if needed).

Mindy

mindy wrote: I'll also pass along a tip I read here awhile back: bring along a couple of plastic garbage bags in your carry-on bag. When going through airport security, you have to take the CPAP out of the case and put it in one of those plastic bins ... yep - the same ones people put their shoes in. So I just whip out a plastic garbage bag and place it in the bin first, then my xPAP - also makes me feel better Also, if the TSA agent isn't wearing gloves, politely ask them to (and to change gloves if needed).

Mindy

Oh, thanks for the tip. I'm flying to Michigan to see my granddaughter next month.....I've just put the bags into the CPAP bag.