Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are considered one of the most significant medical equipment for treating breathing issues that mostly occur due to sleep apnea, it is a medical condition, in which breathing gets interrupted as it stops or slows down.
CPAP therapy helps relieve this breathing problem by ensuring that the patient is getting essential air during their sleep, which also promotes improving sleep quality which is highly crucial for someone suffering from sleep apnea.
But this sometimes leads to mouth dryness as a person is continually receiving the air through mouth and nose which is essential for receiving an effective therapy. This is why, advanced CPAP machines Philips Dreamstation Auto CPAP Machine, ResMed S9 AutoSet CPAP Machine, Resmed S10 Auto CPAP Machine, and Resmed Series 11 Auto CPAP Machine, ensure that they are equipped with integrated humidifiers to enhance comfort and proper CPAP therapy, Unlike traditional CPAP machine that does not include inbuilt humidifier.
So, how does a humidifier help in preventing the dry mouth problem, well humidifiers work well in preventing this issue, by adding moisture to the air when a patient or user is getting CPAP therapy to get relief, which ensures that their mouth does not get dry during this procedure or feel any kind of uncomfortable experience.
As many people are still not aware of the proper use of humidifiers, which is fine. Due to this many questions and concerns do arise such as Should you use distilled water for your CPAP machine? In this guideline by Respiratory Zone, we will help you understand one of the major concerns related to the CPAP machine that is: Should you use distilled water for your CPAP machine? And what outcomes you may face if you are not using distilled water for your CPAP machine.
Understanding: Should you use distilled water for your CPAP machine?
Why Use Distilled Water?
- Minimizes Mineral Deposits
Tap water is not free from impurities, while making distilled water companies ensure that it is free from minerals and impurities. If you are not opting for distilled water and prefer tap water over that, there is a high possibility that minerals can accumulate, which not only makes it difficult to clean the humidifier of your CPAP machine but also can impact the humidifier and worst thing that it does not end here, ultimately it impacts on the effectiveness of CPAP therapy and machine.
- Reduces Risk of Contamination
Someone suffering from a critical respiratory issue must be safe from the risk of contamination and infection, by opting for distilled water, you can ensure that you are free from bacteria and viruses, as during the manufacturing process, it is ensured that distilled water prevents this issue because process like boiling and condensation is taken very seriously, which ultimately reduce the risk of contamination and impurities getting collected at your CPAP machine ensuring the proper hygiene and therapy effectiveness to its user.
- Extends Equipment Lifespan
By protecting your CPAP machine from the risk of contamination and minimizing the chance of minerals accumulating in your humidifier or any other equipment of your CPAP machine, you can prevent your CPAP machine from potential risks like cracks, leaks, or any other types of damage, which can help you in using your machine for a longer period and will help you to ensure that you are getting proper and effective CPAP therapy.
What Happens if You Use Tap Water?
At first, you might not even notice that your CPAP machine is getting impacted by your decision to use tap water, but it starts slowly impacting and leaving long-term issues and effects. The following are the issues that have a high possibility you will have to face:
- Mineral Buildup:
Tap water is not free from impurities and there is a high chance that minerals can accumulate and leave the deposit there if you are someone who often neglects the maintenance and cleanliness of their CPAP equipment, then there is a high chance of more impurities minerals can get accumulated over the time and it won’t be easy for you to clean the humidifier tank.
- Microbial Growth:
As tap water is not clean so there is a high possibility that tap water promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi and lets them easily accumulate in the humidifier as it contains moisture which can further lead to major issues like posing health risks.
- Decreased Performance:
As the impurities and minerals get collected in the humidifier, they not only risk the health of the user but also start impacting the performance and functionality of the humidifier.
Other Water Alternatives
- Filtered Water:
Filter water is a better option than using direct tap water, but somehow it still has the potential of having some minerals as it is not as pure and clean as distilled water.
- Bottled Water:
Bottled water does not ensure that they are as pure as distilled water and the range of mineral content varies differently as different brands have or are still introducing their bottled water, so it cannot be measured exactly the mineral content in each. To ensure your safety or to protect your CPAP device, it is better to check the label first.
- Boiled Water:
Boiling the water can help in preventing and killing the microorganism, but it is not effective when it comes to removing the minerals or making the water as pure as the distilled ones, which makes it less effective and a better option as compared to distilled water.
How to Properly Maintain Your CPAP Machine
Cleaning your CPAP machine regularly and properly can help you prevent minerals getting accumulating and impacting your CPAP machine, which can help you achieve desirable results like using your machine for a longer time in an effective manner. Here is how you can properly maintain your CPAP machine:
- Opt for distilled water rather than other options and make a habit of using it consistently.
- Experts always advise to perform a deep cleaning at least once a week. You can use mild soap and water solution to clean the equipment especially the exterior of your CPAP machine, and after cleaning make sure that you air dry all the equipment so there is no chance of moisture as it can promote microbial growth.
- Before replacing the components make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
FAQs
Can I use bottled water in my CPAP for one night?
Well, the answer is Yes, you can use bottled water in your CPAP machine for one night, especially if there is an urgent issue such as the shortage of distilled water in your area, In situations like that you can opt for bottled water, however, experts do not suggest or advice to use bottled water in your CPAP for a longer run as it can cause mineral buildup, especially in the humidifier and can impact the performance of your CPAP machine.
How to make distilled water for CPAP?
To make distilled water for your CPAP machine at home, follow these easy steps first make sure that the water is clean of impurities, remove any impurity that is visible to your naked eye, then start the boiling process and opt for a larger pot and make sure to use a smaller pot that fits easily inside the larger pot after that cover the lid properly and add a block of ice on it so that steam can easily be collected in a smaller pot as the condensation process occurs.
Can I use bottled water in a CPAP machine?
Can be used in an emergency or urgent situations, but not recommended for use for a longer run
What can I use instead of distilled water in my CPAP machine?
If you are in a situation where you have run out of distilled water and cannot find it near your local markets, then the options are wide as you can use boiled tap water (but after cooling it) or purified water but it is not possible to achieve exceptional results like distilled water as they both have the chance of promoting mineral buildup.
Can I use ResMed CPAP without water?
Yes, you can easily use and operate your ResMed CPAP without the need for water, but if you want to enhance the comfort during CPAP therapy.
Difference between CPAP distilled water vs distilled water?
The way they are named and referred, they might be considered different but they are the same.
Best distilled water for CPAP?
To find the best-distilled water, ensure that it is free from added minerals and impurities.
