Can I Use Tap Water In My Cpap For One Night
Tap water is the easy one.
Can i use tap water in my cpap for one night. Without humidification cpap therapy can dry out a person s nose and mouth overnight and can result in feeling parched upon waking up in the morning. The minerals in tap water which consists of calcium magnesium iron and others can leave a white residue behind that contaminates the water chamber. Lets take a look at why you shouldn t use tap water in your cpap device. Tap water spring water and drinking water all minerals in it that are safe to drink however they for cpap use they bring some problems.
A cpap humidifier uses a tank of water with a cpap machine to add moisture to therapy air. I was diagnosed with sleep apnia got a cpap is there any problem with using the machine one night and not using it another until i get used to it. When it comes to filling your humidifier chamber remember that even if you boil tap water you can t fully remove minerals or chemical contaminants even though it will kill microbes. Tap water is both harmful to your device and it can be harmful to you if used consistently.
Distilled water can be incredibly useful to have around. While manufacturers recommend distilled water for use in your continuous positive airway pressure cpap device many people still use tap water as their hydration of choice. Cpap makes my nose stuffy so i can t breathe i wake up with mucous in my mouth and throat water drips into my mask at night my humidifier water chamber is empty long before it s time to wake up the water chamber collects a residue that looks like mold and it s hard to clean. Cpap machines or other health related equipment can all require or benefit from distilled water.
I accidentally put spring water instead of distilled in the cpap didn t know until replacing the 2 5 gal container. A full tank can last me a full week but after reading a few horror stories only fill the tank with enough for one or two nights then wash and leave to dry using a different tank for the next couple of nights. Boiling water will kill microbes but it will not remove minerals or chemical contaminants. Can you use tap water with cpap.
I ve tried just skipping the humidifier when i travel but that didn t work well. It s ok to use tap water in a pinch. The dangers tap water in your cpap humidifier. I just run my tank through my standard cleaning procedure when i m back at home base.
The safety and quality of your water supply may be the key consideration in deciding whether to use distilled water in the humidifier. Distilled water is better for your health and the longevity of your cpap machine.