Distilled Water
I haven't been able to get distilled water where I live. Tried 3-4 stores over the last 2-3 weeks.
I know it's possible to use tap water and I have, but I'd rather use distilled.
Anyone use one of the cheap home distillers? There is one on Amazon for like $79, Mophorn.
Any other suggestions for getting distilled water?
RE: Distilled Water
Unless you have dirty water, you don't need to use distilled water. Remember, the user instructions were written for a world market. The only thing that you may have to contend with in the U.S. is a high mineral content. This would just require a more frequent cleaning of the humidifier tub. Again, the instructions call for a daily cleaning. . . Yeah, right! The humidity in the air does not transport any contaminants, so the cleaning is to remove any mineral deposits. . .when it is needed.
- Red
RE: Distilled Water
The closest thing to distilled, is the Zero Water pitcher. I have used it to take orange well-water with a solids level nearly 300 ppm and purify to 1-2 ppm. An amazing change. You can use it for drinking water, your coffee maker, any place you want to reduce TSS, chemicals and impurities. I normally use tap water, but at the cottage, i use a Zero Water, and it never leaves a deposit. You need the filter too, and I buy them 4 at a time.
RE: Distilled Water
Depending on how dry your home is, you might also get away with a regular room humidifier to keep the room air (and thusly, the cpap) in a comfortable range. You would want to turn off the tank heater then, of course, and no or low hose heat.
I use Walmart distilled water and have noticed long periods of no-stock this winter, but always managed to find some just in time so that I dont run out. I'm interested in that Zero pitcher that Sleeprider mentioned .. I wonder what the cost/unit is like compared to the 99c/gallon wallywater ?
RE: Distilled Water
I use tap water and when I start seeing a scale on the bottom of the humidifier I may or may not add some vinegar to clean it out. I'll add the vinegar and clean when the one who must be obeyed says something. My wife used to use distilled water until I "converted" her over to whatever is available.
Just need to watch the build ups, and use a soak with a little vinegar from time to time.
Homer
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Membership in the Advisory Members group does not imply medical expertise or qualification for advising Sleep Apnea patients concerning their treatment.
RE: Distilled Water
I use tap water. Always have. I think distilled is unnecessary unless the tap water in your area isn't potable. Also, my belief is that the chlorine added to the reticulated supply here in Oz helps to keep bacteria at bay in the tank.
If I am traveling and the tap water is or might be unsafe to drink, I buy bottled water.
Like others, I remove mineral deposits (which are harmless but look unsightly) by soaking in vinegar once a month or so.
RE: Distilled Water
I am based in Spain where distilled water is easily available so I always use it. It keeps my humidifier in pristine condition. I did holiday in the USA some years ago and had no trouble finding distilled water there. I always found it in CVS. In Spain, distilled water is nearly always in with the washing powder/fabric conditioners because it's primary use is for ironing.
If you can't get distilled water a) If you have a condensing tumble dryer use the water from there if you can tolerate any residual scent from fabric conditioners used in the wash or b) boil water in a kettle and let it cool.
RE: Distilled Water
In certain regions of the world, Resmed actually drops the need for "distilled water" from the user's manual. It is absolutely fine to use tap water unless you have questionable water quality in your region.
RE: Distilled Water
I use distilled water simply as a matter of convenience, when traveling I use tap water, even VERY hard tap water, that frequently requires a dump every morning (if packing) night when I add water. A soak in diluted vinegar easily clears any mineral deposits out.
If the tap water is safe to drink, it's safe to use in your CPAP
