Water question

[Novello1234]

I was told distilled water both by the vendor that I purchased my machine from

[Sleepster]

Manufacturers insist on distilled water because it virtually guarantees no mineral build up on the bottom of the humidifier tank. Just make sure you empty the tank every morning and let it air dry to prevent bacteria growth.

I use tap water at home because we have a water softener. When I travel I use bottled drinking water but wouldn't hesitate to use tap water in a pinch.

There's a Wiki on the topic here:
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...fier_water

[Russatrice]

Manufacturers insist on distilled water because it virtually guarantees no mineral build up on the bottom of the humidifier tank. Just make sure you empty the tank every morning and let it air dry to prevent bacteria growth.

Should I still empty it daily if I only use distilled water? I always thought that distilled water wouldn't allow for easy bacterial growth. I hate wasting things and throwing out the leftover water that I paid for bugs me, so I clean and let it dry only once a week. Is this a health risk?

[CB91710]

Once a week is what I do and it had not caused any issues with respiratory infections for me or my wife.

Distilled water is *fairly* bacteria free... until you open the jug and pour it into the machine.

Keep in mind that the reservoir is a warm, moist environment.

[Sleepster]

Should I still empty it daily if I only use distilled water? I always thought that distilled water wouldn't allow for easy bacterial growth. I hate wasting things and throwing out the leftover water that I paid for bugs me, so I clean and let it dry only once a week. Is this a health risk?

In my opinion it is because the water is heated, providing a bacteria-friendly environment. But I'm not a biologist.

Is your tap water hard? Is distilled water expensive where you live?

[Russatrice]

Should I still empty it daily if I only use distilled water? I always thought that distilled water wouldn't allow for easy bacterial growth. I hate wasting things and throwing out the leftover water that I paid for bugs me, so I clean and let it dry only once a week. Is this a health risk?

In my opinion it is because the water is heated, providing a bacteria-friendly environment. But I'm not a biologist.

Is your tap water hard? Is distilled water expensive where you live?

Yes, our tap water is hard and I don't drink it either. Distilled water isn't expensive but I have to make a trip into the city to get it. For the CPAP I could possibly just use the drinking water I buy anyways. Never thought of that. It's not so much a money issue as the principle of not wasting anything. I guess I got that from my grandma and parents who all lived through the dirty thirties and the war. Grandma used to cut open the toothpaste tube to scrape out the last little bit...