Hope2SleepGuide

Sleep Apnoea Forum Bringing Help + Support to the Patient

Hi

What is better distilled water verses tap water.  I was wondering what is best for the CPAP machine as many say distilled is best and if you are on free prescriptions then you should be able to get it.  As my area is a very hard water area and most kitchen last only around 12 - 18 months before you need to replace them.

If I do get a new machine I am thinking about asking for distilled water so that it protects the very expensive machine.  Also because I have some many allergies it would be safer for me too use.
Dee 

Views: 2352

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Distilled water is what we should ideally use, but it's very difficult to get hold of in the UK. Deionised water is sometimes mistaken for distilled, but it's not the same thing and best saved for irons + car batteries.

I live in a hard water area and never use plain tap water.  Most people tend to use boiled water cooled down, or bottled mineral water.  I always keep meaning to buy a distiller, but have never got around to it.  Have a look at the info on this site http://www.h2olabs.co.uk/t-distilled-water-facts.aspx

distilled is better

boiling water concentrates heavy metals and you should only boil once to remove Florine and chlorine 

distilled water has no oxygen in it but you can oxygenate it yourself by stirring or poring from one container to another

minerals good except when boiled as minerals deposit on inside and raise the electric cost of boiling water

I have found bottled water best but you need to look for water which is low in calcium and dissolved solids.They say that you should not notice the difference ,there is a scientific reason why, but if nothing else I find that using a soft low calcium water keeps the humidifier tank cleaner.

My understanding is that only distilled water should be used and that it needs to be changed daily.

If you look on the Resmed website one page says to use distilled water but another page tells you that you can use tap water. Confusing!!

I prefer to use Tesco Ashbeck  bottled water as its low in calcium so should be a lot softer than North London tap.

I also change it daily and wash out the tub weekly

And entered with internet explorer Yipeeee

It is confusing Edam, as the manufacturers originally clearly state to use distilled water, but then they change their minds when specifically aiming information at the UK, which is I suspect because they know how difficult it is for us to obtain it.  In the US (and Australia I think) they can easily purchase distilled water in their local stores, but we can only easily source deionised water, which isn't the same thing.  Even my GP told me to stop using that and leave it for the car batteries and irons!  I've often thought of purchasing one of those distillers, but never get around to it when I have spare cash which isn't often

What I dont understand is that I can "taste", I cant find a better word, the difference between filtered North London Tap and bottled water when used in the humidifier.

I used to buy "Purified Water BP" in a 5 litre container from a wholesale chemist.  Nowadays, I have a water softener for my (North London) home, and use that water.  When I'm travelling, I use bottled water.  When flying, I buy bottled water at the airport at my destination.  The tank does still get scaled up, but not badly.  As I've mentioned here before, soaking it in the cheapest vinegar you can buy, cleans the tank up nicely.

I always use Distilled water now and I buy it on the internet although it can work out expensive. The last lot I bought was a 25L drum with tap, which cost me £22.95 -  company called APC pure in Manchester. Reputable Co. who explain how they distill the water.

I used to use tap water but found there were always bits in it.

How long did that last you June? I tend to use bottled mineral water, but would prefer distilled really.

I've had this one about a month and its well over half full or more. I only

put enough water in the cpap water vessel for what I need, prob just up to minimum mark because I used to waste loads.

 

I been filling my iron up with it too. 

You need to shop around for best value, some is really expensive. 

Someone mentioned on here getting it on prescription but I don't know about that. 

I asked my GP about getting it on prescription, and he didn't think he could or where I would get it from.  He did suggest I ask the local chemist, but I forgot.  He also told me to stop using deionised water (in the days when I thought that was distilled) and told me to save it for the car battery and the iron Children on ventilators do get theirs on prescription though.  I keep meaning to buy a distiller, but I haven't got around to it yet.

Reply to Discussion

RSS

Sleep Apnoea Forum

New to the Sleep Apnoea Forum? 

1. Stop by our Sleep Apnoea Welcome Center to introduce yourself to the SleepGuide community.
2. Start a New Topic of Conversation.
3. Post your photos - of yourself, your old CPAP machine, your new CPAP machine, your pet, something about you!

Interested in advertising, have a problem or need to contact us? Click the Report an Issue page.

 

Latest Activity

Jonathan replied to John's discussion Airsense 10 -humidifier runs dry
"I did replace the tank in my SleepCube, and had to regularly take the silicone sealing gasket out and give it a goof clean, but not infrequently found it standing in a pool of water in the morning.  The machine sat on a tray because of…"
yesterday
John posted a discussion

Nasal valve collapse

Does anyone have any experience of nasal valve collapse?Wondering if I have this but I don't know what the norm is.Been trying widgets that hold the nose open and it's like night and day.See More
Sunday
John replied to John's discussion Airsense 10 -humidifier runs dry
"Wow it's the other way round for me.I found with the Sleepcube I'd often have a good bit of water still there in the morning. Today I woke up with a dry tank on the Resmed again and it's not on full heat or flow. I got it on 6…"
Sunday
Becky Murkin posted a discussion

F20 AirFit small marking bridge of nose

Please help or give advice all wise people on here.I have had the Resmed F20 AirFit small mask for over a month. Seals yet…See More
Mar 19
Frances Knight replied to Frances Knight's discussion Air Sense 10 - changing pressure settings
"A very helpful reply Jonathan. I found the pressure setting for the full face mask to be too high when I changed to a nasal mask, but perhaps I should have persisted? I'll try again and I'll also discuss with the clinic whether an APAP…"
Mar 13
Jonathan replied to Frances Knight's discussion Air Sense 10 - changing pressure settings
"Ramble alert!  My history is that I spent part of each week at a different location, so bought a second machine identical to my fixed pressure NHS machine and set it up to match using the clinician menu.  This was a very long time…"
Mar 12
Frances Knight replied to Frances Knight's discussion Air Sense 10 - changing pressure settings
"Thanks Jonathan - I had seen the YouTube video. My question is really about the experience of people who have control of their pressure settings, for example those people who have bought their machines directly and not obtained them through an NHS…"
Mar 12
Jonathan replied to Frances Knight's discussion Air Sense 10 - changing pressure settings
"This is NOT a recommendation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNUWhd2UgQM"
Mar 11
Frances Knight posted a discussion

Air Sense 10 - changing pressure settings

I have been successfully using my air sense 10 since OSA diagnosis, and my AHI is now under 2. I had an appointment with my clinic this week and have been told there is no need for further appointments and just to contact them if I need supplies or…See More
Mar 11
Swen Greve is now a member of Hope2SleepGuide
Mar 4
Jonathan replied to Sue Reeves's discussion A few questions..
"If you have a helpful GP, I would ask them to re-refer you to the sleep clinic."
Mar 3
Sue Reeves posted a discussion

A few questions..

A quick bit of backgroundDiagnosed with OSA about 7/8 years ago by my local sleep clinic and given a F &P Icon CPAP.  After a couple of follow-up appts to sort out any issues, I was sent on my merry way. I have had no further face to face…See More
Mar 3
Jonathan replied to John's discussion Airsense 10 -humidifier runs dry
"I previously had a DeVilbiss Sleepcube and the dehumidifier did sometimes run dry.  On the other hand I now have an AirSense 10 and it never runs dry, and I've had the humidity turned up high."
Feb 26
John posted a discussion

Airsense 10 -humidifier runs dry

Hi. I'm finding the Airsense 10 the hospital gave me, the humidifier chamber runs dry. It's not even on max settings, which I'm guessing would empty it a lot quicker. Seems like a big design oversight to me. Does anyone else have this trouble? The…See More
Feb 26
David Hudson posted a discussion

Decline in hearing

HiI have regular, well yearly check ups at work. One being a hearing test. Since having my cpap machine my hearing has declined rapidly in 1 ear.....could this be as a result of pressure? I believe I'm on 15cm p max h2o. I just use a nasal…See More
Feb 26
Profile Icontim richards, mark & les, Lesley Parks and 1 more joined Hope2SleepGuide
Feb 13
Jenny Wren replied to Jenny Wren's discussion Feeling Abandoned by the Sleep Clinic
"I've got lucky! I can collect a new machine next week. It's been really helpful to 'speak' to people here and to Kath. It alerted me to the fact that I'd slipped through the net. The clinic were very apologetic and now all…"
Feb 8
Ejog1 replied to Jenny Wren's discussion Feeling Abandoned by the Sleep Clinic
"Thanks. Good news for me today, my clinic did finally reply to me and they’re giving me a new machine. The person I spoke to was super helpful. The NHS clinics are great when you’re able to speak to them, but they seem to be…"
Feb 7
Jenny Wren replied to Jenny Wren's discussion Feeling Abandoned by the Sleep Clinic
"Yes, my machine is affected. Seems I slipped through the net. I'm now on the sleep clinic's radar again and am hopeful that this will be sorted soon. Thanks for your reply and stay well."
Feb 7
Jenny Wren replied to Jenny Wren's discussion Feeling Abandoned by the Sleep Clinic
"I'm sorry to hear that. I emailed Kath about this and she was very helpful. She advised me to get in touch with my sleep clinic and I have had a reply from them. I so hope that you get a response soon."
Feb 7

© 2024   Created by The SleepGuide Crew.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service