Continuous positive airway ressure (CPAP) therapy is a commonly prescribed treatment for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). CPAP machines help keep the airway open during sleep by delivering a continuous stream of air through a mask. To improve comfort during use, many CPAP machines are equipped with a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air to prevent dryness in the nose, throat, and airways. However, when using a CPAP humidifier, one key consideration is the type of water to use: Is distilled water necessary, or can you use tap water instead?
The Role of Humidification in CPAP Therapy
A humidifier is an optional but beneficial feature for many CPAP users. Without it, the air delivered by the machine may feel dry, leading to discomfort like a dry mouth, sore throat, nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or irritation in the respiratory system. The humidifier adds moisture to the air before it reaches the patient’s airway, which can reduce these symptoms and promote better sleep.
For optimal performance, many CPAP machines come with a water chamber designed to hold water that gets vaporized and introduced into the airflow. The type of water used in this chamber can impact the performance and longevity of the machine, as well as the user’s comfort.
The Importance of Using the Right Type of Water
When it comes to CPAP humidification, using the correct type of water is critical. The two main types of water you can use in the humidifier are distilled water and tap water. Each has its own characteristics, and choosing the right one for your CPAP machine is essential for maintaining both the machine and your health.
Distilled Water: The Preferred Choice
Distilled water is essentially water that has been purified by boiling it into steam and then condensing it back into water, leaving behind minerals, contaminants, and impurities. This process ensures that the water is free of particles that might otherwise be present in regular tap water.
Why distilled water is recommended:
Prevents Mineral Build-Up: One of the biggest reasons to use distilled water in your CPAP humidifier is to avoid mineral deposits (called scale). Tap water, depending on your location, often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are left behind as the water evaporates in the humidifier. Over time, these minerals can accumulate and form hard water deposits in the water chamber, the hoses, and the CPAP mask. These deposits can lead to clogging and reduce the efficiency of the device. They may also potentially create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which could compromise your respiratory health.
Reduces Bacterial Growth: Distilled water is free from impurities and microorganisms that may be present in regular tap water. While the high humidity in the water chamber creates a conducive environment for microbial growth, using distilled water minimizes the chances of introducing harmful bacteria or mold into the machine. If regular tap water were to be used, the added minerals and contaminants could encourage bacterial growth, which can lead to respiratory infections or other health issues.
Improves Longevity of Your CPAP Machine: Using distilled water can help extend the lifespan of your CPAP humidifier. Hard water deposits from tap water can damage the water chamber, obstructing airflow or causing the humidifier to malfunction. By using distilled water, you help protect the components of your CPAP machine from unnecessary wear and tear, ensuring it works more efficiently and lasts longer.
Avoids Unpleasant Odors: Over time, tap water’s mineral content may interact with the humidifier and the air, leading to unpleasant odors or tastes when inhaling the humidified air. This is most evident if the water completely boils off in overnight use. Distilled water prevents this by ensuring that the water remains pure and free from any impurities that could alter its smell or taste.
Tap Water: The Risky Option
While it may seem more convenient and economical to use tap water, especially in areas with soft water, there are potential risks involved. In many cases, tap water can contain dissolved minerals, chlorine, fluoride, and even microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, or protozoa, which can pose risks to health and the functionality of the CPAP machine.
Why tap water should be avoided:
Mineral Deposits: As mentioned earlier, the minerals in tap water, especially in hard water areas, can accumulate in the water chamber, creating scale buildup and clogs. This not only makes cleaning more difficult but can also decrease the efficiency of the humidifier.
Bacterial and Mold Growth: Tap water can sometimes harbor bacteria or mold spores, particularly if the water has been sitting in the humidifier for an extended period of time. This can introduce harmful microbes into the air you are breathing, increasing the risk of respiratory infections or allergies.
Frequent Cleaning Required: If you use tap water, you will need to clean your CPAP machine and humidifier more frequently to prevent buildup and microbial growth. Distilled water, by contrast, can help reduce the frequency of deep cleaning sessions.
What About Filtered or Bottled Water?
In areas with particularly poor tap water quality, some users may wonder if filtered or bottled water is a suitable alternative. While filtering water can remove some of the contaminants, it may not eliminate all minerals or microorganisms. Bottled water is generally safe, but it still might contain trace amounts of minerals, depending on the brand and source. For these reasons, distilled water remains the safest and most effective choice for use in CPAP humidifiers.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to use tap water in a CPAP humidifier, it is not advisable due to the risk of mineral buildup, bacterial growth, and potential damage to your CPAP machine. Distilled water, on the other hand, is specifically recommended for its purity and ability to prevent issues related to contamination and scale buildup.
Within the United States, distilled water may readily be available at most grocery stores. Distilled water may be hard to find on international trips, as it may only be for sale in pharmacies or hardware stores.
To ensure optimal performance of your CPAP therapy and avoid unnecessary cleaning, maintenance, or health risks, distilled water is the preferred choice. While it might cost a little more than tap water, the benefits far outweigh the potential issues caused by using untreated water. By taking this simple precaution, you can improve the comfort and longevity of your CPAP system, as well as protect your respiratory health.