A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea, a condition causing interrupted breathing during sleep. It delivers pressurized air through a mask, keeping the airway open. Many CPAP devices include a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air. This humidification enhances comfort by preventing issues such as dry mouth, nose, and throat irritation, particularly in dry climates or with higher air pressures.
Why Tap Water is Not Suitable for CPAP
Using tap water in a CPAP humidifier is not recommended due to two main concerns: mineral buildup and microorganism growth. These issues can compromise both the machine’s function and the user’s health.
Tap water contains hard water minerals. When heated in the CPAP humidifier, these minerals do not evaporate with the water; instead, they are left behind as deposits. Over time, this accumulation forms a stubborn scale, known as limescale, on the humidifier chamber walls and heating plate. This mineral buildup can reduce humidification efficiency, interfere with heating elements, and shorten the machine’s lifespan.
Tap water is not sterile and can harbor a range of microorganisms. The warm, moist environment of a CPAP humidifier creates an ideal breeding ground for these pathogens. If these microorganisms proliferate, they can become aerosolized and inhaled directly into the user’s lungs. This poses a significant health risk, potentially leading to respiratory infections such as pneumonia. Boiling tap water can kill some microorganisms, but it does not remove minerals or chemical contaminants, meaning mineral buildup will still occur and some risks may remain.
The Recommended Water for CPAP Use
The only water consistently recommended for CPAP humidifiers by experts and manufacturers is distilled water. Distilled water undergoes a specific purification process where water is boiled into steam, then collected and condensed back into liquid. This process effectively removes minerals, impurities, and most microorganisms, resulting in highly pure water.
The purity of distilled water prevents problems associated with tap water. Without minerals, there is no risk of scale buildup in the humidifier chamber, which helps maintain machine efficiency and prolongs its operational life. The absence of microorganisms minimizes the risk of bacterial or fungal growth within the CPAP system, reducing potential respiratory infections. While sterile water is also pure, distilled water is generally more accessible and cost-effective for home CPAP use.
Essential CPAP Maintenance Practices
Beyond water choice, consistent and thorough cleaning practices are vital for maintaining a CPAP machine and ensuring effective, safe therapy. Regular maintenance prevents the accumulation of oils, dust, and microbial growth, even when using distilled water.
The humidifier chamber and mask cushion should be cleaned daily. Empty any remaining water from the chamber and wash it with warm, mild soap and water, then rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely. The mask cushion can be wiped daily with a warm, soapy cloth or an unscented wipe to remove facial oils.
Weekly cleaning should extend to the tubing, headgear, and reusable air filters. Tubing can be washed in warm, soapy water, ensuring the inside is cleaned by submerging it. The headgear and mask frame should be hand-washed with mild soap and warm water. Reusable foam filters can be washed with warm, soapy water, rinsed, and allowed to air dry completely before reinstallation. Always follow the specific cleaning guidelines provided by the CPAP machine’s manufacturer for each component.