Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is a common treatment for sleep apnea, helping individuals breathe more easily during sleep. Many CPAP devices include a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air delivered, enhancing comfort and improving therapy adherence. A frequent inquiry concerns the appropriate type of water for these humidifiers.
Why Water Quality is Critical for CPAP
The CPAP humidifier heats water in a chamber, creating warm, moist air delivered through the mask. This process ensures that dry air does not irritate the nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Any impurities present in the water can be aerosolized and inhaled directly into the respiratory system during this humidification process. Over time, the quality of water used directly influences both the operational lifespan of the CPAP machine and the user’s respiratory well-being.
What Happens When You Use Regular Water
Using regular tap water in a CPAP humidifier can lead to several undesirable outcomes. Tap water contains various dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. As the water is heated and evaporates, these minerals are left behind, forming hard deposits known as scaling on the humidifier’s heating plate and chamber walls. This mineral buildup can reduce the humidifier’s efficiency, potentially damaging the heating element and requiring costly repairs or even premature replacement of the device.
Beyond mineral deposits, tap water contains microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. The warm, moist environment within the CPAP humidifier provides an ideal breeding ground for these microbes. Their proliferation can lead to the formation of biofilm or mold within the water chamber, which can then be inhaled by the user. Inhaling these contaminants may cause respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, or infections.
Additionally, tap water often contains trace amounts of chemicals like chlorine and fluoride, added for public health purposes. When tap water is heated in the humidifier, these chemicals can become aerosolized. Inhaling these vaporized chemicals might lead to irritation of the airways or other unintended long-term respiratory effects.
The Recommended Water for Your CPAP
To prevent these issues, distilled water is the only recommended type for CPAP humidifiers. Distilled water undergoes a purification process that removes minerals, impurities, and microorganisms. This absence of contaminants prevents the accumulation of scale within the humidifier chamber and ensures that the air delivered is free from airborne particles or biological agents. Using distilled water helps maintain the longevity and performance of the CPAP machine while safeguarding respiratory health. Distilled water is readily available for purchase at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and even many convenience stores.
What to Do After Accidental Use
Should you inadvertently use regular water in your CPAP machine, immediate action can mitigate potential issues. Promptly drain the humidifier chamber completely. Next, thoroughly clean the chamber according to your device manufacturer’s specific instructions, typically involving mild soap and warm water, followed by a thorough rinse. After cleaning, ensure you switch to distilled water for all subsequent uses. A single instance of using regular water is unlikely to cause severe damage or immediate health concerns, but consistent use will certainly lead to problems.