Using distilled water in your CPAP machine isn't just a suggestion – it's a necessity that protects both your equipment and your health. CPAP therapy relies on clean, mineral-free water to provide the humidity that makes breathing comfortable throughout the night.
But what exactly makes distilled water so important, and what happens if you use alternatives? Let's explore why this simple choice matters so much for your sleep therapy success.
What Makes Distilled Water Different from Other Water Types
Distilled water undergoes a purification process that sets it apart from other water sources.
During distillation, water is heated until it turns to steam, then cooled back into liquid form. This process leaves behind minerals, bacteria, and other impurities that remain in the boiling chamber.
The result is exceptionally pure water with total dissolved solids (TDS) levels as low as 2 ppm (parts per million), compared to typical tap water which can range from 140-400 ppm. That is distilled water would be ideal for sensitive medical equipment like CPAP machines.
Why Regular Tap Water Won't Work
Tap water contains various minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron that don't evaporate during the humidification process.
These minerals stay behind in your CPAP chamber, forming a crusty white buildup that can damage your equipment. This mineral deposit accumulates over time, potentially blocking water passages and reducing your machine's effectiveness.
Tap water may also contain chlorine and other chemicals added during municipal treatment. When heated in your CPAP humidifier, these chemicals release into the air you breathe throughout the night. This exposure can irritate your airways and counteract the benefits of your therapy.
The Health Risks of Using Non-Distilled Water
Using the wrong water in your CPAP goes beyond equipment concerns – it can directly impact your respiratory health. Your CPAP delivers air directly to your sensitive respiratory system, and therefore water quality would be especially important.
Potential for Bacterial Growth
Tap water and even some bottled waters may contain microorganisms that can multiply in the warm, moist environment of your CPAP humidifier.
Unlike drinking water where stomach acid kills many pathogens, your respiratory system lacks this defense mechanism. Breathing in these microorganisms for 6-8 hours each night could lead to respiratory infections or irritation.
Mineral Inhalation Concerns
The minerals in tap water don't just stay in your machine – tiny particles can become airborne during humidification.
Breathing in these mineral particles night after night may cause irritation to your nasal passages and airways.
This can worsen the very symptoms CPAP therapy aims to improve, like congestion and dryness.
How to Ensure You Always Have Distilled Water Available
Running out of distilled water can disrupt your therapy routine. Having reliable access to distilled water helps maintain consistent CPAP use, which is crucial for effective sleep apnea treatment.
Home Distillation Options
Creating your own distilled water at home offers a convenient solution that ensures you never run out. Counter-top water distillers work by heating tap water and collecting the purified steam, similar to the commercial distillation process but on a smaller scale.
Modern water distillers like the CO-Z water distiller can produce high-purity water (as low as 2 ppm) at a rate of 0.5 gallons per hour, providing plenty for your CPAP needs.
Store-Bought Alternatives
When purchasing distilled water, look specifically for containers labeled "distilled" rather than "purified" or "spring" water. These other water types undergo different processes that don't remove all minerals. Distilled water is typically available in most grocery stores and pharmacies in the water section, often in gallon containers.
For travel, consider packing small travel-sized distilled water bottles or researching stores near your destination. Many major chain stores carry distilled water, so distilled water could be accessible in most locations within the United States.
What Happens to Your CPAP Machine When You Use Tap Water
Using tap water even once can begin the process of mineral accumulation in your CPAP humidifier. The effects of improper water choice become evident over time in several ways.
Visible Signs of Mineral Buildup
The first sign of trouble typically appears as a white, chalky residue inside your water chamber. This mineral scaling can eventually become difficult to remove, even with thorough cleaning. As buildup progresses, you might notice a decrease in the amount of humidity your machine produces, as the heating element becomes less efficient when coated with mineral deposits.
Some users report unusual noises or overheating when mineral buildup interferes with normal operation.
These symptoms indicate that the internal components are struggling to function properly, potentially shortening your machine's lifespan.
Impact on Machine Performance
Mineral deposits can clog the small water channels and valves within your humidifier system. This restriction prevents proper water flow and reduces humidification effectiveness. Without adequate moisture, you may experience the dry mouth, sore throat, and nasal irritation that humidification aims to prevent.
The heating element in your CPAP humidifier works harder when coated with mineral deposits, potentially leading to premature failure. Replacing these components can be expensive, often costing nearly as much as a new machine in some cases.
Emergency Alternatives When Distilled Water Isn't Available
Sometimes access to distilled water isn't possible, particularly during travel or unexpected situations. Understanding your options helps you make the best choice when ideal solutions aren't available.
Short-Term Backup Options
For a single night, running your CPAP without water is preferable to using tap water. Most machines allow you to turn off the humidifier function while still providing therapy pressure. While less comfortable, this approach prevents mineral buildup and protects your investment.
If available, bottled drinking water labeled as "purified" offers a better alternative than tap water for very short-term use. These waters have undergone some filtration that removes many impurities, though not as thoroughly as distillation. Remember to clean your water chamber thoroughly when returning to distilled water.
Proper Cleaning After Using Alternatives
If you've used non-distilled water in an emergency, proper cleaning helps minimize damage. Empty and rinse the water chamber immediately after use, then soak it in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for 20 minutes. This acidic solution helps dissolve mineral deposits before they become permanent.
After soaking, rinse thoroughly with distilled water and allow the chamber to air dry completely before using again. This extra cleaning step helps preserve your equipment when circumstances force you to use less-than-ideal water options.
Frequently Asked Questions About CPAP Water
Can I Use Boiled Tap Water in My CPAP?
Boiling tap water kills bacteria and other microorganisms, but it doesn't remove minerals. In fact, boiling concentrates mineral content as some water evaporates during the boiling process. While safer from a bacterial perspective, boiled tap water still causes mineral buildup and isn't recommended for regular use in your CPAP humidifier.
How Long Can I Store Distilled Water for CPAP Use?
Unopened, commercially distilled water can be stored at room temperature for up to two years. Once opened, use the water within 1-2 weeks and keep the container tightly sealed between uses. Never store water in your CPAP chamber when not in use, as this creates conditions where bacteria could potentially grow.
Do All CPAP Machines Require Distilled Water?
Yes, all CPAP machines with humidifiers should use distilled water regardless of brand or model. While manufacturer guidelines may vary slightly in their wording, distilled water remains the universal recommendation for optimal performance and longevity. Using distilled water also typically maintains warranty coverage, as many manufacturers specify that damage from mineral buildup isn't covered under warranty terms.
Conclusion
Your CPAP machine represents both a significant financial investment and an important tool for your health. Using distilled water consistently is one of the simplest ways to protect this investment and ensure effective therapy. The small effort of obtaining proper water pays dividends through extended equipment life, reduced maintenance, and better therapeutic outcomes.
Consistent, comfortable CPAP use leads to better compliance and improved health benefits. By making distilled water an essential part of your sleep therapy routine, you're taking a simple but crucial step toward successful treatment and better rest.
Further Reading:
Why BPA Free Water Distillers Matter For Safe Drinking Water
How to Remove Hard Water Stains & How to Prevent it
Distilled Water for Plants: When to Use It & When to Avoid It
