Can you use filtered water in heated humidifier vs distilled

[LonghornGary]

I know distilled is preferred by does anyone use filtered water instead and what if any negative consequences did you see? Thanks

[LSAT]

I don't know how you would filter out minerals...thats what fouls up the humidifier

[Perrybucsdad]

You can use tap water, but you will get mineral build up.

[ameriken]

Do a search on the forum for the two terms 'pink' and 'humidifier' or 'pink mold' or 'pink slime' .

That's why I use distilled instead of any other kind of water.

[BullwinkleMoose]

Hey LG, I've personally been using filtered water for over ten years. And yes, I do have to clean my humidifier tank weekly, but that is not a problem since Paykal-Fisher started making take apart humidifier tanks. Now DeVillbiss makes them that can be put in the dishwasher. Love it and don't worry about that stuff growing in it anymore. Talk about a pain getting the paper towel in the tank swishing vinegar and soap around till it was clean. Then getting it out. Maybe the other manufacturers will wake up. xpap has only been around for decades now, and they have made plenty off us. So now maybe its time they gave back by making it easier. Besides, if I'm breathing that humidity, and this is just MY opinion, not trying to start something here, I'm going to clean the tank weekly anyway. I also use a double stag filter. First is a particle filter followed by a point five micron filter. Gets most everything except stuff that disolves completely in water to be smaller than that. I also won't pay for bottled water. Read Evian backwards. Also, and this is the kicker, its a personal choice. Most people on this forum use distilled water. Its a personal choice.

[BullwinkleMoose]

Also, as an after thought, I've been using a "carbon" point five micron filter as the final. It gets the odors also. None other than the cleaning.

[SleepOly]

If you have a reverse osmosis filtering system it will take out 90% or better of all minerals. I have used RO water for a decade, and only replaced the water chamber once in the 9 years I used my old HC150. Once a month or so I soak my water chamber in RO water and vinegar. The acidic mixture will dissolve any mineral build up (I could not visually see any) and disinfect the water chamber. I then rinse out the chamber with ivory dish soap and water.

[nobody]

I use water that's been filtered through a PUR filter. I have not got any mineral scale build up. I take it apart and clean it with mild soap and a toothbrush every few days to make sure no slime builds up in the tank.

[Mary Z]

I use reverse osmosis filtered water.

[BullwinkleMoose]

***WARNING***
After yesterdays post, I got out my DeVillbiss humidifier manual, and geez, they recommend hand washing with mild soap and water only. And using distilled water. Oh well. Live and read your manual. I'm still using the filtered water though. Just thought I'd correct my own screw-up before someone else does. Sorry guys. Also, this tank has gone through the diswasher on the top shelf with no effects that I can see. I would imagine the plastic will get cloudy after a while though. Seems that Paykal-Fisher is the only ones that care about our convenience. Although I do like the two piece design of the DV5HH chamber. Anybody know how long these gaskets last?

[archangle]

***WARNING***
After yesterdays post, I got out my DeVillbiss humidifier manual, and geez, they recommend hand washing with mild soap and water only. And using distilled water. Oh well. Live and read your manual. I'm still using the filtered water though. Just thought I'd correct my own screw-up before someone else does. Sorry guys. Also, this tank has gone through the diswasher on the top shelf with no effects that I can see. I would imagine the plastic will get cloudy after a while though. Seems that Paykal-Fisher is the only ones that care about our convenience. Although I do like the two piece design of the DV5HH chamber. Anybody know how long these gaskets last?

Does the tank open up so you can get to all the parts to clean them?

If you're worried about using the dishwasher, a new DeVilbiss tank only costs $50 or so online. Buy a spare tank just in case and then dishwash the old one a few times and look for problems. As long as it doesn't pose a health risk, or make it leak and ruin your humidifier, you're only risking $50. Presumably, you'll eventually need a new tank eventually anyway.

I like the idea of my tank being "clean enough to eat off of."

If you don't use distilled, you'll get more problems with mineral deposits, even with filtered water. The risk of bacteria or mold growth is higher, but probably not a big deal as long as you thoroughly clean every week or so.

I don't think the filtered water will make a big difference in the health risk of tap water.

Your problems from using tap water will be less if you fill the tank every night and dump it in the morning.

I've been dishwashing Respironics tanks for 7 years now, with no obvious problems.

[RTforLife]

It is not unsafe to use bottled, filtered water. you may get some mineralization that can be cleaned with white vinegar and water. And remember, you can get a new humidifier chamber EVERY 6 Months. Medicare guidelines are pretty much the standard for supply replacement.

Mask and headgear- every 6 months
cushion for full face mask- 1 per month (can get 3 month supply)
cushion for nasal mask/pillows- 2 per month (can get 3 month supply)
CPAP/BIPAP tubing- 1 every 3 months
Humdifier chamber- 1 every 6 months
paper filters- 2 per month (can get 3 month supply)
foam filters- 1 every 6 months.

I would ask you DME what new masks are out there when your 6 months are up. Resmed is revamping many of their masks and calling them FX ie Quattro FX, Swift FX, Mirage FX. We are hoping the do a Liberty FX.

Respironics has the bomb machines but has been lacking in masks. They now have a TRUE BLUE nasal that takes all the best qualiltes of their masks into one mask.

I work with Neuromuscular people who ventilate by mask up to 24 hrs per day as well as sleep-disordered breathing users, and the right mask is essential. Replacing cushions regularly will help with leaks and allow the mask to be used a little looser for less pressure sores.

[beylow]

I always use tap water. Never have any problem. I use vinegar to clean the water chamber every few months.

[Carl LaFong]

Distilled water is so cheap and saves so much time and effort.

[ozze_dollar]

I have trouble finding distilled water. I put filtered water in the kettle and boil it. Next morning when it has cooled down I put it in a bottle and take it upstairs to the bedroom. I clean my tank once a week. I have no problems.