using distilled water in the humidiefer

I've never used water of any kind. I use my machine dry. Is this a problem? It doesn't bother me.

I was told to use distilled OR demineralized (why does autocorrect want me to say decriminalized?) water. Does it matter if it is ozonated or not?

Nardella wrote:I was told to use distilled OR demineralized (why does autocorrect want me to say decriminalized?) water. Does it matter if it is ozonated or not?

no, ozone doesn't remove minerals.

I've been using demineralized water bought from my local drugstore here in Canada for the past 11+ years. It is labeled as having TDS (total dissolved solids) of < 10ppm.

When I travel, I use distilled/demineralized water IF I can find it easily and buy it for less than its equivalent weight in gold (or volume in scotch). Otherwise, I use Aquafina bottled water which has an "average" TDS of 4 ppm (http://www.aquafina.com/en-US/faq.html , see topic "What is the difference between spring water and purified water?"). Of course, that "average" value is marketing spin and since I have never seen the TDS value on any Aquafina label, who knows what the actual value really is, but it is safe to bet it is low and closer to 4ppm than 40ppm. That said, in a pinch, at home or abroad, I simply use tap water rather than forego humidification.

I have never changed my humidifier tank before I needed to change/update my APAP every 5 years or so. I don't understand how some need to change their tanks (or masks) monthly. I rinse my tank each morning, use fresh water each night, wash my tank with a few drops of baby shampoo once a week, and have never seen a trace of any kind of mineral deposit or goo (pink, black or other). I used to soak my tank in a 1:4 vinegar solution once a week, for a couple of hours, but stopped doing that extra step several years back with no problem yet.

When travelling, Aquafina is a cost effective and readily available distilled/demineralized water alternative in most countries. The worldwide footprint of PepsiCo (and Coca Cola) is unbelievable. It has saved me many logistics headaches when travelling to less developed countries or even developed countries where you get referred to the local hospital, pharmacy, and even auto garage (battery water!!!) to get your distilled water... at a premium cost in both money and time. I got the urge to research alternatives after wasting half a day and paying a ridiculous amount of money for a liter of "consumption safe" distilled water at a pharmacy in Paris, of all places!

No, I am not a PepsiCo employee and I have no vested interest in Aquafina products, other than my own well-being and sanity.

Sgt Wilko

Some people have speculated that the government allows labeling of non-distilled water as "distilled" if the mineral content or some other "purity" rating is good enough. They do allow such labels as "fat free" or even "gluten free" when the food contains fat or gluten below certain levels. I've looked, but haven't found any good documentation of whether you can label non-distilled water as "distilled."

I'm not 100% sure. You may see some water listed as "reverse osmosis, filtered, etc." in addition to distillation. It might make sense to treat the water before distilling because it leaves less crud in the boiler part of the still in your bottling plant.

If you have questions about your tap water and your brand of "distilled water," fill up a glass jar with the water, and boil it dry in the microwave. See what's left behind. However, that only tells you about "minerals," not germs or many other contaminants. Hint: tilt the glass sideways such that the last little bit of water will collect in a small spot, rather than the whole bottom of the glass.

My pictures of tap water and my local Walmart "distilled" water. Note that Walmart (or other brand) water may come from different bottlers depending where you are.

I wouldn't obsess too much over distilled or "partially distilled" or even purified water. The goal is to prolong your tank's life by preventing mineral build-up. I use distilled from the grocery store at home, and tap water on the road, and wash everything out once a week or so. And then soak in vinegar monthly—which helps dissolve any stubborn deposits. I've got several things I soak besides the CPAP so it doesn't take long and is efficient. A little maintenance goes a long way.

Okay, wondering about this. Will breathing distilled water be safe for years? I been using a CPAP with distilled water for over 10 years now, and now I have a severe skin problem (severe drying) started on my face, spread to my ears, head, neck, chest, back, hands...and is continuing. Doctors are baffled. No skin cream helps. Cracking and drying skin. Wondering if it would be due to the distilled water I have been breathing in for so long. Started slowly 4 years ago and has become very intense in last month. See article about distilled water on internet regarding Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water. Please give me some feedback. I am unable to post the link here, so please take the time to look it up and read it.

Thanks!

paulasmess wrote:Okay, wondering about this. Will breathing distilled water be safe for years? I been using a CPAP with distilled water for over 10 years now, and now I have a severe skin problem (severe drying) started on my face, spread to my ears, head, neck, chest, back, hands...and is continuing. Doctors are baffled. No skin cream helps. Cracking and drying skin. Wondering if it would be due to the distilled water I have been breathing in for so long. Started slowly 4 years ago and has become very intense in last month. See article about distilled water on internet regarding Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water. Please give me some feedback. I am unable to post the link here, so please take the time to look it up and read it.

go back and read the thread. your skin condition is not caused by distilled water.... IT IS JUST WATER without the minerals. You normally don't drink it because it tastes flat without the minerals in it to make it taste better. You breath less clean water all day long outside every day with every breath you take as part of the air you breath.

If you are not registered and logged in.... guess what...

I am unable to post the link here

Which is a really good thing since it is hogwash.