British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

I need some advice please regarding the water I use in my heated humidifer - it is in the latest Resprionics APAP. I have used an APAP for 6 years and only started using a humidifer two years ago after a severe throat problem. Resprionics say to use only distilled water so I visited my local pharmacy and they said we don't stock it but try the auto assessories shop, so I did and asked for distilled water and they gave me de-ionised water which they claim to be the same -however it is marketed for use on car batteries and steam irons. I have used several search engines and find there is very little difference so I have used it for two years but recently found black bits of debris floating around in two different containers, nothing living or moving but still looks unhealthy so I am considering changing over to boiled tap water which I know will shorten the life of the chamber but should prove to be bacteria and particle free. Any ideas or comments anyone please.

In theory both should be ok but I would avoid de-ionised water because it isn't as pure. But please don't take the short cut suggested by my scientist OH ... to use condensate from the tumble drier .... yes it is distilled but it still stinks to high hell of conditioner and I managed it for 30 secs in an emergency and was violently sick!!

Pay for distilled water, or even use low calcium content still mineral water in an emergency.

Another post on this subject -

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=903

Regards,

Hi, I only use cooled boiled tap water and have had no problems at all over the years . This is at home and on holiday in Europe. My sleep clinic put me onto this in the first place.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses, this is a great forum. I think I have found the answer to my problem after 3 days of research, I have ordered a 4.5 litre tub of Purified Water from my local Pharmacy at a cost of £3.85, this appears to be a fantastic answer and I will report back after use - one can will last me a calendar month so it is as cheap as chips. I will also be cleaning my humidifier tank with vinegar. Thanks Eric

Eric ,

£3.85 a month over the rest of your life on therapy could work out a costly expense .

I have only ever used Au de mineral Nunny an exclusive water from the river Severn (tap water)
Never had any problems what so ever if the tank scales up 1 part white vinegar to 10 part water soak in vinegar all day rinse out then in dishwasher if you have one ,comes out sparkling.

If your concerned about the water content you could by a britta filter jug would be cheaper in the long run.

Regards,

I was told that filtered or boiled and cooled water are both fine. So I use filtered water.

Up here in Scotland I just use tap water. Never had any problems. If away I buy a bottle of Scottish Spring Water from supermarket for £1 lasts a week.
Stick tjem bottle in the fridge just in case bugs want to start growing. If I am at a hotel I just buy a small bottle(s) that last a night. There is almost no chalk or lime in Scottish water. Further north its bottled the better and its a lot cheaper than distilled water. The water mostly runs through granite up here and not lime or chalk.

Scotch comes out of a bottle and is the water of life.
Scots on the other hand live in Scotland.
This is why it is called Scotland and not Scotchland.
They might rename it New Poland shortly though

Oooppps think i used Pat's spellchecker with that spelling ,

You wanna come to Coventry mate its like walking round a European city !!!!

Hheheheee Keep smiling !!!!!