What Kind of Water Should I Be Using in My CPAP Machine

By Omar Sabih
3 min read
What Kind of Water Should I Be Using in My CPAP Machine

Did you know that tap water should NOT be used in your CPAP machine humidifier water tank?

Whilst usually safe to drink, tap water can contain chemicals and particles that will settle on the bottom of the water chamber. If not cleaned regularly, this sediment will be hard to remove and will cause premature aging of the metal heating plate. Manufacturers recommend using Distilled Water because it contains no impurities.

In terms of the best to worst water to use, please see below

  • Distilled water
    Best option & recommended by all manufacturers.     can usually be purchase from Big W and Autobahn
  • Demineralised water
    Not as pure as distilled water, but slightly better than the other options below
  • Filtered water
    Safe to drink, but may still contain some minerals which can reduce the life of the water tank
  • Bottled water
    Safe to drink, but can contain minerals which can reduce the life of the water tank
  • Boiled tap water that has been left to cool down
    Not ideal, but convenient and better than plain tap water
  • Tap Water
    Not recommended    . We understand that tap water is cheap and convenient, but it is not recommended.

Cleaning Your CPAP Machine

Wash your water tank, mask, hose and accessories at least once per week in warm soapy water. If you are not using distilled water, clean the water tank daily with warm soapy water and expect that the water tank will not last as long before needing to be replaced.

If you have not been using distilled water, or have not cleaned the water tank weekly, you will probably experience a build up of sediment on the bottom of the water tank. In this case, you could try using a 10% solution of vinegar and water to try and dissolve the sediment.

From our customer support brochure

Manufacturers recommend using Distilled water. Distilled water is the purest form of water and can be purchased from some supermarkets, Big W and Autobarn.

If you can’t find distilled water locally, the next best option is demineralised water which can be found in the laundry aisle of most supermarkets.

Filtered water or water that has boiled and cooled down is often used when distilled water cannot easily be found.

Do not use plain tap water. While tap water is safe to drink, the impurities will cause sediment and mould growth to form on the bottom of the water tank, especially if not cleaned regularly and can cause premature aging/failure.

We recommend rinsing every morning and not to leave water in the tank during the day. If you don’t clean the water tank regularly sediment build up will cause corrosion and ultimately the water tank will begin to leak.

Some reasons why you should:

  • Replace your air filter at least every 6 months (every 3 months if your household has pets, smokers or a dusty environment)

An air filter clogged with excessive dust

  • Only use distilled water in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

A water tank after using tap water

  • Wash the water tank at least weekly in warm, soapy water and rinse

Damage caused to the metal heating plate by sediment buildup

*Due to the wide range of carbon filters available, and the variability of their filtration capacity depending on unicran rating – impurities removed from water remain in the carbon and progressively reduce its effectiveness – there are no absolute values here. #Removal rates vary between 80-100% depending on quality and contaminant.

Source: Springflow, https://www.springflow.com.au/health/treatments-compared