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Does everyone take it for a given that distilled water is easy to come by? I've had both of my local supermarkets not carry distilled water on many occasions. It's just as likely that they don't have it as that they do have it.

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I purchased distilled water from my local marker and of course Wal-Mart.
So many people in todays age are on oxygen and CPAP. Both of which require distilled water. I think thats why its usually either all sold out or almost sold out.
When I buy it I always buy at least two gallons. It is cheap (runs less than a $1.00). When I open the second gallon, I start watching for them to have it again and purchase my supply. That way you don't run out and it should stay good as long as the extra isn't opened. Also, ask your store managers about carrying it and the reason why you are wanting it.
Distilled water is readily available at Wal-Mart, most all grocery stores and chain pharmacies for less than $1.00 a gallon container.

You can also purchase a distillation unit to make your own at home. A simple web search will return equipment suppliers.
Quick question. On my care instructions that I got on how to clean my machine it says that you can boil tap water for 20 minutes and then let it cool and use that in my machine. I was just curious if that was NOT a good idea to do.

Dan Lyons said:
Distilled water is readily available at Wal-Mart, most all grocery stores and chain pharmacies for less than $1.00 a gallon container.

You can also purchase a distillation unit to make your own at home. A simple web search will return equipment suppliers.
The minerals, to the best of my understanding, is concentrated when you boil the water and then use it. It doesn't remove all the impurities as such. If you capture the steam and let it run into a seperate collection pot, that should work. Others with more knowledge will probably chime in.
I was just curious..I'm going to continue using the water I buy at the store. Kind of funny how the DME has told me some things that you are NOT suppose to do..like they said it was okay to use anti bacterial soap on my mask..I have read in more than one place that is a no-no....Ahhh I love living in East Podunk!

sleepycarol said:
The minerals, to the best of my understanding, is concentrated when you boil the water and then use it. It doesn't remove all the impurities as such. If you capture the steam and let it run into a seperate collection pot, that should work. Others with more knowledge will probably chime in.
Distilled water is formed from the steam of boiling water, thus removing the mineral deposits that exist in water of any other form.

Boiled water, aka known as sterile water, is only sterile until it is unsealed or exposed to a non-sterile environment. Sterile water still contains the minerals you wish to avoid, only they’re sterile (briefly).

To see what these minerals can do to your humidifier and your respiratory tract, ask your neighborhood plumber to show you the burned out element from a hot water heater he has recently replaced. It will make you want the distilled water.

In so far as the anti-bacterial soap, I use 2-3 drops in a tub of water to clean my mask, hose, etc with no detrimental effects. My masks last 9-12 months with no problem and I am still on the first and only hose so far.

Keep in mind that manufacturers and DME’s eat and live by a controlled rate of re-occurring revenue and will attempt to scare or intimidate you into their schedule and plan. You need to do what suits you, not them. Their gospel is not one to which I march.
Dan, thanks for that little tid bit of information I learn something new everyday as I wonder through this new world of Apnea and CPAP. I'm glad that I didn't start boiling water and using it w/ my machine when I first started like I was going to.

Dan Lyons said:
Distilled water is formed from the steam of boiling water, thus removing the mineral deposits that exist in water of any other form.

Boiled water, aka known as sterile water, is only sterile until it is unsealed or exposed to a non-sterile environment. Sterile water still contains the minerals you wish to avoid, only they’re sterile (briefly).

To see what these minerals can do to your humidifier and your respiratory tract, ask your neighborhood plumber to show you the burned out element from a hot water heater he has recently replaced. It will make you want the distilled water.

In so far as the anti-bacterial soap, I use 2-3 drops in a tub of water to clean my mask, hose, etc with no detrimental effects. My masks last 9-12 months with no problem and I am still on the first and only hose so far.

Keep in mind that manufacturers and DME’s eat and live by a controlled rate of re-occurring revenue and will attempt to scare or intimidate you into their schedule and plan. You need to do what suits you, not them. Their gospel is not one to which I march.
I am going to Europe soon and worry about this. I was told you could use boiled water.
Dawn dishwashing liquid, original, is the best I've found for cleaning mask and hose. It works fast so you don't have to keep the stuff in water too long, rinses easily and well, and leaves no lingering smell. It doesn't take much to get suds either.

I messed up my first equipment using antibacterial liquid and bleach 'cause I thought I had a cold. (I didn't--it was CPAP side effects). Should have checked on SG first but didn't. Learned my lesson the hard way on that one!!!

McCord

Susan McCord

Christine C said:
I was just curious..I'm going to continue using the water I buy at the store. Kind of funny how the DME has told me some things that you are NOT suppose to do..like they said it was okay to use anti bacterial soap on my mask..I have read in more than one place that is a no-no....Ahhh I love living in East Podunk!

sleepycarol said:
The minerals, to the best of my understanding, is concentrated when you boil the water and then use it. It doesn't remove all the impurities as such. If you capture the steam and let it run into a seperate collection pot, that should work. Others with more knowledge will probably chime in.
Susan,
Did you not use the 2 together? It was the combining of the two at the same time, antibacterial soap and the bleach, that created the issue, not the individual items separately. Correct?

I just want to make sure it is understood that it was the combination of the 2 chemicals that caused the issue, not the individual chemicals.

You also need to make sure that they are properly diluted and not used full strength.

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