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Permalink Reply by sleepycarol on April 9, 2009 at 8:04am

The only trouble with most insurance is that you have to have your deductible met before the insurance will kick in and help. If you have a high deductible and are strapped for cash it can be difficult, at times, to replace items -- especially if you use a brick and mortar DME as they charge more than online dealers.

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Permalink Reply by Judy on April 9, 2009 at 8:22am

Medicare will replace the humidifier water tank every six months. Other insurances often follow Medicare practices.

I've used nothng but distilled water in my Humidaire 3i since October 2006 and am still using the original water tank that came w/it. I seldom empty and clean it, usually only when traveling. When I do clean it I just use a Polident Denture Cleanser tablet and very warm water w/a vinegar rinse. And this tank is just as clear as when new.

However, I am in Michigan and not one of the hot, humid southern states.

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Permalink Reply by RockRpsgt on April 9, 2009 at 3:12pm

I Agree with Mike. Get a new one. If you can't right away try using a little lemon juice, salt, and ice with a little water. Cover and shake. Little trick I learned to clean out coffee pots in the restaurant industry.

Mike said:

Dawn, it just occurred to me that the best thing for you to do would be to toss the humidifier and just replace it with a new one. these things are supposed to be switched out every few months anyway, and if you have insurance or Medicare, it will be reimbursed at no/little charge to you. Can you toss it and replace?

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Permalink Reply by Dawn on April 10, 2009 at 3:03am

Problem solved.....I took the tank with me to my regular check up with the pulmonologist. As soon as they heard "white stuff" they didn't even need to look...just said to throw that tank out and that I was able to get a replacement tank every six months along with the replacements of all the other equipment. It was an "upgraded" tank I got...a deeper reservoir. I also got a new set of Nasal prongs "For women." Comes in a fancy lite blue bag...and the nasal piece is curved to better fit above my upper lip and the whole prong set up is smaller and fits better. Sure pays to get my rear into the office once in a while....

I honestly was not aware that the tank was able to be replaced every six months like the other equipment. I've had that tank since I first got the machine over two years ago. I m going to hang onto it and try some of the mentioned remedies and see if anything clears it. I like have spare equipment around.

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Permalink Reply by ConnieK on April 10, 2009 at 6:07pm

I use distilled water but I have tested another chamber with tap for 6 mos. I soaked it in vinegar & water 3:1 ratio. The calcium deposits came clean. I rinsed really well & have used the chamber. Vinegar is a great natural disinfectant to use on your equipment.

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Permalink Reply by cathy huffman on April 11, 2009 at 12:15pm

You know there isn't always truth in advertising. I would switch brands of distilled waters and see if you still have a problem. You might also want to check/ change your filters maybe it is something that is being pulled into the water by the air.

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