If you’ve ever searched what’s distilled water because a CPAP machine manual mentioned it, or because a humidifier started leaving white dust, you’re not alone. Distilled water is a high‑purity, mineral‑free water made by turning water into steam and then cooling that steam back into liquid. Most minerals and many other impurities stay behind during this process. The “what” is simple, but the “why” matters: distillation helps prevent mineral scale in appliances, lowers contamination risk in medical and lab work, and raises common questions about drinking it. This guide explains what distilled water is, how pure it is, what it removes, how it compares to other water types, and how to use and store it safely.
What Is Distilled Water? Everything You Need to Know
Before diving into its uses, let's first explore what process makes water “distilled.”
Distilled Water Definition: How Distilled Water Is Made
Distilled water is a type of pure water that is free from most minerals and impurities. It is made through a process called distillation, which involves boiling water until it turns to steam, then condensing that steam back into liquid in a separate container. This is why distilled water is considered different from regular tap or spring or mineral water. Distillation removes minerals like calcium and magnesium, leaving behind water that is free of most dissolved solids.
People often ask, "whats distilled water compared to boiled water?" The key difference is that boiling alone kills germs but does not remove minerals. Distillation adds an extra step that collects the steam into a clean container, making distilled water is often used in uses requiring precise purity, such as baby formula or medical applications, lab experiments, and water treatment for appliances.
Purity Benchmarks Explained: TDS, Bottled Water, and “99.9%” Claims
When evaluating distilled water as part of your water options, TDS (total dissolved solids) is the most useful number. TDS measures how many particles are dissolved in your water. Distilled water offers an extra level of purity, often with TDS <1 ppm, while other natural water or bottled options may still contain minerals.
Distilled water typically has TDS under 1 ppm, which is extremely low. You may also see claims like “removes more than 99.9% of dissolved minerals.” In everyday terms, that means the minerals that commonly cause scaling and residue are almost fully removed.
To make the differences easier to picture, here’s a simple TDS comparison. These are common ranges, not promises for every water supply.
| Type of water | Typical TDS (ppm) | What that usually means |
| Tap water | ~50–500+ | Minerals vary by city and source; may leave scale |
| Filtered (carbon) | Often similar to tap | Better taste/odor; minerals usually remain |
| Reverse osmosis (RO) water | ~5–50 | Much lower minerals; not always near zero |
| “Purified water” (label term) | Often <10 | A broad category; method varies |
| Distilled water | <1 | Very low dissolved solids; mineral-free taste |
If you’ve used a small TDS meter at home, distilled water often reads close to 0–1 ppm. If it reads higher, it does not always mean it is “bad,” but it can be a sign the container was opened often, stored poorly, or the water is not truly distilled.
What Distillation Removes—and What It Doesn’t From Water
The process called distillation is excellent for producing pure water that removes most non-volatile minerals and salts. Distilled water is free from calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that commonly cause scaling. It also reduces microbial and particulate contamination.
However, volatile compounds or chemicals that boil near water’s temperature may still remain. For this reason, some home or lab distillers include a carbon stage to enhance purity. Distilled water offers an extra layer of protection for uses requiring consistent water quality, whether for baby formula or medical equipment, CPAP machines, or laboratory reagents.
Is distilled water the purest water?
For everyday consumer use, distilled water is considered one of the pure water options you can easily get. In labs, distilled water offers an extra level of purity through double distillation or deionization. Including distilled water in your workflow ensures minimal interference from minerals from your water and other impurities.
Unlike tap or spring or mineral water, which water contains natural minerals, distilled water is near zero TDS, making it ideal for uses requiring mineral-free liquid. However, if you want water possible for drinking every day, you may combine distilled water with other sources that contain beneficial minerals.
How Distilled Water Is Made: Process, Science, and Home Use
Now that we know the definition, let's take a closer look at how distilled water is made, including home methods.
Step-by-Step Distillation Process to Make Distilled Water at Home
The distillation process is easier to understand if you imagine two separate spaces: one where water boils, and one where clean water is collected.
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Source water is placed in a boiling chamber and water is heated until it produces steam.
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The steam moves away from the boiling chamber into a cooler area.
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The steam cools and condenses back into liquid water on a coil or condenser surface.
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The condensed liquid drips into a clean collection container.
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The leftover material in the boiling chamber is discarded or cleaned out because that’s where most minerals and residues stay.
This is why you may notice a chalky or crusty layer inside a home water distiller or kettle used for distillation. That layer is mostly the minerals that were found in tap water.
Simple vs Double Distillation: When Higher-Purity Distilled Water Is Needed
Simple distillation is a single pass through the process above. For many home uses—like steam irons, humidifiers, or topping off certain batteries—single-pass distilled water is usually enough.
Double distillation repeats the process using already-distilled water as the input. This can reduce leftover traces even more and is common in labs or in situations where very stable water is needed for precise measurements. If you have ever had a test fail in a lab because of a tiny contaminant, you can see why people pay attention to water type.
Distillation vs Other Water Purification Methods (At-a-Glance Comparison)
When people compare different types of water, they often mix up the goal. Are you trying to remove chlorine taste? Are you trying to reduce minerals? Or do you need water for a medical device? These goals lead to different tools: a water filter, ro water, distillation, or deionization.
Here is a direct comparison using common, practical points.
| Method / type | Removes minerals (scale) | Removes microbes | Removes many organics | Typical TDS | Notes |
| Carbon filtration (common pitcher or faucet filter) | Limited | Limited | Better for taste/odor | Often similar to tap | Great for taste; not mineral-free |
| Reverse osmosis (RO) | High | High when system is maintained | High | ~5–50 | Needs filters/membrane care; makes waste water |
| Deionization (DI) | Very high (ions) | Not the main purpose | Limited | Very low | Good for ions; not always for microbes/organics |
| Distillation | Very high | High for many | Variable for volatiles | <1 | Energy-intensive; excellent for mineral-free needs |
One phrase you may run into is distilled water filter. Distillation itself is not a filter. It is a phase-change process (liquid to vapor to liquid). That said, some systems add a carbon filter stage to help reduce volatile chemicals, which is why the words sometimes appear together.
How do you make distilled water at home?
You can make distilled water at home, and many people do. Some use a countertop distiller, while others use a basic stove setup for small amounts. The quality depends on clean equipment and safe materials.
A simple home method uses a large pot with a lid, a heat source, and a clean collection bowl. You boil water in the pot, let steam rise, and have the steam condense on the lid and drip into the bowl. It works, but it is slower, and it is easier to contaminate the output if the pot, lid, or bowl is not very clean.
If you plan to use home-distilled water for medical devices like CPAP machines, you should be stricter. You want food-safe materials, clean containers, and consistent cleaning of the equipment. If you can’t do that, buying bottled distilled water may be the safer, simpler option.
Distilled Water vs Other Types of Water: Which Should You Choose?
After understanding the differences, let’s explore practical uses of distilled water in medical, lab, home, and automotive settings.
Distilled vs purified water
“Purified water” is a broad label. It usually means water that has been processed (often by RO, distillation, deionization, or multiple steps). Some manufacturers publish TDS values (often under ~10 ppm), but the exact method and specs vary—so check the label for the treatment method.
In the U.S., the term “purified water” is tied to quality standards in labeling rules, often using a TDS benchmark (commonly discussed as <10 ppm in consumer contexts). The important point is that distilled water is purified water, but not all purified water is distilled. Distilled is a specific type of purified water that is made by boiling and condensation and is usually lower in dissolved solids.
So if you’re staring at two jugs and thinking, “Is purified water and distilled water the same?” the clean answer is: they can overlap, but they are not automatically the same product. Distilled is defined by the method. Purified is defined by the result and can come from different methods.
Distilled vs reverse osmosis (RO) water
If you’re comparing ro water and distilled water, you’re comparing two strong options with different tradeoffs.
RO pushes water through a membrane that blocks many dissolved solids. A well-maintained RO system often reduces TDS by about 95–99%, but the exact result depends on your incoming municipal water and the system design. That usually leaves a small amount of dissolved solids behind.
Distilled water, by design, ends up with very low minerals, often near 0–1 ppm TDS. That’s why it shines when you want to avoid scale in a humidifier or iron.
Taste is another difference. RO water can taste “clean” but still slightly like water because it may keep a small amount of dissolved content. Distilled water can taste flat because it lacks minerals and also lacks some dissolved gases that affect flavor.
So, what is healthier, distilled water or reverse osmosis water? For most people, both are safe. If you’re choosing a daily drinking water source, many people find RO water more pleasant, and some prefer a water that still contains a small amount of minerals. Distilled water is often chosen for use in devices and for special situations where mineral-free water matters more than taste.
Distilled vs deionized (DI) water (not the same)
Deionized water removes charged particles (ions), which includes many dissolved mineral salts. It can reach very low TDS, sometimes close to distilled. That’s why people confuse them.
The difference is that DI is not meant to remove everything. It targets ions. Some uncharged organic compounds and some microbes are not the main targets of DI. Distillation, on the other hand, is a broader process that tends to separate water from many non-volatile impurities, though it still has limits with certain volatile chemicals.
If your goal is simply to avoid scale, either may work in some settings. If your goal is a consistent, widely recognized “mineral-free” water for household appliances, distilled is often the easier, clearer choice.
Distilled water vs purified water—what’s the difference?
Here’s a simple rule that helps in real life. If your device manual says “distilled,” choose distilled because it is the most reliable at being mineral-free. If you want better taste for everyday drinking, many people prefer purified water made by RO or a mix of methods. If you’re unsure, check the label and look for the method.
Uses of Distilled Water: Medical, Laboratory, Home, and Automotive Applications
We’ll start with medical and respiratory devices to see why CPAP machines and humidifiers often require distilled water.
Medical and Respiratory Devices: Why CPAP and Humidifiers Use Distilled Water
One of the most common reasons people look up what makes distilled water distilled is a CPAP humidifier chamber. In that setting, the water that has been purified is heated and evaporated into the air you breathe. If the water contains minerals, the minerals don’t evaporate. They stay behind and form scale on the chamber walls. Over time, that scale is annoying to scrub and can shorten the life of parts.
Using distilled water in CPAP machines helps prevent mineral buildup and keeps the humidifier chamber clearer. It also reduces the chance that dissolved solids will get left behind as residue.
Humidifiers are similar. If you’ve ever seen white dust around an ultrasonic humidifier, that is often mineral content from tap water. Distilled water doesn’t leave these deposits, which is why it is preferred.
In more controlled medical settings, water purity can matter even more. Dialysis and certain types of clinical equipment use strict water standards because impurities can affect patient safety. Water must meet these standards to protect patients. Fewer impurities make control easier.
Laboratory and Pharmaceutical Uses of Distilled Water for Precision and Contamination Control
In labs, water isn’t just “water.” It is a reagent. Trace minerals can change pH, react with chemicals, or leave deposits on glassware. When results must be repeatable, consistent water quality matters. That’s why distilled water is considered one type of purified water commonly used in laboratories.
A small example: if you’re making a buffer solution, extra ions from tap water can push the final concentration off target. Distilled water isn’t affected in this way because most impurities stay behind in the distillation process. Labs often use distilled water as part of their base solutions and may upgrade to higher grades depending on the test.
Using Distilled Water at Home: Scale Prevention and Appliance Longevity
Most people feel the value of distilled water at home when they see what it prevents. Steam irons can spit brownish mineral spots onto clothes. Coffee machines can build scale. Humidifiers can coat parts with chalky deposits. Distilled water offers an extra level of protection because it contains so little dissolved mineral content that there is little left behind to turn into scale.
If you live in an area with “hard water,” you may notice the difference quickly. Distilled water doesn’t leave the rough white rings common with tap water. Switching to distilled often makes cleaning easier and reduces appliance wear.
Automotive/industrial Uses
Distilled water is also common in automotive and industrial settings where minerals cause problems. In some lead-acid batteries, for example, topping off with distilled water helps avoid adding minerals that can interfere with battery chemistry. Many manufacturers specify distilled water for this reason.
In cooling systems and industrial processes, minerals can add scale, reduce heat transfer, or contribute to corrosion. In cosmetics and personal care manufacturing, consistent water helps keep formulas stable, because minerals can react with ingredients or affect texture.
Health, safety, benefits & drawbacks
Knowing if distilled water is safe to drink leads naturally to how to choose, purchase, or even make it at home.
Is distilled water safe to drink?
Yes, distilled water is safe to drink for most healthy people. It is not toxic, and it does not “pull” nutrients out of your body. Distilled water is mostly H₂O with very little else, so it lacks the natural minerals you might get from spring water or mineral water, like calcium and magnesium.
For short-term drinking, that is not a problem for most people. If your normal diet includes minerals from food, you’re already getting the majority of essential minerals from meals, not from water.
Can you drink distilled water every day? (minerals, taste, practicality)
This is where people often ask, “Why can't you drink distilled water every day?” The honest answer is that you usually can drink it every day, but it may not be the best default choice for everyone.
If distilled water becomes your only water for months or years, the main downside is that it does not contribute minerals. If your diet is low in mineral-rich foods, that could matter. Also, many people simply don’t enjoy the taste. Distilled water can feel “flat,” and some people end up drinking less because they don’t like it. If that happens, hydration suffers, and hydration matters more than chasing a perfect water type.
A practical middle ground many people use is simple: keep distilled water for appliance and device use, and choose a pleasant, safe drinking water source for daily hydration. If you still prefer distilled as your main water, make sure your food provides enough calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Benefits: purity-critical scenarios (why it’s chosen)
The biggest advantages of distilled water show up when impurities cause real problems. If your goal is to protect equipment, distilled water provides a clear advantage because it is so low in dissolved solids. That means less scale, less residue, and more predictable performance. In labs and some medical uses, it also lowers the chance that hidden minerals or contaminants change results or create unwanted reactions.
People also use distilled water in situations where the starting water supply is unknown. In an emergency, distillation can produce potable water from many sources, including seawater, as long as the system is designed and handled safely.
Drawbacks: energy use, flat taste, and misconceptions
Distillation takes energy because it requires boiling. That makes it more energy-intensive than many filter methods. If you’re using a home distiller daily, you may notice the electricity cost.
Distilled water also isn’t a health shortcut. It is not a detox tool. It does not “cleanse” your body in a special way beyond normal hydration. The key point is that water provides hydration, and your kidneys and liver handle waste removal whether your water is distilled or not.
Here are a few quick myth checks that come up again and again:
| Claim | Reality |
| “Distilled water has no contaminants, so it’s always best for drinking.” | It can be very clean, but taste and minerals matter for many people. |
| “Boiling water makes distilled water.” | Boiling disinfects; distillation requires collecting condensed steam in a separate container. |
| “Distilled water is saturated.” | No. It has very low dissolved solids, so it is not saturated. |
How to Choose, Get, or Make Distilled Water at Home
Once you have your distilled water, proper storage and handling are essential to keep it clean and safe.
Buying Distilled Water: What to Look For
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Look for bottles labeled “Distilled” or “Steam-Distilled”
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For medical or lab use, check for USP / ASTM grade specifications
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Avoid “Purified” alone unless it explicitly states distilled
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Common sizes: 1-gallon jugs, 5-gallon containers for appliances
DIY distillation vs countertop distiller units (quality + cost drivers)
If you want to make distilled water at home, you have two common routes: a simple stove setup or a home water distiller unit.
A countertop distiller is easier to repeat and usually easier to keep consistent, but you still have to clean it. Minerals collect in the boiling chamber, and if you ignore that buildup, performance can drop and taste can change.
Cost is often the deciding factor. A simple way to estimate cost per gallon is:
Cost per gallon = (Power in kW × hours per cycle × electricity rate) ÷ gallons per cycle
Here is an example with round numbers to show how it works:
| Example inputs | Value |
| Distiller power | 0.75 kW |
| Time per run | 4 hours |
| Electricity rate | $0.15 per kWh |
| Output per run | 1 gallon |
| Estimated electricity cost per gallon | $0.45 |
Your numbers may be lower or higher based on your machine and local rates. This is also why some people prefer ro systems for daily drinking water and reserve distillation for special uses.
Quick quality checks at home (without lab equipment)
You don’t need a lab to do a basic check.
A small TDS meter can confirm that the water is very low in dissolved solids. With distilled water, a reading around 0–1 ppm is common. If you see higher values, first think about handling. Was the container left open? Was it poured through a dirty funnel? Was the bottle reused?
Taste can help too, but only in a limited way. Distilled water often tastes flat. That is normal and not a sign something is wrong.
Can I use distilled water in a CPAP/humidifier/iron?
In many cases, yes. Most CPAP machines, humidifiers, and steam irons work best with distilled water because it helps prevent scale. Still, the safest step is to check the manufacturer’s manual for your exact device.
People also ask, “Can I make my own distilled water for my CPAP machine?” You can, but be careful. If you distill at home, use clean, food-safe equipment, store the water in a clean sealed container, and clean the distiller regularly. If you can’t control those steps, using store-bought distilled water may be more consistent.
Storing Distilled Water Safely: Handling, Shelf Life, and Bottles
With storage in mind, it’s also worth considering the environmental impact and when using distilled water really makes sense.
Best Containers and Storage Conditions to Keep Distilled Water Clean
Distilled water is clean when it leaves the distiller, but it does not stay that way if it is exposed to air, dirty surfaces, or reused containers. Proper water delivery and handling can make a big difference in maintaining purity.
Keep distilled water in a clean, sealed container. Store it in a cool, dark place when possible. Glass can be a good option for storage, but clean food-grade plastic is also commonly used. The most important thing is that the container is clean and closes tightly. Following simple routines can help you make your distilled water last longer and safer for use.
Distilled Water Shelf Life: Opened vs Unopened Bottles
Distilled water does not “expire” in the sense that minerals return by themselves. The bigger risk is contamination after opening.
Unopened containers stored properly can remain usable for a long time. Once opened, treat it like any clean water. If it might be used in a medical device, CPAP, or other sensitive equipment, water can help prevent problems only if it is stored properly and used within a reasonable time. Avoid topping off old bottles repeatedly to maintain safety and quality.
How Distilled Water Gets Contaminated: Common Handling Mistakes
Distilled water can be ruined by small habits that feel harmless. Pouring it through a funnel that sits in a drawer, touching the inside of the cap, refilling an old jug without cleaning it, or dipping a cup into the container can all introduce contaminants. Contact with some metals can also add traces back into the water.
If you want a simple routine, think in steps: keep the cap clean, keep the opening clean, and keep the container closed.
Troubleshooting Distilled Water: Smell, Taste, and Visible Particles
If distilled water develops a smell, visible particles, cloudiness, or slime in the cap area, discard it. That is not a “mineral issue.” That is likely contamination.
If you’re using a home distiller and you notice a new smell, check the boiling chamber for buildup and clean it according to the manufacturer’s guidance. Also check storage containers. Many problems come from the container, not the distillation process.
Environmental impact & when distilled water makes sense (decision framework)
Understanding the environmental factors helps you decide when to use distilled water and balance convenience with sustainability.
Energy footprint of distillation vs RO/filtered water
Distillation uses heat, so it often uses more energy than filtration or RO. RO uses pressure and also wastes some water during the process, which can matter in dry regions.
So which is greener? It depends on your local electricity mix, your water scarcity situation, and how much water you need. If you only need a small amount of distilled water for a CPAP or an iron, the footprint is usually small. If you plan to distill all your household drinking water every day, energy use becomes a bigger part of the decision.
If chemical contamination is suspected (e.g., fuels/solvents), distillation alone may not be sufficient without activated carbon or other controls.
Bottled vs home-distilled: plastic waste and transport
Buying bottled distilled water is convenient, but it can add plastic waste and transport emissions. Home distillation can cut down on transport and single-use plastic if you store water in reusable containers, but it shifts the impact to electricity use.
A simple way to decide is to ask: “Am I using distilled water because I truly need mineral-free water, or because I think it is always healthier?” If it’s a device requirement, distilled makes sense. If it’s only for daily hydration, you have more options.
Best-fit recommendations by use-case
If you want a quick match between your need and the right water type:
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Avoiding mineral scale in devices like humidifiers or CPAP: use distilled water.
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Daily drinking water: filtered or RO water may be more practical.
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Lab or medical use: follow exact grade requirements, because “pure” can vary.
This section answers what is distilled water used for in various scenarios and highlights its key advantages.
Key takeaways
Distilled water is made through a distillation process: boiling water into steam and condensing it back into liquid. It is free of minerals and has very low dissolved solids, often under 1 ppm TDS. This makes it ideal for appliances, medical devices, and labs where water can help prevent scale or residue. For drinking, distilled water is safe for most people, but it may not be ideal for everyday use because it lacks minerals and can taste flat. If you choose distilled water as your main source, proper storage and handling, as well as attention to diet and hydration, are essential. Is distilled water saturated? No—it is low in dissolved solids and closer to “unsaturated” than regular tap or mineral water.
FAQ
1. Can you drink distilled water?
Yes, distilled water is safe to drink for most healthy people. Distilled water goes through a process that removes minerals, bacteria, and impurities, leaving behind very pure H₂O. That’s why it’s often used in medical devices and labs. However, because it doesn’t contain minerals like calcium or magnesium, some people feel it tastes “flat” or less refreshing. From a health perspective, drinking distilled water occasionally isn’t harmful, but it’s usually not the first choice for long-term daily hydration. Most of the minerals your body needs come from food rather than water, but many people still prefer mineral or filtered water for everyday drinking because it feels more balanced and natural.
2. Is distilled water just boiled water?
No. Boiling kills germs but keeps minerals. Distilled water collects condensed steam, leaving most minerals behind—ideal for CPAPs and humidifiers. When you boil water at home, the water stays in the same pot, which means dissolved minerals, metals, and other solids remain behind after boiling. Boiling mainly helps kill bacteria and viruses, but it doesn’t remove most impurities. Distillation, on the other hand, is a two-step process: the water is boiled into steam, and then that steam is cooled and collected in a separate container. Because minerals and contaminants don’t evaporate, they’re left behind. This extra step is what makes distilled water much purer than simply boiled water.
3. What does distilled water contain?
Distilled water contains almost nothing except pure H₂O. Mostly H₂O with very low dissolved solids (0–1 ppm TDS). Little to no calcium or magnesium. During distillation, dissolved minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium are removed, along with many contaminants and impurities. This is why distilled water has very low total dissolved solids (TDS), often close to zero. Unlike tap or mineral water, it doesn’t contribute electrolytes or trace minerals to your diet. That level of purity makes it ideal for specific uses, such as medical equipment, laboratory work, humidifiers, and CPAP machines. However, for regular drinking, some people find it less satisfying because it lacks both minerals and flavor. Its main characteristic is purity, not nutritional value.
4. Is purified water and distilled water the same?
Not always. Distilled is a type of purified water, but purified can also mean RO, deionization, or multiple treatments. Devices requiring distilled water should use a labeled distilled jug. “Purified water” is a general term that describes water that has been treated to remove impurities, but it doesn’t specify how that purification happens. Purified water can be made using reverse osmosis (RO), deionization, carbon filtration, distillation, or a combination of methods. Distilled water is one specific type of purified water produced through boiling and condensation. So while all distilled water is purified, not all purified water is distilled. This distinction matters because different purification methods remove different substances and result in different mineral levels and tastes. When choosing water, it’s helpful to know the purification method, not just the label.
5. Can I make my own distilled water for my CPAP machine?
Yes, but store-bought is more consistent. Use food-safe equipment, keep collection containers sealed, and clean boilers regularly.The distillation setup, containers, and storage bottles must be thoroughly clean to avoid introducing bacteria or contaminants. Even small amounts of residue can affect sensitive CPAP humidifiers over time. Homemade distillation can work in a pinch, but it’s easy to make mistakes or end up with inconsistent water quality. That’s why many CPAP users prefer store-bought distilled water—it’s inexpensive, reliable, and specifically produced to meet purity standards. For long-term CPAP use, store-bought distilled water is usually the safer and more convenient option.
6. Can I make my own distilled water for CPAP?
Yes, you can make your own distilled water at home, but store-bought options tend to be more consistent and reliable, especially for medical devices like CPAP machines. If you choose to distill water yourself, it’s important to use food-safe equipment and ensure that all parts are clean before and after use. Keep your collection containers tightly sealed to prevent dust, microbes, or other contaminants from getting in, and avoid touching the inside of the cap or container with your hands. Regularly clean the boiling chamber or distiller according to the manufacturer’s instructions to remove any mineral buildup or residues left from the source water. Homemade distilled water works fine, but small mistakes in handling or storage can introduce impurities. For convenience and safety, many CPAP users prefer commercially bottled distilled water, which provides a consistent mineral-free quality without extra effort.
7. Can distilled water go bad?
Distilled water itself doesn’t spoil in the way food does, because it doesn’t contain sugars or nutrients that bacteria feed on. However, once a container is opened, it can become contaminated with dust, microbes, or even chemicals from the air, which can affect safety and taste. Signs of contamination include cloudiness, a strange smell, or visible particles floating in the water or around the cap area. To keep it safe, store distilled water in a clean, tightly sealed container, ideally in a cool, dark place, and avoid repeatedly topping off an old bottle without cleaning it first. If you notice any unusual changes in appearance, smell, or taste, it’s better to discard the water rather than risk using it in sensitive devices or drinking it. Following these simple precautions keeps distilled water safe for longer periods, even after opening.
References