Can I Use My CPAP Without Water - Pros and Cons
By Clay RollysonMost modern CPAP machines come standard with an integrated heated humidifier. If you're looking to simplify your routine, you may be asking: "Do I need to add water to my CPAP?" or "Can I leave the CPAP water chamber empty?"
The short answer is yes, you can use your CPAP without water, but there are important trade-offs to consider regarding your comfort and machine maintenance.
The Case for Going Waterless
Many users consider leaving the CPAP water chamber empty to eliminate the hassle of daily filling and cleaning.
Pros of an Empty CPAP Humidifier:
- Less Maintenance: No need to fill and empty the tank daily.
- Less Cleaning: Reduces the risk of mold, mildew, or bacterial growth.
- Easier Travel: Simplifies packing and eliminates the need to carry distilled water.
Cons of an Empty CPAP Humidifier
- Dryness: Increased risk of waking up with a dry mouth, throat, or nasal passages.
- Discomfort: Can lead to a scratchy throat, nasal irritation, or congestion.
- Compliance Risk: Dryness can make therapy uncomfortable, potentially leading to inconsistent use.
Signs that you might can do without the water:
Deciding to use the CPAP with an empty water tank is most likely something you are considering making your life simpler. That is completely understandable. Here are some signs that it may be a good option for you.
- You have never experienced dryness while using your CPAP.
- The water tank always seems to be full in the morning and you aren’t dry.
- You live in a humid environment.
- You travel frequently and cannot lug distilled water with you.
Signs that you should stick with your humidifier:
While dealing with a CPAP humidifier can be something you would like to cross off the “to do” list permanently, it is not the right option for everyone. Here are some reasons that you should stick with the humidifier system.
- You are dried out frequently when you wake up.
- You take medication that gives you dry mouth as a side-effect.
- You live in a dry region.
- Your CPAP frequently uses a good bit of the water in the tank overnight.
Benefits of Using the CPAP without water:
You may have started by wondering if you even could go without water, but there are serious benefits to going dry:
- Less Maintenance- No more filling at night and emptying in the morning.
- Less chance of nastiness- The humidifier water chamber is the number one place that gets gross on a CPAP. That warm humid environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, mold and mildew.
- Easier to travel- You would not have to lug the distilled water everywhere with you on the road.
- Test drive for travel CPAP- Travel CPAPs typically do not have a heated humidifier. So, trying the home CPAP without water or with an HME is a great test drive for Travel CPAP.
Important things to remember if you leave the water tank empty:
If you are going to operate the CPAP without water in the water chamber, there are some things to keep in mind that will help you. Let’s detail that below.
- Make sure that you disable the humidifier. In most CPAPs that means turning your humidity setting in the patient menu down to zero.
- Keep the tank in the machine unless you have purchased a bypass adapter and installed it.
- Keep some distilled water close in case this doesn’t work out well.
Helpful Links for CPAP without Water:
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- Category_Uncategorized
- Water Related Issues
