In preparing for our return trip to Ireland planned for September, 2020, I have considered and re-thought the "what-ifs" and the 'incidentals' we might require while away.
As I require Bi-PAP equipment for night-time sleep for management of moderately-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the question came up regarding bringing a small container of distilled water in my carry-on luggage for the flight to Ireland, as well as access to liter bottles of distilled water while in-country.
Bottles of drinking water are commonly infused with minerals to 'enhance' the taste, which could impair and/or damage an expensive CPAP or Bi-PAP machine, rendering it inoperable.
Anyone here a fellow OSA-sufferer and where were you able to find distilled water containers in Ireland? Ditto for the flights there and on the return home?
Hank
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2660 posts
There are lots of us here who use and travel with CPAP. I Personally find I don't need the hydration part of CPAP, but others report finding distilled water not a big issue, although not in the same kinds of stores as in the US.
I have also heard that technicians suggest a couple of weeks using tap water will not hurt the machine, but check with your CPAP provider.
Using CPAP on the flight is problematic, and I have never attempted it.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
You may find that distilled water is not where you might expect. Don't look for it in the baby aisle or the water aisle. You may find it - or not - in the car battery aisle of a car supply company or the ironing area of a department store, possibly the detergent aisle of a supermarket.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8967 posts
Nigel, in the UK, do they call it distilled water? Or de-mineralized, de-ionized, or some other term? I know the term "distilled" doesn't always translate very well in other countries.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33820 posts
I don't remember. Don't use the stuff myself. No breathing machines, and the car batteries don't need topping up. We get the water for the iron by saving water extracted from the condenser clothes dryer. Sorry...
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
Deionised water stocked in the car maintenance section of supermarkets is often marked with an indication that it is not to be used in health equipment.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area
5697 posts
Just found distilled water in a DM (variety/drugstore) as we were changing from a bus to U-bahn in Frankfurt -- €0.75 for more water than I will need >(EDIT: 2 L), will buy more at the next stop.
Check with your airline(s) about their rules for in-flight use.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
If you use tap water for your dehumidifier unit, a vinegar soak and wash will dissolve mineral deposits from you dehumidifier chamber and tubing. Alternatively use old tubing approaching end of service and discard on returning home.
Posted by
OP
15 posts
A must-humble thank-you to all who have replied to my inquiries in recent days.
Having been in hospital health-care for over 45 years, I understand the requirement for water which has undergone a distillation process AND is devoid of preservatives, minerals, and similar potential contaminants.
I will contact my air carrier to confirm whether the plastic bottles of water supplied to the passengers contain minerals or not.
For the flights to and from Ireland, I believe flight duration is less than eight hours, so I can fill the humidifier reservoir only half-full and discard any unused water at the end of the flight.
We will be picking up our rental vehicle at the Dublin airport and heading north with a few stops on our way to Belfast, where I should be able to purchase distilled water for night-time use.
Posted by
Rocky Mount, VA
290 posts
I found distilled water for sale in the chemist shops in Ireland. It was more expensive than in the U.S., and in one it was stored in the back, not on display, so I had to ask for it.
All the best,
Raymond
Posted by
chicago, il
113 posts
I use mine with out water and it doesn’t seem to hurt anything