What is a CPAP Water Chamber?
Date Published
What is a CPAP Water Chamber?
The water chamber is the removable container that holds the water in your humidifier (see the clear plastic tub on the left below).
Using a humidifier can make a positive difference to your therapy comfort and experience. By warming and moistening the air you’re breathing, it helps prevent you having a dry nose and throat and can help you keep your mouth closed while you sleep.
Humidification helps to improve comfort and thus improves compliance. Read more about heated humidification for CPAP therapy here.
How do I clean and maintain my CPAP waterchamber?
Like all of the other components of your sleep apnea equipment, your water chamber should be cleaned on a regular basis.Daily:
1. Empty and residual water from the chamber when you wake up in the morning. 2. Leave the water chamber out to dry thoroughly. 3. Use distilled water to prevent mineral build up in your water chamber and tubing. While it’s ok to use tap water occasionally, like when travelling (read more about that here), manufacturers recommend using distilled water for optimal usage.
How often do I need to replace my CPAP water chamber?
Manufacturers recommend replacing a standard water chamber every 6 months.
Most insurance companies follow Medicare guidelines and will authorize a new water chamber this often. This means that if you’re receiving a new CPAP supply shipment every 90 days, your shipment should include a new water chamber in every other order. Check with your equipment provider or contact your insurance company to see what they allow.
The CPT code for a water chamber is A7046.
How do I know if I need to replace my water chamber?
The chamber may develop cracks, pitted areas, or discoloration owing to minerals in the water and buildup inside the chamber. As the material deteriorates, cracks may trap bacteria from moisture. If this happens before six months of usage, you should replace it.
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Sources:https://sleepapnea.org/treat/cpap-therapy/what-you-should-know-about-cpap-humidification/the-importance-of-cpap-humidification/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10453869 Other posts you may find interesting:
Frequently asked questions
The CPAP water chamber is the removable reservoir on your humidifier that holds distilled water. As CPAP air passes over the heated water, it picks up moisture, which prevents the dry mouth, throat irritation, and nasal congestion that dry pressurized air causes.
Replace the water chamber every 6 months under standard insurance coverage (Medicare and most plans). Earlier replacement is recommended if you see cloudiness, mineral buildup, or cracks. Daily cleaning with mild soap extends its life and prevents bacterial growth.
No — always use distilled water. Tap water contains minerals (calcium, magnesium) that deposit on the chamber and heating plate as scale, shortening their life and potentially being aerosolized into the air you breathe. Distilled water is sold inexpensively at any grocery or pharmacy.
Empty any remaining water each morning. Wash the chamber in warm soapy water (mild dish soap) or a 1:1 vinegar-water solution once a week. Rinse thoroughly with distilled water and air-dry completely before refilling. Never put the chamber in a dishwasher unless the manufacturer specifically approves it.
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