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.
Do you have questions about your therapy? Is it time to order replacement CPAP supplies?
Contact us today and get the help you need.
Order replacement CPAP supplies
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
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Comments
Irene
Posted on August 29, 2019May I empty water chamber and put water in covered container while chamber is cleaned and dries and replace the saved water in the chamber the next evening?
Judy Ann Chance
Posted on December 08, 2020CAN I USE THE SAME WATER DAILY IF NOT BEING USES IN THE MACHINE
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021You should never reuse water in the chamber from the previous night as the old water can develop bacteria and germs. Its always best to empty the humidifier chamber and refill with fresh distilled water each night.
Stuart Black
Posted on December 31, 2019I have had 4 water chambers due to cracking at the front edge. Is this common as it is the same area all the time.
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021It could be a manufacturer defect. Check with the original supplier to see if there is a recall on the product and to inquire about an exchange/refund. They may have been damaged during shipping/recieving, production or general handling
william cartagena
Posted on May 16, 2020Dear Julia Rodriguez first time happens the water in the chamber become very hot and the tube become warm. Is this correct ?
CPAP S9
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021The heated tubing will be warm. The humidifier chamber should also be warm- not hot. There may be a defect in the cpap machine itself. Water should never be hot.
Ferteama Mcfadden
Posted on May 16, 2020I have noticed several mole specks beneath the rubber on the lid of my water chamber. Tried cleaning it. It wont come off.Should I stop using it?
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021Stop using it and see if you can exchange for a new humidifier chamber. Cpap equipment, like all medical equipment, works best and safest when it is clean and properly maintained.
Patricia
Posted on September 13, 2020New to using cpak I put distill water in where it suppose to go fill it to the line, when I wake in the morning the tank is still full, is this normal?
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021Yea this is completely normal. This just means there is a lot of humidity already in the room you are sleeping in, so the cpap machine didnt need to use as much water in the humidifier chamber
Elaine
Posted on October 06, 2020I have had my machine for over a year and no one has ever contacted me to replace anything. I have no idea who is supposed to be contacted to get new tubing or any other part.
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021A few options:
1) The place you purchased your cpap machine and supplies from usually sends an email or calls when its time to replace your machine or supplies
2) if you have a medical insurance provider, they’ll usually email you that its time to replace your machine and supplies.
The general rule is cpap machine will usually need to be replaced every 4 years. Cpap supplies need to be replaced every 6 months
Beth
Posted on December 30, 2020My new CP replacement water tank has no water line. so how much water (distilled) should I fill it with?
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021Start by filling it half way. If its empty by the time you get up in the morning, fill it slightly more. If its not empty by the morning, fill it a bit less
Deborah Burdex
Posted on January 24, 2021AT USING THE CPAP MACHINE ALL NIGHT IT BEGINNING TO STILL BE FULL WITH THE WATER IN CHAMBER
Justin
Posted on November 23, 2021This just means there is enough humidity in the room you currently sleep in, so the machine isnt having to compensate by adding more humidity to the air youre breathing in via the cpap machine
Jacki
Posted on February 22, 2021Water chamber was empty and hot
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Posted on July 25, 2021Amazing blog post. Thanks a lot!!
drift hunters
Posted on December 24, 2021Begin by half-filling it. Fill it slightly more if it’s empty when you get up in the morning. Fill it a little less if it isn’t empty by morning.
Lani Martin
Posted on March 02, 2022Awesome! This is really a great help for me as I have a hard time dealing with this problem.
fireboy and watergirl
Posted on April 19, 2022Very detailed instructions. I think I need a new CPAP waterchamber.
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