With MAC, do you use tap water to brush your teeth?

Hi Lyle,
You’re not paranoid, you’re just trying to take precautions. I do as well. According to Dr. Joseph Falkinham, who runs in NTM lab at Virginia tech, distilled water is not sterile. Although the water itself is sterile, the equipment to remove the metals is not.

When showering, I use a showerhead with large holes so very little mist is created. And I take short showers. Also, I swap out my showerhead every six weeks or so with an under $20 one from Amazon. I had thought to perhaps buy six of them and rotate them, but Dr. Falkinham said that in a study they did in his lab, after seven weeks although NTM was desiccated on the culture plate, about half of the bacteria were still viable. So, instead of rotating showerheads, I just replace them. And then donate them to Habitat for Humanity.

It’s so interesting to read how we all are trying to protect ourselves in different ways. Best, Linda Esposito

Jump to this post

We Have RO with special filters and I drink from a LifeStraw bottle just to reduce the risk. Also, I try to swish with bottled water but don't always.

Jump to this post

Good information, thank you.i do my best to stay out of the shower. I soak my showerhead in vinegar once a month hoping that will help!

Jump to this post

Hello, new to this page. I just installed AquaCare shower head and little to no mist. I live it. Still having a hard time with shorter showers....

Jump to this post

Hi Helen -
I guess the answer to a lot of questions with MAC is "It depends."
My home is highly unlikely to contain NTM in the water according to Dr Falkingham because we are plagued by pink slime mold. According to his research at the University of Virginia, the two cannot coexist in your pipes. As a result, I am probably less cautious than many people - we use .2 micron filtered drinking water for safety, keep our hot water heater at 138F to prevent growth of NTM, and use a rainfall (big drop) showerhead. Otherwise, my water precautions are minimal. I do use tap water for toothbrushing at home. But when we travel, we carry bottled spring water for drinking, toothbrushing, taking meds, etc.
This has worked for me for 4 years - 1 1/2 on the Big 3, 2 1/2 with airway clearance and nebulizing.
I'll answer your other question about saline in the other discussion.
Do you have any other questions about living with MAC?
Sue

Jump to this post