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Sleep Apnea and Bronchiectasis

Posted by bsardella @bsardella, Nov 19, 2024

I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP machine. I was diagnosed with bronchiectasis earlier this year and it was determined that I have MAI in my lung. I use distilled water in the CPAP humidifier. Does anyone have recommendations about the water used in a CPAP and whether it might be contaminated with MAI?

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bernadene24 | @bernadene24 | Aug 14, 2025
In reply to @scoop "I use Vicks Steam vaporizer with cold tap water. https://www.vickshumidifiers.com/products/humidifiers/vicks-warm-steam-vaporizer/ Not as effective but wet towels..." + (show)
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I use Vicks Steam vaporizer with cold tap water.
https://www.vickshumidifiers.com/products/humidifiers/vicks-warm-steam-vaporizer/
Not as effective but wet towels hung near heat sources can also help increase humidity during winter months.

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Thank you. I will check it out. You are so helpful and I really appreciate it.

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nicholslg | @nicholslg | Aug 15, 2025

Distilled water has been shown to have MAC. My husband uses CPAP Water but even it is not free of MAC even though it says it has gone through UV light, reverse osmosis and filtration. Filter was not small enough to filter out MAC. I would advise either running the di water through 0.2 micron filter or boil for 10+ minutes.

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