Is distilled or filtered water really necessary? I drink tap water all the time, if the water is safe for consumption could I use it for the sinus rinse?
1413650
The water in most developed countries is safe to use for irrigation. I would NOT use un-chlorinated water without boiling.
1413651
Distilled or boiled water is definately a must! Two people died recently from using tap water up their nose with a neti pot. There is an amoeba Naegleria fowleri that can be found in tap water. When ingested it is fine but if it gets up in your nose it can cause a brain infection. Even if you think your water is fine is it worth the risk? Here is a helpful article.http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/16/two-dead-in-louisiana-after-unclean-water-used-in-neti-pots/
1413652
My sinus specialist did emphasize using distilled or filtered water. The chlorine found in city water can cause nasal swelling and make some of your issues worse. Also, there are some microbes in drinking water that are safe for your gut but can cause nasal issues. If you want to be thrifty, you can filter your water through a brita pitcher or zero water pitcher. I do this if I run out of distilled water.
1413653
I have always just used tap water and have not had any problems. I don't think distilled, filtered, or pre-boiled water is necessary.
1413654
I've used tap water, when I had to, but the chlorine does burn my nose. I prefer filtered or distilled water.
1413655
Distilled or boiled water is definately a must! Two people died recently from using tap water up their nose with a neti pot. There is an amoeba Naegleria fowleri that can be found in tap water. When ingested it is fine but if it gets up in your nose it can cause a brain infection. Even if you think your water is fine is it worth the risk? Here is a helpful article. http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/12/16/two-dead-in-louisiana-after-unclean-water-used-in-neti-pots/
1413656
I use tap water, too, but although I've not made up my own solution yet, I've been told my uncle, who actually introduced me to using the Sinus Rinse, that the secret to creating a comfortable solution is using NON-IODIZED SALT (about 1/8 tsp.) and a pinch of baking soda along with the 8 oz. of warmed up water. (Both ingredients are mentioned on the box for the pre-mixed packets. Apparently the non-iodized salt and baking soda make the solution as neutral as possible for your sinuses so you can avoid the burning.)
1413657
I asked my doctor and he strongly recommended distilled water only -- no tap, no filtered. There's just too much of a risk of infection from tap water. I wouldn't chance it.
1867074
Can't directly answer your question but will say that we have had our unit for several months and always use distilled water. It's a little expensive but we haven't any dust! 3rd
4978
I use tap water which is hard water and not distilled water. Had no problems so far. But I don't use the humidifier frequently. Might probably want to clean with vinegar if prolonged use results in sediments or residue.
2086878
It really depends on how hard your tap water is. I have naturally soft water at our house so the unit is fine. If you are really concerned even with soft water or need to use a water softener for your house then use distilled water.
932621
If you only use distilled water, a filter is not required. It is recomended if you use tap water.
110988
We pre-filter our water even before putting it into the distiller, so we don't get much build up after a single distillation, but I have friends who have said they experience what you do when using tap water. I'd clean it after ever distillation, and I'd use the product they recommend. It works great. We still do other cleaning with white vinegar, but we think that the stuff in the jar works better.
603561
No, tap water is fine. Distilled takes out some chemicals. If you have very hard water, you may want to use filtered water. I use tap water.
382838
You can buy a filter for it, but it is not required to make it work. I use distilled water in mine and there is no danger.
2094761
You are not suppose to use distilled water in these. I use regular faucet water in mine at home. I do use bottled water at work because that is what is handy (that would be similar to purified), but I never use distilled water. The instruction state not to use distilled water. I've never had to treat my faucet water.
36643
I do use filtered water....same as what I drink. So far I have rinsed the filters, gently massaging them to remove any loose debris and reused them. They seem to rinse out clean.
385605
Saline or distilled is fine. Just no tap water as it has all those extra chemicals in it.
336425
Yes. I use filtered tap water. Some people use distilled water, but I find that tap water works just fine.
545073
Yes, its a very fine mist though. You're not suppose to use filtered or distilled water. If I accidentally use filtered water I can't see anything.
1599854
No, any tap water is fine as far as I know. I would just always let it dry thoroughly after use. This is a great product!
1635443
I do both and it depends on where you live, whether you need a filter. When I was visiting San Diego (their tap water is not so great) so I used it there. I have used it without the filter as well and can barely tell the difference. I hope this helps you. :)
1753117
I've been using tap water. It comes with about 10 packets of "lime and scale remover," which makes me think it would be better to use distilled water...but if you don't, you can use these packets to clean the water tank. Hope that helps...
1763209
I use filtered water. My home has a whole house filtration system. As long as you rinse the base out weekly with vinegar and bleach monthly it is perfect. No issues and have used it for the past six months. Make sure you change out the charcoal filter as well. Directions tell you to do it monthly. I change mine quarterly.