deionized water for humidifier - Asthma Community ...

Asthma Community Forum

22,603 members24,931 posts

deionized water for humidifier

runcyclexcski profile image
4 Replies

Hi all --

I've got another Sunday DIY post, if I may. I've been experimenting with a basic Boneco humidifier (£160 or so on amazon) for the last few days. I run it non-stop b.c. I also have proper ventilation going on. As a result I have to re-fill the small 3L tank every 4-5 hrs. It manages to raise the humidity from 38% to about 50%, but this is during the current mild temps.

Until today I did not realize how horrific my local tap water was (image attached was taken only after 4 tank changes -- i.e. 1 day of operation). Thus, I am looking at bringing 20L jugs of di water from my lab every day. I should probably reduce my ventilation air flow at least 4x (currently at 200 m3/hr, should try 50m3/hr). Still, I wonder if anyone knows how to produce decent quality di water at home. It would not practical for showering etc, but 20L per day for humidification purposes should be doable. The pharma-grade unit I have at work is too costly to operate at home, and it won't use regular tap water as input (must be pre-treated using at least one distillation cycle).

Written by
runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
4 Replies
Troilus profile image
Troilus

Have you looked on YouTube? Just about everything is on there😁

runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski in reply toTroilus

well, I was hoping for specific recommendations of stuff people have tried.

Looking at the specs of cartridges that ELGA cells (ELGACAN), for example, it appears that each cartridge can produce between 20 and 200L of diwater, depending on how dirty the input is. I have a conductivity meter at work, so I should test my tap water.

Each cartridge is about £50 (they are sold in packs of 4). In the worst case scenario (i.e. if I only manage to get 20 L from one), 1L of di water would cost me £2.5 -- this is more expensive to what Tesco sells it at. The final product is 1 Mohm per cm though, whereas my lab water is 18Mohm (18x better). I am tempted to take di water from the lab.

Pipsqueak77 profile image
Pipsqueak77 in reply toruncyclexcski

HiYou will need some form of cartridge filtration which will obviously cost and will provide various levels of purity depending on how much!

Bear in mind that the condy of tap water changes daily so this may also be a problem for you (as feed) especially if you live in a big city.

I am not sure that it is best practice to take it from your work…. My workplace like yours has ultra pure water systems for analysis that cost a fair bit and they would not be happy if I helped myself to 20L a day!!

Maybe assess sourcing it already de-ionised from a supplier if you really need it that much.

😊👍

runcyclexcski profile image
runcyclexcski in reply toPipsqueak77

>>>if I helped myself to 20L a day!!

I could reduce that to 5L with tweaks to the system, I think :)

I did not realize that the conductivity of tap water changes daily, wow! All I know is that there's plenty of bacteria on ours.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Humidifier or dehumidifier?

Hi guys- quick question regarding my sons asthma. He has constant recurrent chest infections and...
Sonsmum profile image

Is it dry throat from meds or needing more meds?

Hi all, I've just woken up with a really dry throat. I'm on a nebuliser 4 times a day. Just...

Humidifier

Hiya 😊 I moved home just before lock down and I was sleeping on my sofa I have decorated my...
jojokarak profile image

Nebulizer for home use

Hi does anyone here have a neb for home use? If so how did you get it ie from gp prescription...

How long for recovery?

How long does it usually take you to recover from a bad spell? I've always been asthmatic, but I...

Moderation team

See all
Lysistrata profile image
LysistrataAdministrator
Homely2 profile image
Homely2Administrator
ALUK_Nurses profile image
ALUK_NursesAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.