My husband and I will be in Paris for one week. I use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea and will need to buy distilled water for the humidifier. Does anyone know if this is easily purchased in a grocery store? Thanks.

You won't find distilled water in a grocery store or supermarket (only mineral water). The place to go is a pharmacie, and you should ask for eau distillée.

You can find distilled water suitable for things like irons in the supermarket. If it has to be medical grade, go to a pharmacy and ask them.

One other thing: I assume you've looked into the electrical power issue for making a CPAP run abroad?

My bil, who uses a CPAP, says that they are dual voltage these days.

Thanks everyone. I hadn't thought of a pharmacy. I usually pack a few water bottles with distilled water in my carryon so I don't have to worry about locating water the first day or so, but I know at some point I'll have to buy some. Appreciate the advice. My CPAP is dual voltage so I'll just need a plug adaptor and will bring an extension cord in case the outlet isn't close enough to the bed to reach.

The supermarket-grade water for steam irons and the like is eau demineralisee. I've long assumed this was distilled water, but maybe it's not. (The label says for "cleaning.&quot Go to a Paris pharmacy with some literature from your machine and ask.

Hi, My husband also uses cpap, and we just went to Paris last fall. You can use tap water in your humidifier for that short of time. In fact my husband uses tap water all the time. Humidity is not particulate, so it cannot carry bacteria etc. The only problem would be if you dumped the humidifier in your mask and inhaled it! I think the only problem with tap water is it can causes the metalic parts to rust faster. Also that water is going to be heavy in your carry on! Also the standard currency adapter worked just fine for us. Did you know that your cpap can be brought on as a carry on and it does not "count" as one because it is a medical device? (I am a Respiratory therapist) Have a wonderful time in Paris. And I am proud of you for taking your cpap with you! Some people either don't use it enough at home, or refuse to take it with them!

Here's one French-language site that suggests that eau demineralisee does have pharmaceutical uses, but it also mentions eau ultra-pure for pharmaceutical uses, apparently water in a higher realm.

http://www.lenntech.com/fran%E7ais/e...ineralisee.htm

This is why I think a French pharmacist will be your best source of information. Providing information is one of their main functions.

vanne,

Do you live in a dry climate at home? You might find that the climate in Paris is humid enough that you don't need the humidifier at all.

I vote to listen to peppermintpatti - - her reply is the right mix of scientifically accurate, and practical common sense.

Best wishes,

Rex

Traveling to Spain in a week and a half. Thanks for the tip re: getting distilled water in a pharmacy (or maybe grocery store.) I clean my tubing daily with vinegar--but again, grocery store. However, we'll be moving from city to city, with luggage. So I'm just thinking about the weight of lugging water and vinegar around. ...in small amounts I suppose.

Agree with Peppermintpatti (above). I've used a CPAP for 5 years. After first month or so, never used humidifier. Always take and use the CPAP with me when I travel. Don't use the medical bag; instead put the machine, air hose, and electrical cord in my (fairly large) backpack. When in France (several months between 2017-2019), I just use regular adapter. My electrical cord has always been long enough to hook up the machine. Before renting an apartment (wherever), though, I look at bedroom photo to see if bed has end tables with lights (ensuring a reachable electrical outlet). Headed back to France soon (CPAP in tow) for 2 months. Can't wait; it's been almost 3 years, à cause de Covid.

Demineralized water is distilled water. Normally found in stores next to the steam irons or in a discreet supermarket area with the cleaning products.

Welcome to Fodors RicardoSara. You have tacked your question on to a sixteen year old thread. Things change and I wouldn't depend on any advice from 16 years ago - and about a different country. It would be much better if you started a new thread of your own. (in fact there is a chance your post will be deleted because it tops such an old topic.)

The major difference between demineralised water and distilled water is that distilled water usually has less organic contaminants; deionisation does not remove uncharged molecules such as viruses or bacteria. Demineralised water most times has less mineral ions; this is dependent on the way it is produced

In any case, it works just fine in those machines, which will not spray bacteria around.