CPAP product reviews and other helpful tips for CPAP users!
Standard or Cleanable HumidAir Water Chambers?
ResMed's latest AirSense 10 Series is designed with a humidifier seamlessly integrated called HumidAir. The main unit comes with a standard water chamber, but there is an optional cleanable water tank available for purchase also.
ResMed has been making 'standard' and 'cleanable' versions of water chambers for quite some time now. Their previous two CPAP models, S9 and S8 Series humidification in H5i and H4i came in both a standard and a cleanable version.
But which one is better? Do I need a cleanable tank? Or will the standard tub suffice? Continue reading to learn the difference between the two CPAP water chambers and to find out which one best suits your needs.
Standard Water Tank:
The standard water tank is the one that comes with the original machine purchase. This standard tub opens at the top and has a shell that is made with injection moulded plastic. The standard chamber’s base is made with aluminum and the cover is made with thermoplastic elastomer and is latex-free. The standard HumidAir is meant for single patient use and cannot be disinfected. This version requires hand washing with mild soap and water (it is not dishwasher or washing machine safe) and requires replacing every 6 months.
Cleanable Water Tank:
The cleanable water tub is considered an upgrade of the HumidAir water tub. Almost identical to the standard tub, the cleanable is designed to be easily taken apart to be cleaned and snapped back together easily.
This HumidAir's shell is also made with injection-moulded plastic but provides even more durability than the standard tub. It has a stainless steel base and silicone to seal the water inside the chamber. Though a bit more expensive, this premium water tub has a life span of 2.5 years and is resilient enough for clinical use in hospitals or sleep clinics with various patients and can be disinfected time and time again.
Standard vs Cleanable: Which One Do You Need?
The short answer is the standard HumidAir performs just fine. But what you select depends on your lifestyle, cleaning routine and budget. Do you own a dishwasher? Do you mind paying more upfront for something that will last longer? Or save a few bucks and replace the parts every few months? Ultimately, both ResMed water tubs does the job and does it well. It comes down to personal preference in the material and price of the replacement parts.