[cwsanfor]

The manual just says "gently remove the base with your hands". It does not seem to want to be removed with moderate pressure.

Can anyone expand on the instructions? Does the base pop off or slide off? Is their any release tab, or do you just grab it and growl?

Thanks.

_________________

Machine: REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Mask: Mirage Quattro Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Pro Data Management Software 1.6i

Additional Comments: Auto C-Flex backup; CF2, HC431/2, UMFF, and Hybrid masks; SnuggleHose; Aussie Heated Hose; PadACheek; EncoreProAnalyzer; SPO 7500 Oximeter.

[Snoredog]

you don't want to bend it and it bends easily. Use a butter knife and work your way all around the edge. Put in the TOP shelf of dishwasher only.

When you reassemble it, place the bottom down on a flat surface like a counter top, then push the acrylic tank back down on the bottom evenly. Doing it this way will keep it straight and prevent bending.

If you use distilled water you only need to sanitize that tank in the dishwasher about once a week. Replacement tanks are cheap, I suggest getting an extra.

When you put it back on the hot plate, push down the hot plate and the tank will slide on easier. Be sure to pull out the silicone coupler on the machine so that it gets pushed back in when you insert the tank. If that coupler gets pushed in too far it can leak air and impact therapy.

[Moogy]

I use distilled water, and I never santize. I just rinse out the humidifier once in a while and let it dry.

As for opening the humidifier, I just work around the base a little with my fingers. I have never needed to pry with anything. It pulls straight off, no release button or anything. When putting it back together again, pressing down onto a firm counter surface is a good idea. Without that, I have trouble getting it firmly together.

Moogy

_________________

Machine: REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex

Mask: Mirage Activa Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Pro Smart Card

[Wulfman]

I've never had the base off of mine. When I do empty it, I just rinse it out and then reinstall and fill it back up. I've read enough stories of folks bending and cracking the parts when disassembling and reassembling to not want to take the chance. And it still looks brand new. Always use distilled water.

Den

_________________

Machine	Mask	Humidifier	Software
Additional Comments: Either lead, follow or get out of the way.....

[dllfo]

What Moogy says. Both of ours were off today. I put my thumbnail
between the plastic and metal, then push the metal down. It will separate.

I used distilled water, then clean it ...maybe once a month.

_________________

Machine: BiPAP Auto SV

Mask: Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Smart Card Reader - USB

Additional Comments: EPAP 8, MIN IPAP 11, MAX IPAP 30, Encore Pro 1.8.65, Oxygen, Heliox

[dllfo]

What Moogy says. Both of ours were off today. I put my thumbnail
between the plastic and metal, then push the metal down. It will separate.

I used distilled water, then clean it ...maybe once a month.

_________________

Machine: BiPAP Auto SV

Mask: Mirage Swift II Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Smart Card Reader - USB

Additional Comments: EPAP 8, MIN IPAP 11, MAX IPAP 30, Encore Pro 1.8.65, Oxygen, Heliox

[Goofproof]

I've never had the base off of mine. When I do empty it, I just rinse it out and then reinstall and fill it back up. I've read enough stories of folks bending and cracking the parts when disassembling and reassembling to not want to take the chance. And it still looks brand new. Always use distilled water.

Den

100% Correct, The base is covered with a silcone covering, too much on and off will ruin the seal surface. Also if you don't push it back on square, you will put enough side force on it to crack the plastic, as in their masks they could have used a little more plastic for reinforcement at key points.

The smart thing would have been make the top removable instead of the bottom, but the product looks better the way they did it, and in sales, looks are more important than function. Den's way is my way, mine broke once and hasnt been apart since, probably never will. Jim

_________________

Machine: REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP Machine

Mask: ComfortGel Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: EncorePro1.8 w/Analyzer&Excel File

[Dale92]

I hold my humidifier tank with one end against my chest and with one hand holding the plastic tank I use my other hand to exert just pressure a little at a time until the end away from my chest begins to slowly release.

I usually separate the parts of the tank every day, except when I am lazy or in a hurry, empty the water and set them out to dry. Once a week I clean them along with my hose and masks in hot soapy water. I even use a soft toothbrush to very lightly scrub the tank while it is in the soapy water taking care around the silicone seal.

I have had this tank since August of 2005 and I have only missed emptying it maybe twenty times during that time with no problems. I have heard others report having problems with leaks after taking theirs apart but I have not run into that at all.

I am a bit of a clean freak and I like to keep my PAP supplies clean and may tend to do more than I need to. I just don't like the thought of not cleaning my tank regularly, it makes me wonder what little things are growing in there. Even with distilled water I like to empty it daily and clean once a week because I know my house is not germ free and the unit is not sealed so I figure better safe than sorry

Just my 2 cents.

Dale

_________________

Machine: REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP Machine

Mask: Mirage Activa Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Pro Smart Card

[Snoozin' Bluezzz]

For whatever reason I am more comfortable giving it a thorough cleaning once a week, or so, so I use a flatware knife to very (VERY) gently pry the bottom off, wash it by hand and let it air dry reassembling it like Moogy - very evenly. I have done this for 6 mos. with no problems. I make sure the rounded (not a pointed) knife tip doesn't press against the silicone seal.

David

_________________

Machine: REMstar Auto C-Flex CPAP Machine

Mask: Mirage Swift Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear (Original)

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Additional Comments: Encore Pro 1.5i, Hybrid in rotation with Swift

[OwlCreekObserver]

My DME gave me a sheet of cleaning instructions for my equipment. I'm to use a mild detergent solution on the mask every day. The humidifier is supposed to just be emptied and refilled with distilled water.

Twice a week I'm supposed to disinfect the mask, the hose, and the humidifier in a 1-to-3 mixture of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. Instead of taking the humidifier apart and soaking it, I just fill it with some of the vinegar solution and then rinse it out after the 30 minutes.

The process seems to be working fine, but I do crave a late night salad for some reason.

_________________

Machine: REMstar Pro 2 C-Flex CPAP Machine

Mask: Zzz-Mask Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear

Humidifier: REMstar Heated Humidifier

Software: Encore Smart Card Reader - USB

Additional Comments: Premium Headgear with EZ Peel Tabs for Comfort Series Masks