Longevity of CPAP machine

How long does the average CPAP machine last? Does a CPAP’s pressure accuracy decline as it ages? At what point will insurance replace a CPAP machine? Thanks

I think they generally last and will be replaced by insurance every 5 years.

Then I’m overdue for a new machine. Mine is from 2010. Lol

Do I just call up my medical supply company and ask for a new machine?

higgledy wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:02 am

Then I’m overdue for a new machine. Mine is from 2010. Lol

Do I just call up my medical supply company and ask for a new machine?

You can try that. The worst they can say is "no" or that you need a new sleep test. If it's been that long, perhaps a new sleep test is in order. They might just accept compliance stats from your old CPAP.

Also, I would save the old one as a spare. Run it for several hours twice per month so the seals don't dry out (just as you would a refrigerator or dishwasher). If compliance is not an issue, you can use the old machine twice per month. I had to use my 2005 machine when my 2009 machine broke.

Make an appointment with your sleep doctor and ask him to send a prescription to the dme for the exact make and model that you want. The dme can do nothing without a prescription.

Call your insce. co. and ask if you're eligible for a new machine.

Note that as a machine ages, it will generally get noisier as the parts wear down.
If insurance gives you any push back, complain about weird noises.

My machine was replaced by Res Med after 10 years. The new one is noisier than the old and doesn't work as well (this could be a result of the redesigned masks). I am starting to strongly dislike ResMed products!

Thanks for the info. I just had a sleep study last spring. Plus I just saw my pulmonologist last month and have my compliance paperwork from that visit.

Doug Williams wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 2:34 pm

My machine was replaced by Res Med after 10 years. The new one is noisier than the old and doesn't work as well (this could be a result of the redesigned masks). I am starting to strongly dislike ResMed products!

No Resmed product has a warranty even approaching this long.
I do not see this company doing anything even close.
Maybe the dealer--compensated by insurance, but otherwise, nuh-uh.
The replacement machine's noisiness is suspicious--used machine?
This is why we always check the run hours on any newly acquired machine.
Especially from a local DME.
Word to the wise.

D.H. wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:11 am

higgledy wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 9:02 am

Then I’m overdue for a new machine. Mine is from 2010. Lol

Do I just call up my medical supply company and ask for a new machine?

You can try that. The worst they can say is "no" or that you need a new sleep test. If it's been that long, perhaps a new sleep test is in order. They might just accept compliance stats from your old CPAP.

It's not up to the DME...They will be happy to sellyou a new machine. It up to your doctor and your insurance company.

They are supposed to be designed to last 15,000 hours, which is 5 years at 8 hours a night. According to the fix-it guy, Resmed and Respironics show an increase in failures at about 17,000 hours. Keep in mind that sitting it in the back of a closet for several years does not necessarily extend the life - parts age even with non-use.

As to pressure, seals do age. Some DMEs can replace seals for most popular brands on site, but most have to send it somewhere. If you are getting a new machine, that cost is yours, but if your machine is otherwise working, it makes a good backup once refreshed. You already have the supplies.

Doug Williams wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 18, 2018 2:34 pm

My machine was replaced by Res Med after 10 years. The new one is noisier than the old and doesn't work as well (this could be a result of the redesigned masks). I am starting to strongly dislike ResMed products!

Doug, you should get your machine checked out if it is making noise. Both Resmed and Respironics current machines are virtually silent.

Sewtired:
I'v spoken with two doctors, the supplier of the CPAP equipment and the manufacturer of the equipment. Results? You'll adjust or Shave.

Doug Williams wrote: ↑

Sun Mar 25, 2018 12:03 pm

Sewtired:
I'v spoken with two doctors, the supplier of the CPAP equipment and the manufacturer of the equipment. Results? You'll adjust or Shave.

If your machine is under warranty, demand that they fix it. The machines should be virtually silent. A mask is a different story - that is dependent on a lot of variables. If you get no satisfaction, try contacting whomever is in charge of medical products in your state (start with consumer products). Let your DME know you aren't taking a nonworking machine lying down - you want it fixed or replaced.