BP 420 series

sir_cumference · Post by **sir_cumference** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 5:43 am

I'm thinking of getting a PB 420 but have spoken to someone who had some doubts.

First, he says the transformer is big and heavy! Is this right? And, with the 420 and the transformer is it really still the smallest CPAP around?

Second, he told me that early units only lasted 6 months or so before they burnt out! Is this right? How reliable are they and how long have some of you been using them?

Many thanks
sir_cumference

bigheadr · Post by **bigheadr** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:15 am

I have had the PB 420S for a few weeks but it is very light. When you talk about the transformer, are you talking about the power cable for the unit? I can't compare with other units but I know that the normal Respironic CPAP machine w/CFLEX with humidifier was about 8 lbs which is around 4 lbs heavier than my PB 420S w/integrated humidifier. I haven't had the PB for a long time so I can't comment on its reliability. If the reliability was bad, I would think that you would have heard about it in this bulletin board.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:16 am

I'm too new to answer about the long term reliability.

The statement about the transformer had me staring at the screen in amazement. The transfomer is 10.5 cm * 3.5 cm * 6 and I would never have imagined anyone, and I mean anyone - from a healthy 2 yr. olde to a feeble 90 year old - describing it as heavy.

The PB (Puritan Bennett) is prbably the smallest lightest machine around, transformer included.

One thing that migh be relevant is the pressure you need. When I discussed the choice of machine with my RT she mentioned that she considers the PB's motor/blower weaker, and would not recommend it for a person whose apnea needed consistent high pressure.

O.

Maskedmechanic · Post by **Maskedmechanic** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:32 am

I recall weighing the 420 with power cord and comparing it to the S8 and the new Aura. These are the only serious contender for the small, light title.. I can't remember the specifics but the 420 was lightest and took up less cubic inches and it was not really close.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 10:15 am

they come with a two year warranty

sir_cumference · Post by **sir_cumference** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 11:44 am

I've never seen the transformer, but thanks for the information about it being really light and small, it is good to hear from those who have it.

Unfortunately, in the UK the 420 series only come with a 1 year warranty - not 2 years like you get in the US. I have asked them why but as yet no one has been able to answer me why the UK and Europe only get 1 year!!!

My pressure is quite light, so it sounds like the PB 420 might well be the right machine for me.

But anyone been using it for a long time, i would love to hear about reliablility. I am thinking of the 420E.
sir_cumference

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 12:52 pm

Copied from cpap.com

Product Specifications
Pressure Range 4cm to 20cm H2O
Ramp Time 0 to 30 minutes in CPAP mode; Automatic in Auto mode.
Starting Ramp Pressure From 4cm up to CPAP pressure, patient-adjustable in CPAP mode
Dimensions 5.6" x 2.9" x 7.7"
Weight CPAP: 1.54 lbs.; Power Supply Module (included): .21 lbs.; Total weight 1.75 lbs.
Altitude Compensation Automatic
Electrical Requirements 100 � 240 AC, 12volt DC

By the way, you never get to see cables on pictures of electronic equipment - whether they are stereo systems, computers, or... cpaps...
O.

Kermit · Post by **Kermit** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 7:04 pm

Hi, this is my first post here as I just discovered this board.

About the reliabilty of the 420e, I have had one for year and half and have not had a single problem.

I use a manometer to check and calibrate pressure setting and after all this time it has not gone out of spec. A manometer is as accurate as it gets.

The transformer is like any small electronic device transformer that converts 120/240vac to 12vdc. Because the cord between the transformer and 420 is very "thin" and light, unlike a standard AC cord, you actually save a bit of cord weight and space when wound for travel.

I also have a Remstar Plus and like that too but it became the backup machine after I got the 420E.

The special PB hose, as Rested Gal said, is not a problem when washing the hose. I rarely ever wash my hose as I use distilled water.

I would seriously consider the 420 family of xpaps. The Silverlining software is very good. I don't believe I have the latest version but I find it useful.

Hello Rested.

Kermit

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 3:29 pm

I have a RemStar but don't use the machine; I keep it as a backup just in case my PB 420E ever needs to go into the shop for repair. I do, however, use the roomy, well-padded travel bag that the RemStar came in whenever I travel as it will hold my 420E, hose and interface with lots of room to spare.

I think the RemStar machines are good; I think the PB machines (420E) are great!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 6:00 pm

waves to Kermit...so good to see you!

The Silverlining software is the best, imho. I still love that very informative "96 hour graph" better than any way that the other two brands' software present overnight info.

WillSucceed, if PB ever adds exhalation relief to the 420E auto, that wonderful little machine will be the one I yap about all the time to new users considering an autopap.

Even though I didn't need exhalation relief at my pressure range, and even though C-Flex was a problem for you, WillSucceed, and for some others, I do think that's a wonderful option to have available on an autopap for many.

The 420E auto is, indeed, a great machine. Sure did like mine. But, we all know I'm "easy"! I liked things about all three manufacturers' autopaps and got along well with all three. Wish I could have combined what I liked best about all three (and things about each one's software) into one - and stuck a bi-level switch on too, for nights that I felt like using that! LOL!! Wonder what my dream machine would cost?