Maintenance Question

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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MikeL_Oh
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:19 pm

Maintenance Question

Post by MikeL_Oh » Thu Aug 27, 2015 12:48 pm

Hello Friends -

I have experienced rousing success with CPAP therapy for one year and one month so far. I review SleepyHead regularly and my AHI average over the last year is 0.89. My sleep study clocked me at 43.0 - so this is obviously an effective treatment. Fortunately, I took to the machine like a duck to water with an amazing lack of problems.

That said, my question is regarding long term maintenance and machine lifetime. I do the daily mini-cleaning and weekly deep cleaning and have no problems with odors or dirt - but I am wondering if there is any sort of 10,000 mile maintenance that should be done? How long does a machine typically last? I know from looking at the density of the filter that some dust and debris is going to make its way through and into the device - is it proper to take it apart and clean? Do DMEs offer service?

While I don't often post, I truly appreciate the vast sea of information that all of you fine folks provide as well as the entertainment.

Best,

Mike

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Goofproof
Posts: 16087
Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:16 pm
Location: Central Indiana, USA

Re: Maintenance Question

Post by Goofproof » Thu Aug 27, 2015 1:11 pm

I am guessing 10,000 mile, means long term 10,000 hours ect. All we can do is keep things clean, change filters when needed (3 weeks). It pays to have a back-up plan, just to keep Murphy's Law covered, I have two like units to fall back on all 3 are Remstar "Tanks", 14,500 hours on the current Pro 2, still running fine. I have the HH hooked up but keep it dry and off, acting as a noise muffler. Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

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MikeL_Oh
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Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:19 pm

Re: Maintenance Question

Post by MikeL_Oh » Thu Aug 27, 2015 2:54 pm

Thanks GP - yes, I was kind of facetiously comparing this to a 10K service on a car - oil change, tire rotation, et al. I estimate I have just under 4,000 hours on the machine - by your example, barely broken in. I never considered backup - odd because I am compulsive about backing up files, pics, etc. Not sure when/for what reason people get new machines or when I should consider that option. Anyway, thanks for the reply - I have more to learn and plan for.

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Wulfman...
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Re: Maintenance Question

Post by Wulfman... » Thu Aug 27, 2015 4:35 pm

MikeL_Oh wrote:Thanks GP - yes, I was kind of facetiously comparing this to a 10K service on a car - oil change, tire rotation, et al. I estimate I have just under 4,000 hours on the machine - by your example, barely broken in. I never considered backup - odd because I am compulsive about backing up files, pics, etc. Not sure when/for what reason people get new machines or when I should consider that option. Anyway, thanks for the reply - I have more to learn and plan for.
Just remember......."Murphy's Laws" apply to this therapy. NOT having a backup machine can be pressing your luck.
There's virtually no "service" work that can be done to these machines, other than keeping the intake air filters clean. About all that's inside the machine is a "motherboard" and a blower.......pretty simple........but anything made by man can and will fail at the worst possible time. After over 10 years of reading/following this forum, I have seen many, many examples. Just because one is new and still under warranty, if something fails and it takes six weeks to get it repaired or replaced, that's an amount of time you don't want to be without therapy.

Just sayin'.......


Den

.
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05

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MikeL_Oh
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2014 12:19 pm

Re: Maintenance Question

Post by MikeL_Oh » Fri Aug 28, 2015 9:14 am

Thanks for the sound advice, Den. I am pursuing a backup machine to ensure I am covered. I appreciate your opening my eyes....

Best,

Mike

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Sir NoddinOff
Posts: 4190
Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 5:30 pm
Location: California

Re: Maintenance Question

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:43 am

Like Den sez, definitely a backup machine is the way to go... don't get a piece of junk either. About three days after I got my backup machine my main CPAP had to go to Accurate Biomed for repair. It took two weeks but luckily I had my backup and didn't miss a night of therapy. Some DMEs can provide a backup but God only knows what the heck you'd get and when or if you'd get it.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead software v.0.9.8.1 Open GL and Encore Pro v2.2.
Last edited by Sir NoddinOff on Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
I like my ResMed AirFit F10 FFM - reasonably low leaks for my ASV therapy. I'm currently using a PR S1 AutoSV 960P Advanced. I also keep a ResMed S9 Adapt as backup. I use a heated Hibernite hose. Still rockin' with Win 7 by using GWX to stop Win 10.

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Goofproof
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Joined: Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:16 pm
Location: Central Indiana, USA

Re: Maintenance Question

Post by Goofproof » Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:45 am

Den and I use the same generation of machines, "Remstar Tanks", a older 2005 tech, solid reliable heavy, with full data. While everyone wants newer more costly machines, not better, we opted for reliably that works.

Everything changes, not always for the better, so we stocked up on our favorites. We both probably have a lifetime supply. I've been eligible for a new machine for 5 years, but am still using the orgional one, maybe in 10 more years, I'll move to machine #2! Jim
Use data to optimize your xPAP treatment!

"The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease." Voltaire

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Sir NoddinOff
Posts: 4190
Joined: Mon May 14, 2012 5:30 pm
Location: California

Re: Maintenance Question

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Fri Aug 28, 2015 11:47 am

Goofproof wrote:Den and I use the same generation of machines, "Remstar Tanks", a older 2005 tech, solid reliable heavy, with full data. While everyone wants newer more costly machines, not better, we opted for reliably that works.

Everything changes, not always for the better, so we stocked up on our favorites. We both probably have a lifetime supply. I've been eligible for a new machine for 5 years, but am still using the orgional one, maybe in 10 more years, I'll move to machine #2! Jim
Yeah, I've still got one in my closet... built tough to last.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead software v.0.9.8.1 Open GL and Encore Pro v2.2.
I like my ResMed AirFit F10 FFM - reasonably low leaks for my ASV therapy. I'm currently using a PR S1 AutoSV 960P Advanced. I also keep a ResMed S9 Adapt as backup. I use a heated Hibernite hose. Still rockin' with Win 7 by using GWX to stop Win 10.