Filter replacement frequency

I have a buddy who uses the basic RemStar cpap. He was not even given a patient manual. How often does Respironics suggest that filters be replaced? Her is having trouble with Apria saying they will replace filters every 6 months along with his mask "if needed". HE's on line now, so any quick responses would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Bookbear,

My Respironics manual says the following:

Under normal usage, you should clean the gray foam filter at least once every two weeks and replace it with a new one every six months. The white ultra-fine filter is disposable and should be replaced after 30 nights of use or sooner if it appears dirty. DO NOT clean the ultra-fine filter.

Janna

Thank you!

He's suitably impressed with the prompt reply!

Thanks!

The user manuals can be found at this link:

http://global.respironics.com/manualsandliterature.asp

.....In case your friend wants to download the one for his machine.


Den

Thanks, Den. I've passed the link on to him.

I have the feeling he's going to join the forum. He gets zero support from his doc or dme. I mean, really... one filter per every six months????

One gray one - the external, washable - every six months is what Resmed recommends. It's only the fine, non-washable filters that have to be changed more frequently.

O.

The only filter my Resmed S8 Elite manual refers to it says to replace every six months. Uh, uh. Not in MY house! After 20 years of a furnace add-on woodburner sending residue thru our furnace ducts during the winter I'm having to change my filter close to once a month! I relied on the six month recommendation for my first filter change. BIG MISTAKE! There was even "dust" in and on the frame around the filter and I won't even TRY to describe what the filter looked like!!!

I don't know about Resmed, but Puritan Bennett is very specific that the external filter should washed once a week, and IIRC so is Respironics.

In any case, nobody should base their filter changing decisions on the insurance policy.

I try to remember to wash the external filter weekly - and I have to change the internal one every 10-14 days.

O.

Remember that filters are not that expensive. I hope that the "insurance" factor is not what you are basing your filter changing cycle on, as I can get a 6-pack of white fine filters for the Respironics M-series for like $14. The gray foam filter 2-pack is also $14. So a whole years worth of filters for $56. If you use a flex-plan through work, you should be able to submit that for reimbursement or use your Benny card.

Just keep in mind that the filters keep the air clean that is being forced into your body by your xPAP. You want to make sure as many irritants are cleared as possible and that dirty filters can make you sick or reduce your xPAPs ability to flow and may make it wear out more quickly.

And it is different for Resmed:

http://www.resmed.com/en-au/products/se ... ide_en.pdf

REPLACING THE AIR FILTER
To replace the air filter:
1. Remove the air filter cover at the back of the S8 AUTOSET SPIRIT.
2. Remove and discard the old air filter.
3. Insert a new filter with the blue tinted side facing out from the device.
4. Replace the air filter cover.
Inspect the air filter every month to check if it is blocked by dirt or contains holes. With
normal use of an S8 AUTOSET SPIRIT, the air filter needs to be replaced every six months
(or more often if your device is in a dusty environment).
!
WARNING
• Do not wash the air filter. The air filter is not washable or reusable.
• The air filter cover protects the device in the event of accidental liquid spillage
onto the device. Ensure the air filter and air filter cover are fitted at all times

My emphasis.
O.

Duh, Ozij!!! Trying to make me look bad?? I must have missed that "check every month" when I went thru the manual. Color me red-faced. I sure do check it every month now! And replace it too. My poor little ole beloved S8. I feel so guilty about abusing it that way. It isn't just the woodburner dust, we have long haired dogs and cats too. Heck, I even name my dust bunnies!!!

Slinky wrote:Duh, Ozij!!! Trying to make me look bad?? I must have missed that "check every month" when I went thru the manual. Color me red-faced. I sure do check it every month now! And replace it too. My poor little ole beloved S8. I feel so guilty about abusing it that way. It isn't just the woodburner dust, we have long haired dogs and cats too. Heck, I even name my dust bunnies!!!

Oh well, Slinky, we can always say that when you first went through the manual you were still suffering from the effects of sleep apnea....


O.

Yeah, Ozij! That's it! I was. Thanks for helping me save face. That's my story and I am sticking to it!!!!

ozij wrote:And it is different for Resmed:
REPLACING THE AIR FILTER
To replace the air filter:
1. Remove the air filter cover at the back of the S8 AUTOSET SPIRIT.
2. Remove and discard the old air filter.
3. Insert a new filter with the blue tinted side facing out from the device.
4. Replace the air filter cover.
Inspect the air filter every month to check if it is blocked by dirt or contains holes. With
normal use of an S8 AUTOSET SPIRIT, the air filter needs to be replaced every six months
(or more often if your device is in a dusty environment).
!
WARNING
• Do not wash the air filter. The air filter is not washable or reusable.
• The air filter cover protects the device in the event of accidental liquid spillage
onto the device. Ensure the air filter and air filter cover are fitted at all times

The wording in my Vantage manual is the same (inspect monthly, change at 6 months, more often if needed).

My buddy's machine is a Reprironics (basic tank). A monthly change for any machine makes sense to me, cheap insurance that your machine (and lungs) will continue to function optimally.

Go ahead, BookBear, rub it in! 20 lashes w/a wet noodle for you my bookish friend!