Resipronics BIPAP Auto system one disaster

[michaelanthonyp]

Hi All,
Reaching out to find anyone with a similar problem with a "Respironics BIPAP Auto Bi-Flex System ONE". I was sold one of these machines a few years ago by our health insurance provider. After a few days use, I noticed that the machine had significantly reduced output. I complained about it, got a replacement machine, and the same thing happened. I complained about the second machine, and they made some adjustments to the output parameters. Eventually the same thing happened. The health ins provider was fairly nasty about it and would not replace or support the second machine.
It took a long time to figure out what happened. Sometime during the night, the machine sometimes goes into this 'mode'. Its hard to describe. When in this mode, the machine makes a strange cyclic noise: 'hiss-click-hiss-click...' The click sound is about 1 second apart. When in this mode, the machine output is almost zero. This wakes me up. I shut off the machine, turn it back on. After this happens, the output is permanently reduced.
This seems like a serious design flaw in this machine. I have contacted the FDA and Philips but not received a reply.
With this machine, I wake up feeling more exhausted than before I went to sleep. Sometimes the output is so low I have to open my mouth to breathe. Its honestly not much better than no machine at all.
Trying to find out if this is a wide spread problem, or I was only unlucky to get two bad machines in a row. Apparently, the health insurance providers don't have equipment to validate that these machines are working correctly. its extremely frustrating all this and I still can't sleep.

Thanks.

[Guest]

Apparently, the health insurance providers don't have equipment to validate that these machines are working correctly. its extremely frustrating all this and I still can't sleep.

The equipment provider (DME) should have a gage to measure the output pressure and I have to think they have done that.

You don't mention any settings like your pressure, ramp, exhale relief, humidifier setting, etc.

With your description and minimum info it's hard to tell what is going on but I do have a thought. Do you use a humidifier?

If you do is this more of a clicking or popping sound? If so check the lowest point of the hose as this is where the water will collect and can block airflow but just lifting the hose so the water runs back into the humidifier will fix that. The first time you should disconnect the hose to see, first hand, if it is water collecting.

If that is the problem you need to dial back or turn off the humidifier. This is a common problem.

[michaelanthonyp]

Apparently, the health insurance providers don't have equipment to validate that these machines are working correctly. its extremely frustrating all this and I still can't sleep.

The equipment provider (DME) should have a gage to measure the output pressure and I have to think they have done that.

You don't mention any settings like your pressure, ramp, exhale relief, humidifier setting, etc.

With your description and minimum info it's hard to tell what is going on but I do have a thought. Do you use a humidifier?

If you do is this more of a clicking or popping sound? If so check the lowest point of the hose as this is where the water will collect and can block airflow but just lifting the hose so the water runs back into the humidifier will fix that. The first time you should disconnect the hose to see, first hand, if it is water collecting.

If that is the problem you need to dial back or turn off the humidifier. This is a common problem.

Hi THANKS! The DME has a static meter, but this darn thing goes into this rythm detecting mode and they say they can't test that. They said they can test the cpap for static output, but not the auto bipap. I will try to find how to get the settings off the machine and post them.
I have a humidifier, but don't use it. Im scared to get mold in there, we live in an area where it is humid often.

Re the sound: it sounds like the machine has some kind of valve that is clicking open and closing. I dont have a humidifier but I did check that there is no water or anything else in the line. I don't know this kind of equipment but the audible sound sounds like some kind of over pressure regulator opening and closing. No alarms, no flashing lights, just this awful sound.

Thanks for the response and questions, I will get the info and post it.

[Wulfman...]

Hi All,
Reaching out to find anyone with a similar problem with a "Respironics BIPAP Auto Bi-Flex System ONE". I was sold one of these machines a few years ago by our health insurance provider. After a few days use, I noticed that the machine had significantly reduced output. I complained about it, got a replacement machine, and the same thing happened. I complained about the second machine, and they made some adjustments to the output parameters. Eventually the same thing happened. The health ins provider was fairly nasty about it and would not replace or support the second machine.
It took a long time to figure out what happened. Sometime during the night, the machine sometimes goes into this 'mode'. Its hard to describe. When in this mode, the machine makes a strange cyclic noise: 'hiss-click-hiss-click...' The click sound is about 1 second apart. When in this mode, the machine output is almost zero. This wakes me up. I shut off the machine, turn it back on. After this happens, the output is permanently reduced.
This seems like a serious design flaw in this machine. I have contacted the FDA and Philips but not received a reply.
With this machine, I wake up feeling more exhausted than before I went to sleep. Sometimes the output is so low I have to open my mouth to breathe. Its honestly not much better than no machine at all.
Trying to find out if this is a wide spread problem, or I was only unlucky to get two bad machines in a row. Apparently, the health insurance providers don't have equipment to validate that these machines are working correctly. its extremely frustrating all this and I still can't sleep.

Thanks.

Sounds to me like you've got the humidifier setting too high and have "rainout"......water collecting in a low spot in your hose......and the air can't get past the collected water.
In short, there was/is probably NOTHING wrong with your machine and you "problem" is an operational one.

Do you know how to get into the clinical menu to check the settings?
Your HH setting should be evident without getting into the menu, but you should get into the clinical menu and write down all of your settings for future reference.


Den

.

[Wulfman...]

Apparently, the health insurance providers don't have equipment to validate that these machines are working correctly. its extremely frustrating all this and I still can't sleep.

The equipment provider (DME) should have a gage to measure the output pressure and I have to think they have done that.

You don't mention any settings like your pressure, ramp, exhale relief, humidifier setting, etc.

With your description and minimum info it's hard to tell what is going on but I do have a thought. Do you use a humidifier?

If you do is this more of a clicking or popping sound? If so check the lowest point of the hose as this is where the water will collect and can block airflow but just lifting the hose so the water runs back into the humidifier will fix that. The first time you should disconnect the hose to see, first hand, if it is water collecting.

If that is the problem you need to dial back or turn off the humidifier. This is a common problem.

Hi THANKS! The DME has a static meter, but this darn thing goes into this rythm detecting mode and they say they can't test that. They said they can test the cpap for static output, but not the auto bipap. I will try to find how to get the settings off the machine and post them.
I have a humidifier, but don't use it. Im scared to get mold in there, we live in an area where it is humid often.

Re the sound: it sounds like the machine has some kind of valve that is clicking open and closing. I dont have a humidifier but I did check that there is no water or anything else in the line. I don't know this kind of equipment but the audible sound sounds like some kind of over pressure regulator opening and closing. No alarms, no flashing lights, just this awful sound.

Thanks for the response and questions, I will get the info and post it.

Well, I guess my original suspicion may not be the problem.
But, you do need to see what all of your settings are.
Your fears of mold in the HH tank are unfounded. Just use distilled water and rinse the tank out occasionally.


Den

.

[OkyDoky]

Michael, I have 2 Respironics 760 bipaps and haven't had a problem with decreased pressure. Is yours a 760? What are your settings? Is it on auto or a fixed setting? Have you looked at your data in Sleepyhead? It will show you your events and how the pressure is reacting. It will take a little learning and investigating but we should be able to offer you some clues to make your therapy better.

This will show you how to get into the setup menu and see what the settings are. Write down all of them and let us know. http://www.apneaboard.com/pr-system-one ... structions

[Guest]

I have a humidifier, but don't use it.

Is it connected? Are there any type of inline filters in the hose?

[Guest]

What kind of mask - make & model? What are the pressure setting for inhale and exhale? Any pressure relief (PS)?

[WRX03]

Did the DME check the error log? If they don't have the software it's downloadable from Philips. In the BiPAP itself I can't think of anything that would make a click hiss, It's just a blower and a circuit board. I've seen the plastic flow and pressure sensor manifold not fully pressed together and leak but you ruled that out by saying other PAPs are doing the same. I have heard the humidifier lid click on inhalation where there is a big difference between Insp/Exh.

My first impression is something external to the BiPAP itself. Start with taking off the humidifier and connecting the tubing directing to the BiPAP. Then look for problems in the tubing and mask. In the humidifier there is a watertrap block in the back, it has 2 silicone pieces on it. Make sure they are seated and in soft condition. They are replaceable. I've seen several times the silicone piece between the block and humidifier chamber come unseated and/or get crusty if tap water is used. (ask the DME to check it if there is a question)

[bonjour]

I don't know but it could be the exhalation relief. During my BiPAP titration the relief was so sudden and large I could understand "hearing" those sounds.

The importance of seeing your settings.