using an old BiPAP Synchrony

[nightjar]

I haven't posted in nearly 13 years, since I got a new REMstar BiPAP Auto with Bi-Flex back in October 2008.

But last night the machine wouldn't turn on. We'd had a 55-minute power outage in the afternoon, which may have had something to do with it. I'm guessing the problem is with the machine, not the power brick. It was a good machine, lasting 13 years and 2 months. If anyone has any idea of something I might try (I've already tested every connection) to get it running again, feel free to respond.

Assuming the REMstar won't suddenly start working again, I retrieved my father-in-law's old Respironics BiPAP Synchrony S/T (model #1003986) and am hoping to use it as a temporary fix until I sort out a new replacement. I can't remember exactly when he quit using the Synchrony, but my guess is that it's been at least ten years that it's been sitting unused. It powered up, but I haven't tried adjusting the titration yet (I figure it's got to be similar to other Respironics machines from that era). I did check the filters, and the micro-filter was pretty gray, so it went straight into the trash.

Given all that . . . is there anything I should be wary about in resurrecting an older machine? Is it possible some form of nastiness may have taken root inside?

I'm going to try setting and testing the titration in a few minutes, and will check back to see if anyone has any ideas either for getting the REMstar working again or for making sure the even older Synchrony is useable.

Thanks for your suggestions,
Nath

PS: If anyone knows where I might be able to find a clinician's manual for the Synchrony S/T, I'm all ears. Or eyes. Something.

[ChicagoGranny]

PS: If anyone knows where I might be able to find a clinician's manual for the Synchrony S/T, I'm all ears. Or eyes. Something.

See if this is the correct manual - https://www.manualslib.com/manual/13861 ... hrony.html

Is it possible some form of nastiness may have taken root inside?

Depends on how it was stored.

In a plastic bag in a tight drawer in a room kept at room temperature - no problem.

One member was trying to use a machine left for years on a shelf in the garden shed - not so good.

[nightjar]

Thanks, ChicagoGranny!

It wasn't stored in a plastic bag, which would have been best. It was stored inside the house, in a box, however . . . definitely better than in a gardening shed!

I checked the link, and yes, that indeed is the machine in question and the manual is just what I was looking for! It seems more complicated than the provider manual I have for my old REMstar BiPAP, but I should be able to figure it out.

Thanks again for your help!

[Respirator99]

Given all that . . . is there anything I should be wary about in resurrecting an older machine? Is it possible some form of nastiness may have taken root inside?

Are you aware of the Philips Respironics recall? Many of their older machines (and even newer ones) used a sound-abatement foam which has turned out to be carcinogenic. https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/saf ... alth-risks

[Pugsy]

That old BiPap Synchrony predates even the M Series models...so the bad foam wasn't used in the M Series or older machines.
It won't be part of the recall.

Now the System One Synchrony....good chance it's part of the recall.

[nightjar]

That was my understanding, that it all started with the M series. My old REMstar came before that--I chose it specially because someone on this forum who took machines apart said the REMstars were better built than the Ms, but even he couldn't have known about the foam. And the Synchrony came before the REMstars, so I think I'm okay.

Still . . . that is pretty scary. I remember reading about it a while back and worrying . . . until I saw it started with the M series.

I'm guessing they must have got it sorted out by now. But that was going on a long time. Scary.

[Pugsy]

M Series machines aren't included in the list of recalled machines.
It starts with the System One machines which first came out early winter 2009 but weren't common until 2010.

[nightjar]

Thanks, Pugsy—I’ll get it straight one day!

After sleeping last night without a mask or machine, tonight I’ll have this Synchrony. I hope I’ve got it set close to what the REMStar was; I know the titration’s right, anyway.

But I’ll have to start looking at new machines soon. . . .