Machine not working...

[Ixanthier]

For the past month, my CPAP machine has been acting up, off and on. But tonight is the second night in a row that I have not been able to sleep more than 3 hours due to my F&P giving me this error message: E 4. Every time this happens, I have to unplug my machine, plug it back in, and try to go back to sleep, but it just flashes this error message, and won't work. I'm desperate, as I HAVE to get more sleep, here, and the company is not open, or has no customer service after 6pm.

Off topic, why is it that most SPAP/BPAP ect. companies do not have customer service WHEN WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SLEEPING? You would think that this is the most important time for us to NEED customer service, when our machine breaks down while we are using it in the middle of the night. Excuse me, I am a bit on edge, with only about 4-6 hours of sleep in the last 2 days, when I'm used to 8+ during a normal day with my F&P. I guess I'm just spoiled.

Back on topic, does anyone know what this error message means, and what I can do to make my machine work again?

[El Pap]

Off topic, why is it that most SPAP/BPAP ect. companies do not have customer service WHEN WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SLEEPING? You would think that this is the most important time for us to NEED customer service, when our machine breaks down while we are using it in the middle of the night.

Remember that most equipment manufacturers consider the DMEs and doctors to be their customers, not the patients. In their world, the extravagant markups charged by those resellers are supposed to reimburse them for servicing patient needs. Our observation that the resellers that charge the highest markups often provide the worst customer service falls on deaf ears. And no, I don't know of a single DME that has a 24 hour help line... Fortunately most do have loaner and/or rental programs to help while your machine is being serviced. I'd recommend calling the place where you obtained yours (during business hours), and inquire if they have such a program.

Sorry, I don't know anything about your F&P error.

[Slinky]

My local DME supplier, Sheldon Medical Supply, Saginaw, Michigan branch, has 24 hour emergency advice and service. It is my understanding that Superior Home Healthcare's Saginaw, Michigan office, also has 24 hour emergency advice and service. Superior limits itself to cardiopulmonary healthcare and supplies and have an EXCELLENT reputation.

On the other hand, one night w/o a functioning CPAP is NOT considered life-threatening whereas 02 equipment malfunctioning would be. Still the above two local DME suppliers do provide that 24 hour emergency contact so at least advice would be available.

[LinkC]

Buy a Japanese machine and they'll be open when it's night-time here...

[Paddyboy100]

I found this about your machine but couldn't find any E4 error message info, good luck...

"The device complies with the electromagnetic compatibility requirements of IEC 60601-1-2. In certain circumstances, the device may affect or be affected by nearby equipment due to the effects of electromagnetic interference. If this should happen, try moving your unit or the location of the device causing interference"

[Guest]

obviously you need to find what E4 indicates, so phone around, ask to speak to CPAP technicians

is the air filter blocked? if it uses the usual iEC type cord, is it loose at the CPAP end, this often happens

if it has a humidifier attached, has any water spilled into the CPAP?

[Ixanthier]

Ok, after talking to a tech this morning, this is what I found out.

To all you F&P users out there, whenever you get that "E 4" message on your Series 604 or 608, know that it will need to be replaced. This means that the machine cannot decide whether it is plugged into a 140 or 280 volt power output. I'm NOT happy about this, but I hope that my insurance company will allow me to get another one. I've had this CPAP machine since November of 2006, and I wish it wasn't having these problems. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to break in a new machine. I'm headed to another sleep study tomorrow night, so I will see what they can give me, at that time. Wish me luck.

[jennsbaskin]

Have you tried getting of hold of the manufacturer or a medical supply company?

[Ixanthier]

I called them this morning, and they told me that I would have to order a new one, as the problem that I mentioned above could not be repaired. SIGH Gotta love it. I am in the process of contacting my pulmonary doctor to see if they can write a prescription, TODAY, as there is a 1 week turnaround from ordering to shipping to arrival. Oh well, I hope that I can get it soon!

[6PtStar]

Most suppliers have a machine that they will loan or rent when you have to wait to get yours replaced. You might ask.

Jerry

[HH57]

I got the"E 4" error message last night on my SleepStyle 600. After unplugging and plugging it back in and to no avail I got worried, as did my wife. I saw a video where when traveling, we should change the altitude setting to our resting altitude. I was able to turn the machine on and change the altitude in the 'mode' option on the CPAP. Once I did that it was fine the rest of the night. I will check to determine if it is time to get a new one though.

[chunkyfrog]

Three year old thread--machine same make, different model.
Good luck, noob. recommend you register, join the party!

[zoocrewphoto]

Off topic, why is it that most SPAP/BPAP ect. companies do not have customer service WHEN WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE SLEEPING? You would think that this is the most important time for us to NEED customer service, when our machine breaks down while we are using it in the middle of the night.

Remember that most equipment manufacturers consider the DMEs and doctors to be their customers, not the patients. In their world, the extravagant markups charged by those resellers are supposed to reimburse them for servicing patient needs. Our observation that the resellers that charge the highest markups often provide the worst customer service falls on deaf ears. And no, I don't know of a single DME that has a 24 hour help line... Fortunately most do have loaner and/or rental programs to help while your machine is being serviced. I'd recommend calling the place where you obtained yours (during business hours), and inquire if they have such a program.

Sorry, I don't know anything about your F&P error.

My mom's dme (soon to be mine) has a 24 hour number. Employees take turns with a pager and will bring a loaner machinery if yours breaks down at night. My mom asked if she had ever had to do that. The lady said once on a weekend. But they didn't call at night.