Did I ruin my machine?

[purple]

I have a three year old "RemStar Auto/ A Flex, M series." Ten days ago a gremlin caught the hose on something and tricked me into pulling it off the bed side stand with the end of the machine which has the "air intake/hose attachment" Oh yes, I had the humidifier filled with water. I took the machine out of the stand with the humidifier and it looked like none of the water had passed over. Problem is: Now the air pump has an added sound of a high pitched whine, which is not very loud, but seems different as compared to what I remember from before. Seems to blow enough air for me to have dreams at night, so seems like I have enough air flow.

Have I damaged the bearings inside? Guessing the noise might be from air escaping though a crack I looked at the machine all around. I do not see any cracks on the outside of the plastic, nor feel any air pressure on the outside of the plastic.

I was told when I got the machine. The first two years of Warranty are covered by the machine manufacturer, to be redeemed by the DME. Medicare will supply a new machine every five years.

While I am not at the point where this one has failed, how is this going to play out. Have I really damaged it, with failure coming up soon? If It goes bad, how will I detect it? Would Medicare replace a damaged machine that is three years and older?

Thanks for replying.

[aroche]

Purple, I am not qualified to to say if it is broken, but my rule of thumb with hardware making new noises (I work with computers) is that something is changed, and better safe than sorry. If nothing else take it in for a checkup. I would ask for a loaner since they are probably going to keep it so they can look at it.

[jweeks]

Hi,

Try pulling the humidifier off and see if it still makes the same noise. Maybe the humidifier became slightly ajar. If not, this will at least help you isolate which unit is at fault. The humidifier is cheaper to replace. These M-series machines are generally pretty tough, so lets hope for the best here.

Also check that the filters didn't come off. A filter that is fully or partly off might change the sound of the machine.

-john-

[pdean44]

I was wondering if perhaps the filter shifted some how. I keep mine pretty close to the floor. It would be just my luck to do the same thing.