New PB420E Whining Sound and How to get it repaired

bigheadr · Post by **bigheadr** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 7:27 am

After about 9 months, my PB 420E just developed a loud whining sound. I changed masks and tubing but it didn't go away. I took it off the humidifier and it still does it. I sounds like the motor is having a problem so I guess I will have to send it back to PB through Optioncare. Has anyone had this problem before and how did you fix it? Also, has anyone sent their unit back to PB and how was their service?

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:22 am

Welcome to the club, bigheadr, that makes at least 4 of us who have run into whining machines:

Snork1 - USA
mild6 - Hong Kong
myself - Israel.

I need very low pressures, and managed to use my whining machine for almost a year, till it expired one night.

Called the local equivalent of a DME here in Israel, was sent a replacement within 24 hours. Met the guy two weeks later, brought along a printed report that showed how the original machine stopped supplying pressure, reminded him that it had always had a surprisningly high leak level, and was given the replacement machine for keeps. (He didn't ever look at the report!).

Haven't had any contact with PB themselves.

Good luck to you in solving the problem!
O.

tomjax · Post by **tomjax** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 11:26 am

These noises are rarely good and it may just be on its way to join als Zaqari.

I have had 2 die on me and have always had a bickup ready.

I would suggest calling ins and finfing out what to do ahead of time instead of when it dies.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 1:54 pm

I would call my DME (supplier of the machine) and let them know immediately. They might replace your machine free of charge. But at the very least, you would have it on record that it was causing problems.

mild6 · Post by **mild6** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 8:25 pm

bigheadr,
my PB420E has developed this whinning sound since last week, after being used for 4 months. i bought it from cpap.com. i wrote them an email, asking them what i should do now, but i haven't heard anything back from them yet.

i'm also using a low level, but unlike ozij, i can't tolorate the sound which comes in when i inhale. it wakes me up right away when i fall asleep, inhaling deeply.

you bought it from DME and should be able to get the problem solved more easily.

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 9:32 pm

your PB420E is still on warranty.
PB is very good about replacing machines on warranty THROUGH A DME.

Call your DME and INSIST they send it back to PB.

I don't know how the warranty works through on-line purchase.

Definitely do not live with the whine. That will disturb your sleep as bad as the apnea.

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 9:34 pm

Well, I had no problems with my internet DME when my Respironics machine failed even when it was no longer in warranty.

Therefore, I can't foresee that Mild6 should have any problems with cpap.com replacing a unit he purchased only 4 months ago.