Repair a CPAP or just buy a new one?

[amberama]

Hi all

I'm new here. My husband and I are both CPAP users. Both of us have the PR System One machines and both of our machines are having issues.

My machine's humidifier only works when it feels like it which is fine I can live with dry mouth and the occasional bleeding nose.

However, his has started to completely freak out and beep about 50 times before it actually starts blowing and some nights it won't even turn on.

My question is....is it possible to repair the machines? or should I just order him a new one?

[Pugsy]

How old are they? Manufacture date on the bottom of the blower unit...8 digit number in year/month/day format.
They have a 2 year warranty.
Did you buy them privately or using insurance through a DME store?
Yes, it is possible to repair these machines but often costs nearly as much as a new machine.

[chunkyfrog]

Our hosts, cpap.com sells new machines,
but if finance is a problem, secondwindcpap has open box or gently used units for many budgets.
Acbio does mail-order repair (forum member "accurate")

[amberama]

How old are they? Manufacture date on the bottom of the blower unit...8 digit number in year/month/day format.
They have a 2 year warranty.
Did you buy them privately or using insurance through a DME store?
Yes, it is possible to repair these machines but often costs nearly as much as a new machine.

They are more than 2 years old. I cant check the date since I am not home but I know my husband had his for longer than I have and I know I got mine at the end of 2011.

We got them through DME place but we owe them money now as we fell on hard times and the things that were left unpaid were the medical bills.

[hyperlexis]

Hi all

I'm new here. My husband and I are both CPAP users. Both of us have the PR System One machines and both of our machines are having issues.

My machine's humidifier only works when it feels like it which is fine I can live with dry mouth and the occasional bleeding nose.

However, his has started to completely freak out and beep about 50 times before it actually starts blowing and some nights it won't even turn on.

My question is....is it possible to repair the machines? or should I just order him a new one?

These are virtually new machines and should still be under warranty. I'd get on the phone with the DME and have them agree to fix them. Even if slightly over the two years, they may agree to still help you out. A failure on a machine this new shouldn't happen.

DeVilbiss machines at least have 5 year warranties.

[hyperlexis]

How old are they? Manufacture date on the bottom of the blower unit...8 digit number in year/month/day format.
They have a 2 year warranty.
Did you buy them privately or using insurance through a DME store?
Yes, it is possible to repair these machines but often costs nearly as much as a new machine.

They are more than 2 years old. I cant check the date since I am not home but I know my husband had his for longer than I have and I know I got mine at the end of 2011.

We got them through DME place but we owe them money now as we fell on hard times and the things that were left unpaid were the medical bills.

Oh well. Good luck!

[Pugsy]

Still short on money??
http://www.secondwindcpap.com/
If you are sure your issue is just the humidifier..you can get one for $70 from secondwind. No RX needed for humidifier only.

Husband's machine...do you have a copy of the RX for cpap? They will require RX for machine but they do have some decent deals on gently used machines.
Since they are both over 2 years old...most likely you have the 50 series model machines.
Model numbers are on the bottom of the blower units. 3 digit number and with 50 series the last 2 digits will be 50.

I will send you a PM in a minute...so watch for it.

[teachcsg]

I would look around in the city where you live for a cpap repair place. We had one (a local repair shop) that would price repairs pretty reasonably. If a patients machine was not working and it was out of warranty we would send them there and many times they would report back that the repairs were very reasonably priced. As with most things, I am sure that prices vary from repair shop to repair shop.
The other factor to consider other than price is the warranty the repair shop will give you. If it is only for 90 days and if the machine breaks again after that time will you feel like it was worth it or were you better off buying a new machine instead of repairing?
Finally, some states have agencies that will help people with medical problems and low funds obtain equipment. I think they are called DARS (department of assistive and rehabilitative services). You may want to do a google search to see if your state has one and see if they will help.
Good luck!

[Sir NoddinOff]

I would look around in the city where you live for a cpap repair place. We had one (a local repair shop) that would price repairs pretty reasonably. If a patients machine was not working and it was out of warranty we would send them there and many times they would report back that the repairs were very reasonably priced. As with most things, I am sure that prices vary from repair shop to repair shop.

Are you or any other members aware of any lists, internet or otherwise, of all the CPAP repair sites that are available. Say someone's traveling or house sitting relatives or just needs quick turnaround service because they don't have a backup machine on hand. Much appreciated.

[JDS74]

Are you or any other members aware of any lists, internet or otherwise, of all the CPAP repair sites that are available. Say someone's traveling or house sitting relatives or just needs quick turnaround service because they don't have a backup machine on hand. Much appreciated.

I did a quick search using the terms "CPAP Repair Facilities" and got hundreds of hits.
Some are independent facilities, some are Philips-Respironics facilities, etc.
It should be relatively easy to develop a list that is based on one's current travel agenda.
Or, ask your DME for a referral in the town you are going to visit. They should have a list of providers who can fix your particular machine.

[purple]

I am looking for a cautionary tale for the rest of us.

Curious, Do you know if these two machines might have been damaged in some way. I freely admit that when I first started treatment I rolled over and dragged my APAP onto the floor. Then made another error when I turned it on without letting it sit and dry out for a day or two. Actually it still worked, the DME said it was fine.

I now use a hose hanger, partially to make sure I can not jerk on the hose to drag it onto the floor, again.

[medtechprime.com]

Hello,

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