life of your cpap machine

[sleeplessinsd]

How long does a machine last? My first lasted about 4 years the second seems like something is wrong. sometimes i get really warm air even when it is 70 plus sometimes not, what do you think?

[Julie]

Well all machines and models, years, hrs of use, etc. are different (and you didn't provide any info on yours). Most insurance co's will replace them at 5 yrs, but many have gone on for even 10 yrs, though I'd probably retire mine before then and keep it as a back-up. You might look into your humidifier if you're having heat problems, but again you've given no info to go by, not even details of the trouble. Depending on the model, you might replace the hum. separately, but it also could be fixable.

[sleeplessinsd]

I have the fFisher and Paykel and icon auto cpap with humidifier and thermostat heated hose

[Krelvin]

Depends on many factors. How well you maintain it, accidents (like dropping it, tipping it with water in the tank), pets, not using or changing the filters, defective unit... My last machine lasted 6+ years and I still use it as my backup.

Not clear at all about the "70 plus" is that the room temp, heater settings?

[Wulfman...]

How long does a machine last? My first lasted about 4 years the second seems like something is wrong. sometimes i get really warm air even when it is 70 plus sometimes not, what do you think?

Buy spares. To paraphrase the old American Express commercial by Karl Malden......."Don't be without one."
"Murphy's Laws" also apply to these devices, too. They typically break or quit at the worst possible time. These forum pages have many, many stories to that effect. Do you drive a vehicle without a spare tire?


Den

.

[Sir NoddinOff]

Buy spares. To paraphrase the old American Express commercial by Karl Malden......."Don't be without one."
"Murphy's Laws" also apply to these devices, too. They typically break or quit at the worst possible time. These forum pages have many, many stories to that effect. Do you drive a vehicle without a spare tire?

+1
If people can afford a back-up, even an older model, I always urge them to get one and stash it in a closet somewhere. I know that practice has saved my bacon a few times.

The rule of thumb I always heard on CPAPtalk over the years was 'about' five years, that estimate often included the old M-series machines which were (and still are) absolute tanks. Those old M-series probably skewed the Bell-curve a little bit.

[chunkyfrog]

Five years is the guideline most commonly used by insurance companies, and Medicare.
Sometimes replacement at any time needs confirmation of a breakdown.
Since many of us are painfully aware how much time can pass while we wait
for action by these gatekeepers, we try to have a spare, on hand.

[Wulfman...]

Buy spares. To paraphrase the old American Express commercial by Karl Malden......."Don't be without one."
"Murphy's Laws" also apply to these devices, too. They typically break or quit at the worst possible time. These forum pages have many, many stories to that effect. Do you drive a vehicle without a spare tire?

+1
If people can afford a back-up, even an older model, I always urge them to get one and stash it in a closet somewhere. I know that practice has saved my bacon a few times.

The rule of thumb I always heard on CPAPtalk over the years was 'about' five years, that estimate often included the old M-series machines which were (and still are) absolute tanks. Those old M-series probably skewed the Bell-curve a little bit.

It was actually the pre-M Series machines (Legacy models) that were know as the "tanks" (I think it was "Goofproof" who actually came up with that nickname). Many of M Series machines had problems (although many didn't)......leaking humidifier tanks, randomly dropping data if not downloaded on a regular basis, weird error codes, BRIGHT BLUE LIGHTS and a number of other issues. But, the M's were pretty good machines, too. I do know some folks who had both generations and preferred the Legacy models (like the ones in my profile).


Den

.

[sleepwiggler]

My old CPAP is sill working after 3 it's an s9 auto however, I was switched to a bi pap so I have been using the Aircurve Auto since November. According to the dME rules of my insurance which goes by medicare rules. I can get a replacement every 5 years. I use my machine a lot so I am not sure how long it will actually last. My CPAP has almost 8,000 hours on it for about 3 years of use. I know the Resmed units have a two year warranty and I have always been worried something after the warranty expires so I am looking into a back up unit, since I do not want to be without a machine while the bureaucrats fight it out.

[otrpu]

Respironics RemSTAR Plus "brick", 2015-2003=12 years. Don't think I'll wait that long affore the next one.
Regards,
otrpu

[lilly747]

Five years is the guideline most commonly used by insurance companies, and Medicare.
Sometimes replacement at any time needs confirmation of a breakdown.
Since many of us are painfully aware how much time can pass while we wait
for action by these gatekeepers, we try to have a spare, on hand.

Does Medicare require confirmation of a breakdown?? And do they require a new Sleep Study. Sorry another question: I had to fail CPAP before I could get my VPAP (Bi-Leval); will I have to do this again??

[dvejr]

My RemStar Pro was bought in 2006 and retired last week, still working fine. It is the DC-3 of CPAP machines.

[chunkyfrog]

. . .
Does Medicare require confirmation of a breakdown?? And do they require a new Sleep Study. Sorry another question: I had to fail CPAP before I could get my VPAP (Bi-Leval); will I have to do this again??

The 5 year guideline is not applicable unless the previous machine was paid for through Medicare.
I only needed a f2f with my doctor to certify I was using cpap, and benefited from it.
Since Medicare rules may have changed since I got my Airsense, you need to ask them.