Update and couple of questions.

[Attagirl70]

Hi everyone,

I have had my bipap machine since December 2018. Last night after changing the filter it has started making a wheezing noise when I inhale. When I put my ear to the machine it sounds like it is coming from the end where the filter is. I replaced that new filter with another, pulled out my tank and pushed that back in, checked connections, and had someone else listen to make sure it was the machine. It has over 8100 hours on it. Is this a sign the motor is going bad? I called my DME company and she had "no idea" what it could be and had no loaner machine for me. How worried should I be about this? I don't have a backup machine and the only place that has my prescription is out of stock. I'm not sure what to do.

Thanks.

[LSAT]

Here are a couple guesses. Check the air intake holes at the filter and make sure they are clear. Then try running it without a filter and see if it still wheezes. Check the opening behind the filter and make sure it is clear.

[Attagirl70]

Okay, I checked everything you asked. I didn't see anything when I opened the filter door and looked in there. Cleaned off the filter door. I ran it without a filter and it still wheezes. Thank you for helping!

[Pugsy]

Time to start looking for a new machine.

Exactly what are all your settings?

[Attagirl70]

Which settings would you like? My Ipap is 24 and Epap is 14, I haven't changed any other settings since I have got it other than to switch out of S mode. Just let me know and I will take pictures of the settings for you.

[Pugsy]

I don't need anything else. I was just wondering if by chance you could get by with the apap model which might be easier to find but with your settings....the apap isn't capable.

Are you wanting to use your insurance to help pay for the new machine?
If so, I would suggest getting in touch with your insurance company and getting a list of DMEs that are part of your insurance network and start calling to see who might have the machine you need.

[Attagirl70]

I would like to use my insurance. I am on Medicare with Humana as my supplemental. My understanding is they won't replace it unless it's 5 years old or older. If need be, I can buy one out of pocket, but I would like to avoid that if possible.

[Pugsy]

Medicare should step up if your machine has a problem that can't be repaired and they should also pay for the repair.
Even if less than 5 years old.
Might want to get Medicare involved.

[Attagirl70]

Thanks Pugsy! I will be making some calls for sure. Now that I think about it, I think it hasn't been heating correctly for a couple of months. I thought it was my Climate Line hose but I replaced that and I am still getting dried out horribly even with a good mask seal. I have been checking some websites and it seems it's not going to be very easy to find one.

[SleepGeek]

Hi everyone,
Last night after changing the filter it has started making a wheezing noise when I inhale.

Thanks.

Did you also remove or clean your water chamber during this session?

Is it possible the noise is coming from the chamber?
There is a gasket that should fit into a grove so the lid will seal - could that be the problem?

[Attagirl70]

Yes, I did clean the water tank and I checked the gasket as well. Thank you though!

[Attagirl70]

Good morning,

My DME brought me a "loaner" machine Monday since mine was slowly dying. She said the motor was going out. I was told that I could use this machine for another year until Medicare would cover the cost of a new one. She said since the warranty was out on my old machine, they would not fix it and I would have to wait to get a new one at the 5 year mark. I was under the impression if my machine wasn't usable that I could get a new one before the 5 year was up for Medicare?

Also, since then, I cannot use the MyAir app. The app doesn't give me the option to select the new machine. Have they changed that? I do also use Oscar to keep track of my night's sleep but also like to use that app.

On a positive note, my doctor sent me a copy of my prescription so now I can order online! I love my sleep doctor.