m-series hidden filter

milkman · Post by **milkman** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:24 pm

I was changing my foam and ultra fine filters the other day. While wipeing down the rest of machine I decided to take out the little screw on bottom of the machine directly under the filters to see what this was holding. The filter holder came off and there was another foam filter at the bottom of the holder, on the inside. I guess this filters air from the 2 little holes at the bottom of the filter holder. (you can see the 2 holes from the outside, directly below the regular filter) I have 2200 hours on mine and it was dirty!
I am suprised they don't tell us about this extra filter in the manual. Is anyone else suprised?

SleepingBeauty · Post by **SleepingBeauty** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 5:43 pm

I'm not so much surprised as disappointed!

I am really careful with my filters and hose/mask cleanliness because I have asthma. I don't have as many hours on my machine yet, but I'm going to bet it needs cleaning too!

Thank you for alerting us to this hidden filter, Milkman!

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 6:16 pm

I just went and checked mine and Wow was it ever dirty. Had a bit of time finding a Torx wrench that small. Looks like it is a bit more open filter as well as a smaller size than the one in the back. I wonder if you can buy a replacement.

momadams · Post by **momadams** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:11 pm

I've just emailed Respironics. We'll see what they say. Sure could explain why I had a problem with retained odor from hotel rooms.
Shari

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:24 pm

Chances are the filter isn't on the patient air circuit, it probably to let in air to cool the unit electronics. If it has a torx screw on it, thats a hint to keep out. As mere mortals aren't supposed to have that kind of screwdriver. (Professionals Only)

They find out you cleaned it, they will probably void the warrenty. I'm sure if it needed cleaning, the B&M DME would call you, the cost to clean it, maybe his car payment plus the cost of the filter at 300% mark-up. Jim

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:28 pm

I don't have one of those machines (thankfully), but I'm curious about the filters you're finding.....are they round, square, foam, washable? What is their size?

That really sucks if it's not mentioned in the manuals....and especially if they're gathering that much dust, etc.

Den

floppysleeper · Post by **floppysleeper** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 8:41 pm

I am technically challenged and had a hard time finding the one that we are supposed to find. And you unscrew stuff and find another one? Man am I in trouble if I have to find something else.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 9:18 pm

Wulfman

It is a foam filter looks a like little looser material than the washable one on the back. It is square and about the size of the washable one but only about half the height. Air apparently comes in the two small holes just below the standard filter holder. Mine was almost totally clogged with gray dust. It is held in place by a very small Torx screw. You have to remove it from the humidifier base to get at it. Remove the screw and then pull up and off the back.

Will be interesting to see what momadams gets back from Respronics.

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Daddysaur · Post by **Daddysaur** » Sat Sep 08, 2007 10:31 pm

If you clean that filter the machine may run forever. The engineer in charge of planned obsolesence will be trying to weld the door shut so the unit will burn up as designed.

momadams · Post by **momadams** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 8:56 am

Yes, they do answer questions quickly.

"It appears you are speaking about a piece of foam that is used as a sound absorber. You should not have taken the unit apart beyond what is detailed in the User manual. The unit should be sent back to Respironics to ensure the proper replacement of the foam. This will need to be accomplished through your provider."

Shari

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 9:04 am

Hey Momadams,
I hope you didn't give them your REAL name. They may be calling the DME police, as we speak!

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:18 am

If it is a sound absorber I wonder why it has air being pulled through it? I think Jim has it right it is the air passage to the electronics. I don't think it is in the air passage to the hose.

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:49 am

6PtStar wrote:If it is a sound absorber I wonder why it has air being pulled through it? I think Jim has it right it is the air passage to the electronics. I don't think it is in the air passage to the hose.

Even so, considering the fact that it's apparently pulling dust/lint into that filter means it's going to be restricted at some point.....building up heat in the electronics.
Yes, we mere mortals shouldn't have access to torx screwdrivers. I wonder what they would/will do at the point when those machines go out of warranty?
I also wonder if the DMEs know about those filters/sound absorbers and if they're allowed to use screwdrivers......scary thought.

Den ("Tanks" for the information)

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:51 am

It was probably put there to help cool those overheating Blue Leds. Jim

j.a.taylor · Post by **j.a.taylor** » Mon Sep 10, 2007 11:39 am

Wulfman... wrote:I also wonder if the DMEs know about those filters/sound absorbers and if they're allowed to use screwdrivers......scary thought.

Den ("Tanks" for the information

A DME Tech with a torx screwdriver! Now that is scary.

Tops the Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

Humidifier

Additional Comments: Pressure 16 cm H2O at altitude 6550ft