Trying to use CPAP for 2 months but turns off

[suzysushi]

Hi, I am completely new to posting anywhere, but I am desperate and neither my doctor nor therapist have been any help with this problem, and I have searched throughout here and can't find this problem... When I use the heated humidifier set even on the lowest setting of 1, I wake up too wet in my nasal pillow repeatedly, so I have been trying to use my humidifier only as a passover, set on 0. But the CPAP repeatedly, and unpredictably, turns off for a few seconds throughout the night when I do not use the heater. It starts up again after I breathe a few times. (I am asleep, so I am not real clear on what is going on -- something on the machine blinks, there is no error message, and then in a few seconds it starts again.) The auto shutoff feature is definitely not turned on, and the machine never turns off when I have the humidifier heating.

(Also, I have read lots of posts on the 'rain,' but I keep my bedroom very cold, and have a tendency towards asthma that gets worse with warm humidity, so I would like to have the option of passover work correctly.)

This site is fantastic, by the way. I would have given up quite awhile ago if I hadn't happened across it. THANK YOU!

[Sideswiper]

Is there a warranty or something? Because the problem isn't "how can I live with the humidifier", it is "why is this machine shutting off if the humidifier is off"? Tell them your machine is broken and you demand a new one.

I would say that maybe your power outlet isn't providing consistent power... but turning on the humidifier wouldn't fix anything if that was the problem.

There's nothing wrong with using the humidifier in passover mode. Lots of us do that. I find if I turn the humidifier on, I will wake up with the mask on the other side of the room, sometimes with all the straps still fastened (I can't imagine how I get the thing off without unfastening any of it)...

[Guest]

thank you for responding. I have wondered if there is some setting I don't know about. this is my second version of the same machine and both did the same thing (turning off sporadically, repeatedly in middle of night only when I kept humidifier on '0') from the start. or maybe there is some way i have it set up that is not correct? both the doctor and the RT say 'that shouldn't happen' and that is all they have to say, which is no help, because it keeps happening.

[Julie]

Hi, some of us never need or use the humidifier at all, so don't think you 'have' to hook it up. As far as your machine goes, it does sound like wires got crossed up and you need to get it checked out (or just replaced).

[lktnky]

Suzysushi,
Call your DME and get another machine! The problem isn't you!
If it happens again, tell them you want a machine from a different manufacturer.
I went through 3 Respironics because none of them would consistently record the nightly data I paid to have. I now have a ResMed and it's wonderful and works like it's supposed to - I haven't had a minute's problem with it. In fact, the first night I got it, I lay down and went to sleep for the first time in 8 months with no problems whatsoever.
Hang in there & don't doubt yourself.
lktnky

[Pineapple]

Suzi,

This is only a 2 month old machine? Not that it matters that much because I agree with the others that something is wrong with it (but I'd be hitting the ceiling if it's this new).

I used your machine for 4 months, and ran the humidifier in passover mode most of the time. I've since upgraded to the Auto and have always used it in passover mode. I have never experinced what you discribe. If you feel like trying to pinpoint whether the problem is the CPAP or the humidifier, pull the CPAP out, attach the hose port - your DME should have given you one with your machine https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Respir ... -Port.html, and try running it without the humidifier. One night without your humdifier probably won't hurt you - there are lots of members that don't use a humidifier at all, I don't use one when traveling. If you have the same results my opinion is the problem is the CPAP. If you don't, the problem is the humidifier.

[Goofproof]

Your machine has a feature, as Bill Gates would call it, "Auto Off", if the machine thinks you aren't hooked to it, it shuts off. That feature should always be turned off. You have a non data capable machine,(low end of the food chain). I'd take it back, and request a pro or Auto model, then you could get the software & reader and take better control of your treatment. Jim

[Guest]

The only other thing would be a power interruption. Does the plug feel loose or secure at the wall? Try another wall outlet? Making sure your connections are secure from the wall to the machine in all the places they come apart. Unless the power brick is defective the humidifier should have no effect on things.

I seem to remember another poster c/o something similar. Replacing the power brick fixed it. With that in mind, I would do as suggested by Goofproof, demanding an auto or at least a data capable machine making sure you get another power brick.