Should I have a backup machine?

[andy88488]

Hi all,

CPAP.com seems to be having a great sale on machines (discount code MACHSALE23 if you're interested). I have a Resmed Airsense 10 that's 3.5 years old. So far, it's been absolutely trouble-free, but I know that nothing lasts forever. Right now, the only other machine I have is a Respironics PR One 60 series that was recalled. I didn't send it back, because it was too much trouble for a $50 payment. But if the Resmed died, I think that I'd rather go machine-free than use the Respironics.

So should I buy a second machine and make my old one a backup?

Thanks,
Andy

[Julie]

Sure. if you can afford it - why not?

[icipher]

Just visited CPAP.com. Surprised to see they don't carry any ASV devices anymore. I spoke to one of their customer service folks who confirmed this and couldn't provide any reason them ceasing to stock ASV.

[Aretino]

Good idea to have backup.

4 remstars and one Foamless Dreamstation 1, in my collection

[Miss Emerita]

I agree with others about the value of a back-up machine. The day will come when the one you have conks out, and you can avoid a break in therapy by getting a new one and making your current one your backup. Machines should last five or more years, but the sale you mention is a good reason for timing your purchase now.

[lazarus]

I am a firm believer in NASA-level system redundancy for any mission-critical aspects of life, just in case my brain ever decides to start playing the what-if game without me at 3:00 in the morning. But then, I've always been a bit of a belt and suspenders kind of guy, and I even replaced the donut in my sedan with a full-size rim and tire.

[chunkyfrog]

Payflex bucks available?

[Dog Slobber]

How dependent are you on CPAP?
Are you OK with turning on you machine Friday of a long weekend and your machine doesn't start and you won't get a replacement for a few days or longer?
Because of COVID, the Philips recall, supply chain issues, wait times for machines has become huge in some areas, days, weeks months. How long do you want to wait?

Having a spare machine removes a lot of the above potential issues. Having a spare, identical machine also allows for trouble shooting swaps to perform some diagnose. Machine doesn't start, swap the identical power supply from the spare. You also have other swapable parts, tank, hose.

I have a a spare, identical machine that I bought privately. A lot of the more experienced members do as as well.

[robysue1]

Just visited CPAP.com. Surprised to see they don't carry any ASV devices anymore. I spoke to one of their customer service folks who confirmed this and couldn't provide any reason them ceasing to stock ASV.

Most likely they were not selling enough ASV machines to make it worthwhile for their bottom line. ASV machines are pretty specialized and the vast majority of people diagnosed with sleep disordered breathing problems will never be prescribed an ASV.

Still, for the folks who need them to treat central sleep apnea, an ASV is a life saver.

[palerider]

So should I buy a second machine and make my old one a backup?

Yes, I've had a backup machine to my backup machine, (currently on loan to a friend, so I'm down to one backup.

I'm always saying that you should have a spare of *everything* (yes, including the machine).

[palerider]

Just visited CPAP.com. Surprised to see they don't carry any ASV devices anymore. I spoke to one of their customer service folks who confirmed this and couldn't provide any reason them ceasing to stock ASV.

I don't remember them selling the expensive stuff (ASV, iVAPS, ST).

Why, do you need a spare? I've got a couple VPAP Adapt's in the other room.

[Pugsy]

I don't remember them selling the expensive stuff (ASV, iVAPS, ST).

They used to sell ASV models...I remember that for sure.
I don't remember about those other high end models.
I noticed probably within a month after that study got publish that cause all the panic about ASV and CHF mortality that ASV machines were no longer available at cpap.com. I remember thinking/wondering if that study was a factor in the pulling of the ASV model sales.

[Okie bipap]

You should have a back up for everything associated with your sleep apnea treatment. My wife and I now have two back up machines for each of us (got new machines today). We also have several heated hoses, masks and mask cushions. We won't need to purchase anything for at least three years.

[jsmit86]

I think a backup is essential. I have not missed a night of therapy since I started on CPAP about 5 years ago. The only time that came close was during a 6 hour power failure here in Texas. I was miserable. We actually had a Generac installed over this past summer to alleviate that problem.

I had an Airsense 10 Auto, and ended up purchasing a Z2 Auto travel unit a few years ago since I traveled frequently.
After that purchase, I had a failure on my Airsense 10 Auto, and I had to use the Z2 for a few months. I was very glad to have it until my Airsense 10 was replaced.

In the past year, I had to replace multiple humidifier tubs in my Airsense 10, so I replaced that unit with an Airsense 11 Autoset. I am quite happy with the unit, but since the Airsense 10 still worked fine other than the leaky tubs, I have that machine as a backup in case I ever have problem with the Airsense 11.

[palerider]

I think a backup is essential. I have not missed a night of therapy since I started on CPAP about 5 years ago.

Same here, 'cept it's been 13 years now