BiPap Info Worth A Mention

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 3:45 pm

I've had the Bipap Auto since about November of 2005. Recently it stopped a couple of times for no reason. It would always start back due to the auto on feature however. I returned the machine for a Recertified machine with a new 2 year warranty. The humidifier fittings are different than my previous one. I've never gotten a response on it from anyone but I believe they were having a problem with moisture getting back into the machine and causing a malfunction. The newest humidifier tank has a flapper valve on it to keep moisture from getting back into the machine. It acts as a backflow damper. It also has an relief air outlet on the top of the inlet to the water tank. This new setup does negate the auto on feature I guess because of the flapper valve. I haven't been reading posts lately and this may have already been mentioned. I sure hope it solves the problem of the Bipap stopping.

cwsanfor · Post by **cwsanfor** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:09 pm

There's a new humidifier for the RemStar (classic) tank?

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 5:16 pm

The tank is just a little different than the previous ones. It has a flapper valve where it connects to the bipap and a vent on top of that.

Hosed All Night · Post by **Hosed All Night** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 7:21 pm

Interesting. I have a Resperonics bipap auto and previously used a Resperonics bipap pro2. Never had either just shut off for no reason. I would suspect it's more likely losing 120 volt power momentarily then restarting with the "auto on" feature. Most people... me included... use an 5 or 6 gang outlet strip next to the bed for clock, lights, electric blankets, radios, cpcp, etc. A lose plug or defective outlet strip can cause power blips. As far as the tank flapper valve, that would defeat the whole purpose of a bipap. The machine has to detect the exhale pressure cycle in order the reduce the pressure.

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:25 pm

I realize some of your points seem valid, especially about the Ipap and Epap with the flapper valve. I felt the same way but it works. I have both the Bipap Auto and the Pro as a backup. I just swapped the auto about a month ago and that was what they sent along with the recertified machine. So, I only assumed they had problems with water getting in the machine and put the flapper valve in. They did state the auto function may not work with it and I don't believe it does. I've also had another that stopped too, a Pro II. I have a seperate circuit just for the bipap. I did run a battery backup but read on the forum it is not good for the intergrated humidifier and could burn it out. So, I scraped the backup. None of the power would go off, just the bipap stop working and then come back on. With this last one, it did it twice and I notified them and they were quick to respond to send me a recertified machine. That's why I figured there was a problem. I asked and never got a response back.

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Sat Jun 30, 2007 8:37 pm

You can see it at:
https://www.cpap.com/viewImage.php?PNum ... funnel.jpg

The end that goes to the machine pulls out and has a flapper valve. You can also see the ridged part that has vent openings just inside the tank beyond the valve.

Hosed All Night · Post by **Hosed All Night** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:19 am

Thanks for the pic. I assume as long as there is some level of positive pressure flow into the tank the flapper stays open. I've never had a water or moisture problem with either of my machines, but Resperonics must have seen it as a problem and redesigned the tank assembly.

sthnreb · Post by **sthnreb** » Sun Jul 01, 2007 7:43 am

This must be about their third or fourth design. So I assume they've had a problem with it. I've had two machines that have stopped and restarted. Maybe most people don't even notice it if they are asleep? I was awake at the time watching news so I knew it went off/on. Probably the positive pressure keeps it open and moisture from backflowing. When the machine is turned off, the water is still warm and humidity could backflow into the machine I guess. The flapper should stop that in the future by closing it off. I'm sure others have had this problem or they wouldn't be working to correct it. The picture is from cpap.com and states they have stopped production of any other type tanks. I just thought the subject was mentionable for people who have the older type tanks in case they have a problem in the future. It may be wise to go ahead and invest the $20 in a new tank to prevent any problems later on? Looking back, the positive air pressure didn't prevent mine from stopping.

Machine

Additional Comments: Resmed AirCurve 10 VAuto BiLevel with HumidAir