Bipap pro2 stops

[sthnreb]

I've had the bipap pro 2 for less than 2 months and it is set for auto on. This meaning you put the mask on and inhale 3-4 times and the machine turns on. It is also set for auto off if for some reason the mask is off for a while. My problem is the machine stops blowing while I am asleep causing me to gasp for air and awaken. This gasping and trying to breath causes the machine to come back on automatically. Now, this happened one night 6-8 time and could very well be dangerous. Has anyone else had a problem like this and solved it? I have sent the machine back for repairs under warranty but I didn't intend to buy a rebuilt machine for new. Any input?

[BigHeart]

I've had my bi-PAP Pro II for 9 months and I've never had a problem with it going off by itself. In fact, every morning I empty the humidifier and then hook it back up, without me attached, and run it for about 15 minutes to dry out the hoses, and I've never had it turn off on its own, even if I forget it for an hour or two. I have occasionally had it turn itself back on if I'm moving the hoses and mask around a lot right after I turn it off.

[Ann N.]

My first Respironics BiPap (1) with BiFlex stopped two times for me (the DME thought that I should try it again even after the first failure, which I did although reluctant to do so). When it stopped the second time, I saw an error message # ??? , which then gave credence to my complaint. The DME rep. then replaced it with another which worked fine. Later I had that one (1)replaced with the Resp. BiPAP 2 which works like charm!

If I were you, I would try to get them to replace the machine. It is dangerous to have it to just turn off like that, at least in my opinion. At the very least, it is threatening.

Ann.

[sthnreb]

It seemed dangerous to me too. Respironics did ask if there was an error code reported. But, being asleep when it stopped and waking gasping for air, I never checked it for error (was to busy trying to breath). And then it would come back on to my relief and I would drift back off to sleep. I have sent it back as it is warranted for 2 years. I don't know if they will rebuild or replace yet. I only hope if they repair it, they really repair it and I don't have trouble again. The smartcard showed white vertical lines where it turned off where as normally black one if you go to the bathroom at night. so they should be able to see it. Maybe it stores errors? That I don't know.

[Ann N.]

It seems to me that Respironics should be able to simulate the same conditions under which you were using the BiPap when it malfunctioned, and they should then be able to see the code for themselves. If so, they should be able to remedy the problem. If it were me though, I would still want a new one.

On my machine (the #1 version), I had turned off the auto start and stop feature, which I had found annoying. Thus, my machine never did restart after having stopped by itself, and that gave me time to see the error code after I has gasped myself awake.

Good luck with getting the machine problem resolved.

Ann.

[MartiniLover]

Just guessing, but I bet that the error code stores on a chip in the machine when it malfunctions and is very easy for the company to find and repair what ever is wrong.

I wouldn't get too excited about them repairing it. That was the agreement when you got it. If it could not be fixed, I am sure they will replace it. I would think it unfair to expect replacement with NEW when it can be repaired.

[sthnreb]

Just guessing, but I bet that the error code stores on a chip in the machine when it malfunctions and is very easy for the company to find and repair what ever is wrong.

I wouldn't get too excited about them repairing it. That was the agreement when you got it. If it could not be fixed, I am sure they will replace it. I would think it unfair to expect replacement with NEW when it can be repaired.

Thanks for the replys. The agreement was a two year warranty. Yes, that includes repairs. Any machine is repairable, especially when rebuilding it and using new parts and in some cases, refurbished. Their obligation is to keep it running for the two year warranty, one way or another. I cannot complain in either case as long as they repair it and keep it running in some reasonable fashion. However, most reputable companies replace rather than rebuild when the machine is relatively new and is a manufacturing defect which can be hazardous for the user. It's known as common courtesy. And BTW, they are replacing it.
A new car salesman tried selling me a demo vehicle with 10,000 miles on it as new also, because it hadn't been titled out. Why would anyone buy a new car with 10,000 mile on it for new when for the same price they can get one with only 10 miles? That's 9,990 miles off the bottom end of the warranty. Thanks All

[sthnreb]

"I wouldn't get too excited about them repairing it. That was the agreement when you got it. If it could not be fixed, I am sure they will replace it. I would think it unfair to expect replacement with NEW when it can be repaired."

UPDATE: I was told it would be replaced with a new machine. Now cpap says they are pulling the one originally set to ship. I recently received a email saying respironics have changed policy and now will replace it with a used machine. This can be a machine 2 years old or more. I notified them of the defect within the first month with no response. I had to return it when it stopped several times each night. Now, I have no idea what I might get, some beat up machine. I am losing faith in this whole sleep stuff. $1600 for a manufacture defective machine and now a used one as replacement. It better be sterile! What is one supposed to do in the meantime?

[Ann N.]

For whatever it is worth, I think the Pro 2 came out last summer. I got mine in July I believe, replacing my Pro (1) model. At that time, most of the online cpap stores didn't even have the Pro 2 model yet. I still think they should send you a new one.

BTW, I really, really like mine (but I would not feel the same way if I were having problems like you are).

I hope this resolves satisfactorily for you.

Ann

[sthnreb]

For whatever it is worth, I think the Pro 2 came out last summer. I got mine in July I believe, replacing my Pro (1) model. At that time, most of the online cpap stores didn't even have the Pro 2 model yet. I still think they should send you a new one.

BTW, I really, really like mine (but I would not feel the same way if I were having problems like you are).

I hope this resolves satisfactorily for you.

Thanks Ann for the support. I believe for the trouble I've had and the lost sleep plus the machine not being 2 months old they should replace it also. I did report the first time it stopped and got no response from either cpap or Respironics, within the first 30 days. They say a refurbished has zero hours. I say that is because they reset them to zero, they are still used machines repaired. I was given a choice of receiving a refurbished, not knowing what I would get with a 2 yr warranty or having mine repaired. I paid for new, $1569 and now it is $1499. I would just take a refund of the $1499. $70 and gasping to breath at night is not unreasonable for less than 2 months use. It is obvious it was defective as it was sent back to Respironics and they say replace it with a refurbished. I guess I want sleep for a while now.

[rested gal]

sthreb, no longer than you had the machine before it started giving rather serious trouble for an OSA patient, I too think Respironics should exchange it for a brand new machine, not a refurbished machine.

For that multimillion dollar company to be balking at replacing an almost new faulty machine with a new one is shameful, in my opinion.

[sthnreb]

Thank you for your support. I see your replys on many subjects and you do well. I am told Respironics policy is anything over 30 days old is replaced with a used machine (refurbished). Since cpap gets refurbished back from Respironics (over 30days) , that's what they replace. I notified them within the first month with no response. The machine just got progressively worse until all I could do was return it. It was first put in use about Feb. 20th. and I sent it back last week. I guess that is about 2 months use under abnormal circumstances. Well, maybe they will repair it right? Respironics said replace with refurbished but I prefer mine repaired which is an option. I guess I prefer mine over someone elses used one. Thanks!