RemStar Pro M Series humidifier leaking

MissMiaMoodles · Post by **MissMiaMoodles** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:52 pm

Hey all,

I was wondering if any of you who are using the RemStar Pro M Series humidifier found that it leaks? It has already ruined my night stand so now I put on a cookie tin (read "UGLY"). It has happend three times in the month that I have had it. It is after its been sitting all day and I am going to fill it. I dont even open the machine and I notice its sitting in water..a lot of water (Made a paperback bood next to it swell)I am VERY careful when taking the humidifier in or out.

I asked my "WONDERFUL" DME and she said she couldnt see it (cause I wiped it up last night DUH!!!! and then said there was no recall. She mumbles something and said not to worry about it. I didnt shut up like she wanted me too and she asked me what I wanted her to do...(maybe stick it somewhere???). I told her I wanted it replaced. Again ever helpful she said she didnt know since there didnt seem to be anything wrong...she will report it in. Grrrrrrr.....

Sorry so long, I guess I also needed to vent!

Miss Mia Moodles
AKA Trissy

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:04 pm

When the M Series machines came out last year, they had a huge problem with leaking humidifier tanks. Respironics didn't actually have a "recall", but were replacing them through the suppliers. SUPPOSEDLY, they were replaced around the last part of last year to the beginning of this year. A couple of possibilities.....either your machine is "old stock" (from the middle of last year) or your humidifier tank has not been properly put back together if you've had it apart. I've read that the rubber seal can be problematic in putting it back together. I don't have one of those machines.....just relating what I've read on the forum.

I'm sure some of the other M Series users who experienced that, will come forward and give you their take on that situation.

Den

trissy612 · Post by **trissy612** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:13 pm

Thanks Den,

When ever I take it apart I check to make sure its tight and sealed. I even tip it to see if there is water leaking. I also make sure it snaps into the machine correctly.

Miss Mia Moodles

Wulfman... · Post by **Wulfman...** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:26 pm

Here's a couple of threads that discussed the situation.

viewtopic.php?t=14931&highlight=leaking+humidifier
viewtopic.php?t=15395&highlight=leaking+humidifier

Den

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:15 pm

Welcome to the world of the da"M"n series machines. Mine leaked so bad and my DME would not replace it also (rurned the top of my dresser before I put it in a cookie sheet). I got concerned that all the water had started to short out the heating element. It now seems to use the same amount of water no matter what setting I put it on. I changed DMEs and I bought the humidifer from DME #1. When I tried to get it warrentied, DME #1 would not send it in for repairs because I was no longer their patient. DME #2 would not send it in because they did not sell it to me. Respronics would not take it mailed from me, has to come from a DME, so the warrenty turned out to be worthless. The chamber is so expensive most insurances and medicare won't cover the cost so the DME's actually lose money if they replace it. I found a on line company that sold just the little "O" ring gasket and replaced that. I found if you will stretch the little gasket to where it is a bit loose on each end (where most of the leaks occur) it will seal better. Once you get it sealed don't ever take it apart. I used distilled water and empty it about once per week and just rince it out with warm tap water and refill. Maybe once a month I will fill it with a 3 to 1 solution of water and vineger and let stand for about 30 minutes the wash with a little baby shampoo and water then rinse with water to get the smell out. Still not taking it apart, it will work OK. I finally replaced mine with the Fisher & Paykel HC 150 humidifier. No leaks more control on temperature hold more water. Works with any machine. I still have the built on but only use it when I travel because it is small and convient. Hope it helps for you to know you are not alone.

MissMiaMoodles · Post by **MissMiaMoodles** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:39 pm

I have to say that this information is NOT making me happy.

Not only do I have to listen to the whistling sound of the mask (my ever friendly DME said was normal) She said there was no leak. I have to "live" with a leaky humidifier.

She said I was being too "picky" . Just get used to it!

I am having a hard enough time with adjusting to this whole process and being able to sleep without the ever helpful DME.

I also wanted to say how great this site is. It has really helped to know I am not alone. Thanks to all of you!

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:56 pm

My new heated humidifier also leaked. Fortunately, my DME is not arguing, but simply sending out a new one.

Is is safe to run it on a cookie sheet in the interim? We live in a desert and I have not been comfortable using the heat settings but using it as a passover just isn't doing the job.

BTW, what kind of mask are you using that whistles?

Susan

ApNoob · Post by **ApNoob** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:40 pm

Perchancetodream wrote:My new heated humidifier also leaked. Fortunately, my DME is not arguing, but simply sending out a new one.

Is is safe to run it on a cookie sheet in the interim? We live in a desert and I have not been comfortable using the heat settings but using it as a passover just isn't doing the job.

Make sure your system is grounded--and preferably have a ground fault interrupter--if you are going to run an electrical appliance that has water leaks...you don't want to start a fire or get shocked by the device when you touch the appliance or the cookie sheet, though hopefully the chance of that is nil.

It seems odd to me that the only choices in humidifier are "passover" and heated given that home humidifiers have other options including ultrasonic. I wonder why there are no ultrasonic or other types of humidifier for xPAPs?

Perchancetodream · Post by **Perchancetodream** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:55 pm

ApNoob wrote: Make sure your system is grounded--and preferably have a ground fault interrupter--if you are going to run an electrical appliance that has water leaks...you don't want to start a fire or get shocked by the device when you touch the appliance or the cookie sheet, though hopefully the chance of that is nil.

It seems odd to me that the only choices in humidifier are "passover" and heated given that home humidifiers have other options including ultrasonic. I wonder why there are no ultrasonic or other types of humidifier for xPAPs?

Beats me. We use a cool mist humidifier in the house, and I would love something like that for use with the xPAP as I don't really like the warm moist air provided by a heated humidifier.

I think I will wait on the new humidifier; the concerns you expressed were the same ones I had originally. It seems that the OP's DME could have a serious liability exposure if they suggested she use a faulty humidifier that way.

Susan

ApNoob · Post by **ApNoob** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:21 pm

Perchancetodream wrote:Beats me. We use a cool mist humidifier in the house, and I would love something like that for use with the xPAP as I don't really like the warm moist air provided by a heated humidifier.

...almost makes me want to tinker with one of those ultrasonic mist/fog things you use in small fountains. http://www.kineticfountains.com/low-hea ... fogger.asp