Replace vs. Repair (Remstar)

UKnowWhatInSeattle · Post by **UKnowWhatInSeattle** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:21 pm

Hi folks. I haven't been watching this forum for a Long time.... Anyway, wish everybody well with their sleep.

I've got a Remstar Pro/C-Flex that just developed a nasty motor whine. It's past warranty time. I don't know where to get serviced and I expect that it would cost me / my insurance company a couple to a few hundred bucks to repair it. I know that a new Remstar Plus (no C-Flex) can be bought for $299...

I've got a "backup" machine, so I'm not desperate yet.

Anybody have any experience getting one of these machines repaired? Am I off-track with what repair prices might be? Any hints on repair contacts?

Jim

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:25 pm

Dang, ya old fiddler!! Where da heck ya been?? HOW ya been?????? Good to see you're still alive and kickin'....and still using your blower!

I don't know where you purchased your machine, but I called my supplier a bit after the warranty was up cuz mine developed a problem and he referred me to the manufacturer. I called the manufacturer who said, "No problem. We'll replace it for you...at no charge!" So, after a couple of more calls back and forth between supplier and manufacturer and one short conference call, I got a brand-spankin' new PB420E outta it. So, it's worth your time to call and try a little schmoozin!

Best of luck and great to see you again!!

Kajun

P.S.
The PB rep said they didn't repair units...period! They just replaced 'em.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:58 pm

One thing I can tell you is that it will have to be sent back by a DME or supplier. I tried to send mine back and they will not take it from a patient. I would try it, they will give you an estimate before they fix it at least thats what they told me.

Jerry

UKnowWhatInSeattle · Post by **UKnowWhatInSeattle** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 5:24 pm

Thanks for your comments guys. TXKajun, great to see your reply, and hint about sweet-talking the company.

One issue I have is that the DME I used originally no longer exists, so I may be out of luck there.

Snoredog · Post by **Snoredog** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:01 pm

It all depends:

-on what your pressure is,
-IF you even need/use the Cflex feature
-do you want to stick with the same model so your humidifer works?

IF you have a Classic machine and humidifier, then you better stick with the classic machine unless you want to buy another humidifier. But if you already have a universal humidifier like a F&P HC150, then that doesn't matter.

Your pressure is nice to know because the higher your pressure is the more noisy any machine will be, seems noise level is important to you since the motor whine is what you are complaining about.

The classic Pro didn't offer anything in the way of data (only the later model PRO2), so the difference between the Plus machine and the Pro was nil.

Since you are on and apparently happy with straight CPAP pressure, you can get a M series DS100 for as low as $239 from cpap.com.

My experience is Cflex & Aflex type features add a bit more noise to the machine but they all "rev" up/down when you breathe if that feature is enabled or disabled. These machines use RPM to control the pressure.

The PB420 is also a decent little machine at $244, but if you want reporting and are going to spend upwards of $400+, you might as well just get the new Aflex machine.

My opinion: The PB420e is the quietest machine I've owned to date, it is even quieter than my Aflex machine, easily quieter than my old classic was.

6PtStar · Post by **6PtStar** » Wed Oct 24, 2007 7:59 pm

Does not have to be sent in by the DME that you bought it from. If you take it to any DME that you bought supplies from and explain that the DME you bought it from is no longer in business most will send it in for you.

UKnowWhatInSeattle · Post by **UKnowWhatInSeattle** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 10:48 am

Thanks again for comments.

I think I'm going to end up with a Remstar Plus (no C-Flex). I turn it off anyway. I'm pretty hypersensitive to machine noise, especially the motor noise through the hose. I use a PB420E (auto) for travel, for my own do-it-yourself sleep studies, and as a backup machine, but the Remstar is quieter so it's been my #1 machine.

I'm just waiting for my sleep doc to renew my prescription.

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Thu Oct 25, 2007 12:12 pm

Sounds liike you've got a decision made. That's a good thing.

As far as using your PB420E as a travel only machine because it's too loud for regular use, I find a few shots of Scotch before bed works wonders in dimming the noise! LOLOL

Good luck on getting the 'script renewed. Stay in touch, too!!!

Kajun