Auto Start flaky to say the least

[Fredman]

RemStar Auto is designed to turn on automatically after a few breaths with the mask on. Sometimes I sit there breathe and breathe and nothing. With that, I then really start breathing hard - nothing. I give up and push the start button.

BUT

Then there are times, I will be cleaning my mask with the CPAP wipes or even just moving the mask around a bit and the CPAP will start up! I have had it in for a pressure check etc. and all is okay.

Anyone else had similar problems with their units...other brands? Also the RemStar buttons sometimes have to be pressed very firmly...just call me picky

[jules]

When I use a FFM I have to put my finger over the safety valve to get the auto start to work. I had problems with auto start with the CL2 but not with other masks I have tried.

I think this is one of the ymmv and a finger placement for a minute to make sure the machine can detect air flow might get it to work.

[sleepycarol]

Fred,

I have had the same problem of mine not wanting to start auto. I can huff and puff like crazy and it will simply not come on, but it doesn't do it but periodically. I will finally reach a point that I simply turn it on. I have wondered what would happen if the power went out temporarily and shut it off would it be sure to come back on (I can't imagine anything worse than it not coming back on). I need to take it in and have them look at it to see if there is a glitch in it but haven't done it yet.

It has never came on otherwise unless I am masked up.

If anyone has a suggestion I am open to try it.

[kteague]

I turned mine off because it was inconsistent in starting, and a couple times I walked in the room and found it blowing for no reason. I've used ResMed and RemStar.

[dieselgal]

Mine starts great with my activa and nasal masks, but it won't auto start with a FF mask.

[Fredman]

Interesting to note that we are all using Respironics products. Jules what unit are you using?

KTeague was it the Resmed or Remstar that had started by itself?

Sounds like a sensor issue. Yeah I guess the auto start is just a nice to have. It's not difficult to reach over and hit the start button.

[Needsdecaf]

Mine works fine with a Swift II.

[BigMoose]

I have the M Series Auto, and found if I first exhale hard, then inhale it catches it most every time and auto starts.

[SleepyNoMore]

YES, I have 2 tanks and with my first Remstar auto with c-flex (like you have), the fist couple of times I used it it came on automatically but took a long time so I just GAVE-UP , like you and started pushing the button to start the thing...

I bought the new Remstar Auto M with A-Flex and have had it for a couple of weeks, I LOVE IT 100 times better than the old classic tank, which only has 800 hours on it but, this puppy ROCKS , it starts up before I can completely get it on my my nose also a new feature I heard was that they added is this new machine has both a-flex and c-flex, I actually ordered the M c-flex and wished I had ordered the a-flex and when it arrived, it said a-flex and I was happy, happy, happy , I love the a-flex over the c-flex any day, so my answer to you is YES, it always happened with my classic tank... Also, I bought a 7 foot hose one time and hooked it up and , I was about to suffocate before I could get the machine on

Maybe you should try turning it on BEFORE you put the mask on, that really helps!

Goodluck,
SNM

[Goofproof]

It could be the handycap sensor, it checks for fingers, if it doesn't find any then the autostart works. If it finds a finger it think you might be able to turn the machine on by yourself. Jim

[Fredman]

Thanks SleepyNoMore!

Yes everything you describe with the old RemStar is my experience. Good to hear about the "M" Series. I have been kicking around the idea of a ResMed and the M Series. I get to buy a new unit in 2.5 years. I submit my bill to my insurance and they pay after I pay...so it's a matter of working with the DME to get the right unit. Good DME so far.

Goofproof I think is onto something....maybe if I start pounding at the unit, it will realize that maybe my fingers aren't functioning due to a lack of sleep and it will start up as I approach it. Or maybe we can hook those clapper devices for lights onto the unit.

[wabmorgan]

[quote="SleepyNoMore"]YES, I have 2 tanks and with my first Remstar auto with c-flex (like you have), the fist couple of times I used it it came on automatically but took a long time so I just GAVE-UP , like you and started pushing the button to start the thing...

I bought the new Remstar Auto M with A-Flex and have had it for a couple of weeks, I LOVE IT 100 times better than the old classic tank, which only has 800 hours on it but, this puppy ROCKS , it starts up before I can completely get it on my my nose also a new feature I heard was that they added is this new machine has both a-flex and c-flex, I actually ordered the M c-flex and wished I had ordered the a-flex and when it arrived, it said a-flex and I was happy, happy, happy , I love the a-flex over the c-flex any day, so my answer to you is YES, it always happened with my classic tank... Also, I bought a 7 foot hose one time and hooked it up and , I was about to suffocate before I could get the machine on

Maybe you should try turning it on BEFORE you put the mask on, that really helps!

Goodluck,
SNM

[Goofproof]

YES, I have 2 tanks and with my first Remstar auto with c-flex (like you have), the fist couple of times I used it it came on automatically but took a long time so I just GAVE-UP , like you and started pushing the button to start the thing...

I bought the new Remstar Auto M with A-Flex and have had it for a couple of weeks, I LOVE IT 100 times better than the old classic tank, which only has 800 hours on it but, this puppy ROCKS , it starts up before I can completely get it on my my nose also a new feature I heard was that they added is this new machine has both a-flex and c-flex, I actually ordered the M c-flex and wished I had ordered the a-flex and when it arrived, it said a-flex and I was happy, happy, happy , I love the a-flex over the c-flex any day, so my answer to you is YES, it always happened with my classic tank... Also, I bought a 7 foot hose one time and hooked it up and , I was about to suffocate before I could get the machine on

Maybe you should try turning it on BEFORE you put the mask on, that really helps!

Goodluck,
SNM

Agh.... I see you have joined the A-flex club as well

I've been VERY HAPPY with mine.... and I noticed it actully even starts with full-face mask!!!!

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My "Tanks", start before I can get the mask strap hooked up, I find it annoying. Maybe the NEW "M"s have the autostart hooked up to where they used to store the full days data. Jim

[wabmorgan]

yep.... right next to the USB connector

[Slinky]

I have NEVER been a fan of SmartStart. In fact, I hate both SmartStart and SmartStop.

UNFORTUNATELY, the new Resmed S8 VPAP Auto allows for no choice on SmartStart. You are stuck w/it. No way to turn it off. Grrrrrr. SmartStop I can and have turned off.

This VPAP Auto is such EASY breathing I can't tell when the *&$% thing starts anyway. I have to pull the mask away from my face to be sure it really is running.