Opening the S9/H5i NON-openable Water Chamber for cleaning

[WilsonVilleUSA]

Yes, it can be done. Rather than just talk about it in another post, I thought I would go above and beyond and use my new camera to actually make a YouTube video to immortalize it for all the folks in CPAP land.


Watch the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scg8Nc9LkRo


After you open it the first few times it gets a little easier because you are used to the feel for doing it and also the "wear" of opening and closing it loosens it up a little.


Sorry for my son coughing in the background, but after doing a couple of test runs, playing with the camera settings, the dogs coming in the picture a few times, and the phone ringing, I decided that was enough takes!

[KatieW]

Thanks for doing this WilsonVille! Very ingenious.

[kempo]

Thanks Wilson!

[silver123]

Nice job adding this to the general knowledge.
thanks!

[cpapernewbie]

Need to get some info: what is your H5I manufacturing date?
Mine is Feb 19, 2010 and I cannot open my H5i despite viewing yr video. In fact, before viewing yr video I attempted the same approach without success. Then I get encouraged after viewing the video but still same result. Probably the version of the humidifier is the cause?

edited to add: Manufacturing date 19/02/2010, REF 36802

[jdm2857]

In ypur opinion, can the reservoir be opened and resealed an unlimited number of times, or do you think that it will eventually stop resealing?

I just wanted some idea if it could be opened every day or whether it should be only an occasional thing.

[WilsonVilleUSA]

In ypur opinion, can the reservoir be opened and resealed an unlimited number of times, or do you think that it will eventually stop resealing?

I just wanted some idea if it could be opened every day or whether it should be only an occasional thing.

"Unlimited" no, but if done carefully I think doing it frequently would not do any harm. The greatest risk is that the plastic is brittle and you may snap a piece of the lip off if not careful.

To be honest, I think it would seal just fine if it only snapped together on two opposite sides. Carefully cutting the plastic lip or metal tabs on the other sides would make it easier to open and close. Remember, they WANT you to replace these, if they made them "easy" to open and extend the life on them, they wouldn't sell as many of them or the dishwasher model. Gotta protect the bottom line...

I don't know how much the water moves in use, but even if it wasn't totally "sealing" I don't think there would be any spillage. The lip is well above the waterline, and since the H5i lid is what seals the humidifier (and given there are already several holes in the water chamber) having a less than perfect seal is not going to effect function.

I noticed in the 10-12 times I have opened mine so far, it "loosened" up a little after the first few times. I think it will wear in to a certain point and then "stabalize" like most thing that are put together and taken apart.

Maybe I will even "modify" the chamber in my back up S9 to a two side only interlock and see what happens... I smell another YouTube video coming on

[WilsonVilleUSA]

Need to get some info: what is your H5I manufacturing date?
Mine is Feb 19, 2010 and I cannot open my H5i despite viewing yr video. In fact, before viewing yr video I attempted the same approach without success. Then I get encouraged after viewing the video but still same result. Probably the version of the humidifier is the cause?

edited to add: Manufacturing date 19/02/2010, REF 36802

There is a date code on the chamber itself, I'll take a look at it when I get home.

My bet is you just need to work on the combination pry/push/pull and rotate to get it started. the first two times I did it, it was pretty stiff.

Can you post a close up pic of the side of the chamber where the plastic and metal join together?

[cpapernewbie]

Hi Wilsonville,
after several failed attempts, just few minutes ago I managed to cracked this open the first time. Thanks! Just clean it up, dry it and now airing the H5i so that it completely dries out.

Not using the H5i during this summer season, so I will let this rest in clean condition for the next 3 months

[needanap]

Thanks for sharing that....I love this forum!