Lifespan for "the Tank."

[dewey.bertolini]

I'm just about to pass 12,000 hours on my RemStar Auto w/C-flex "tank." Still going strong. Any idea what a typical lifespan in hours might be for this machine? Thanks in advance for your response.

[Julie]

Mine was up around 50,000 when it went, but then I was told that was impossible (there is apparently a limit) so I don't know what to think now, but I had it for 5 yrs and it wasn't 100% new when I got it.

[dewey.bertolini]

That's GREAT, Julie. Thank you!

[Goofproof]

Mine is comming up on 12,000, it was used when I got it, still going strong, but I'm ready. i have a new one in backup, and a Pro 2, to back that up. Jim

[gulfpearl]

I have been using my "tank" for over 5 years now & I have about 13,500 hours on it , without any problems.

[kirstena]

Hey, that's AWESOME! I was just given one that had 1.75 hours on it, then it sat in some guy's closet. I LOVE this machine and I'm glad it's likely to stick around a while.

Now, who can give me some pointers on using it, because I'm brand new and my doctor knows exactly squat about it.

Thanks,
Kirsten

[LSAT]

Hey, that's AWESOME! I was just given one that had 1.75 hours on it, then it sat in some guy's closet. I LOVE this machine and I'm glad it's likely to stick around a while.

Now, who can give me some pointers on using it, because I'm brand new and my doctor knows exactly squat about it.

Thanks,
Kirsten

Kirsten...It would be nice if you told us what machine you have. Hard to give you any information without that.

[kirstena]

Oh, sorry LSAT. Didn't mean to make anybody roll their eyes at the newbie.

I was referring to the original poster, who has a Remstar Auto with CFlex, the lifespan of which he or she was trying to determine. I was just given Remstar Auto with CFlex, and I wanted to know if anyone who actually USED a Remstar Auto with CFlex would be able to give me any pointers.

My sleep study came back "mild," and my doctor wanted me to try all the "lifestyle changes" I'd *already* been trying unsuccessfully before the sleep study. When I was given the Remstar, the doctor said I could go ahead and try it. I looked up info online, set it myself to titrate between 4 and 18 cm, got a mask, and went to bed. After twelve nights, I've only ever caught it blowing up to 10.2 (post-nasal drip) and it usually settles around 6, with an average of 8.2. My AHI during the sleep study was 10, but with the machine it's 2.4. I've got the CFlex set on level 2 and find that quite comfortable. I'm using the Opus 360 nasal pillow mask because the nasal one I tried before drove me crazy pressing on my forehead. I like it fine, but the nurse at my doctor's office (who uses CPAP herself and has strong opinions about such things) says I can't use a nasal mask because I'm usually a mouth breather at night. Funny, but after the first night, I stopped waking up going "Ppppppppppppfth," and it seems to be working well for me. The average leak is 24, which is in line with the Opus specs.

I'm winging this - how am I doing?

[Kenton]

I had the same idea that i could not tolerate a nasal mask but after the first night i seemed to be doing fine. No leak or dry mouth in the month that I have been using it. Dunno, maybe problems will develop down the line but so far it seems to be going well except for this lifespan counter. As an engineer i really do not enjoy the idea of contrived obsolesce. Are we going to have to get a new APAP every year when they break down? Should I buy a back up just in case? Are there any APAP machines known for lasting a very long time?

[LSAT]

Oh, sorry LSAT. Didn't mean to make anybody roll their eyes at the newbie.

I was referring to the original poster, who has a Remstar Auto with CFlex, the lifespan of which he or she was trying to determine. I was just given Remstar Auto with CFlex, and I wanted to know if anyone who actually USED a Remstar Auto with CFlex would be able to give me any pointers.

My sleep study came back "mild," and my doctor wanted me to try all the "lifestyle changes" I'd *already* been trying unsuccessfully before the sleep study. When I was given the Remstar, the doctor said I could go ahead and try it. I looked up info online, set it myself to titrate between 4 and 18 cm, got a mask, and went to bed. After twelve nights, I've only ever caught it blowing up to 10.2 (post-nasal drip) and it usually settles around 6, with an average of 8.2. My AHI during the sleep study was 10, but with the machine it's 2.4. I've got the CFlex set on level 2 and find that quite comfortable. I'm using the Opus 360 nasal pillow mask because the nasal one I tried before drove me crazy pressing on my forehead. I like it fine, but the nurse at my doctor's office (who uses CPAP herself and has strong opinions about such things) says I can't use a nasal mask because I'm usually a mouth breather at night. Funny, but after the first night, I stopped waking up going "Ppppppppppppfth," and it seems to be working well for me. The average leak is 24, which is in line with the Opus specs.

I'm winging this - how am I doing?

Sounds like you are doing fine...why are you concerned?

[kirstena]

Sounds like you are doing fine...why are you concerned?

Maybe because I seem to have this delusion that somewhere there's a manual of "How To Do It" (whichever "It" I'm trying to do), and I never got a copy. It's a character flaw. I'm working on it.

I probably should have started a whole new thread for this, but I figured that anybody talking about my particular machine would know more about using it effectively. In fact, I think I *will* go post a new thread. Thanks for the encouragement.

Kenton - I don't think a CPAP manufacturer can accurately plan obsolescence for their machines. There are just so many factors involved that vary from individual to individual. I would think that a greater CFlex would put more stress on the blower, for example, because it's changing fan rates constantly. Maybe a more humid or dusty environment would be worse than a dry and clean one. And of course, having the Cat Olympics knock it onto the floor every couple of days can't be that good for it either. Me, I think I'm going to stick a fiver in a coffee can every week and hope mine holds up long enough for me to save up for the next model.