M-Series Heating Element Failure - Solved!

[April]

I have a Respironics M-Series HH in which the heater element has just failed. It no longer heats the water and thus the water consumption has dropped by 70%.
I'm fairly handy in repairing small and large appliances, so I am considering repairing the unit.
Is it possible to get a replacement heater element part? I searched the Internet for heater element parts for this model, but didn't find anything right off. Also tried the Phillips/Respironics website and had zero luck there with any kind of repair parts.
Suggestions?

Thanks!

[builta]

Hi,

Have you considered relpacing the humidifier? Sites like http://www.cpapauction.com auction off M-Series humidifiers. You can probably pick up a working used humidifier for a reasonable price.

Cheers

P.S. Have you tried physically separating the blower (PAP unit) from the humidifier and then connecting it back up. When Iuse to get error codes about the humidifier needing service, I would disconnect it and then reconnect it and it would work again. Remember that you are dealing with a 12v (assuming that you ahve a R-3 thype M-Series Humidifier) system and the slightest corrosion could result in an open circuit.

Oh, that brings up another point--Is the PAP identifing an error code? Is the dial on the humidifier blinking? Is the xPAP unit beeping?

Cheers

[archangle]

Be sure you're actually getting power to the humidifier. Check the cables at both ends. Note that, at least on the older humidifiers, the humidifier light comes on, even if there's no power to the humidifier unit.

Check that you don't have one of the self-destructing M series humidifiers that have been recalled.

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcS ... stReleased

It's for "1051158, 1051157, 1049124, 1049110, 1049109, U1049110, U1049109, R1049110,
R1049109" models.

The recall notice is from the UK. I don't know if it's valid in the US, but I would hope so.

[April]

Check that you don't have one of the self-destructing M series humidifiers that have been recalled.

http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcS ... stReleased

It's for "1051158, 1051157, 1049124, 1049110, 1049109, U1049110, U1049109, R1049110,
R1049109" models.

The recall notice is from the UK. I don't know if it's valid in the US, but I would hope so.

Bingo!

Yes, I have the model 1051158, the very first model listed on the recall notice. I've had it for over two years and I see that the recall came out in Aug, 2009. I'm a little annoyed that my CPAP distributor never notified me of this recall. They sold me this unit a little over two years ago and have been selling me supplies for it ever since then. I even took it in last week to have them check it about the sudden drop in water consumption and the light that my husband noticed blinking during the night. (They just said, "Oh the heating element must be bad, you'll have to buy a new machine."

...And yes just FYI, I see that the recall notice says that it is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. FDA.

Thanks for the tip and the link to the recall notice!

[archangle]

"Oh the heating element must be bad, you'll have to buy a new machine."

Can you even get a new M series humidifier now that they're discontinued?

Keep us posted on your results.

[6PtStar]

You can always replace it with the F&P150. It willo fit any machine and is a lot unit. I went to it when my "M" humidifier leaked so bad and blew the heating element.

Jerry