CPAP machine life expectancy

[chunkyfrog]

You need to speak to your current insurance company to determine when they cover a new machine.
"They" (if it's your DME) may not be telling the truth--it's been known to happen. . .

[Kairosgrammy]

I can't answer some of those, my cpap use has been totally stateside. I had my first cpap for 7 or 8 years. It still works but I had a new sleep study done due to my apnea symptoms returning. My study was inconclusive so the sleep doc wanted me to have a data capable machine which mine wasn't. My old one was a resmed.

Hello,

Thanks for reading.
Can someone tell me what their life expectancy of a CPAP machine is - I'm looking to get the Fisher & Paykel 608 or 600. Generally for those of you who began using their CPAP machines for the first time, how long did you use the machine before replacing it?

2) Has anyone purchased a CPAP machine from the US and taken it for personal long term use overseas.

3) What, if any, consequences are there for long term use when the voltage between US and other countries are different; I was thinking of using an wall adaptor but unsure whether this might be too complicated

4) Is it worth doing since warranty isn't covered?

Thank you again. I'm stumped and would appreciate any opinions.

[chunkyfrog]

KG: ZZZ was the original poster in '07.
I was trying to help the new poster.

[HoseCrusher]

Rising Bear, Are you able to determine how many hours are on your machine?

[Rising Bear]

Almost 19,000 !

Rising Bear, Are you able to determine how many hours are on your machine?

[HoseCrusher]

... and they tell me my old machine is still up to snuff.

Be sure to mention to whoever "they" are that your machine has 19000 hours on it. I believe the life expectancy is closer to 15000 hours. You are overdue for a new machine.

Also, ask "them" what a typical life expectancy in hours used is for a machine. This will get them on the same page in the event that they are dropping a zero or two while talking to you. Finally, repeat to "them" that the bearings sound like they are going out. In the middle of the night you suddenly wake to variations in pressure and a loud squeaking noise. It does eventually settle down, but you are afraid of the machine catching on fire because it seems warmer than normal.

If that doesn't get their attention, you may have to find a different "them" to deal with.

[Rising Bear]

I appreciate your input! Much obliged! The "They" is a HMO by the way.

... and they tell me my old machine is still up to snuff.

Be sure to mention to whoever "they" are that your machine has 19000 hours on it. I believe the life expectancy is closer to 15000 hours. You are overdue for a new machine.

Also, ask "them" what a typical life expectancy in hours used is for a machine. This will get them on the same page in the event that they are dropping a zero or two while talking to you. Finally, repeat to "them" that the bearings sound like they are going out. In the middle of the night you suddenly wake to variations in pressure and a loud squeaking noise. It does eventually settle down, but you are afraid of the machine catching on fire because it seems warmer than normal.

If that doesn't get their attention, you may have to find a different "them" to deal with.

[Sleepy Taz]

... and they tell me my old machine is still up to snuff.

Be sure to mention to whoever "they" are that your machine has 19000 hours on it. I believe the life expectancy is closer to 15000 hours. You are overdue for a new machine.

Also, ask "them" what a typical life expectancy in hours used is for a machine. This will get them on the same page in the event that they are dropping a zero or two while talking to you. Finally, repeat to "them" that the bearings sound like they are going out. In the middle of the night you suddenly wake to variations in pressure and a loud squeaking noise. It does eventually settle down, but you are afraid of the machine catching on fire because it seems warmer than normal.

If that doesn't get their attention, you may have to find a different "them" to deal with.

Heck my first machine had over 40,000 hours on it an was still running strong when I replaced it. The reason for the replacement was that my machine required a tool to change the settings and no one in my area had one. Most insurance companies will replace your Cpap after 5 years and you will love the new technology!

[HoseCrusher]

Taz, your machine must have been recording hours it was plugged in... That still comes in close to 5 years... Just kidding, of course.

40000 hours is a very long time and goes to show you that the bell curve is wide. I am not sure that the newer generation of machines have the same build quality attention to enable them to last that long. I am very impressed. 40000 hours without maintenance is incredible.

[chunkyfrog]

Your insurance company is the only one that can tell you.
Most companies follow Medicare guidelines--but some don't.
If they won't give you the time of day, complain to the benefits manager where you work.
That usually works. I did that a couple of times; now they're as nice and cooperative as you please.
You need to stress the age of the unit and the fact that it is acting up--exact details not necessary unless they ask.
Good luck!

[Sleepy Taz]

Taz, your machine must have been recording hours it was plugged in... That still comes in close to 5 years... Just kidding, of course.

40000 hours is a very long time and goes to show you that the bell curve is wide. I am not sure that the newer generation of machines have the same build quality attention to enable them to last that long. I am very impressed. 40000 hours without maintenance is incredible.

14 years averaging 8-10 hours a day. I felt so good after my initial tritation that I was determined never to sleep without my Cpap ever again. So far so good!!