Used PR System One REMstar Auto A-flex machine

[paultool]

Hello,
After three years of ownership, my PR System One REMstar Auto A-flex CPAP machine (with heated humidifier) has gone on the fritz, stopped working and the LCD screen reads "Service Required". I took it in to the local Sleepmed office to have it checked out, and the technician checked all the obvious things like the humidifier connections, etc and said, yes, it is really broken somehow. They gave me a loaner while they send it off to Sleepmed headquarters to diagnose the problem and provide a repair estimate. It is out of warranty, and I'm afraid the repair estimate will be high. Not sure my insurance qualifies me for a new machine yet, which means I would have to pay the full price of a new one or repair this one.

Can you knowledgeable folks please advise me on the likelihood of finding a good used machine cheaper somewhere, such as Craigslist, etc or websites such as SecondWind CPAP? On that site, a used machine was $400, which is more than my insurance copay for a new machine..

Also, there is a used C-Flex machine on my local Craigslist, but I have been using A-flex these 3 years and am not sure if the difference would be significant for me to adjust to. I'm guessing it would be OK.

Any advice is much appreciated!

[DiverCTHunter]

Were you operating the machine in APAP mode or CPAP mode? If it was in straight CPAP the C-Flex should be fine.

[LSAT]

What is the actual difference between A-Flex and C-Flex...Which is comparable to EPR on Resmeds?

[sol]

Hello,
Can you knowledgeable folks please advise me on the likelihood of finding a good used machine cheaper somewhere, such as Craigslist, etc or websites such as SecondWind CPAP? On that site, a used machine was $400, which is more than my insurance copay for a new machine..
Any advice is much appreciated!

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=83637&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[ChrisD]

Some insurance companies will authorize a new unit if the old one cannot be fixed. Call you insurance company and find out.

Also, search on this board for a member called accurate. He works for a company http://www.acbio.com/cpaprepair.htm that fixes CPAP equipment. He might be able to offer a better price.

CraigsList is a viable solution. It takes some legwork to make sure you get what you want. Some sellers have no idea what make/model they have. Always get a picture of the model number/ serial number tag and a shot showing the hours used. i was able to get an under 60 hour PR System One REMstar Auto A-flex 550 w/heated humidifier for $175 shipped. The only part missing was the SD card.

Good luck,
Chris