Little plastic "baffle" in the top of new Respiron

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat May 27, 2006 11:28 am

Maybe DMEguy can help me out with this. What is the purpose of the little plastic piece that seems to be in the top of the new humidifier tanks?

The old one I had didn't have that and it is fine. The new one makes it a pain to dump the unused water out and rinse quickly without taking it apart.

My engineer husband looked at it and said it was probably a patent for the sake of the patent (he has quite a few patents himself).

Only thing I could think of is CYA on water getting into your hose, but that is really so far out there in reality from ever happening. You would have to get your tank about your head and turn it sideways and have the outlet on the downhill side. I can't see even the least tech savy person doing this one.

I know you (DMEguy) asked for questions for Respironics a couple of days ago and now is too late. BUT if you happen to talk to their rep again soon find out what the deal is. I LIKE THE OLD ONE!!!

Anyone else with me?

Bob... · Post by **Bob...** » Sat May 27, 2006 11:56 am

If this is the baffle it is to help prevent water getting into the machine outlet. If there is another baffle then I have no idea.

Bob

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat May 27, 2006 1:53 pm

They originally planned to include a mouse in the tank, that would plug the hole in the machine if the owners tried to slop water into the blower, but after farther testing they found out some owners would forget to feed the mouse. So they included the baffle instead.

It also cut down on the number of mice needed to make the CPAP, now they only use one to power the blower. Jim

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Power

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Power

Linda3032 · Post by **Linda3032** » Sat May 27, 2006 4:09 pm

Bob is correct. That "baffle" is to help keep water from the humidifier from sloshing into your cpap machine.

I know this because my old Respironics machine didn't have the baffle - and I inadvertently packed my machine up for travel and forgot to empty the water out. Yes, water got into my machine and I blew the circuit boards when I plugged it into an outlet.

It was out of warranty and it was my fault - which I told my internet DME (not cpap.com). My internet DME sent me a rental machine, and gave me a RGA (return authorization) to return my unit to Pennsylvania to be repaired. He even enclosed a prepaid postage address label for the shipping.

It ended up that Respironics repaired my out-of-warranty machine for free and when they returned it to me - they also sent a "baffle". Plus, my DME never even charged me for the rental. I was blown away! Evidently, Respironics felt they had a design flaw by not having a baffle, and that's why there was no charge. I assume they even paid for all the shipping and rental fees my DME incurred.

That was a hard lesson (but not costly for me) to learn what "that thingy is in the humidifier chamber".

Bonnie · Post by **Bonnie** » Sat May 27, 2006 4:31 pm

Hi Linda,
Great story, always nice to hear of a possitive experience with DMEs.....

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat May 27, 2006 4:48 pm

Thanks everybody for the information.

Don't know why I didn't see that it was for the connection to the machine. I still don't like it though and if I were traveling I would take the water chamber apart and dry it, then pack it up. With this new chamber I can't really dry it well (or at least it will take longer to stuck a towel or something in there with my finger.

Guess I will just preserve the old chamber for travel and be annoyed at the new one at home that I have trouble getting the water out of daily.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Sat May 27, 2006 5:54 pm

As BOB's post shows the baffle can be removed by following the instructions. I just tip mine and drain it, it has a cut out in the side of the bafflethat drains all but a few drops. After mine cracked, I never take the bottom off.

The baffle is to HELP to stop water from getting in the unit, but if you don't try to keep it upright you will still be able to ruin your machine. Jim

snoregirl · Post by **snoregirl** » Sat May 27, 2006 7:28 pm

Thanks!!!

I could have sworn that that thing was glued in there, but must just be a gasket that is holding it in there. It moved when I pushed on it.

I have been using the other type for a couple weeks and really can't see how I could managed to get water in there.

In fact by having it in there there is water sitting much closer to the machine because as I said I dump it out and can't really get it dry.

I am off to remove my baffle. Thanks so much you made my day.

Sleepy Dog Lover · Post by **Sleepy Dog Lover** » Sat May 27, 2006 9:30 pm

snoregirl - try running your cpap for about 15 minutes with the humidifier in place, but empty of water and not turned on. It should dry the humidifier out nicely.