What do you think about a PR One SE 60 for a backup unit?

[Tech Guy]

Running a PR 560 and comfortable with it. A bit hesitant to buy a craigslist or ebay used unit. Have no idea about the maintenance or any associated health risk from the previous environment. Considering a PR System One SE 60 Series CPAP as a backup or travel unit. Wondering what any thoughts are or if there could be some issues quickly switching to a non-autopap unit in case the 560 was inoperable for some reason. My pressure seems to average between 6 and 7 most of the time. Tested the A-flex today and did notice a difference going from a level 3 to a level 2 in the demo. Going to try the level 2 A-flex tonight and see if there is a reduction with any apneas or HA's. Has anyone ever had to step down to a backup unit? Was the sleep quality similar or unbearable due to the change?

[jamiswolf]

Hi Tech Guy,
It's nice to have the backup unit similar to your primary machine. You should be able to get settings from your current machine to guide you on setting up a non-auto backup machine.

Far as health risks from used machines...only room air goes through the cpap. Cigarette smoke in the previous environment is the biggest concern since that odor lingers.

Ebay does not allow cpap machines to be sold. But I have purchased at least half dozen machines on Craigslist. If they are distant and are shipping to you, don't send money order or cash. Only use Paypal to provide Paypal protection for your purchase.
Jamis

[Tech Guy]

Thanks for the reply. Is there a way to clean a used unit so you're not breathing in dust, debris, dust mites or germs from a previous owner? The intake and exhaust fans are probably dirty. I'm comfortable opening up a used unit to clean it if necessary.

[jamiswolf]

Thanks for the reply. Is there a way to clean a used unit so you're not breathing in dust, debris, dust mites or germs from a previous owner? The intake and exhaust fans are probably dirty. I'm comfortable opening up a used unit to clean it if necessary.

Not necessary...just change the filters.

The machines can be sent in to a pro for internal cleaning and service but if you are tech savvy and want to do this...you will probably be the only person on the forum to do so. I popped open an old machine once just to look. Lots of small parts. Nothing really user serviceable

I would suggest buying new if you are squeamish about such things. I don't mean to be insulting either. You can get good deals on new equipment online and elsewhere.
J

[Pugsy]

If buying used bugs you because of the potential history...how about a new open box special from secondwindcpap.com?
Right now I see that they have a PR S1 560 with humidifier for $499. They might have one without the humidifier for less if you want to use your existing humidifier.
I don't know what the PR S1 SE machines cost but from a quick glance at one site it looked like the machine only was $399.
It's not like it is 1/2 to 1/3 the price of what you are using now and what you could get the same machine from at secondwindcpap.com.

You may or may not have any trouble with "stepping down" to a different mode of machine use. Some people can adjust to anything quickly and easily and some people find even minor changes or differences disturb them. If your pressure never varies from that 8 to 9 range that you use..may not be a big deal but if you sometimes need higher pressures for short periods of the night for some reason or other then it might make a difference.

[Tech Guy]

Decided to pick up a DS-260 from secondhandcpap. The unit has 149 hours! This is just a backup machine in case the 560 needs repair or has an issue. My pressures aren't that high and usually range between 6 lpm to 7.5 lpm. Going from an a-flex to c-flex at this pressure shouldn't be that much difference. Had no issues changing the a-flex setting from 3 to 2, and might consider setting a-flex to 1 in a few days. AHI was 2.61 last night and things seemed fine. Secondhand cpap cleans their equipment with some kind of ozone process. More comfortable spending a bit more knowing it's low hours and has been cleaned. The humidifier from the 560 will fit the 260 which is a plus. Thanks for the tips