Respironics REMStar Pro 2 - error HELP!!!!

[twlooney]

I have a Respironics REMStar Pro 2, have been using it for at least 10 years. Last night when I hit the RAMP button it started normally then stopped and the display flashed "E-47" and kept beeping. I tried unplugging and trying to reset, but the error persisted when replugged in.

I looked up the error online and saw this:
E-47 ERR_FL12_SENSOR_RAILED •Occluded or restricted pressure tube •Defective flow sensor •Replace flow tube •Replace Main PCA

I checked the tubes, everything looks okay inside. Everything is dry inside too. I am freaking out because I have no idea where to go to get a repair or to get a new CPAP unit (I'm in Fort Worth, TX).

The only time I've had a sleep study was 10 years ago, my original study, and that doctor is in another town. Do I need to do a new sleep study and get a new prescription to be able to purchase a new unit? That seems like a big old hassle.

[Wulfman...]

I have a Respironics REMStar Pro 2, have been using it for at least 10 years. Last night when I hit the RAMP button it started normally then stopped and the display flashed "E-47" and kept beeping. I tried unplugging and trying to reset, but the error persisted when replugged in.

I looked up the error online and saw this:
E-47 ERR_FL12_SENSOR_RAILED •Occluded or restricted pressure tube •Defective flow sensor •Replace flow tube •Replace Main PCA

I checked the tubes, everything looks okay inside. Everything is dry inside too. I am freaking out because I have no idea where to go to get a repair or to get a new CPAP unit (I'm in Fort Worth, TX).

The only time I've had a sleep study was 10 years ago, my original study, and that doctor is in another town. Do I need to do a new sleep study and get a new prescription to be able to purchase a new unit? That seems like a big old hassle.

Do you have a copy of your old prescription?

There's a place in Missouri (and a few other states) called Accurate Biomed Services, Inc., which is a factory authorized/certified Respironics repair shop.
Their website is "acbio(dot)com"......AND, they're a member of this forum under the username "Accurate".
A number of us have used their services and have been very pleased with them.
I would suggest contacting them to see what they recommend.

I have a number of those old Legacy models myself (Pro 2s and Autos) and love them. They're the only ones I use.
I've done some repairs on one of my own machines, but not with that error code. Mine had a broken hose nipple inside and a dead battery. (I have the special cable and card to set the date and time and check other internal stuff)


Good luck.

Den

.

[robysue]

twlooney,

You have several possible approaches:

1) If you are still a customer of a DME for purchasing PAP supplies, you could take the non-working machine into them and ask them if they can give you a loaner while you (or they) send your machine in for repairs.

2) If you still have your prescription OR if your PCP (or sleep doc if you have one) is willing to write you another script, you can call your insurance and see if they will replace the non-working machine since it is over 10 years old. Many (but not all) insurance companies are willing to pay for a new PAP machine every 5 years or so. Most insurance companies will pay for a new PAP machine when the old one breaks and cannot be repaired. But the hoops the insurance company will make you jump through to get a new machine vary from company to company (and policy to policy within a particular company)

3) If you still have your prescription, you could by a new or gently used PAP machine with your own money. You could purchase the machine from either from a brick and mortar DME or an on-line DME. On-line will probably be cheaper.

4) You could scour the local CraigsList listings and see if there is a reasonably priced used machine there. Be aware that some CraigsList machines are vastly overpriced and others are real bargins.

[SleepyToo2]

To add to RobySue's comments, if you do go through Craigslist you would be well advised to check out the hours the machine has been used for - both therapy hours and machine hours - because the therapy hours can be reset, whereas machine hours are much more difficult to reset. You could also take a look at secondwind and see if they have anything that meets your needs. Congratulations on the 10 years, by the way!