When to retire a CPAP?

I've got the same question posted to my DME, but I feel confident it's going to buffalo them, so felt I better ask here!!!!

I've had my Remstar Pro 2 for just over 4 years. For at least 2.5 of those, the number of hours displayed after boot up hasn't changed - ever! I just had the SmartCard read by my DME, for the first time and also just got the Encore software up and running at home. There's no Daily data trended. It shows blower time, but no patient breathing is detected. It does show leaks, I think, so will be hopeful that can be monitored now. All in all, I think there's something wrong with the "brain" in the machine or the SmartCard. Anyone's input or experience is appreciated!!

Thanks!!
Kelvin

Hi,

Have you taken the machine into your DME to have it calibrated since the computer stopped working properly? I wonder if the machine is giving out the right pressure?

-john-

can you post a full detail report you get

are you using a newer version of encore? because there might be things that are in the newer versions your machine can't input

just if you post a full detail report we can compare it to what a Pro 2 produces using an older version of encore pro

if you don't know how to post jpgs' or don't want to try, pm me and I will pm you back an email address where you can send me the report

I have a Pro 2 and a tank APAP so I am familiar with what reports your machine can produce. Others are too.

First I'd try to get the numbers without the SW - by the buttons and on the LCD to see
if the problem is in the machine itself.

There's a sensor in the machine that detects the difference in pressure when you're wearing the mask versus just letting the air blow free into the room (blower hours). It also detects difference in pressure when you are breathing. Most of what you describe is consistent with this sensor being shot. It sounds like as far as the machine can tell you haven't gotten around to putting on the mask in the last 2 1/2 years so of course there's no data. But I'm not sure however how it detects leaks in that case. Maybe there's another sensor or perhaps the presence of leak data means the sensor isn't the problem.

I broke the sensor on a Remstar Plus M (no leak or other data available but probably pretty similar in design to yours) and the machine only recorded blower hours instead of hours of use and cflex and the automatic start feature no longer worked.

If this is the problem the pressure should still be OK. The sensor doesn't control the generation of pressure. But if it were mine I'd have it checked. The DME should do this for you but if they won't you can purchase something to check it yourself at cpap.com and elsewhere.

Please let us know when you find out what is wrong.

In answer to your question most insurance companys will pay to replace a Cpap after 5 years. There are many people selling used Cpaps on the internet and you can find a reliable replacement cheep if you have to wait. At four years you are probably out of warranty and will have to pay for any repairs out of pocket. Most DME's will rent you a Cpap to use while yours if being fixed.

jweeks wrote:Hi,

Have you taken the machine into your DME to have it calibrated since the computer stopped working properly? I wonder if the machine is giving out the right pressure?

-john-

What do you feel is in the calibration? It generates the prescribed 9.0, perfectly. Should the calibration find the dead sensors others have referred to in this thread? 2 different DME's have checked the pressure, only at my request. Nothing awry, each time..... But as others have said, the auto start and plenty other things seem nonfunctional.
KW