When to replace a xPAP machine?

Hi, everyone.

I've been on CPAP for 3 years and still on my first machine, a Respironics M Series A-flex, which I purchased out of pocket.

I'm posting this item hoping to get your collective wisdom about when to replace a machine. Any thoughts would be helpful, but I'm especially interested in seeing your answers to these questions:

1) How long has your current machine been in service?

2) How long was your previous machine in service and why did you replace it? (Did it break down, or did you just want a newer, quieter, better machine?)

Thanks for your help!

Ron

p.s. - Since getting comfortable with my cpap therapy and due to working long hours during the school year, I only visit this forum irregularly, but in those first few months, I read everything here religiously, and I have to say my adjustment to life with cpap was so much easier thanks to the advice and support of everyone here. Thanks!

I had my previous machine +9 years and only replaced it because I was getting error codes. The machine was so old that the manufacturer no longer repaired these machines.

If the machine works for you there is no reason to replace it.

Hi Ron.

It's good seeing you post again.
If you haven't gotten a backup machine by now, I'd highly recommend getting one. You just never know when the main one may take a dump. I, um, have "several"......all the same "generation", so everything is interchangeable. They do their job just fine for me and I don't feel that I need the latest and greatest.
You can find very good deals on http://www.cpapauction.com


Den

It seems most insurance companies will replace a PAP about every 5 years but a rare few before then. I've read of a very few hard nosed insurances (or less than truthful DME providers) which won't replace a PAP unless broken regardless how old.

Since I started PAP it seems like the manufacturers, or at least the two major manufacturers Resmed and Respironics, manage to come out w/a new series of PAPs about every 2-3 years. Resmed came out w/the S8s about 2006, the S8 IIs in 2008 and now the S9s in 2010. Respironics came out w/their M Series in 2006 I think and the PR SystemOne series in 2009.

there are 2 schools of thought here

1. majority school: if it ain't broke, do not fix it
use your CPAP until it is broken, as long as it works just keep it

2. minority school: get the best for your health when possible

people in the second group try to get the best treatment within their means and within the available technologies

So what kind of person are you?

Third School of thought, get a spare, so you can be ready for lifes speed bumps, it's worth it to have piece of mind. Usually you can have one replaced when it fails or after 5 years, then deal with the stress of doing without until the problem is resolved.

By getting a backup, you can be stress free knowing you are ready, like Den and I. Jim

Goofproof wrote:Third School of thought, get a spare, so you can be ready for lifes speed bumps, it's worth it to have piece of mind. Usually you can have one replaced when it fails or after 5 years, then deal with the stress of doing without until the problem is resolved.

By getting a backup, you can be stress free knowing you are ready, like Den and I. Jim

I am trying to catch you guys.........I now have five!!!!

Medicare and some insurance companies will replace after five years but they define the five years as starting when you take possision. Medicare makes you rent to own for 13 months so the five years starts after the 13 months so really they will not pay for a new one until six years and 1 month. If they require it to be broken........I can do that too!!!!! I have been wanting to take one apart to see what makes it tick!!

Jerry

My machine is more than five years old. I'm replacing it because I want a newer, quieter, data capable machine.
Somebody said most machines can be replaced when they are 3 to 5 years old. Mine would probably work another five years, but I wouldn't have data to play with.

That makes me minority school. I admire the concept of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but I also love the new and shiny. And when the new and shiny is better for my health, then the old is automatically broke.

However, it will be staying on as backup.