Service and calibration for purchased CPAPs

Thanks for the information on this forum. I was diagnosed last week, and without cpaptalk I would have been even more confused than I am. But then I haven't been sleeping well for a few years.

I've decided to skip the DME and order from cpap.com. However, I wonder how much service, calibration, and such these machines need, and where you all get such services. I plan to get a primary machine (probably Remstar Auto) and at some time get a small, non-recording, non-humidified CPAP for travel and backup. Is Respironics service typically provided by the manufacturer? Is there any periodic calibration needed?

I ask partly because it appears anecdotally that if there is a difference in reliability between Resmed and Respironics, Resmed may have been more reliable historically. However, I prefer the Respironics features.

cwsanfor,

The only periodic service that is required is changing the filters which can be done easily. In theory, if you are using the auto, periodic calibration is unnecessary... as long as your set range allows for enough actual pressure to resolve your OAs. I question the real need for periodic calibration anyway. As far as I know, the pressure regulation on the machines is electronic and not mechanical (DSM, correct me if I'm wrong) thus a less likely to become mis-calibrated over time.

BTW, if your machine needs service, no matter where you bought it, they will send it back to the manufacturer.

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): auto

From the Respironice Service Manual for the Remstar Auto and Pro 2. (emphasis is mine)

This chapter provides run-in, calibration, AC current draw testing, and
performance verification procedures for the REMstar Auto with C-Flex and
REMstar Pro 2. Calibration and AC current draw testing are necessary only
when a repair has been made to the unit. However, these procedures may
be used in conjunction with the performance verification to determine
whether or not the unit is functioning properly. Verification shall be
performed at periodic intervals commensurate with hospital or Homecare
Provider guidelines for preventative maintenance, between rentals, or
during normal patient usage.

I would be really interested to know how many of the DME's have the capability to perform the performance verification procedures. Per the service manual the performance verification procedure is also to be performed "when requested".

Handgunner45 wrote:From the Respironice Service Manual for the Remstar Auto and Pro 2. (emphasis is mine)

...However, these procedures may
be used in conjunction with the performance verification to determine
whether or not the unit is functioning properly. Verification shall be performed at periodic intervals commensurate with hospital or Homecare Provider guidelines for preventative maintenance, between rentals, or during normal patient usage.

I would be really interested to know how many of the DME's have the capability to perform the performance verification procedures. Per the service manual the performance verification procedure is also to be performed "when requested".

Yeah, sure. When I spoke with Apria about this very thing after my machine had been in use for over 2 1/2 years I was told, "we don't do maintenance...we sell or rent." It was so typical of their WE DON'T GIVE A S*** ABOUT YOUR THERAPY attitude, and is what led me to complain to my Pulmonologist, and move my business to an independent Respiratory Therapist.

During our very first meeting he gave my machine a thorough going over including a manometer test of my pressure setting. I'll never regret the change to someone who really cares that the patient is getting the correct therapy.

The RT at my DME did verify the initial output of the unit with a manometer. I immagine cpap.com also does this, but I'm not sure. However, you can do this yourself. Manometers are available from cpap.com for about $40 or you can make your own for about $5 (thats if you actually have to go buy the supplies and don't already have them). You shouldn't really need to do this unless you suspect a problem.

I made one to verify the pressure that the loaner my dme initially gave me was putting out appropriate pressures.

As for filters, most units have a fine filter and a coarse filter. The fine filter is disposable and should be changed about once a month. The coarse filter can be washed out and reused I think they recommend washing it out once a week. However, when I asked the DME, they said oh I think insurance covers a new filter about every 6 months. Yeah, I'm gonna wait six months to replace the filter! Not!

This is the only periodic maintenance the xpap devices require. There will be periodic replacement of accessories such as mask cushions, masks, humidifier chambers, hoses, etc. But, you can probably order these easier through cpap.com than you could through a DME.

wow, mine came with 2 of each, and the rt said to replace the paper filter once every 3 months.

I'm pretty sure that I read in my BiPAP auto manual to change the disposable monthly. I did get two of the foam filters, but only 1 disposable. I'm sure it depends on the environment your unit operates in. We run a HEPA air filter in the bedroom, so I'm sure I could go longer than 1 month between changes. But at $13.99 for 6 (internet price, not DME), even if I have to buy them out of pocket, it just doesn't make sense to wait until it "really needs" it. YMMV