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Isn't Repironics the only manufacturer to design their reservoirs upside down, making sure the water can leak out? I know it's not politically correct to use the phrase "design flaw," but--my gosh--how stupid is that?

Brian Hinther wrote:Isn't Repironics the only manufacturer to design their reservoirs upside down, making sure the water can leak out? I know it's not politically correct to use the phrase "design flaw," but--my gosh--how stupid is that?

Bottom is metal. Needs to be able to sit on the heating element. Heat rises and heats the water. It's sealed. Not a problem if you don't take it apart.....or if you put it back together properly. There's really no need to take it apart.

Den

Brian Hinther wrote:Isn't Repironics the only manufacturer to design their reservoirs upside down, making sure the water can leak out? I know it's not politically correct to use the phrase "design flaw," but--my gosh--how stupid is that?

Brian, as you hopefully know by now, the liquid won't leak without REASON!

If you want an apparatus that positively will not leak (under 'normal' use, wear & tear, etc.), then it would need to be ONE PIECE, and metal, since part of it needs to rest on a heating plate/element.

And then, we'd have someone complaining how "stupid" it was to produce something that we couldn't easily monitor the water level!

What are your ideas on the ideal design? You just may have your answer!

I've posted several times about design flaws in the xPAP machines and related equipment. I believe they all have serious flaws. This is a prime example.

For what it is worth, my ResMed S8 Compact (basic, basic, basic model) has a humidifier chamber that stays assembled. It is Lexan and clear with a level marking, and an apparently stainless steel disc for contacting the heating element. There is a yellow top plug to be used for keeping water in--as in carrying and shaking it filled with soapy water for cleaning. I assume the other S8 models are similarly equipped. The down side is that it is a little troublesome to drain completely.

Link to ResMed Humidifier Site: Choose "Components" Once There

It is tough, easy to carry, cleans well, and sounds a WHOLE lot better in design than the Respironics. Too bad it is made by ResMed considering their internet pricing policy.

Sorry if I got carried away with the "stupid" remark, but my ideal design may be the way birdshell describes the ResMed approach.

It just doesn't make sense to me to have an underwater joint. If you give water a chance to leak, eventually it will. And if that means gluing a stainless plate to the bottom of a seamless plastic chamber to prevent it, why not?

Of course a hinged lid above waterlevel has to seal to prevent air leak, but at least that pesky water wouldn't be trying to ruin the machine, table, floor, etc.

Just my 1.5 cents worth.

Brian,

I too, regret my remark using the word 'stupid'.

That was before I looked at the reference that Birdshell provided - a nice setup I think.

I didn't investigate all of the structures of various heated humidifiers before I purchased mine.
I too, had a horrible accident with an integrated HH - a very slow leak that went unnoticed until the top of my cherry nightstand was warped and covered with the white film. I was able to get rid of the white film, but only time reduced the warping, which is still evident, After that, I used a tray underneath the HH. Then I decided to eliminate that problem and got the HC130, which can be placed on the floor, while the cpap is at a higher level.

It has been a topic here of whether or not to disassemble the HHs. bottom line is DON'T...regardless of make or features.

I hope you've found a resolution.

REGARDING USING FUNNELS TO FILL THE HUMIDIFIER:

I use a LONG one designed for adding oil to automobiles. Leaves little room for error, and I don't need to bend over!