I have an old VAuto from Apria Healthcare...how do I disconnect it from them?

I have a VAuto that they gave me over 5 years ago. Every time I plug it in I start getting text messages and robo calls asking if I need supplies, and telling me that I haven't used the device in so much time. I turned the device onto airplane mode but it still happens. Is there somehow a ping based on the serial number of the device?

I don't use Apria anymore and they kept trying to scam me with billing repeatedly, and the VAuto wasn't the right machine in the first place. I basically want to wipe the device and donate it to somebody in need. Is this possible?

raisedfist wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 23, 2020 10:24 am

I have a VAuto that they gave me over 5 years ago. Every time I plug it in I start getting text messages and robo calls asking if I need supplies, and telling me that I haven't used the device in so much time. I turned the device onto airplane mode but it still happens. Is there somehow a ping based on the serial number of the device?

I don't use Apria anymore and they kept trying to scam me with billing repeatedly, and the VAuto wasn't the right machine in the first place. I basically want to wipe the device and donate it to somebody in need. Is this possible?

Them messaging you for not using it is probably based on them not getting updated info from a machine that is either off, or in airplane mode.

The issue is really Apria though. I had a similar thing happen, and I just called the company and told them to stop contacting me. Problem solved.

You can erase all the past data stored on the machine and restore it factory defaults. Probably won't affect Crapria doing its thing but needs to be done anyway if you are going to get rid of the machine.

The robo calls, etc are tied to the machine's serial number and your personal information when it was first registered to you.
Most likely some computer programming in Crapria that checks with the ResMed website for current usage and when it doesn't find any it triggers the phone calls.
Crapria needs to unregister the machine from you...and getting them to do that...probably have a better chance of it snowing in July in Hell before they do that. I would at least try though just to annoy them....call them up and complain about the spam phone calls and you want them to remove you from their call list. Who cares if they repeatedly check the serial number....just stop the damn phone calls.
If you can get the phone number itself...is it possible to put them on a block list that will actually work if they don't stop?

I read where old machines once no new data is transmitted within a set time frame (3 or 6 months I think) then ResMed stops their side of things but that doesn't stop Crapria from looking and when they find nothing then it triggers the robocalls.

raisedfist wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 23, 2020 10:24 am

I basically want to wipe the device and donate it to somebody in need. Is this possible?

You have to understand how things work.

The device has a serial number, and it has usage data (and settings) on it, that's *all*.

Resmed has a database that says serial# xxyy232325235 is associated with this account... and Apria looks at that account.

So, sure, you can wipe the device, just hit the 'reset to factory defaults' and 'erase data' options and the device is wiped.

Is it still tied to you? yes. because that's not done in the device.

You'll have to do what Slowwriter said and tell Apria to delete you from the Resmed database, and theirs.

palerider wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 23, 2020 11:59 am

raisedfist wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 23, 2020 10:24 am

I basically want to wipe the device and donate it to somebody in need. Is this possible?

You have to understand how things work.

The device has a serial number, and it has usage data (and settings) on it, that's *all*.

Resmed has a database that says serial# xxyy232325235 is associated with this account... and Apria looks at that account.

So, sure, you can wipe the device, just hit the 'reset to factory defaults' and 'erase data' options and the device is wiped.

Is it still tied to you? yes. because that's not done in the device.

You'll have to do what Slowwriter said and tell Apria to delete you from the Resmed database, and theirs.

thank you for that. it was well said and elucidating!

I foolishly gave Apria my debit card number. (My insurance covered EVERYTHING)
Luckily, I used the card at Target during a HUGE data breach.
My credit union changed my card--free.
Apria demanded another card--I asked them to transfer my account to a competing DME.
I have never heard a peep from them since.

Are you saying that the machine is sending data via the modem?

If your machine is from the S10 range... you can disconnect the modem from the motherboard and that way it will never send data anywhere.

There is a youtube video showing how to do that, it takes 10 minutes max to open the machine, disconnect the modem and then close the machine again.
The guy in the video opened things up more than is strictly necessary and struggled to open the case... it will be faster for you.

The video is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCE4n1uKX98

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 23, 2020 1:49 pm

I foolishly gave Apria my debit card number. (My insurance covered EVERYTHING)
Luckily, I used the card at Target during a HUGE data breach.
My credit union changed my card--free.
Apria demanded another card--I asked them to transfer my account to a competing DME.
I have never heard a peep from them since.

My gym tried that bs. Told me I had to give them a debit card/bank account for my monthly membership. A credit card wasn't good enough. I told them I would take my business elsewhere before I gave them access to my checking account. Funny, at that point they decided a credit card was just fine.

+1 on the suggestion to just disconnect the modem. I have done this on a Resmed Airsense 10 Auto, it is not hard and no one will know that the machine is being used at all.

I did no do this writeup but I have used it:

Semi-permanently disabling modem in ResMed Airsense 10
Some reviews of the Airsense 10 have complained about the built-in modem. Putting the Airsense 10 into "Airplane" mode supposedly disables the modem, but then the machine regularly prompts you to exit airplane mode.

As a semi-permanent solution, here is one way to disconnect the modem internally. The process takes just a few minutes, but it does require opening up the CPAP. These instructions are based on an Airsense 10 as sold in the US, containing a CDMA modem-on-a-chip by Telit, model CE910-DUAL.

Required tools:
A Torx T-10 screwdriver.
A plastic scribe(s) for prying the case apart. A credit card or other piece of thin, rigid plastic might substitute. If you are willing to risk causing some damage to the case, a flathead screwdriver could be used instead.

Start by unplugging the Airsense 10 and removing the water tank and hose.

Remove the shiny black front bezel by grasping it at the top and gently prying it off. Fingernails should be sufficient.

Remove the two exposed T-10 screws on the front of the Airsense 10.

On the bottom of the Airsense 10, there are eight screws. Remove only the two screws at the very back of the CPAP, about 3/4" up the side.

On the lower front of the machine gently pry the upper housing FORWARD - there are several clips that run horizontally back into the machine.

On the lower back of the CPAP gently pry the upper housing up and out. Take your time.

Remove the upper housing from the machine.

On the circuit board on the front of the machine, find the SD card cage on the left. Just below it, find a small black connector (edit: mine was a white plug inserted into a black connector) with four white wires running to it. You want to disconnect this gently. I suggest putting something smooth and flat under ALL of the wires and gently lifting up. It should disconnect very easily with almost no force.

You're almost done.

I suggesting testing the machine before reassembling it. Plug it in, make sure it runs. Under the "Options" menu, select "About". You should see blanks in the modem fields.

Put the top cover back on. Proceed gently. You will need to press in on the front edge. Reinstall two screws in the front and two on the bottom. Replace the front bezel.