How often do you run your back-up cpap?

I was talking to a friend (who seems to know about electrical gadgets), and telling him about how my S8 AutoSet II is now my backup. He was quite emphatic that I should run it every few months, for at least 1/2 hour, to keep things lubricated, so they don't "freeze-up" while sitting in the cupboard.

I haven't read that here, and am wondering what everyone's thoughts/opinions are about that. Thanks.

KatieW wrote:I was talking to a friend (who claims to know about electrical gadgets), and telling him about how my S8 AutoSet II is now my backup. He was quite emphatic that I should run it every few months, for at least 1/2 hour, to keep things lubricated, so they don't "freeze-up" while sitting in the cupboard.

I haven't read that here, and am wondering what everyone's thoughts/opinions are about that. Thanks.

Interesting thought. It kind of makes sense. There are moving parts in there and the motion would help keep things lubricated if there is grease in there for such a purpose.

I do have to wonder though what happens to them when they are being stored for shipping and purchase. Seems like it would cause problems with them if it was something to be concerned with.

Before electronics and other goods are packaged and shipped they are, or should be, lubricated and prepared for sitting on the shelf for an idefinite period so that the components will not dry out. However once they are being used that initial protection will deteriorate and unless the item is used occasionally than the lifespan will not be as long, i.e. periodic maintenance on items will lengthen their lifespan. This does not just pertain to electrical items but even to things like car tires, if they are not driven occasionally the lubrication in them will dry out and the rubber will deteriorate. So my suggestion would be to follow the advice you were given or turn it on more often but for not as long a time.

This is why my main back-up does not sit in the closet or on the cupboard self. Mine sits on a table next to my recliner and I run it to take a nap ever so often. I want to know it is going to work if I need it!!

Jerry

I am also interested in this question. Up til now I have only had one CPAP machine. Just this month I purchased two new replacement M-Series CPAP machines while they were still available. I was planning on using my original Remstar Auto as a backup unit for travel etc. as it has about 9000 hours on it. I should be set now for a period of years with these three machines that share the same software requirements for Encore Pro and the SmartCard and reader.

I was then going to alternate between the just purchased M-Series Pro & M-Series Auto c/w A-Flex on a regular basis.

How long do you think the CPAP's should sit packed away without being used? I have been wondering how often to start them up? Would running a few minutes serve any purpose or should they be used for a full night or more of therapy in order to maintain them?


ranman

My only concern with the new ones would be if they sit to long the seals and the diaphrams in the pumps could dry out no matter how well they were packed. If they were mine I would eventually take whichever one I was not going to use all the time out and run it occasionally to keep it from dying out.

I dont have a back up so I hope I wont need one

Just this weekend I pulled my first machine,the S7 Lightweight without humidifier, out of the closet to take on a long weekend trip on Amtrak to West Virginia. Hadn't been used since shortly after I joined here 4 years ago. Still had my original settings - the ones that caused me to give up and quit early on. It did cross my mind a couple times that maybe I should run it now and then, then forgot about it. Guess I'll make an effort to do that now. I've had 2 other machines in between - one I bought used and eventually resold, another was replaced due to the on/off button going bad. This one I kept because of some of the frantic stories I read on here by those who had no backup when the unexpected happened. This past weekend I just changed the settings and surprisingly did just fine without the humidifier. Maybe the rain every day helped with that.

By the way, Amtrak had 2 electric outlets for every 2 seats. Made a mental note in case I ever take a longer trip.

Everything made breaks down over time. Odd's are bearings that are kept dry will last as long as if they were used. Most of the harm comes from moisture, keep your powder dry and most things are fine. I don't rotate my three, I just put them away clean and dry in the cases in a dry area. Rubber and diaphrams will go bad from age whether or not they are used, but their life spands will probably be better than later made units, as things are cheaper made every year. Jim

My backup I always take when I travel or stay in hotels so my backup usually gets used once every 1-2 weeks for a night or two. Although now I have 2x S8's and 1x S9 and I really want to use the S9 all the time due to the data I can get off it, hopefully the S8's will have some good homes soon here in the UK and I'll get another S9 as a backup

I don't have a back-up cpap.

pdean44 wrote:I dont have a back up so I hope I wont need one

Hi,

If you have stable power, and you have a DME handy, or can tolerate a night or two without the machine to wait to have one expressed to your house, then you should be OK. I happen to live on the same block as a major regional power substation, so my power is absolutely great. I have a friend who lives in the sticks up north, and his power is out all the time. Any thunderstorm or blizzard will take him out.

My need for a backup machine was apparent after I nearly ruined my M-Series machine. I was traveling, and I forgot to empty the humidifier. Fortunately, it sat just the right way to keep from spilling. I cannot attempt to sleep without the machine, so I don't want to take the risk of not having a backup machine. In addition, a 2nd machine is handy for traveling...I don't have to tear apart my primary machine and put it back when I am done--I can just grab the backup machine and head out on my trip.

-john-

dave21 wrote:My backup I always take when I travel or stay in hotels so my backup usually gets used once every 1-2 weeks for a night or two. Although now I have 2x S8's and 1x S9 and I really want to use the S9 all the time due to the data I can get off it, hopefully the S8's will have some good homes soon here in the UK and I'll get another S9 as a backup

Yep - same here. Intention is to travel with the S8II but DAMN! The numbers I'm getting off the S9 make me wanna get another one. LOL. Maybe if anyone in Australia wants a S8II I can let them have it at a good price. Next Jan I can get a new blower on my insurance so if I can get some $$'s for the S8II I can then get a S9 cheap.