Some Sunday entertainment - PB420 dissasembled :)

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 3:40 am

http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/

See item 10 on the menu also for anyone wanting make a case that the PB420+h/h is smaller than an S8+h/h please see item 6

Now that PB420 is just amazing - packs so much wallop with sooo little in it.
This unit is very quiet.

The PB420 power packs are international & thus will work in any country once fitted with a local US-to-local adapter. They can handle 110vac to 240vac.

Although (IMHO) the S8 is smaller, it sure is heavier. Feels like twice the weight of the PB420+h/h combo, but for cute looks, the S8 (IMHO) has the edge

The fan in the PB420 is a fraction of the size of the RemStar etc: fan. But it delivers the air.

Also, I was not able to pull the 2 halves of the PB420 h/h heater base apart (after removing the 4 fastening screws) else photos of inside that would have been included. I may try again at another time.

As for the S8 escape - have had 2 goes at opening it & although I can unscrew the 4 screws that look like they hold the case together (special star-screw type) I just can't get any give between the top & bottom so this is one machine that thus far has me beaten.

Cheers

DSM

#UPDATED: Corrected meaning re pulling PB420 H/H Heater Base apart.
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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Power

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

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 9:57 am

Thanks dsm, that is just wonderful!!!

When I was wondering whether to choose a PB420e (which I did) or a Respironics Remstar, my RT made an interesting comment - and now, that you've taken apart both machines, I'ld love to have your opinion on it:

According to my RT, the PB's motor is weaker than the Remstar's, and therefore, she would not recommend it for people who need high pressure consistently.

Now that you've seen both machines, does that make sense to you?
O.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 10:11 am

Notes to pictures:

33 of 40:this power supply only goes up to 2 amp - piggybacking the heated hose on that kind of a power supply is not such a good idea - before you order a piggyback version of the heated hose, inform sleepzone of the details of your power supply.

34 of 40:
And this site gives you info about plugs arond the world
http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/ ... .htm#plugs
O.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:04 pm

ozij wrote:
According to my RT, the PB's motor is weaker than the Remstar's, and therefore, she would not recommend it for people who need high pressure consistently.

Now that you've seen both machines, does that make sense to you?
O.

My sleep clinic said the same - from taking them apart the Respironics blower looks like a rolls-royce engine & the PB420's like a mini-minor's but looks can deceive.

What does surprise me is the quietness of the little PB420 & that it can deliver the goods as well as it does.

Motors can be decpetive. An inventor here in Australia developed a radical new vacume cleaner engine that was 1/3 the weight of a conventional one & could do (IIRC) 90,000 rpm - quite unbelievable. He proved he could build a better mousetrap.

PB can be very innovative - their PB330 BiLevel weighs just 2.7lbs but can deliver 30cms and can peak at 40cms h20. This is another amazing PB design that flies in the face on conventional wisdom re design.

Cheers

DSM

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 2:53 pm

How do the S8 and the PB 420 compare in size to the F&P you dismantled earlier? It seems like when a humidifier is added, size becomes fairly close, but then it's hard to tell from photos alone. One advantage for travel for the PB might be that the humidifier could be easily removed making it easier to pack for travel? I do need to carry a HH when traveling, or I won't be breathing anything. This inquiring mind would appreciate info regarding relative size, as I also have a F&P and am looking into a second machine for travel and backup and had considered the S8 and PB specifically.

Thanks!

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): humidifier, Travel

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 3:19 pm

I would guess (I will weigh them tonight) that the S8 & an F&P 200 series, weigh about the same. But no doubt about it - the PB420 + h/h are feather weight, which makes this combo a prime carrying device when travelling. The power pack is not heavy either. It could be classified a lightweight device.

The weight of the PB420 also prompted my sleep clinic to say that they had patients who commented that the PB420 was so light that it kept pulling off their bedside table & they had to weight it down or put it on the floor.

Some people have complained about the sound of the PB420 but the one I have is quiet & as we have discussed elsewhere, even two xPAPs of the same model seem to be able to produce different noises & levels of noise.

The S8 (that I have) is generally quiet - maybe a fraction quieter than an F&P221LE. One strange thing that I have never had before but is happening with the S8 & my Mirage Ultra f/f, is that I can hear a faint soft whistle as I breathe out. My wife commented on it at the same time. Not enough to be any problem, just different.

Cheers

DSM

PS# If I was travelling I would choose ...

1) If by car - the S8-3i
2) If by air - the PB420+h/h

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): mirage, Power

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 4:14 pm

That's very helpful - and thorough! What about the size, packed? I've got one airline on this end that insists the cpap go inside my regular carryon. That doesn't leave much room for anything else! I can't break down the F&P, but am wondering if the 420 or S8 would take less room when packed. I don't mind building a little muscle if one is heavier.

Many thanks!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 4:25 pm

For airline travel, it has to be the PB420. The advantage is that the
h/h is featherweight as well & the two are just a bit easier to pack in a carry-on bag that even the tiny S8.

If I were to travel by air with

1) the S8, I would use the ResMed travel bag to hold it and all its accessories

2) PB420, I might try to ferret the bits into my normal carryon bag but perhaps mask & tubes in the checked in baggage.

Cheers

DSM

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 4:38 pm

[quote="dsm"]http://www.internetage.com/cpapinfo/

.

Also, I was not able to pull the 2 halves of the PB420 h/h apart else that would have been included. I may tray again at another time.

DSM

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

My PB420E came with a special tooling for prying the humidifier tank apart. Although I have probably lost it since I never take the tank apart.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Sun Oct 30, 2005 5:40 pm

I was trying to pull the h/h base unit apart (after removing the four screws

Just couldn't get the two halves to open - am guessing the two halves are 'pop clipped' as well as being screwed together and this is always a bummer as one has to know where the pop clips are inside the case else break them off by missing them.

Sorry I didn't spell that out clearer

DSM

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 12:06 am

dsm wrote:I was trying to pull the h/h base unit apart (after removing the four screws

Just couldn't get the two halves to open - am guessing the two halves are 'pop clipped' as well as being screwed together and this is always a bummer as one has to know where the pop clips are inside the case else break them off by missing them.

Sorry I didn't spell that out clearer

DSM

Oh yah, thats a whole different thing. Snap fits are great for manufacturability, but poor for serviceability. The base was probably never meant to be serviced, just tossed if it breaks. But this does not take into account the need for satiating curiousity....

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 11:15 am

2) PB420, I might try to ferret the bits into my normal carryon bag but perhaps mask & tubes in the checked in baggage

I disagree with that. I would only put in my checked in luggage stuff that I wouldn't mind to arrive 24 hours of more after me. Luggage does get lost, and a cpap without mask or tube is worthless.
O.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:14 pm

Ozij,

Yes a good point - I guess the best strategy is to try to fit it all in.

Cheers

DSM

ProfessorSleep · Post by **ProfessorSleep** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 2:21 pm

My first choice would be to not deal with airlines anywhere, but that hasn't been possible.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Mon Oct 31, 2005 3:45 pm

Beth,
When I traveled by air in the States (Dallas to Oakland Ca. and back) in May I had my PB paraphernalia + ticket and passport in the PB bag, my money in a pouch (fanny pack?) and a really small backpack, all these in the cabin with me, and there were no problems. The PB bag is really not much bigger than a big purse.

Packing the 420E was discussed by TX and Janelle on this thread, starting here and continuing on the next page - it might help you. Janelle travels a lot and seems to cram quite a bit into here carry on luggage

O.

Some Sunday entertainment - PB420 dissasembled :)

Some Sunday entertainment - PB420 dissasembled :)

Re: Some Sunday entertainment - PB420 dissasembled :)