forgot to empty water - now machine makes a loud noise

Hi -

A visiting family member has a Respironics REMStar Pro M series CPAP machine, and they forgot to empty the water reservoir before packing the machine and traveling. It then went in a suitcase and was in numerous positions, and now the machine makes a loud high pitched whine when it turns on. It gradually gets quieter throughout the night, but it is loud once again at the beginning of the next night.

Anyone know what is wrong? We are pretty mechanically inclined -- is there a relatively easy way to repair it?

Many thanks,
Dave

Electronics and water don't mix. Turn it off and let it dry - use a hair dryer if need be and keep hoping. You are very lucky it didn't just short out.

The machine actually works fine - she has used it for several nights, and it works as usual, except for the noise. It's almost as if it's a squeaky wheel/motor or something, but I cannot imagine 12 hrs of distilled water contact would make any rust. Salt water, sure, but not distilled.

Dave

If you use the hair dryer, just get things a bit warm; not hot. Solid-state electronics and heat do not mix well either.

How loud is loud? I've heard of M-series that whine some - mine does too, but I wouldn't consider it loud. It seems to come and go on mine. I've also read here that some people's M-series started whining after travel with it, even with no water problems. I think they guessed that rough handling did it. But no one said loud.

Those people never 'admitted' it was water. I suspect it was. Altitude alone is not going to cause a problem or didn't with mine. Forgetting the water is a very common problem in the M series which is why they made it so there is a one-way type of valve in the PRS1's.

Dave I suspect it was the water on the motor bearing which is causing the noise. I doubt it is dry inside yet either. Contact the DME for advice.