Do they ever break down?

Got my S9 Autoset today and was wondering about the lifespan of these things. Anyone had any of their ResMed's die on them before?

I'm asking cos I got my set from the US and I don't currently live in the US. Hence warranty would be an issue if anything happens to my unit. I hear there's a ResMed distributor here who does servicing, but it costs quite a bit as the unit wasn't bought from the local distributor. Does it need servicing apart from changing of the filters?

They are guaranteed for 2 years. Most US insurances will replace them at 5 years. Many of the older models have lasted well into 10 and even 12 years of use. Whether the newer ones are built as solid and sturdy is another question.

As far as servicing, change those filters and once a year you or someone "qualified" should check the pressure output w/a manometer. Just to make sure it is putting out as set.

My first CPAP, a simple ramp only machine with a mechanical pressure adjustment screw lasted about 13 years, dying just last month. Except for cleaning the filter and a couple of pressure adjustments, it never had any work done on it. I do not expect my S9 Autoset to last near that long simply because they are fair more complex that the older xPAPs. But no one really knoows, since the S9 hasn't been out long enough for any of them to be out of warranty. If I'm lucky, it will last beyond 5 years, but I'll be happy if it makes it that long.

I agree with Slinky's suggestion. Keep a clean filter in it, have the pressured checked once a year, and tackle anything else as it comes up.

Gymrat76, they tend to be pretty durable, but nothing is certain. That's why many of us purchase a "backup" machine, just to have handy in case something goes wrong. While having a backup the same make & model as your primary machine is nice, you might consider getting a different one if you can find one at a good price. You can find machines suitable for backups at cpapauction.com, some other online sources (including ebay, but bid fast because they don't stay there long!) and some lucky folks have found good machines at garage sales or second hand shops. Insurance won't cover the cost of a backup machine, though. You also need to think about having a spare hose & mask. Keep reading here, keep asking questions; we're here to help.

My previous machine was a Sullivan BiPAP (Predecessor to ResMed) with no software readouts that totally died after six years. Perhaps its demise was a coincidence but I was on my first night of vacation at a resort 10,000 feet high in the Montana Mountains. I have always wondered if the device didn't tolerate the added effort of running at altitude, though my DME felt that it simply reached the end of its life.

I was concerned at the prospect of going three weeks without a machine, but my home DME back in Kentucky arranged help from a sister DME in Bozeman, about forty miles away. The replacement machine is a Respironics BiPAP Plus also without software cards. It is now 4 years old with over 10,000 therapy hours and is running well.

TheDuke

Thanks for the feedback guys,

I've only been on CPAP for 1.5 months, and that was one a trial unit from my local DME. Decided to buy the unit from the US cos a similar unit here costs 2x what I would pay if I bought online. Spend the first night with my OWN S9 Auto last nite, got 7.6 hours with a AHI o 2.4

Anyhow from all the replies here, it sounds like it should work well way past the 2 years warranty period so I'm not too worried. Will start thinking about a backup unit if/when I manage to spot a good deal or maybe sometime after the 2-3 year mark.