Up for replacement. Is the S9 any better now?

I got my S9 in the summer of 2010 and had a warranty replacement in 2011 due to the frequent heated hose failure message (which was still a problem with the replacement).

I'm up for a replacement now. I understand that there have been some firmware changes since then and if I replace the machine with a new one of the same model, I'm more likely to have the more recent firmware.

What kind of problems do people have with the more recent s9 models? Would I be better off to look at a different brand this time?

breakfast wrote:I got my S9 in the summer of 2010 and had a warranty replacement in 2011 due to the frequent heated hose failure message (which was still a problem with the replacement).

I'm up for a replacement now. I understand that there have been some firmware changes since then and if I replace the machine with a new one of the same model, I'm more likely to have the more recent firmware.

What kind of problems do people have with the more recent s9 models? Would I be better off to look at a different brand this time?

Do you even know what firmware is? For most it means nothing.

It is just the programs inside the machine that make its calculations, decide what it will do, and log the details.

It's called "firm" ware (as opposed to software) because it is in memory that doesn't get erased when you turn it off and back on. Most of the programs on your regular computer are gone and have to be loaded back from the hard disk or other source.

Older computers (and modern xPAPs are computers) couldn't update their fixed programs easily, but many/most modern machines can be upgraded by upgrading the "firmware".

This won't give a new machine mechanically, but it can in principle change or extend the capabilities just like getting a new version of the operating system for your desktop or laptop computer can change things.

Ford Guy wrote:

breakfast wrote:I got my S9 in the summer of 2010 and had a warranty replacement in 2011 due to the frequent heated hose failure message (which was still a problem with the replacement).

I'm up for a replacement now. I understand that there have been some firmware changes since then and if I replace the machine with a new one of the same model, I'm more likely to have the more recent firmware.

What kind of problems do people have with the more recent s9 models? Would I be better off to look at a different brand this time?

Do you even know what firmware is? For most it means nothing.

I am a programmer, so yes, I would hope that I understand the difference between firmware, hardware, and software.

The machine I was delivered in 2010 had would shut down randomly, whether or not it was in use, stating that it had detected a fault in the heated hose. Even if the machine was not delivering therapy. If it detected a higher temperature than it wanted to see at the cuff, it would shut down and in some cases, completely lock up. Resmed told me that it was a firmware problem and they would replace it under warranty. My DME provided a machine from their current stock that, unfortunately, did not have the firmware update. Instead of bothering with it (and/or them), I left it.

I ask specifically about the firmware because, as I understood it, the problem I experienced with the "heated hose failure" message was related to faulty programming in earlier versions of the firmware. The machine would throw an error message when it erroneously detected an abnormal temperature. As I understand it, this has been fixed in a recent version of the firmware by altering the behavior of the machine when it detects that particular failure mode.

I have not been paying close attention for awhile so I do not know if that firmware update was ever released, if so how long ago it was, and if that ever truly resolved the problem.

So, maybe the better question is, has anyone seen this problem in the last year or so?

You're all responding to a 3 yr old letter!

Julie wrote:You're all responding to a 3 yr old letter!

What are you talking about?....Jan 26 2014 is this year on my calendar.

Was there a letter that went out? I never saw one.

I liked the machine, I just need to know if the kinks are ironed out with the new ones.

I love, love my S9. Had it for about 5 years now. Love it!
And I am not sure about a three year letter? Oh well. Glad it is 2014! Lol!

I doubt there's much real difference to the end user unless you get a lemon machine. I'm not that conviced the percentage of lemons is that much different.

There do seem to be more people who find their newer model S9 machines are noisy and have the honking sound than there used to be.

I would be very surprised if any computer as complicated and subject to improved research and thinking as an APAP or more advanced machine would not need a software/firmware update at least every 3 years or so.

There are bound to find bugs. There is certainly going to be improvements in knowledge based on thousands of people using them and research studies.

The only practical reasons to upgrade the box itself, e.g., the hardware are to either fix physical design issues, offer new physical components, or add new capabilities such as better sensors, more memory, larger firmware space (non-volatile memory for the program), better and faster computer chips, and such.

There are two other likely reasons: Marketing and if the machines (currently) don't have an easy way to "upgrade themselves" or be upgraded at least at the DME (not the manufacturer).

Older personal computers from the early days had no way to update their own firmware. Today, pratically every PC can update itself for the firmware that runs BEFORE the Operating System (Windows, Mac, Linux etc.); the stuff that makes the hardware work and makes it possible for the software to USE the hardware can now be updated as new bugs are fixed and new features are added.

Marketing requires that if Resmed comes out with a new machine then Respironics needs to do that so they won't be perceived as being behind in the technology, and by adding new MODELS they can get people with working machines to "trade in" as car dealers do to have the latest and greatest.

There is also the issue that releasing firmware upgrades has real costs in terms of time and money, not only to produce and distribute them but also liability, testing, support for when it "doesn't work", complaints about the changes, etc.

How many of you have seen a new software upgrade on your computer break existing features that weren't previously a problem? (Whether that was the firmware, the OS, or the application programs you use)?

It is pretty much a given that the folks that program these things are NOT much more capable -- probably less so -- then the folks who program your Smart Phone or Windows etc.

With all the abuse Microsoft takes for bugs in Windows you probably get the idea; and lately my Smart Phone has been crashing MORE often -- something must have been added or updated that changed the reliability.

Upgrades are a two edged sword -- without them bugs never get fixed and new features must wait for the 'next model' but with them, features get changed and new bugs are added.

It's the nature of anything as complicated as software development done by HUMAN BEINGS.

breakfast wrote:The machine I was delivered in 2010 had would shut down randomly, whether or not it was in use, stating that it had detected a fault in the heated hose. Even if the machine was not delivering therapy. If it detected a higher temperature than it wanted to see at the cuff, it would shut down and in some cases, completely lock up. Resmed told me that it was a firmware problem and they would replace it under warranty. My DME provided a machine from their current stock that, unfortunately, did not have the firmware update. Instead of bothering with it (and/or them), I left it.

I ask specifically about the firmware because, as I understood it, the problem I experienced with the "heated hose failure" message was related to faulty programming in earlier versions of the firmware. The machine would throw an error message when it erroneously detected an abnormal temperature. As I understand it, this has been fixed in a recent version of the firmware by altering the behavior of the machine when it detects that particular failure mode.

I have not been paying close attention for awhile so I do not know if that firmware update was ever released, if so how long ago it was, and if that ever truly resolved the problem.

So, maybe the better question is, has anyone seen this problem in the last year or so?

That error code did come up quite often back then.
And ResMed was replacing ClimateLine hoses & even the whole humidifier before it realized there was really nothing wrong with either.

The error code kept coming up because the ClimateLine hose was overheating because it was either run under the covers or the room temperature was very high (usually both).

That specific non-problem WAS fixed by ResMed with a new firmware update.

Apparently, that fix worked, as I have never heard of anyone complain about that problem since.

ResMed has updated the firmware at least a couple of times more since then.

The last firmware update is now up to AT LEAST SX474-0907.

I say "at least" because someone saw a more current version of -1124?? or something like that. Since it was on a more advanced machine, it was thought that update may have applied only to those advanced machines.

I tend to disagree with that, but have absolutely NO substantiation for my belief. In the past, all of the machines seemed to have the same updates issued at the same time.

When you talk to the DME, tell them you will NOT accept a machine with a firmware below X.

I have the original Resmed S9 from 2010 and just recently get a new more recent S9.

The most obvious difference is the much better quality humidifier. The water container now can be easily opened for cleaning while the old one was not designed for opening. You can open the old one but you have to exert special effort and more time.

The new humidifier is well designed although not as good as PR System One. There are some menu changes in the nice colorful control panel too, but I do not remember the details.

The Aussie made ones are much quieter than the Singapore made ones. I would take PR machine over the noisy ones.

cpapernewbie wrote:I have the original Resmed S9 from 2010 and just recently get a new more recent S9.

The most obvious difference is the much better quality humidifier. The water container now can be easily opened for cleaning while the old one was not designed for opening. You can open the old one but you have to exert special effort and more time.

That's just the water tank, not the "humidifier." In theory, the water tank should be replaced every 6 months or so. You can buy them for $35 or so at CPAP.com if your insurance won't provide one cheaper than that.

S9's have the "standard" tank and the better "cleanable" or "dishwashable" tank. In the older models, the standard tank wasn't intended to be opened by the patient, but the cleanable tank has always been openable. I think the cleanable tank is worth it, even if you have to pay out of pocket.

There may be some improvements in the humidifier itself, but nothing as big as the openable water tank.

I received a brand-new Resmed S9 autoset last week and it preforms fantastic. I have it set about 2 feet from my head and cannot hear it. It is extremely quiet. I have not had any problems with it. I can notice a tremendous difference in my therapy compared to my old machine. I absolutely love the S9!!!