How long does a CPAP machine last?

[britinjapan]

I bought a resmed CPAP 3-4 years ago, and used it daily. It`s travelled with me and taken a few knocks. Recently I feel that the air pressure and response if I stop breathing deliberately is not like it was before, and the machine is a little `tired`. Any advice on how long a machine lasts, or what checks and other things to do to ascertain if its still in good shape?

Many thanks

[palerider]

I bought a resmed CPAP 3-4 years ago, and used it daily. It`s travelled with me and taken a few knocks. Recently I feel that the air pressure and response if I stop breathing deliberately is not like it was before, and the machine is a little `tired`. Any advice on how long a machine lasts, or what checks and other things to do to ascertain if its still in good shape?

Many thanks

buy, or build, a manometer and test it yourself, or take it to a dme and have 'em give it a test.

manometers are easy to make with an o2 adapter (preferably) and some tubing and a bit of water, there's tutorials here, and other places on the web to make a simple, but effective one.

[HoseCrusher]

If a machine reaches about 15000 run hours, it has probably met its design criteria. It may last longer but that should give you a very rough idea of what to expect.

[Goofproof]

The usual lifespan of a XPAP is 15 minutes to 20,000 hours, they are machines, that's how machines operate, luck of the draw and choice of unit.

The best thing you can do is prepare for failure, buy Murphy one of his own, then he will not be as likely break yours. I have 3, incase Murphy has a friend. My everyday machine has over 16,000 hours on it in 10 years. Yours probably won't go as far. I have 3 Remstar "Tanks" built in 2005, they don't build them like that now U.S.A. Jim

[otrpu]

My first CPAP, Respironics RemStar+ Brick, issued Dec 2003. Borrowed my sisters no longer needed S9 Brick May 2015. The original lasted 12 years. I was so shocked with the improvements, I won't wait that long again. Didn't know what I was missing. Older fellas fight change. Outta git over that.
Cheers,
otrpu

[Wulfman...]

I bought a resmed CPAP 3-4 years ago, and used it daily. It`s travelled with me and taken a few knocks. Recently I feel that the air pressure and response if I stop breathing deliberately is not like it was before, and the machine is a little `tired`. Any advice on how long a machine lasts, or what checks and other things to do to ascertain if its still in good shape?

Many thanks

Interesting.......you have a Philips/Respironics System One humidifier selected in your profile. (they are different companies)

But, as others have said........"Murphy's Laws" apply to these machines and equipment. Have (multiple) spares of everything. If/when something fails, it will be at the worst possible time.


Den

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[britinjapan]

Many thanks! Yes, its a Respironics, just have been lack of sleep that made me write Resmed!

[palerider]

But, as others have said........"Murphy's Laws" apply to these machines and equipment. Have (multiple) spares of everything. If/when something fails, it will be at the worst possible time.

that's why I too, have a spare machine... (which is what I used in the hospital)

[chin strap bob]

My Respironics lasted about 13 years. It started to make a gringing noise, so I figured it was time to get a new machine. I can't believe how much machines have changed since my first machine. The reporting of AHI for my last night's sleep is priceless. And the reporting of leaking is also cool.

[britinjapan]

Any hints as to what to look at in Sleepyheads data to see if there is some issues with a machine getting old or malfunctioning? Thanks

[sc0ttt]

Recently I feel that the air pressure and response if I stop breathing deliberately is not like it was before, and the machine is a little `tired`.

I'm trying to imagine what could go wrong mechanically that would give this result. It's much more likely that a machine starting to fail will make bearing noise, or seize up, or the motor would burn out and stop running completely. I'd be really surprised if the impeller blades were eroded. Maybe the sensors that measure the pressure could go bad - that might give the result you're feeling, that would also show up at a DME test and would indicate a new machine.

It's also possible it's working fine and you're just fooling yourself.

I don't think Sleepyhead is a good diagnostic tool for this problem.

[Wulfman...]

Any hints as to what to look at in Sleepyheads data to see if there is some issues with a machine getting old or malfunctioning? Thanks

Not really. If the pressure is actually less than what it's supposed to be putting out, there MAY be more events. But, the software is going to report the settings of what are in the machine. If it's set for 10 cm., it's going to say 10 cm. in the report.


It's not hard to check the output.

Here's a link to a search I just did to one of the simplest methods. All you need is a ruler, a bucket of water and some way to mark the hose at the specific cm. of pressure.......tape or marking pen. Be sure to set the machine to a straight pressure first.

viewtopic/t109688/search.php?keywords=m ... tomjax&fid


Den

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[palerider]

the system one machines are controlled by a flow sensor, and a pressure sensor, and the microprocessor uses that data to drive the motor at a speed sufficient to generate enough flow to create the desired pressure against the amount of leak, and inhalations and exhalations. (which is why, even at a fixed pressure, you can still hear the fan speeding up and slowing down, though you may have to press your ear to the machine.)

because of this, the microprocessor controlled units tend to either work, or fail catastrophically and just quit working and throw an error code. unless the pressure sensor is going bad.

point being, it's most likely that the OP is just having the "got used to it and don't notice the pressure" anymore syndrome.

[Wulfman...]

the system one machines are controlled by a flow sensor, and a pressure sensor, and the microprocessor uses that data to drive the motor at a speed sufficient to generate enough flow to create the desired pressure against the amount of leak, and inhalations and exhalations. (which is why, even at a fixed pressure, you can still hear the fan speeding up and slowing down, though you may have to press your ear to the machine.)

because of this, the microprocessor controlled units tend to either work, or fail catastrophically and just quit working and throw an error code. unless the pressure sensor is going bad.

point being, it's most likely that the OP is just having the "got used to it and don't notice the pressure" anymore syndrome.

Could be, but he's been a forum member and user for over 3 years. You'd think that sensation would have happened quite some time ago.


Den

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[highstick]

If a machine reaches about 15000 run hours, it has probably met its design criteria. It may last longer but that should give you a very rough idea of what to expect.

Perfect time for me to ask a question I've had...Does it matter if I turn my Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset off each morning after I get up? I have not been because it shuts down automatically, but if that is impacting "run hours", maybe I should be????