Damaged AirSense 11, no heating available

[earlvillestu]

Three nights ago, I turned over in bed, and managed to pull my six-month-old ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet off the table, and it tumbled to the floor. The SD card popped out, and the heated hose came loose from the back of the machine. I reinstalled the SD card and plugged the hose back in. The hose started shaking and making a noise, and after a couple of attempts to get it working, I gave up. Fortunately, I had a new heated hose that I had bought for when this one wore out, and I installed that one. That stopped the noise and shaking, but the display showed a message that the heating feature might not be working. I put the mask back on and went back to sleep, noticing that the air felt colder than normal.

The next night, the machine displayed a different message, indicating that the heating system was not working, and it kept flashing on the screen. I followed the ResMed recommendations for resetting the machine, which did not solve the problem. Clearly, the fall to the floor damaged something internally in the machine. I pulled off the heated hose and installed the unheated hose that came with the machine.

I've now had two nights with the unheated hose, and while I do notice that the air stream is colder while I'm falling asleep, it doesn't bother me that much. Both nights I've had seven hours or so of sleep, an AHI under 0.3 (with no obstructive events), and wake feeling fine -- basically the same results I was getting most nights with the heated hose.

Since the damage to the machine was my fault, I'm sure there's no warranty possibility, and because I'm self-pay, insurance compliance is not an issue. It seems that my options are (1) Shell out $1,000 for a new machine and keep this one as a backup; (2) Just continue to use this one without the heat feature; (3) Send it somewhere to be repaired at my own expense and either try to rent something to use in the meantime, try to buy something used for temporary and backup use, or just go without therapy for awhile. (Whatever I decide, I do plan to get a hose hanger so this doesn't happen again.)

I'd appreciate any advice or insight from y'all.

[Ray4852]

I don't use the humidity and heated hose. if you can live without it, turn it off and use the air only. this machine is still good. you can still use the same hose but you can buy a slim line hose to use with the air only. I use the slim hose. you get one for 15 dollars.

[pisco21]

Well, despite the fact that I did buy a second machine to use as a back-up, as well as traveling, I'm not sure I would go buying a new machine yet. Are you aware that the connector piece on the back of the machine is removable? Removing the humidifier and the hose will allow you to look inside and realize that the connector is a removable / replaceable piece. You might try look there to see if the connection for the hose is somehow damaged or skewed. If the piece itself is damaged, then replace it to see if the new hose can now connect.

Worth a try...

Chances are if it's not that, then it's likely that some connections came loose during the fall and might have to be reconnected or resoldered. If you're brave and handy, you can look into it yourself. If not, (or if like me you don't want to damage a $1,000 machine!), then ResMed must have some repair facilities.

After my wife tumbled her machine twice, I now cinch down the hose to the nightstand so her movement pulls the mask, not the machine.

[Jlfinkels]

Before going for a new one, there are a number of CPAP machine repair companies out there. For example https://acbio.com/cpap-repair/ is one that has had some positive comments.

Keep an eye on LSAT’s postings as he frequently offers new or lightly used machines at very good prices. It never hurts to have a good backup.

[bobsk8]

I would take it to a shop if there is one near buy. It is probably just a connection that either broke or was dislodged when it fell. Shouldn't be difficult to repair.

[Dog Slobber]

Try a warranty claim.

[chunkyfrog]

Try a warranty claim.

Dry it out good first.

[JeffL]

If the hose is long enough, maybe you should consider placing the machine on the floor at night. I've pulled mine off the night stand a couple of times, but mine can only fall a few inched onto the bed. One time it sent the humidifier water up my nose.

[earlvillestu]

Thanks, everyone for the responses. After four nights with no heat and no ill effects, I'm going to stick with it, and perhaps keep my eyes open for a gently used backup machine.

[VinnieBarbarino]

Heck, I did that on the first night! (no damage, though, thank goodness)
I immediately got a 2-door CPAP nightstand (with a hole in the side to feed the hose through) from Wayfair.
I can recommend acbio.com as well if you go the repair route. Good luck!

[earlvillestu]

A CPAP nightstand would be a great idea. But were I to suggest to my beloved spouse that we put such a thing in our antique-furnished bedroom, I know it would be a very short conversation.

[ozij]

A CPAP nightstand would be a great idea. But were I to suggest to my beloved spouse that we put such a thing in our antique-furnished bedroom, I know it would be a very short conversation.

Add an "Antique looking thing with a drawer"?

[booksfan]

A CPAP nightstand would be a great idea. But were I to suggest to my beloved spouse that we put such a thing in our antique-furnished bedroom, I know it would be a very short conversation.

Maybe modify the drawer and/or back of an antique nightstand to hold a CPAP?

[palerider]

A CPAP nightstand would be a great idea. But were I to suggest to my beloved spouse that we put such a thing in our antique-furnished bedroom, I know it would be a very short conversation.

Add an "Antique looking thing with a drawer"?

Buy a new one, hammer some nails in it, beat it with a bicycle chain, hit it with a blowtorch for a bit... POOF, instant antique.

[zonker]

Buy a new one, hammer some nails in it, beat it with a bicycle chain, hit it with a blowtorch for a bit... POOF, instant antique.

lovejoy, is that you?