I just got my Resmed S8 Compact about seven months ago (no small expense, as you all know).  What is the typical life expectancy of one of these machines (assuming you're being a good patient and using it, of course...)?

I would like to hear from people who have "worn out" and had to replace machines.  I just want to know what to expect since I have a new health spending account insurance plan, and would have to pay out of pocket until deductibles are met.

Please note the make, model, and life span of the machine in your reply. Thanks.

Mike


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m_k_rich

m_k_rich wrote:

I just got my Resmed S8 Compact about seven months ago (no small expense, as you all know).  What is the typical life expectancy of one of these machines (assuming you're being a good patient and using it, of course...)?

I would like to hear from people who have "worn out" and had to replace machines.  I just want to know what to expect since I have a new health spending account insurance plan, and would have to pay out of pocket until deductibles are met.

Please note the make, model, and life span of the machine in your reply. Thanks.

Mike

Mike,

It depends on you. They don't respond too well to abuse.

My first machine lasted almost 8 years and in truth I still have it and I believe there is more life in it. I am now 5+ years into my second.

1st machine was a Seafam (French)........taken over by Puritan Bennett.
2nd Machine is a ResMed S7, both basic CPAP machines.......no humidification.

I believe that insurers write them off over 5 years. I seem to remember one contributor here talking about replacing their machine after 12 years use.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Yeah, I retired my first CPAP machine after 12 years and it still works just fine.  I keep it in the original carrying case along with a spare hose and mask as a backup.  My new Fisher and Paykel is SO much quieter than my old machine.  My partner does not hear my CPAP machine or mask.

HOWEVER, not all new CPAPs are quiet.  I have a Puritan Bennett 420G that I bought for travel and I HATE it.  If I put my hand over the end of the hose the machine is very quiet.  The problem is the loud vacuum cleaner noise that comes from the air outlet.  The noise coming from Puritan Bennett air outlet is unbearable when I use my Swift nasal pillows; it is not quite so bad when I use my nasal mask, but it is still loud.  This is my second Puritan Bennett 420G, I returned the first one because it not only sounded like a vacuum cleaner, it also whistled.

even if well looked after some dont last long, I suspect the newer ones arent ment to last as long as the older ones did

WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO CHECK ANY NEW cpAP FOR NOISE BEFORE BUYING, i HAD AN OLDER ONE ONloan with a very strong vacuum cleaner noise that echoed around in my head

My first machine lasted 13 yrs, and while it still worked fine. It was getting noicy. It was a DeBliss, weight a lot and was about foot square in size. No humidifier.
Second one was a Resperonics, for 7 yrs. Still works fine, but the add on humidifier is a pain. If you get the bottom plate on just right it leaks. It's my back up.
 New machine out of pocket is an ResMed S8 Vantage; LOVE it, has all the bells and whistles.  Have had it since Dec.
From what I understand, Medicare says 5yrs for medical equipment and I think most insurance companies follow that quide line.
You still have tp have a RX from your Dr. though.

Here in Ontario. the Assistive Devices program that helps with the cost of a CPAP machine will pay for a new machine after 5 years, if the old one breaks down.  But it has to break down, it's not just replace after 5 years.