[CPAP] Philips Respironics Remstar system 1

[Spencer]

I have had Philips Respironics Remstar system 1 CPAP and humidifier for about two years. During this period I have changed out the CPAP twice and also borrowed 2 loan machines (also Philips). The loan machines worked quite well with the heated climate control tube coming up to temperature circa 30 degrees C at temperature setting 5 and the humidifier at setting 3. Unfortunately the two machines I purchased, performed very differently, if the heated tube came on at all it was for only 5-10 minutes (at the beginning) and then it would then go off for the rest of the night,this resulted in noisy rain out and dry mouth/nose and disturbed sleep. In order to build a case for replacement, I put temperature monitors on the tube close to the mask and I certainly demonstrated that for both the two purchased CPAPs the heated tube was actually turning off and not coming back on, also under similar conditions for the loan machines, the temperature of the heated tube continued to rise to circa 30 deg C and stay on. I plotted the results on a graph.

My theory on the what is causing the problem is that the temperature sensor within the CPAP is not properly calibrated and is in fact reading a higher room temperature than actual. I have sent these machines back and the technicians say that there is nothing wrong with the machines, however I doubt whether they have the necessary equipment to diagnose a temperature calibration problem.

I really need the heated tube to work as it helps break down nasal congestion caused by allergies. Without the heated tube I get very poor sleep and my Doctor has warned me about the long term effects.

Has anyone else had experience with this problem on Philips CPAP machines?

I have also experienced quite a lot of variation in humidifier water consumption, this could also be a room temperature issue however heating the bedroom at night to circa 21 deg C did seem to make any difference.

[trish6hundred]

Hi Spencer,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
I don't know the answer to your question but hang in there, someone who is familiar with your machine will be along to help you.
Much success to you with your CPAP therapy and getting your humidifier problem straightened out.

[DocWils]

Water variation is not unknown, as the humidifier's algorithm takes into account incoming air humidity and room temperature. Once you use the heated hose system, you will see a lot more variance than in the unheated hose system, as that is also brought into account and adjusts accordingly. As an example, when not using a heated hose, my humidifier uses at setting four around a half tank in the night in a room heated to around 25c - when using the heated hose (only in winter for me) at setting 3 it takes around a third of a tank, even though the winter air is far drier. Both are for around 6 hours sleep.

However, you should also check your humidifier settings - there are various settings (System One Humidification On/Off, etc) that tell the humidifier to behave in various ways, and that may be part of your problem.