[Equipment] Rebuild rather than New....

[mkabru]

To the point. I am an old guy who's had sleep apnea for most of my life. I was recently advised to get a new sleep study (for the mere cost of about $2,000 that my insurance will not cover now that I'm retired). I already have a cpap machine that's over 15 years old that worked perfectly, but I got lazy and stopped using it several years ago. (which was A DUMB THING TO DO!). At the time, the cpap machine itself cost over $1,500, without the sleep study. But then I had actual insurance that covered it.

I've completely disassembled my cpap machine and have successfully rebuilt it (after scraping out all the decayed foam inside the air chamber whose purpose I guess was to dampen the noise -- gross!). It worked just fine again for weeks. Then the motor seized up. Of course.

If I can find the right motor for it (it connects to an eight-lead ribbon cable), I can easily install the new one myself. I found masks, hoses, etc. for very cheap on eBay, so other than the motor (slight detail...), I'm ready to go.

Has anyone else tried doing this? I'm sure the manufacturers will scream about someone attempting it, but why waste good technology if you can revive it? It will still do everything it was supposed to do when it was first prescribed for me if only I can find a motor for it.

If anyone can help me find a Respironics motor PN 503001 made in Murraysville, USA, I would really appreciate it. And if anyone else is in the same situation, I'd be glad to help guide you through doing the same thing.

Thanks!
mkabru

[cate1898]

Welcome to the forum mkabru! Glad you found us!

So if rebuilding doesn't work out, look at Supplier #2 who sells open box CPAP machines pretty cheap. Link at the top of the page. They are new, but they even sell used cheap ones they certify is cleaned.

Good Luck!

[justMongo]

You will have a very tough time finding that motor.
You might try suppliers #27 and #28 (see link to "Supplier List" at top of page.) They repair machines. Perhaps they have a motor; but, unlikely.

CPAP machines have come a long way in 15 years. Cate's suggestion about Supplier #2 is a good one.
They will require a prescription; but any doctor can write it -- your primary care doctor can write an Rx for a machine.
(Or, any chance you have your original script -- it's old, but they may accept it.)

There is a member who has implied that he lives near Murraysville; and he socializes with folks from Respironics. He might just be able to get that motor. Perhaps he will post to this thread.

From your profile: CPAP pressure = 50% ? CPAP pressure is measured in cm-H₂O. If you don't know the pressure, you would be better off with an auto CPAP.

[bwexler]

I would strongly recommend updating to a newer auto CPAP like the PRS 1 560 series.
Supplier number 2 is a good option, or there are often folks here with used machines for sale at reasonable or even cheap.
You obviously have no way to know if the old machine was working properly or not.
Get a current machine with free Sleepyhead software so you can monitor your therapy. You may get some pleasant or unpleasant surprises. But you will know what is happening and can fix any problems.

If you are an OLD retired guy, why don't you have Medicare?

[Sleeprider]

A couple ways to approach this. I have purchased nearly new machines off Craigslist at a serious discount ($200 PRS1 Auto model 560, and $350 PRS1 BiPAP Auto 760), both with humidifiers and very low hours. No studies, perfect working condition, and reasonably safe if you meet the seller in person at a public place.

The fact you haven't used a device in a few years does not void your prescription, which may have been for a lifetime. You could ask your non-specialist primary doctor for a new prescription (I assume you know what you need).

You can contact Supplier #30 on the supplier list, and use their complete prescription program which includes an in-home study, physician review and prescription for a fixed price of $400.

With a prescription you can look for the lowest new or used unit that meets your needs at the lowest possible price. Any of the above options will be a whole lot better than trying to rebuild your old unit.

[Sleeprider]

One more: The American Sleep Apnea Association, through the CPAP Assistance Program (CAP), provides help for diagnosed sleep apnea patients who have no insurance, high insurance deductibles, or through financial hardship cannot afford this critical and life saving medical equipment. Any old record or even your old machine would probably suffice to qualify. http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/cpap...ogram.html

[trish6hundred]

Hi mkabru,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck to you with getting your machine fixed, although, you would more likely be better served by the newer technology.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and much success to you with your CPAP therapy and with your machine decision.

[SuperSleeper]

One more: The American Sleep Apnea Association, through the CPAP Assistance Program (CAP), provides help for diagnosed sleep apnea patients who have no insurance, high insurance deductibles, or through financial hardship cannot afford this critical and life saving medical equipment. Any old record or even your old machine would probably suffice to qualify. http://www.sleepapnea.org/resources/cpap...ogram.html

According to their site (link here), patients wanting a "free" used CPAP have to:

1. Pay ASAA $100 to start the process.

2. Print the CAP application form (.pdf) A licensed physician must complete the application on behalf of the patient. The patient is required to sign/witness the Claims & Waiver Form which is included in the printable application form.

3. The used CPAP device is shipped to your doctor's office. (note: you'll likely have to pay your doctor for an office visit ($50-$75 minimum) in order to dispense the machine to you with the appropriate Clinician Settings adjusted for your needs... and if you go to your doctor, they may insist that you get another sleep study if you haven't had one in over 5 years).

I've seen numerous gently-used older CPAP machines for sale by DMEs (like Supplier #2) on the Internet for around $100 (with free shipping). All you have to do is send them the money and a copy of your prescription.

If a patient needs a Auto, Bi-level or ASV, the ASAA program might be more cost-effective for the patient, but if they're looking for just a standard CPAP, seems to me that purchasing one outright on the web would be a better and more hassle-free way to go than the more expensive, time-consuming method that the ASAA is using to give you a "free" CPAP machine.

That would (at least) get you by with some type of CPAP machine, until you could afford a more modern one that records data (or even better is an Auto-CPAP). I think Supplier #2 even has an auto-CPAP on sale for around $150. See this article for which machines are better than others:

http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

[justMongo]

I would strongly recommend updating to a newer auto CPAP like the PRS 1 560 series.
Supplier number 2 is a good option, or there are often folks here^* with used machines for sale at reasonable or even cheap.
You obviously have no way to know if the old machine was working properly or not.
Get a current machine with free Sleepyhead software so you can monitor your therapy. You may get some pleasant or unpleasant surprises. But you will know what is happening and can fix any problems.

* Fixed that for you.

If you are an OLD retired guy, why don't you have Medicare?

Not everyone on US Medicare has part B. That is elective.

[Sleeprider]

Well SuperSleeper, it just goes to show you...never underestimate the ability of the medical mafia to make anything more expensive and inconvenient than it should be. I have a M-Series Auto that is collecting dust in a closet. One of these days I hope to give it to someone that needs it, but I'd probably get a visit from the CPAP cops

I have used the online / Craigslist approach for some time, and I actually have decent insurance, and online was still cheaper than a DME. I have a new policy this year through my wife's work that might be pretty good. I plan to see what getting equipped through REMworks Sleep Store might entail. REMworks is an insurance owned DME supplier specializing in CPAP. Look them up on the net. It looks like a new alternative to the conventional DME.