Gritty residue in reservoir and other ResMed 11 problems

[hypopneac]

greatunclebill,

Yeah, I suppose I should just swap out the reservoir and hose.  I'll call VA DALC to get another pair first; they supplied a spare set but I always want to have one of everything in reserve.  Maybe a result of the military training - I'm sure you can relate, lol.

You and I were on AD same time, but I didn't stay as a career.  AD 1969-1971, 1LT O-2, discharged from reserves as CPT O-3.  Thanks for your lengthy career of USAF service.

[DancesWithCats]

Not sure on the 11, suspect it's going to be similar, but on the 10 there's replaceable seals in the machine where the input and exit tube to the mask contacts the reservoir.

Also the whole exit tube is a replaceable part. That can get out of position or simply need to be replaced. Either or both of those could be involved in the difficulty inserting and sealing.

As for the particulates in the reservoir when using distilled water, I'd take a careful look at your intake filter, particularly if it's DME-off-brand "equivalent."

At this point I just cut filters out of N95 masks since my insurance and DME are useless.

If you can manage the change in routine, try leaving your reservoirs out to dry during the day after washing out in the morning, and only filling when getting ready for bed.

[hypopneac]

DanceswithCats,


Good suggestions.  We've just added water every morning to what's left over from the night before.  Maybe we should stop doing that and empty/let it dry out.  I'll look for those seals.  Assumedly you're talking about the small rectangular filter within the access door on the back of the machine.  I don't know of another filter, but that's an air filter not a water filter.

[DancesWithCats]

Yes, that's an air filter. If it's a crappy one like the DME my insurance won't let me change that I no longer use provides, it can not only fail to stop dust, it can shed its own dust into the machine. That dust wlll then pass through the blower and humidifier on its way to you.

Better if it ends up in the water, rather than making it all the way to your lungs. Presumably it isn't helping the blower any...

Pictures here if the link works. https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...D08%2D2023

[Sleeprider]

Reusing water in the humidifier concentrates dissolved solids in the water, as well as any particulate that is transported by the air through the humidifier. Over time, even distilled water can become quite contaminated, and even support airborne bacteria that require water to live and colonize. These bacterial are ubiquitous in the environment, and generally harmless, but can eventually result in a "pink slime" in any humidifier. These bacteria are also common in public water supplies and will colonize wet areas like showers, pools with inadequate disinfection and a CPAP humidifier. Best policy is to change the water every use with tap water, or every-several uses with distilled. Our microbiologist on staff is "Melman", and he likes to remind people distilled water is not sterile.

All devices by Resmed have recommended the use of distilled water in the S9, S10 and S11 series. I have used tap water at my own risk, and occasional extra cleaning needed. There are no mechanical devices downstream of the humidifier, or affected by the use of tap water. Evaporated water vapor from the humidifier is the definition of distilled, so I don't think there is much to be concerned with with most water sources that are suitable for drinking.

[Dennis45]

Hate to be Captain Obvious, but have you looked at the removable tube connectors? See if one is worn. Can you switch them and the canisters to isolate the problems of difficult insertion and leakage? The reservoirs are 6 month replacement items according to Medicare. 

Hope this helps.

[hypopneac]

DancesWithCats,

That's helpful.  I'll check what's going on in that area of the machine later today.  Thanks.

[hypopneac]

Dennis45,

Thanks.  I will start using my backup hose and reservoir and will secure new ones from VA.  My present ones have been in service since April and I DID build up the diameter of the mask end of the hose with tape because it had loosened!  Seems tight now but I might as well replace these parts since they've been in service since my inception of CPAP use eight months ago.

[Dennis45]

I'm not referring to the hose. There is a plastic part the hose attaches to in the machine. If you look into the cavity the canister slides into you will see a grey plastic tab. Press that tab and the assemble the hose connects to will slide out. The coupling the canister slides into will also come out with it. If this coupling is worn or distorted it could be causing your problems. ResMed recommends this part be removed and cleaned weekly. If it is bad, a replacement cost is about $20 bucks. Be sure when you put it back in, it snaps firmly in place as the canister must mate with the coupling.
Sorry I wasn't clearer in my first reply.

[hypopneac]

Dennis45,

Got it.  Will check those components when I get into this later today.  Thanks.