Life of an AirMini

[Columbiabill]

From what I read you are supposed to replace your machine every 5 years or so.  I bought my AirMini in March of 2020 because I was traveling a lot for work.  We all know what ended up happening after March.  In June the Dreamstation was recalled so I began using my AirMini as my permanent machine until I was able to buy an AirSense 10 for cash in December of 21 due to the shortage of machines.  How do I know when I will need to replace my AirMini?  Will I get a message on the app that it needs to be replaced?  is there a number of hours that I should use?  I believe that I read somewhere that at 21,000 hours my Airsense 10 will need to be replaced or that it gives you a message telling you that your motor is on its last legs.  I was just wondering if my AirMini would do the same.  Thank you.

[JCinPA]

I actually do not know the answer to your specific question, but I do know the blower motor in the new AirSense 11 and the AirMini are the same. Of course, they are in the business of selling machines, but ResMed says machines last 3-5 years. Folks here routinely get 7-10 years out of an AirSense 10 machine, mine is well over 17,000 hours now and still going strong.

Assuming the AirSense 11/AirMini blowers will last at least 5 years, and you've used yours for something like 1 1/2 years (approximately), if you're just using it for travel use again, you should have quite a bit of time left on it. Age, per se, is not the issue, it's usage hours. That being the case, you probably have quite a bit of life left in your AirMini. There is no humidification heating with that machine, so the only thing you really "use" is the blower motor, the electronics are not likely to go bad on you.

Hope that helps somewhat, even though it is not a definitive answer. Even though the new AirSense 11 is a fairly new device, I'd be surprised if it won't go at least 5 years, and I'd have no reason to assume the AirMini won't, also. I love mine, although I've only used it for travel. I have no issues with the proprietary P10 mask and HumidX either, I think for its intended purpose it's a great machine.

Cheers,

John

[Columbiabill]

John, thanks for the feedback.  I love my AirMini for travel and that is my predominate machine of choice when I am on the road.  I was just curious as to the machine life since it really isn't made for permanent use,  though I did use it for almost 18 months daily.  I recently switched to the P10 and absolutely love it as my mask of choice.  I wish I would have stated using it along time ago.  I had to get over some nasal soreness but the use of Aquaphor for the first week inside my nostrils and now Ayr gel before and after use have been a lifesaver.

[JCinPA]

I'm not sure what they mean by "not intended for daily use". Probably the HumidX cartridges would get expensive. It definitely uses the same blower motor as the new AS 11, though, that is confirmed. For me, using it for travel only? It will probably be the only "travel" CPAP I'll need for the balance of my lifetime, whatever that turns out to be.

I just ordered a replacement AS 10 because they are finally getting scarce, and I wanted to continue with one instead of moving to the AS 11. I'll pack my current unit in the case and keep it as a backup, fully intending to get a couple more years out of it after I get 7-10 out of the new unit. The AS 10 is a fantastic unit, IMO, I'm glad I was able to get another, and will hopefully be able to keep using that model into my late 70s.