[Pressure] Runaway Pressure

[Kermey]

Hi all, I have been a CPAP user for a long while now. I am using the Resmed S9 Elite. My air pressure is set to 10. The air blows at full force and I feel it sort of pulsating as though I can't breath against it. I have taken my machine to my service provider twice now and he claims he can't find anything wrong with it. He set the pressure a little lower at 8 and changed the EPR, but it is still the same. I set the pressure at 4, still takes my breath away. All this started happening after having issues with rainout then, my SD card started popping out and I was getting the message that I needed to see my service provider. Any idea what could be causing this. It has been unplugged since Christmas, I really need to get this solved. My provider is no help.
The machine is almost 4 years old and I have another year left before insurance helps with another one.

[justMongo]

Some folks confuse Pressure with Flow. The machine is intended to maintain constant pressure while adjusting flow to maintain that constant pressure.
There have been several ways suggested to gauge the pressure from the blower unit.
One way is to fill the kitchen sink with water; then place the end of cpap hose greater than 10 cm (about 4 inches) into the water; start the blower unit.
No bubbles should appear when the end of the hose is at a depth greater that the set pressure (in centimeters.) Large bubbles should appear as you slowly withdraw the tube such that the depth is less that the set pressure in centimeters. If the machine blows bubbles when the hose end is at a greater depth than the set pressure, the machine is not supplying correct pressure; and likely is maxed out.

Given that a machine service code has already appeared, likely the machine has become faulty.
Perhaps water got into the blower unit and has ruined a sensor (flow or pressure.)

Repairing a 4 year old S9 is probably not cost effective; but, there are several repair facilities on the supplier list (top of page).
They are listed as #27 and #28. You could explore that avenue.

Since you are out of warranty, and insurance will not cover for another year, I suggest looking for an open box special at Supplier #2 on the list.

You will need to fax or email a scan of your prescription to them. Actually, you can get a gently used S9 Elite from them for $299.

[DariaVader]

Make sure you double check with insurance regarding whether a new one will be covered and appeal if they say no. Many Insurance policies now say they cover new machines as "medically necessary"

[trish6hundred]

Hi Kermey,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Good luck to you with getting your machine problems straightened out.
Hang in there for more responses to your post.

[Kermey]

Make sure you double check with insurance regarding whether a new one will be covered and appeal if they say no. Many Insurance policies now say they cover new machines as "medically necessary"

Thanks I will. I was under a different plan when this one was purchased so I may be able to talk the insurance company into a new one since technically this would be the first one they are buying!