Resmed Airsense 10 Projectiles Blown into Nose

[robzombie]

Need Ideas,

Hello everyone, I've been using the resmed airsense 10 auto machine for about 3 years now with a resmed nasal mask.  It has performed well for the first 18 months, then...

About a year ago, while using the device, I felt a particle injected into my nose.  The response was instant:  woke me up, felt the hit, nose started running, sneezing, eye watering, etc.  I made sure I washed the hose and head gear thoroughly.  I though it was a fluke, then...

About a month later, it happened again.  Same thing, some particle was blown into my nose.... thus I quit using the machine for about 9 months.

Starting reusing about 3 months ago, and guess what?  It happened again last week!  I keep looking for a solution.. maybe an in-line filter (i've seen on AZ).  Also, performed maintenance on the unit.  BTW, don't use the humidifier feature (no water in the tank).  Wonder if I should add water (w/o heat), maybe it'll help filter the air.

Talked to my MES, their response was to 'send it in to a authorized repair center.'

BTW, when these events happen, it usually takes me about 3 weeks to recover... taking lots of steamy showers, sucking H2O in to my nose, hoking like a goose, etc.  Frankly I'm not sure if i completely recover from these events.

Thoughts,

RobZombie

[OpalRose]

I agree with the advice given.  Seek out a repair center and have the unit throughly cleaned.

Try Supplier #27 or Supplier #28.

[staceyburke]

Have you replaced the filter at the left side of the machine?

[G. Szabo]

I would not use the instrument until it has been fully inspected. Also, replace the hose, especially if it is a heated one; some plastic debris can originate from there, too.

[robzombie]

Thanks for the feedback,

1.) Yes, the filter opposite end of the water tank has been replaced and area cleaned... it didn't have much dirt on or around it.
2.) Yes, have replaced the hose, too.  Part of my problem with the hose is the off-gas...soaked it in water and baby magic which seemed to do the trick.

3.) Also removed the water tank and removed the 'fat' end of the hose with the electrical connections on it. Didn't see any debris or much dust at all.  Granted it only takes a particle to get caught and blown into the hose and your nose.

Decided long ago not to use the humidifier feature, so have left the tank empty.  In looking at it, seems that I can fill the tank, 'bubble' air, then exit into my non-heated hose.  BTW, inspecting the tank looks clean.

Too bad someone doesn't fabricate a 'air filter' to fit inside the tank.  That'd provide an extra level of filter protection.  Crazy talk:  fill the tank with cotton balls?  You  need something dense.  Natural would be better than plastic!  Almost thinking about thick felt.  You'd need something that doesn't give off microscopic fibers.  I'm afraid I don't know much about natural fibers...

RZ

[G. Szabo]

Amazon sells a bacteria filter that you can insert before your mask. Since bacteria filters increase the flow resistance, you must also notify the Instrument's software. There is an option for this added filter there.

[SarcasticDave94]

I think the big negative on those inline filters is if they happen to get any moisture they'll clog up. This is possibly even with no humidifier additional moisture.

I would also believe that particles of anything being shot out the CPAP machine to be rare, but serious enough to get it checked and repaired or replaced ASAP.

[robzombie]

All good advice,

I'll engineer something up try one of those in-line filters,

What's frustrating (besides the side effects) is... it only happens on average about once every 6 months.

Finally, I'll also look into sending it to a maintenance / repair shop to have it checked out.

Best Sleep!

RZ

[ejbpesca]

I switched DME provider and got a new AutoSet 10 and filters.  The filters looked different than the dozens I've used over many years. They had loose fibers that easily came off the filter.  I took magnified photos of them for the DME to see. I also had hose a hose problem with what the DME first shipped. I got it replaced with a ResMed heated hose.

The DME was shipping low-quality filters and hoses of some unknown brand.  I never used the first shipment of filters, I had plenty of extras and used them until I got the DME to realize the problem.  I would not use the defective filters for fear the fibers may pass through the machine to my mask and me.  Proper filters without loose fibers are now being shipped.

I can only guess as to why the DME was shipping the dangerous filters and low-quality hoses. Maybe a profit margin thing.

[G. Szabo]

You might be interested in reading this: 
Always use a hypoallergenic filter instead of the standard one.