My BiPAP making noises

[KimberlyF]

I have a BiPAP machine that is three years old. It's a PR System One BiPAP Bi-flex. It has a heated humidifier. It's been making noises for about 2 months. I took it to a respiratory therapist who said he thought it might be the humidifier so I bought a new heated humidifier and it still makes the noise. It doesn't happen all the time but it's so loud that it wakes me up. I'm worried because I have severe sleep apnea and can't sleep without it. I've never even tried to sleep without it ever since I got it in July 2014.
My health insurance won't pay for a new one until after it is 5 years old. The new health insurance is really selfish and require receipts to prove everything. 
My question is this: 
Can I send my machine to the manufacturer and ask them to check it out a repair it? 
Perhaps I could rent a machine while this one is being repaired. 
I was also thinking: how can I find some local company who fixes these machines? 
I wonder what is the average life of these machines.

Does anyone have any ideas? 

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time.

[richb]

Welcome back to the Apnea Board.  Try and describe the noise.  Is it squealing or hissing for example.  You will get more responses shortly.

Rich

[KimberlyF]

The noise is when I breathe. It sounds like a whine. But it usually does not occur as soon as I start it up. It's after I go to sleep and I wake up because it's so much louder. The whines occur each time I breathe in and out. I go back to sleep even while it's still happening. When I get up in the am it's not making the sound.
Tonight when I go to bed I'll take notice and try to describe it better.
I've tried to touch the humidifier top to stop it but that's not where it's coming from.

[trish6hundred]

Hi KimberlyF,
WELCOME BACK! to the forum.!
Hopefully, you will be able to get your machine fixed.
Hang in there for answers to your question.

[PoolQ]

I don't have that brand so I am shooting in the dark. On mine that happens when I need to clean the seals between the humidifier and the main unit. Make sure they are clean and dry. Any silicone that is used to seal anything. Make sure that none of the seals are distorted or folded over on themselves.

[holden4th]

Mine whines a bit but so did my other PAP machines. It doesn't keep me awake.