As we know in life, everything doesn’t always run as smoothly as we wish. The same can be said for your CPAP machine, figuring that some issues might end up disabling it. Here are some tips for troubleshooting your broken CPAP machine to get it back up and running.
Verify Your Prescription Is Valid
Before you try to figure out what may be affecting your device, you need to make sure your prescription is still valid. It can be frustrating when you cannot correctly fix things because you moved or are no longer with the doctor who prescribed you your CPAP. Luckily, you may be able to get a prescription online and forego a doctor’s visit altogether. While you might have to fork out a little more money, the convenience and swiftness of the transaction make it a viable option.
Check Your Warranty & Insurance
Once you have your prescription in hand, it’s time to check out the warranty on your machine. If your device is less than two years old, you’ll likely get a replacement free of charge. You may even have a warranty that lasts longer than two years unbeknownst to you, so contacting your provider will bring you some answers. Insurance may cover devices if they are older than five years. This solution may be cost-effective but can take a long time to process.
Testing Your Humidifier
The humidifier is usually the first item to break down for your CPAP. Fortunately, they are one of the least expensive items to repair. You can find the problem by disconnecting your humidifier from the CPAP and directly putting the long hose into the machine. If the device works without the humidifier, you’re in luck because you only need to replace that piece. However, if it doesn’t work, you’ll have to replace the whole CPAP machine.
Another way to fix a potential issue is to replace the water chamber. Due to the chemicals in water, you might have a buildup within the chambers, causing a problem. Cleaning the mechanism in the dishwasher and using distilled water usually keeps things fresh.
Regularly Switch Out Tubes & Filters
It’s not uncommon for your CPAP to lose its juice and reduce your air pressure. If that is the case, replacing filters and tubes will maintain its peak performance. Changing your filter every month and tubes every one to three months will keep everything in pristine condition.
Get a New Power Cord
The last line of defense against a broken CPAP is investigating your power cord. If you try the classic unplug/plug back in method and it still doesn’t work, you might need to replace the entire cable. You can’t prevent simple wear and tear, so it’s worth your while to get a new cord and maybe another one for backup purposes.
Hopefully, these tips for troubleshooting your broken CPAP machine will give you the answers to your questions. If you need a replacement, be sure to check out our CPAP equipment store at CPAPnation to find the best fit for you.
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