Picture yourself getting ready for bed, putting on your CPAP mask and turning on your CPAP machine – then nothing. Yes, your CPAP machine has stopped working. Do you get your tool box out from the garage, call 911, or stay awake all night to avoid rattling the windows with your snoring? The answer is none of these. We repeat – DO NOT open up your CPAP machine and try to fix it yourself. Also, while your CPAP may have greatly improved your quality of life, it is not life sustaining equipment. Here are some simple steps from CPAP Central that may help when you find yourself without a working CPAP machine.
1 – Check Your Water Chamber or Humidifier
When a CPAP machine isn’t working, it can often be caused by a worn out heated element in your humidifier. To check if this is the problem, remove the tube going to the humidifier and connect it straight to the CPAP machine, bypassing the humidifier. Try turning on your CPAP machine again. If it works, then you know that you’ll need to replace the humidifier. If your CPAP still doesn’t work, you may need to replace your entire CPAP machine.
Replacing the water chamber or humidifier is easy because it does not require a prescription. It is also a lot cheaper than replacing the entire CPAP machine if you are no longer under warranty.
2 – Check Your Warranty
When a CPAP machine breaks down less than 2 years after purchasing, you are most likely still under warranty. Checking on warranty status can be done with either your CPAP provider, who should have your prescription on file or by checking with any authorized dealer for Philips Respironics or ResMed.
3 – Check on Copy of Prescription
Another item you will need if replacing your CPAP machine is your prescription. You can call your doctor to obtain a new prescription right away. Your prescription will allow you to easily order another CPAP machine quickly to avoid any more difficult nights.
For more questions on what to do if your CPAP machine breaks, visit Cpapcentral.com. We’re available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. via our live chat.