Figuring out how, when, and where to complete a CPAP repair are some very common issues that we run in to here at CPAPmyway. Not to mention the question of, “Is my CPAP even worth repairing?”. In this blog we are going to detail troubleshooting common CPAP issues, average CPAP repair Costs, where to get your CPAP repaired and how long CPAP repairs take. Let’s dive in.
Is my CPAP Really Broken?
That is a great question and is probably the most important. Believe it or not we are able to troubleshoot a vast majority of CPAP Issues. If you aren’t hearing an alarm or seeing an error message, then it is best to run through a few things first. Below are some quick trouble-shooting techniques to check out before you decide to proceed with the CPAP repair process.
Hearing a popping or crackling noise in your CPAP?
This is one of the issues that we hear the most. In 90% of the cases this is due to water in the CPAP tubing. The water may be so minimal that you don’t even see it. So, take the time to dry the CPAP tube out thoroughly before you write this off. The best way to dry out the tubing is to remove it entirely and drape it over a door for a few hours. You can also empty the water chamber in your CPAP and run it dry for an hour or so to help (this is as long as you do not have features on the CPAP to shut down on disconnect).
Feeling like there isn’t as much pressure as there was before on your CPAP?
This is also a very common concern for CPAP users, and it almost always boils down to one issue… the filter. If you are not changing out your disposable CPAP filter monthly or washing your reusable CPAP filter monthly, then you need to start immediately. If your CPAP motor cannot pull enough air, then it can’t push enough air. Take a look at the filter. It can also be related to a worn blower motor or board issue.
My CPAP motor sounds like it is groaning or making a funny noise
Once again this is almost always due to a lack of maintenance on the CPAP Machine. Usually due to a clogged filter that hasn’t been changed or washed. Please check the filter first. If that isn’t the issue, then there may be more going on and might require a CPAP repair.
My CPAP machine is making a hissing noise or is leaking air
Leaking air noises are almost always fixable in the home. We recommend starting at the mask seal and working your way back all the way to the machine. Carefully disconnect and reconnect each segment starting with the CPAP Mask Cushion to the frame, then to the CPAP tube connection to the mask, then the CPAP Tube connection to the CPAP Machine, then finally the humidifier chamber and connection. Chances are one of these junctions have come loose. It may also be due to a bad mask seal. Replacing the mask seal is always a good bet in this scenario. a $25 fix is way better than 2 weeks without your CPAP only to hear that, “nothing is wrong with your CPAP”. Additionally, make sure to pay extra attention to the water chamber and humidifier area. There are usually a few seals there that can tear or become defective. Those seals are usually replaceable for minimal cost.
How to get a Free CPAP Checkup:
We would be happy to check out your CPAP for free. We will verify that your CPAP is running at the correct setting pressure on a manometer here. We will also verify that all the parts are operating effectively. In many cases a simple part like power supply or water chamber might make all the difference. We will evaluate the CPAP and contact you with our findings. We will send the CPAP back to you at no charge regardless of the outcome of the function test. If you want to send your CPAP in for a Free Evaluation, simply click here to download your return form. Then pack your CPAP carefully and place the completed form inside with the CPAP. Send the package to our office and we will handle the rest.
What do CPAP Repairs Cost?
CPAP Repair can range in cost dramatically. Especially between repair facilities. Luckily there are some options that provide pretty steady pricing levels that we can give you here. The price levels will completely depend on what is actually wrong with the CPAP Machine and what needs to be repaired. Below we have the 4 different “typical” repair cost levels.
Cosmetic or surface level CPAP Repair
These issues are typically due to cracks on the CPAP somewhere or a bad seal on the CPAP somewhere. The typical cost of this type of CPAP repair is about $130, and is pretty quick to turn around.
One major component repair on the CPAP
There are two major components on the CPAP machine. The Blower/Motor and the Circuit Board. If one of these components is in need of repair on your CPAP, then you are looking at around $275-$375 for repair of that part.
Both major components need to be repaired on your CPAP
If you are on a Bipap, Bipap St, or Bipap ASV then repair costs are a bit higher as well. We see most of these repair costs around the $475 mark as well. In this case the cost of replacement is pretty high, so it is definitely worth looking into the repair.
How to get a CPAP repair estimate?
It is actually pretty easy to get an estimate to repair your CPAP Machine. In many cases it is actually free to get a CPAP repair estimate including free shipping to the CPAP repair facility. To make things easy on you we have partnered with a great CPAP repair company. They are a contracted repair facility for almost all major manufactures. That means that if your unit is still under warranty then they can bill the CPAP repair cost to the Manufacturer instead of you. Additionally, this gives you peace of mind that there are no corners being cut on your CPAP repair. To arrange a CPAP repair estimate use one of the following methods to contact them.
Phone- (888) 551-5267. Be sure to let them know that CPAPmyway sent you for your CPAP repair estimate.
CPAP repair time can range significantly at times but is usually pretty steady. On average we see about a 1 week turnaround on the CPAP. Keep in mind that this does not include shipping times. So overall it will be about 2 weeks give or take that you need to plan on being without the CPAP. Of course there are things that can slow down the repair. The things that can slow down repair time on the CPAP are:
Your response time- If you don’t respond then nothing can happen. Be sure to watch out for your repair estimate and respond in a timely manner.
Backorder issues- There are times where the manufacturers get behind. When this happens it can take quite some time to get the parts to repair you CPAP Machine. It can range in weeks to even a month or longer in these cases.
Backups at the CPAP repair facility- There are also times when the repair facility is just behind. This usually doesn’t add on any more than a week or so to the timeline for repair.
Is your CPAP worth repairing?
CPAP repair is only something that should be done when you have considered all the options. Since the shipping to the repair facility and the CPAP repair estimate is free it is worth considering for sure. This is something that only you can answer and there are a few things to take into consideration.
Cost of CPAP repair- If it is going to cost you about as much to repair the CPAP as it would to just buy a new CPAP, then it is probably not worth repairing. Unless you want to get the CPAP repaired so that you have a backup for that new one. Click here to checkout prices on a new CPAP Machine for comparison.
Age of the Broken CPAP- If you CPAP machine is over 5 years old, then it is probably not worth repairing. Generally, CPAP machines will last 5 years, but at that point you will be asking for more issues in the not to distant future. So it is usually better to replace the CPAP machine. Additionally, parts pieces, and download functionalities are discontinued as they phase out older models.
Tech features- Your old CPAP probably does not have the latest and greatest features available to the newest CPAP. Most of the time the newer CPAP machines have great app for tracking your Sleep Results and are much smaller. So, an upgrade may add a lot more value to be considered.
How to get a new CPAP Machine
Buying a new CPAP instead of repairing the old one might be your best bet. In those cases we have some great CPAP options (click here) as well as a really easyCPAP Prescription renewal service (click here) to help as well. You can simply add your new CPAP Machine and the Prescription renewal service to your cart and checkout online. We will get your updated Prescription done and your new CPAP machine shipped in 1 business day. If you have a current CPAP prescription or want your doctor to send one over that is great as well. Simply email your CPAP prescription to cs@cpapmyway.com or have it faxed to 888-603-7379. Then proceed with your new CPAP machine purchase.
Let’s talk about how to fix it and why it happens.
Dry mouth on CPAP is a very common occurrence. It can happen for a few reasons and most of them are easily resolved with some minor changes. Dry mouth while using CPAP might not be just a comfort issue for you. It can be a sign of issues with your therapy and can lead to larger issues if it isn’t corrected.
Why is my Mouth Dry on CPAP?
Here at CPAPmyway we get this question quite a bit. The number one question that we ask back is, “are you on a Nasal or Nasal Pillow CPAP mask?”. This is because more than likely your mouth is dropping open at night while you are using your CPAP. Causing the CPAP pressure to leak out of your mouth. This can affect your therapy pressure and performance of the CPAP as well as your comfort on CPAP. If you are not on a Nasal or Nasal Pillow CPAP mask, then it is probably due to setting issues. Such as Humidity setting, tube temperature or CPAP settings. Most of the time those are easily resolved as well. Let’s look at the specific causes and specific resolutions below.
Causes of Dry Mouth on CPAP
Mouth Leak on Nasal CPAP Mask– As the air is entering your nasal passage and blowing back out of your mouth it can cause significant dryness.
Tube Temperature settings need to be adjusted– As you adjust up humidifier settings the tube temperature can be critical.
CPAP Settings are not correct– Hopefully you haven’t accidentally adjusted any Clinical Settings, but it may be worth considering.
Alternate issues– IE: Medication, or predisposition to dry mouth
How to Resolve Dry Mouth on CPAP
Now that we have discussed potential causes of Dry Mouth on CPAP, let’s go over some resolutions.
1) Correcting Mouth Leak
Mouth Leak is the single most common cause of Dry Mouth on CPAP. It can be resolved in a number of ways. The first step might be to try a Chinstrap or Mouth Strip. The chinstrap is designed to help keep your jaw up and tight so that your mouth stays closed. Click here to check out different options. The Mouth Strips are Band-Aid like seal specially designed to work on your mouth. They will keep it sealed all night. Our favorite currently is the Hush Mouth Strips click (here to view).
If neither of those options correct the dry mouth or you just don’t like those options. Then the best resolution is a full face mask. This will allow you to breathe the humidified air through your nose or your mouth. There are a variety of Full Face CPAP Masks available and many are far more minimal and comfortable than you might imagine. Click here to check out our Full Face CPAP Mask Options.
2) Correcting Humidity Settings
Maybe you are already on a Full Face CPAP Mask or doing just fine on the Nasal CPAP Mask without mouth leak. If this is you and you are still experiencing Dry Mouth on your CPAP, then we should try some Humidity Setting changes. Almost all modern CPAP machines come with integrated Heated Humidifiers. This allows you to add more humidity to the air you are breathing to reduce dryness. In all of these models you can go into your Patient Settings Menu and access the Humidity control. If you are looking for more humidity to resolve the dryness, then you will turn it up. Make sure that you only make slight adjustments so that you don’t overdo it.
If you have adjusted your humidity as high as it can go or you are experiencing excess condensation (rainout) in your CPAP tubing from turning the humidity setting too high, then we need to look into a Heated Tube for your CPAP machine. Most modern CPAP machines have the ability to add in a heated CPAP tube to control the temperature and humidity throughout the length of the tube. This will allow you to add a lot of humidity to the air you are breathing without the excess condensation (rainout) in the tubing. Click here to check out Heated CPAP Tubes. The Heated tubes can be adjusted up as well to increase the ability to add more moisture to the air.
3) Incorrect CPAP Settings causing Dry Mouth
In some cases, if you have not seen a doctor in a while, or you obtained a CPAP Machine from a “non-traditional” source, you may have the wrong settings in the CPAP. In that case you will have to make an appointment with your Local Sleep Specialist to determine what the proper settings should be.
4) You already experience mouth dryness from medication or predisposition.
In these cases, you will always have to consult with your personal doctor. However, you can add a room humidifier to your night stand and make sure to have a glass of water bedside to help battle the Dry Mouth.
As always, we appreciate your feedback. Feel free to reach out to us with questions or concerns that you feel we might can address.
Thanks for checking in!!
CPAPmyway
Travel CPAPs can be a great tool for those of you that are on the road, do some camping, or maybe just want to conserve some of that “nightstand real estate”. The big question is, which one is best for you.
To answer that question you really have to ask your self a few other questions:
What is my Budget?
Prices range considerably for travel CPAPs. For instance the Transcend Mini CPAP starts at $449 while the AirMini starts at $849. You want all the bells and whistles, but you also don’t want to break the bank if you don’t have to. Deciding whether Bluetooth, apps, and accessories are worth the extra money is an important decision up front.
Where do I plan on using my travel CPAP?
If you plan on using your travel CPAP off-the-grid or on onboard a plane, you need to consider models that have available batteries. Most of them do, but not all. If you plan on using it as a primary unit, you should consider whether or not you want your doctor to be able to download your data. Some units require specific software to provide clinical reports. If you plan on traveling overseas you will need to have adapters which are included in some models. Overall a clear understanding of how and where you will be using the Travel Unit will help our Customer Service team point you in the right direction.
Will my Prescription work for a Travel CPAP?
BiPAP, CPAP, Autopap, and the list goes on. Travel CPAPs are currently only geared to work for patients using CPAP or Auto CPAP. That is important because if you are using a BiPAP, ASV, or ST, you should consult with your sleep Dr to see if travel CPAP is an option for you. It may not be.
Overall knowing why you want a Travel CPAP is the most important. Understanding your Travel CPAP goals will make the selection much easier. As always, keep in mind that at CPAPmyway we are happy to discuss all of these options with you by phone, email or chat anytime you’d like. Also feel free to look over the Different Models we offer in our Travel CPAP Section.
Sleep Well!!
Travel CPAPs can be a great tool for those of you that are on the road, do some camping, or maybe just want to conserve some of that “nightstand real estate”. The big question is, which one is best for you.
To answer that question you really have to ask your self a few other questions: