Problem with ResMed AirSense 10 Autoset

[Bozo]

I agree with Sleeprider.  The A10 is notorious for raising the pressure beyond the set limits when faced with excessive moisture such as a rainout situation or abnormal leakage from the humidifier seal which it senses most likely as a rainout condition. If there is no DME nearby you might post your location and there might be a forum member near you who has an extra to loan you.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't understand how these gizmos work, but would think the machine would see any substantial leak in the humidifier in essentially the same way as it saw it with no seal and refuse to function instead of increasing the pressure above the set point. The unit also is not consistently auto starting and stopping. Inclined to think it's gone berserk, possibly (or maybe likely) due to my makeshift paper towell seal. Thanks again for the help. It is appreciated.

[Bozo]

My best guess is you have an uncontrolled leak at the humidifier and the machine is working overtime trying to compensate.  Call a local DME where you are vacationing and get a new humidifier chamber.  It will be very inexpensive and will fix your problem.

When you get back home, ditch the Soclean.  Kinda worthless.

Thanks for the input. Will attempt that tomorrow. "Kinda worthless"? So, you're tellin me there's a chance?

[Sleeprider]

With regard to the humidifier seal, it is not just a seal on the lid, but also directs the airflow to the outlet tube toward your mask. Without that center-seal, the CPAP has a "short circuit" where the flow generator dumps air into the chamber and eventually finds its way to the tube outlet. With the seal in place, most of the airflow actually gets directed to the tube and some is allowed to enter the chamber. The flow and pressure sensors don't work properly to modulate the CPAP operation when that restriction is not present, so the flow increases uncontrollably. Let's just say the humidifier chamber is a system designed to confine the flow, and it does not work properly when it is simply a large volume space in the circuit. When the humidifier is not used, the optional side-panel seals the airflow and directs it to the tube.

Once you get a new humidifier chamber (about $25) this problem will be fixed and your device will return to normal operation. Take a look at how the flow input and output tubes are mostly sealed together when the chamber seal in in place, and you will see why the machine cannot detect your breathing inputs without that design.

[Bozo]

With regard to the humidifier seal, it is not just a seal on the lid, but also directs the airflow to the outlet tube toward your mask.  Without that center-seal, the CPAP has a "short circuit" where the flow generator dumps air into the chamber and eventually finds its way to the tube outlet.  With the seal in place, most of the airflow actually gets directed to the tube and some is allowed to enter the chamber.  The flow and pressure sensors don't work properly to modulate the CPAP operation when that restriction is not present, so the flow increases uncontrollably.  Let's just say the humidifier chamber is a system designed to confine the flow, and it does not work properly when it is simply a large volume space in the circuit.  When the humidifier is not used, the optional side-panel seals the airflow and directs it to the tube.  

Once you get a new humidifier chamber (about $25) this problem will be fixed and your device will return to normal operation.  Take a look at how the flow input and output tubes are mostly sealed together when the chamber seal in in place, and you will see why the machine cannot detect your breathing inputs without that design.

It certainly makes sense that the humidifier seal is mandatory, as illustrated by the fact that the machine would not even run without it. After I "repaired" with the paper towells, machine appeared to function normally for one night. After that the chaos insued. When I first installed the towells they were very wet in order to get them to conform to shape. Maybe the problems started after they dried out.

At any rate, have contacted local DME supplier who had one reservoir in stock ($20), now just waiting for prescription. Hope that works.

Thanks again for all the insight/suggestions.

[Sleeprider]

A replacement humidifier chamber should not require a prescription. Call before they close and pick up the chamber. You can worry about paperwork later. If they are in complete CYA mode, just get the seal. Only machines and masks require a prescription. Everything else is bureaucracy and not a requirement.

[Bozo]

Replaced humidifier, works great. Thanks again for all the help.

[RedBarron]

Question! What is a DME? I keep seeing it on this board and in the facebook groups?

[mesenteria]

D urable M edical E quipment supplier.

[RedBarron]

That makes sense. Thanks!