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Back Again... - Printable Version

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Back Again... - Duckdog58 - 12-11-2015

And sharing a new experience. Never thought I would be posting about this, but my machine decided to die a fiery death and attempt to take me with it.

Woke up night before last unable to breath at all, and had a mask filled with smoke. I managed to get the mask off, unplug the machine, and am now on albuterol and advair to take the inflammation out of my lungs and bronchial tract.

Not an experience I would want anybody else to ever experience.

To say the least.

Now I am in the midst of searching for a new machine without having to jump through the hoops of another sleep study and dealing with the local suppliers. I did call them, and they would not bill my insurance for a new machine as they said that the company only will pay once, and would happily send my machine off for repairs. Yeah. Like I'm going to trust that machine ever again.

I said no, but that I would just happily pay out of pocket for a new machine to facilitate the least amount of interruption to my sleep. Well, we need a new prescription, then they would overnight the new machine out to have a nurse set it up. Um, excuse me, but I know how to set a machine. No. They HAVE to have a nurse set the machine.

I said never mind.

I have a new machine ordered and will be here in a few days, holiday shipping nightmares notwithstanding.

In the meantime, to add insult to injury, the spare machine I bought last last summer (cleaned but used Respironics 560)) now has decided to show an error message of "service required" and won't turn on.

The first machine that died a fiery death will go in the garbage this morning. The second machine, though, is it worth attempting to have repaired? Where would I send it?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays fellow hosers.


RE: Back Again... - OpalRose - 12-11-2015

Check suppliers #27 & 28 for repairs on backup machine.

Just wondering, how old was your first machine?



RE: Back Again... - Duckdog58 - 12-11-2015

(12-11-2015, 07:13 AM)OpalRose Wrote: Check suppliers #27 & 28 for repairs on backup machine.

Just wondering, how old was your first machine?

Not quite 3.5 years.


RE: Back Again... - justMongo - 12-11-2015

I'm not a fan of lawyers; but they can be useful.
And, since I'm a "I don't get mad, I just get even," type of guy: I'd sic (like a Rottweiler on a burglar) a lawyer on both the supplier and the manufacturer with a threat to sue for selling illegal flame throwers.
The whole nine yards... Injury, pain and suffering...


RE: Back Again... - Duckdog58 - 12-11-2015

(12-11-2015, 07:30 AM)justMongo Wrote: I'm not a fan of lawyers; but they can be useful.
And, since I'm a "I don't get mad, I just get even," type of guy: I'd sic (like a Rottweiler on a burglar) a lawyer on both the supplier and the manufacturer with a threat to sue for selling illegal flame throwers.
The whole nine yards... Injury, pain and suffering...

Probably should. I'd settle for a free new machine. Thanks


RE: Back Again... - Crimson Nape - 12-11-2015

Duckdog58,
With your luck, I hope you didn't buy any Hoverboards.


RE: Back Again... - cate1898 - 12-11-2015

OMG that is scary. Yup, sue their a$$es!

So new machine in a few days. What're you doing in the meantime?


RE: Back Again... - trish6hundred - 12-11-2015

Hi Duckdog58,
,
WELCOME BACK! to the forum.!
Wow, what an experience, I’m sorry to hear about this and hopefully, you will get your new machine soon.
Much success to you as you continue your CPAP therapy.



RE: Back Again... - Sleeprider - 12-11-2015

Duckdog58, do NOT throw out that machine. Your next step is to demand your DME file a report with the Food and Drug Administration, and copy the manufacturer in writing of your complaint. A fire in a medical device is dangerous and needs to be reported to allow the manufacturer to investigate the cause of the problem and take steps to identify if this is a widespread defect. I'm sure you will receive a new machine.

Here is where you can Report an Adverse Event to the FDA. Use the Consumer/Patient button on the right.

If your machine was a Philips Respironics product, then call the customer service line (your DME should do this for you). The corporate number here in Murrysville is (724) 733-0200. Be sure to tell them about the fire/incident, and advise that you have reported the event to the FDA. I suspect they will instruct you to submit the machine through your DME. Ask them to contact the DME on your behalf, or send an email or letter with that instruction in case your DME has any questions about what their legal responsibility is in a case like this. Have your DME contact information available.

You may have an actionable loss that a consumer attorney would love to get his hands on, if you're so inclined. This is clearly a health or life-threatening event that should not occur with a medical device. I hope you will take steps to have it reported and investigated.




RE: Back Again... - Duckdog58 - 12-11-2015

Sleeprider, you are absolutely right. I will definitely do so tonight.