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repairing my own machine - Printable Version

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repairing my own machine - bobcrman - 10-01-2014

I have a five year old Fisher&Paykel HC234JHU machine that the fan motor has died in. The shaft bearing is rough feeling and I see no non destructive way to replace it. The control tries to start it three times then goes to service mode.

I have over twenty years experience repairing deivces somewhat simular to this equipment. Have had the motor out a couple of times for reference. But I can find no place that will sell individual repair parts. They all say get a new prescription and a new machine.

That might be good advise, if insurance would help. My Medicare part D is in the donut hole by July every year and I can't afford $870.00 cost, added to my already sky high prescription costs. Thanks to my present situation and our present government administration.

Any ideas for a parts source would be greatly appreciated. BOB

The REMstar Pro in the bio is an old borrowed unit. Trying to adjust pressure on it.


RE: repairing my own machine - trish6hundred - 10-01-2014

Hi bobcrman,
WELCOME! to the forum.!
Hang in there for ideas on repairing your machine, I'm not sure where you could buy the parts to fix it.
Best of luck to you as you continue your CPAP therapy and hopefully, you can get your machine working.


RE: repairing my own machine - justMongo - 10-01-2014

If you are talking about US Medicare... a CPAP machine is not a Part-D item. It's covered under medicare Part-B as Durable Medical Equipment.


RE: repairing my own machine - Mike1953 - 10-02-2014

Just Mongo is correct. U.S. Medicare covers XPAP under Part B. You need to find a DME in your area that accepts Medicare. Just go to 3w's.medicare.gov/ in the space provided type in CPAP supplies and click the go button.

Who's eligible?

People with Medicare who’ve been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for rental of the machine and purchase of related supplies (like masks and tubing). The Part B deductible applies.

Medicare pays the supplier to rent the machine for the 13 months if you’ve been using it without interruption. After you’ve rented the machine for 13 months, you own it.

Medicare will only cover your durable medical equipment(DME) if your doctor or supplier is enrolled in Medicare. If a DME supplier doesn't accept assignment, Medicare doesn't limit how much the supplier can charge you. You may also have to pay the entire bill (your share and Medicare's share) at the time you get the DME.


RE: repairing my own machine - Doc J - 10-02-2014

I bet the parts are quite protected. I like you have been fixing stuff for many years and would want to give it a try. Unless you can find a donor machine with other problems you may be out of luck. And the fan is bound to be the worn item as you know.

Ck around for private sales is where I would go but I'm a rebel and may not be the pc suggestion.


RE: repairing my own machine - archangle - 10-03-2014

If you replace it, get a good data capable PRS1, S9, or A10 machine. Check my signature line for what machines I recommend.

Watch your local Craigslist for a used PRS1 Auto or S9 AutoSet. Maybe settle for a PRS1 Pro or S9 Elite.

Where I live, I'd probably see a good buy within reasonable driving distance once every month or two. YMMV.

Look to pay between $200 and $300 for a good machine. Expect to see a lot of ads for people wanting way too much money for an old crappy machine because they've looked at the bogus DME bills before insurance whacks them down.

The pressure setting instructions should be available from the setup link at the top of the page.

Which REMstar Pro unit do you have?
[Image: which-remstar.jpg]