PAP Machines Maintenance & Warranties

Maintenance

PAP machines require very little maintenance. The only regular servicing that manufacturers recommend is changing the air intake filter at least every 3 to 4 months. The expected life span of a PAP machine is approximately 7 to 8 years.

Warranty Coverage

PAP machines are covered by a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty. If your machine malfunctions within 3 years of the original purchase date, please bring your machine into our office. We will contact the manufacturer’s support team and take care of your warranty repair or replacement details, while ensuring that your therapy goes uninterrupted by providing you with equipment to use until your equipment is ready.

If your machine malfunctions after the 3-year warranty period, here is what will happen:

• We will provide you with a loaner machine to use free of charge while we send your machine out for repairs in order to prevent sleep apnea treatment interruptions. We do not repair machines in-house.
• You will be provided with a cost to repair estimate prior to any work being undertaken on your machine. You will be responsible for any/all repair charges.

Note that Respironics AVAPS and ASV machines have 2-year warranties.

You can buy an extended warranty for your PAP machine through Pacific Sleep Care at the time of equipment purchase. This warrants your machine to 5 years from the original purchase date.

All PAP machines have an air intake filter. It is vitally important that you change this filter every 3 to 4 months at minimum in order to guarantee the proper working condition of your machine. Filter maintenance will vary depending on the brand of PAP therapy machine you have.

Resmed PAP machine filters cannot be washed and need to be replaced every 3 months or when they become visibly discoloured to a dusty greyish colour. Resmed does make a hypoallergenic filter for allergy sufferers.

Philips Respironics PAP machines have two filters in them. The filter with the darker blue plastic edging is a re-usable pollen filter that can be rinsed then air dried at least twice a month, but should be replaced every 6 months. The optional, ultra-fine filter with the light blue plastic casing fits underneath the pollen filter with the lettering facing away from the pollen filter; it cannot be washed. This ultra-fine filter should be replaced every 3 to 4 months or when visibly discoloured to a greyish-black or brownish colour.

We will send you a package of ultra-fine filters in the mail approximately 3 months after your purchase as a friendly reminder to change your filter.

Maintenance

In order for PAP therapy to be comfortable and work properly, the mask and tubing need to be kept clean and free from rips and tears. Unfortunately, masks do not last forever. The seal on the mask may begin to lose its integrity within 6 to 8 months. It is recommended that you replace your mask every year at minimum.

We offer annual discounts on replacement masks. Most extended health providers will cover this replacement part yearly. Please check with yours.

Common signs that parts of or your entire mask needs to be replaced:

• Seal discolouration.
• Seal becomes soft and floppy.
• Mask leaks start to occur more often.
• The need to pull your straps tighter in order to maintain a good seal.
• You find yourself suddenly taking the mask off during the night.

Warranty Coverage

Masks are covered by a 90-day replacement warranty. If your mask breaks or malfunctions due to a manufacturer’s defect within the first 90 days of usage, we will provide you with a new replacement mask.

Maintenance

Your tubing may develop pinholes or tears in it over time, even with careful use. These problems often occur close to the rubber cuffs. Inspect your tubing every time you clean it. Tubing cannot be repaired. It is a good idea to replace your tubing annually. Most extended health providers will cover this. Please check with yours.

Warranty Coverage

Tubing is covered by 90-day replacement warranty. If your tubing breaks due to manufacturer’s defect, we will provide you with new replacement tubing.

Mask and Tubing – It is recommended that you wash your mask seal daily with a mild soapy detergent such as dish soap. DO NOT USE antibacterial soap. The rest of your mask (mask frame and headgear) and tubing should be washed weekly with a mild soapy detergent. Doing so will increase the lifespan of your valuable PAP equipment.

PAP Machine – Your PAP therapy machine should be kept free of dust and debris to allow for optimal air circulation. Be sure to use ONLY DISTILLED WATER in the water chamber if your machine is equipped with one. Failure to do so may cause a buildup of mineral residue and cause the water chamber to leak.