Need cpap help asap

October 23, 2022 9:03 PM

I’m away for the night and forgot the water chamber for my AirCurve 10. I do not have a side cover. When I turn it on it very loudly leaks air where the chamber would be. Can I DIY a fix for this, something I can put there?
posted by mermaidcafe to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Without seeing the device would it work to tape a piece of plastic bag over the space where the air is leaking?
posted by nouvelle-personne at 9:05 PM on October 23, 2022

Response by poster: Thanks! Apparently the space where it’s leaking is necessary for it to get to my mask so I may be SOL.
posted by mermaidcafe at 9:21 PM on October 23, 2022

You might find this discussion helpful

was as able to rig the upper lid with a corner of a ziploc bag and some electrical tape. Should last til I get home....

The problem, as you've figured out, is the machine pumps air into the water tank; if it's not sealed off the air won't flow back into the machine and to your tube. I think anything that seals the space will probably work temporarily. ResMed actually sells a replacement for the water tank that holds no water, it's just a little pipe connecting the two holes in the tank chamber. Not useful to you tonight but maybe that's helpful to know.
posted by Nelson at 10:35 PM on October 23, 2022

I would use wide packaging tape for the night(s) until you get home.

You really want to close up the end completely, so that all of the air that goes into the chamber will get pushed up the hose. So basically anything that closes off the vacant chamber with a good seal should do it.

(I have an AirSense10, also by ResMed, FWIW. I am astounded how loud it is when there is any leak of air along the path!)
posted by wenestvedt at 6:21 AM on October 24, 2022

Tape the end up with duct tape or packing tape. Don't forget to also turn off the humidifier in the settings so it doesn't try to heat your non-existent chamber!
posted by ArgentCorvid at 10:52 AM on October 24, 2022 [1 favorite]