The pump draws in air from the room, filters it, and pushes it through the system where it is combined with oxygen and sent to the baby.
If the total flowmeter level is low, the CPAP is getting hot, producing a burning smell, or making strange noises – or no sound at all – there could be something wrong with the pump.
First check whether the pump is working at all. You should be able to hear it humming when you switch on the CPAP machine.
If the CPAP machine is powering on (as indicated by the power light) but the pump is not making a sound and there’s no airflow at the outlet, there’s probably an issue with the pump.
With the CPAP machine open, check that the wires are all firmly connected. If everything looks ok, it may be that the pump has overheated and switched off. When we check the filter in the next part, this may resolve the problem.
If the machine isn’t powering on at all, watch Technical film 2.2 – The CPAP machine won’t power on.
If you can hear the pump working but it’s producing a low flow on the total flowmeter and at the outlet port, the issue could be with the filter.
With the CPAP machine unplugged, unscrew the pump mounting plate from the casing and carefully turn it over.
Now, you can remove the filter to inspect it. If it is dusty, you may be able to clean it by tapping it or using an air blower.
If it is very dirty, damp or damaged, replace it with a new filter, reassemble and test the CPAP machine again.
If the pump is still not working well – or not starting at all – you’ll need to replace the whole pump.
To do this, with the CPAP machine unplugged, you’ll need to detach the pump fully. Before you start, make a note or take a photo so you’ll know where to put everything back.
Detach the tubes from the pump. You may need to use pliers if these are connected with zip wires.
Next, detach the two black electrical wires that connect the pump to the power supply module. Unscrew them from the connector block on top of the power supply module.
You can then lift the pump out of the CPAP machine casing.
Place the new pump in position in the CPAP machine.
Screw the pump baseplate in the machine casing.
Connect the two black electrical wires to the connector on the power supply module, matching the positions of the old pump wires.
Securely attach the tubes to the pump, exactly as they were positioned on the old pump.
Reassemble all the other parts of the CPAP machine then switch it on to test that it now works.
