Background and Identification

The REMStar Choice is a nasal CPAP machine made by Respironics for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The serial number and model number of the device can be found on the back of the device and may be either M367500E or M367550E. Some versions of the device include a remote control that allows the user to turn the device on, off, or enable/disable the ramp function.

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Some features of the REMstar Choice include:

  • A ramp function that allows the device to gradually increase the air pressure to the user’s prescription.
  • Reusable and disposable filter options.
  • Portability, including ability to use the device in a motor vehicle with a 12V cigarette lighter plug.
  • An optional remote control.

Respironics is an American medical supply company and subsidiary of Philips. Respironics was founded in 1976 and merged with Philips in 2007. The REMstar Choice was discontinued in the 1990s. Other REMstar products were discontinued shortly before the Philips merger.

Physical Description

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The REMstar Choice is made of gray plastic and has a cylindrical main body with a rectangular tower mounted on the right side. The cylindrical body of the device has a round hatch at the top attached by plastic tabs for accessing the filter. The back of the device has a carrying handle, a voltage selector switch, a power switch, an air outlet, a fuse holder, and an AC inlet. The tower has a triangular button at the top on the front-right corner to toggle the ramp function.

Models

The REMstar Choice comes in two models: the REMstar Choice and the REMstar Choice LS. Manuals for both models can be found on this page. There is little information available about the differences between these models. Both models seem to share the same specifications.

Specifications

CPAP Pressure Range: 2.5 - 20 cm H2O

Filtering Capabilities: A Reusable and an optional 0.3 micron disposable filter.

Pressure Stability: Within ±1 cm H2O with 701/min leak over time and operating conditions.

Physical Dimensions

  • Weight: <6.0 lbs. (2.72 kg)
  • Height: 9.0 in. (22.9 cm)
  • Width: 5.75 in. (14.6 cm)

Electrical Requirements

  • Input Voltage Settings: 115 / 230 VAC; 12-24 VDC
  • Input Voltage Range: 100-130 / 200-260 VAC; 12-24 VDC
  • Power Consumption: The maximum power required to operate a REMstar Choice is 125 VA. The actual power used is dependent on the prescription pressure and usage (breathing) pattern. The lower the patient’s prescription, the lower the power required. Typical requirements are less than 100 VA.

Fuse Specifications

Unit Voltage Setting Fuse Type

115 VAC 800 mA, 5 x 20 mm T Type

230 VAC 400 mA, 5 x 20 mm T Type

Current Requirements: When the voltage selector switch is set to 115 VAC, the maximum steady state current will not exceed 800 mA and is more likely to be 700 mA or less. When the voltage selector switch is set to 230 VAC, the maximum steady state current will not exceed 400 mA and is more likely to be 250 mA or less.

Remote Control Power Requirements: Battery, 9 Volt alkaline.

Power Cord: The power cord supplied with the REMstar Choice is a 2-prong plug because the unit is double-insulated.

Battery Specifications for DC Power Operation

The REMstar Choice unit can be operated in a motor vehicle that has a working cigarette lighter and a fully charged Deep Cycle Battery. For pressures of 11 cm H2O and below, connect the unit to the cigarette lighter using a Respironics DC Cord. For pressures greater than 11 CM H2O, connect the unit to the cigarette lighter using a DC interface module.

  • Warning: the unit must be connected to a system that has a negative ground.
  • Polarity: on the plug end, the outside of the barrel is ground, and the inside is positive. On the cigarette lighter adapter end, the center pin is positive and the outside tab is ground.

At pressures of 11 cm H2O and below, and using a Respironics DC cord to a 12 V battery:

  • Power Consumption: 40 Watts maximum
  • Current Requirements: The maximum current will not exceed 2.5 Amps DC.
  • Battery Size Recommended: 12 VDC Deep Cycle Battery with 30 Amp hour rating (minimum) for 8 hours of use.

Note: For proper operation, the battery voltage should remain above 11.5 Volts for the expected time of use.

At pressures greater than 11 cm H2O, and using a Respironics DC Interface Module:

  • Power Consumption: The maximum power required to operate a REMstar Choice is 80 Watts. The actual power used is dependent on the prescription pressure and usage (breathing) pattern. The lower the prescription pressure, the lower the power required. Typical requirements are less than 50 Watts.
  • Current requirements: The maximum steady state current will not exceed 7 Amps DC. Actual use will vary according to prescription pressure and usage pattern, but it is likely to be 3.5 Amps DC.
  • Battery Size Requirements: Battery Size Recommended: 12 VDC Deep Cycle Battery with 90 Amp hour rating (minimum) for 8 hours of use.

Note: for proper operation, the battery output must not fall below 11.5 Volts. If this occurs, the module will emit a buzzing sound.

Additional Information