#1: Ensure Disposable Patient Circuit (DPC) is fully seated
If not, you may get a misleading “blocked tube” alarm:
#2: Leave a slight “S” bend in the Water Inlet Tube
The tube connecting the sterile water bag to the unit should not be too loose as this may result in kinks, obstructed flow, and a “water out” alarm:
If too tight, this can pull up on the DPC and unseat the circuit. This most commonly occurs when swapping out the water bag. Remember, the entire Volumax machine can slide up or down as needed.
#3: Standby mode is only intended for short pauses
If left in standby mode too long, water condensation occurs in the tube and will be sprayed out the next time you resume therapy. Even worse, water can ingress into the unit and gas supply causing the “general fault” alarm. To prevent water ingress, always clamp the water inlet tube when in standby mode. The delivery tube should also be stored BELOW the unit to prevent water backflow. For longer pauses in therapy, Vapotherm recommends keeping the unit in run mode using the lowest settings.
#4: Heat up at low flow rates
Using the lowest flow rate will get the air up to temperature the fastest.
#5: Don’t remove the DPC when running
Removing the DPC while in run mode will lead to popping noises, grinding, and alarms. Only change out the disposable unit when in standby mode or off.
#6: Stuck with an Error code? Shut down!
If the temperature display becomes an error code (number >50), unplug the unit and press /hold the run/standby button for 3 seconds.
Alarm Table:
So glad you aired this article.
Thank you for sharing this info!