Asset life span in a government funded CPAP device program.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To determine the life span of devices in a government long-term continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device loan program.

METHODS

Retrospective review of CPAP devices provided under the Queensland Health Sleep Disorders program in Queensland, Australia, from data recorded in an in-house database that has collected data since 1995. Primary outcomes were hours of use and age of device at end-of-life. Device survival analysis was performed collectively for all devices and for different models. Reasons for device end-of-life were compared between models.

RESULTS

There were 9,222 CPAP devices provided on long-term loan over this period, with asset end-of-life date available in 90%. Median life span was 15,178 hours (interquartile range 8,167-20,296 hours) and 12.4 (interquartile range 7.6-18.8) years. Five percent of devices were condemned in the first 3 years, and 13% of devices were condemned in the first 5 years. There were significant differences in survival patterns between different models, but after correction for run hours, only one model differed (related to manufacturer policy to replace not repair equipment). Reasons for end-of-life differed between models (P < .001) with manufacturer recall, excessive noise and faulty buttons the most common reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

Government CPAP loan programs can develop asset management plans with an anticipated average asset life span of 15,178 hours or 12.4 years; however, they should also plan for the need to replace equipment where earlier failure occurs. Early equipment failures are seen with variability between models, and appropriate warranty periods to cover these early failures should be negotiated with manufacturers.