Respironics Solo User manual

User Instructions
®
®

1
Introduction & Contraindications ............................................... 3
Specifications............................................................................... 4
Warnings & Cautions ................................................................... 5
Unpacking the System................................................................. 6
System Features .......................................................................... 7
First Time Setup ........................................................................... 9
Checking the Voltage .............................................................. 10
Installing the Filters ................................................................. 10
Power Cord ............................................................................. 11
Assembling the Circuit ............................................................ 12
Accessories ................................................................................ 14
Humidifier ................................................................................ 14
DC Power System ................................................................... 14
Carrying Case ......................................................................... 14
Adding Oxygen to the System................................................. 15
Routine Use ................................................................................ 16
Connecting the Circuit ............................................................. 16
Adjusting the Circuit ................................................................ 16
Ramp Button ........................................................................... 17
Turning the System Off ........................................................... 17
Helpful Hints............................................................................ 17
Traveling with the System ......................................................... 18
Routine Maintenance ................................................................. 20
Filters ...................................................................................... 20
Fuses ...................................................................................... 21
Cleaning .................................................................................. 22
Reordering .............................................................................. 22
Service .................................................................................... 23
Troubleshooting ......................................................................... 24
Warranty...................................................................................... 26
Summary..................................................................................... 27
TABLE OF CONTENTS

2
A warranty/comment card should be included with this manual for your
completion. If it is not, contact Respironics’WarrantyAdministrator at
1-800-666-2901 or 1-412-731-2100 to register your equipment and
receive a FREE package of ultra-fine filters.
The Solo and Solo Plus CPAP devices carry a two-year warranty. See
the “Warranty” section of this manual for details.You can extend this
warranty period to three years for $39.95. See the warranty/comment
card for details or call Respironics’Warranty Administrator.
For Information on Sleep Disorders Contact:
American Sleep Apnea Association
2025 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Suite 905
Washington D.C. 20006
Telephone: [phone]
National Sleep Foundation
1367 Connecticut Ave. N.W., Suite 200
Washington D.C. 20036
Telephone: [phone]
Solo™ and Solo™ Plus CPAP Systems are the subject of U.S.
patent #5,239,995. Other patents pending.
Solo is a trademark of Respironics, Inc.
© Respironics, Inc. 1997

3
INTRODUCTION
Intended Use The Solo™ and Solo™ Plus CPAP Systems are part of the Respironics
Great Performers™ series of products for the treatment of adult Obstructive
SleepApnea (OSA) only. The Solo delivers CPAP(Continuous Positive
Airway Pressure) therapy. Your home care provider will make the correct
pressure settings.
When prescribed by your physician, the ramp function allows you to lower
the pressure when you are trying to fall asleep. The air pressure will
gradually increase until your prescription pressure is reached. You also have
the option of not using the ramp feature at all.
Several accessories are available to make your OSA treatment with the Solo
CPAPSystem as convenient and comfortable as possible and to ensure that
you receive the safe, effective therapy prescribed for you.
Read and understand the entire user’s manual before operating this
System. If you have any questions concerning the use of this System,
contact your home care provider or doctor.
IMPORTANT!
Contraindications Studies have shown that the following pre-existing conditions may
contraindicate the use of positive airway pressure therapy for some patients:
• Bullous Lung Disease
• Pneumothorax
• Pneumocephalus has been reported in a patient using nasal
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Caution should be used when
prescribing CPAP for susceptible patients such as those with: cerebral
spinal fluid (CSF) leaks, abnormalities of the cribriform plate, prior
history of head trauma, and/or pneumocephalus.
(Chest 1989; 96:1425-1426)
The use of positive airway pressure therapy may be temporarily
contraindicated if you exhibit signs of a sinus or middle ear infection.
Contact your physician if you have any questions concerning your therapy.

4
Specifications
Dimensions: 10.0" x 5.55" x 4.25" (25x14x11 cm)
Weight: < 5 lb. (2.27 kg)
Temperature: 41 - 104°Fahrenheit (5 - 40°Celsius)
Humidity: 30-75% Non-condensing
Atmospheric Pressure: 83 - 102 kPascals (storage: 50 - 102 kP)
The electrical installation of the relevant room must comply with
IEC requirements.
115-120 VAC / 230-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 0.5 Amax.
12 VDC, 2 A DC max.
Class II, Type BF
Degree of protection against harmful ingress of water: ordinary
(IPXO)
Mode of Operation: Continuous
Fuses: Line Voltage Fuse Type
115 VAC (115-120 VAC) T 315 mA, 5 x 20 mm
230 VAC (230-240 VAC) T 200 mA, 5 x 20 mm
Use only Respironics fuses supplied by your home care provider.
Device Size
Product Use
and Storage
Environment
Power
Requirements
IMPORTANT!
DC Power
Type B
Fuse
Class II
(Double Insulated)
Attention, consult
accompanying documents
!
SYMBOL KEY
®
®
1001 Murry Ridge Drive
Murrysville, Pennsylvania
15668-8550 U.S.A.
®
11, Place Royale
44000 Nantes France
0123

5
WARNINGS & CAUTIONS
• This device is intended for adult use only.
• This device is not intended for life support.
• All CPAP devices have the potential to induce rebreathing of exhaled air.
To reduce this potential, observe the following:
- Use only Respironics circuit accessories
- Do not wear the mask and headgear for more than a few minutes
while the unit is not operating
- Do not block or try to seal the vent holes in the exhalation port
As with most CPAP devices: At low CPAP pressures, the air flow through
the exhalation port may not be enough to clear all of the exhaled gas (CO2)
from the mask. You may breathe in some of the air that you have exhaled.
• Under certain conditions, the temperature of the air flow from this device
can be as much as 18°F (10°C) higher than the air temperature in the
room. Caution should be exercised if the room temperature is warmer than
90°F (32°C).
• This equipment is not suitable for use in the presence of a flammable
anesthetic mixture with air or with oxygen or nitrous oxide.
• To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the electrical supply before changing
the fuses. For continued protection against risk of fire, replace fuses with
those of the exact same type and rating only.
• The instructions in this manual are not intended to supersede established
medical protocols.
• Contact your doctor if symptoms of sleep apnea recur.
WARNING!
Indicates the
possibility for
injury to the user
or the operator.
• U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
• The voltage must be set for proper line voltage
(e.g., North America - 115 V, Europe - 230 V).
• Should the noise level of the Solo change to include unusual or harsh sounds
during operation, discontinue use and contact your home care provider.
• Discontinue using the Solo if any of the parts are damaged.
Replace any damaged parts before continuing use.
• Tobacco smoke may cause tar build-up within
the Solo that may result in the Solo malfunctioning.
• The Solo is powered when the cord is connected to the main supply.
The Pressure On/Off button enables/disables the blower only.
• The Solo must be positioned on its base for proper operation.
Additional warnings and cautions are located throughout this
manual as they apply.
CAUTION!
Indicates the
possibility of damage
to the device.

6
UNPACKING THE SYSTEM
After unpacking the System, check to make sure you have everything shown here:
Note: Solo Plus devices are equipped with a time meter. Solo devices are not.
If any of the above parts are missing, contact your home care provider.
Some Solo Systems may also include one or more of the following
accessories:
• Headgear
• 6 ft. (1.83 m) Flexible Tubing
• Exhalation Port
• Nasal Mask
• Humidifier
• Carrying Case
IMPORTANT!
Solo™ or Solo Plus
CPAP Device
User
Manual
Optional
Ultra-Fine
Filter Pollen
Filters
Power
Cord

7
SYSTEM FEATURES
Air Outlet
Ramp
Button
Pressure
On / Off Button
Signal
Light
Time
Meter (Solo Plus only)
Filters
DC Power
Connector
AC Voltage
Selector
Fuse
Compartment
AC Power
Connector

8
SYSTEM FEATURES
AC Power Connector..........Connect the AC power cord here.
AC Voltage Selector ............ This switch is used to select theAC voltage
(115V or 230V)
Air Outlet ............................ Connect flexible tubing here.
DC Power Connector..........Connect the optional DC power cord here.
Filters ................................... The pollen filter screens out normal
household dust and pollens. This must be in
place at all times when the Solo is operating.
An optional, ultra-fine filter is also included
for more complete filtration of very fine
particles.
Fuse Compartment ............. This holds the AC fuses. Fuses must be
changed if you change the voltage setting for
travel (115 V / 230 V).
Pressure On / Off
Button ................................ This button turns the air flow on or off.
Power Cord ......................... Type H05VV-F.
Ramp Button ....................... This button decreases the pressure to the
minimum pressure setting. When pressed,
the pressure delivered will drop to 4 cm H2O
and then gradually increase to the prescribed
pressure over a 20-minute time period.
Signal Light ......................... The green light signals when the Solo is
powered.
Time Meter .......................... (Solo Plus only) Displays the total operation
time, including up to 200 hours of factory
testing time. Provides resolution to 1/10
hour. Operates only when the airflow is
turned on.
Medical Product Note: For ease at airport security stations, there is a
note on the bottom of the Solo stating that it is
medical equipment. It may help if you also take
this manual with you when you travel.

9
FIRST TIME SETUP
WARNING! Do not use the Solo CPAPSystem until an appropriate
professional adjusts the settings!
To use the system, you will need the following accessories in order to
assemble the circuit. Contact your home care provider to order these
accessories. These items are not packaged with the System because of
the multiple sizes and types available.
• Flexible Tubing -Respironics 6 ft. (1.83 m) flexible tubing with a
smooth inner lumen and a 22 mm inner diameter
• Exhalation Port (e.g., Whisper Swivel®or equivalent)
Note: This is not required if you are using a mask
with a built-in exhalation port.
• Headgear
• Nasal Mask or other equivalent interface
To determine which circuit accessories are best for you, consult with
your doctor or home care provider.
If the Solo has been exposed to either very hot or very cold
temperatures, allow it to adjust to room temperature (approximately
2 hours) before beginning setup.
When operating the Solo System, make sure bedclothes, curtains, or
other items are not blocking the filter cap openings or the vents on the
Solo. Make sure the Solo is away from heating equipment (e.g., forced
air vents, radiators).
Large elevation changes will affect the pressure being delivered
by the Solo. Refer to the “Traveling with the System” section if
you relocate or travel to areas with a significantly higher or
lower elevation.
CAUTION!
CAUTION!
IMPORTANT!

10
1. Verify the voltage selection.Make sure the voltage selector switch
on the back of the unit is set correctly (e.g., United States and
Canada: 115V).
Note: If you change the voltage setting for travel, the fuses must
also be changed.
FIRST TIME SETUP
Checking
the Voltage
AC Voltage
Selector
2. Install the filters in the back of the Solo. The white ultra-fine filter,
included with the System, is optional and can be used in addition to
the pollen filter. The ultra-fine filter is recommended for people who are
sensitive to tobacco smoke or other small particles.
Place one of the pollen filters over the ultra-fine filter. Or, if you are
not using the ultra-fine filter, simply place the pollen filter into the filter
area on the back of the Solo. An extra pollen filter is included for your
convenience. The pollen filter must be in place at all times when the
Solo is operating.
Installing
the Filters
Filter

12
FIRST TIME SETUP
Assembling
the Circuit 4. Assemble the circuit.
a. Connect the tubing to the air
outlet on the front of the Solo.
Air
Outlet Flexible
Tubing
WARNING! In situations where risk of contamination between the user and the
device is high (e.g., sleep lab devices, rental devices, users with
respiratory infections), a low-resistance, main flow King™ bacteria
filter should be placed in-line between the Solo and the circuit.
Air
Outlet
Bacteria
Filter
Flexible
Tubing

13
FIRST TIME SETUP
Assembling
the Circuit b. If you are using a mask with a built-in
exhalation port (e.g., Respironics
Monarch®Mini Mask), connect the
mask’s connector to the flexible tubing.
Mask's
Connector
Flexible
Tubing
If you are using a mask with a
separate exhalation port:
• Connect the exhalation port to
the end of the flexible tubing.
• Position the exhalation port so
that the vented air is blowing
away from your face.
• Connect the mask’s connector to
the exhalation port.
The exhalation port is designed to exhaust CO2from the circuit.
Continuous flow is required for safe operation. Do not block or
otherwise try to seal the air openings on the exhalation port.
If you are using a full face mask (i.e., a mask covering both your
mouth and your nose), the mask must be equipped with a safety
(entrainment) valve.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Mask's
Connector
Exhalation
Port
Flexible
Tubing
Note: The graphic to the right shows
two different types of Whisper
Swivel exhalation ports. Both
ports are interchangeable, but
the one shown on the right is a newer model. Respironics
will no longer manufacture the port shown on the left.

14
ACCESSORIES
Humidifier Humidifiers (e.g., Respironics Oasis™, Pass-over, or Heated) are
available from your home care provider. The humidifiers may reduce
nasal dryness and irritation by adding moisture to the air flow. Contact
your home care provider for additional information.
When using a humidifier, always disconnect the humidifier tubing from
the Solo System when it is turned off. Moisture can build up in the
System and cause damage to the Solo.
If you are using a room humidifier, make sure that it is placed a mini-
mum of 6 feet (1.83 m) away from the Solo.
CAUTION!
You can also use the Solo in a recreational vehicle, boat or motor home with
a 12 volt DC power source. Contact your home care provider for additional
information.
The Solo CPAP System is not intended for use in a mobile environment.
Do not connect the DC Power System while
the Solo is operating on AC power.
Only use the Respironics DC Power System available from
your home care provider. Use of a different system may
cause damage to the Solo or your vehicle.
DC Power
System
WARNING!
CAUTION!
Carrying Case The carrying case holds the Solo and accessories. When traveling by
airplane, the carrying case is for carry-on luggage only. Never check
the Solo through the baggage department.

15
Adding Oxygen
to the System Please note the warnings listed below when using oxygen with the
Solo System.
When using oxygen with the Solo System, turn the Solo on before
turning the oxygen on. Turn the oxygen off before turning the Solo
off. This will prevent oxygen accumulation in the Solo.
Oxygen accelerates fire. Keep the Solo and the oxygen container
away from heat, open flames, or other sources of ignition. Do not
smoke in the area near the Solo or the oxygen.
WARNING!
ACCESSORIES

16
ROUTINE USE
Connecting
the Circuit 1. Connect the circuit. Before each use, examine the flexible tubing
for any damage or debris. If necessary, clean the
tubing to remove the debris. Replace any damaged tubing.
a. Connect the mask to the headgear, following the instructions
included with the headgear. Press the Pressure On/Off button
on the top of the Solo to turn the air flow ON.
b.Put on the mask and headgear, and breathe normally
through your nose.
Adjusting
the Circuit 2. Adjust the circuit.
a. Lie down on your bed and adjust the flexible tubing so it is
free to move if you turn in your sleep.
b.Adjust the mask and headgear until you have a comfortable fit
and there are no air flow leaks into your eyes.
When the air flow is on, the green signal light will go out.
Pressure
On / Off Button

17
ROUTINE USE
Pressing the Ramp button will
reduce the air pressure when
you are trying to fall asleep. The air
pressure will gradually increase
until your prescription pressure is
reached. You also have the option
of not using the ramp feature at all.
3. Press the Ramp button on the
top of the Solo. You can use the
Ramp button as often as you
wish during the night.
Using the
Ramp Button
Ramp
Button
CAUTION!
Turning the
System OFF
Helpful Hints
When using a humidifier, always disconnect the humidifier tubing from
the Solo System when the air flow is turned off. Moisture can build up in
the System and cause damage to it.
4. Press the Pressure On/Off button
on the top of the Solo
to turn the air flow OFF.
Pressure
On / Off Button
• If you want to talk after putting on the mask, use the Ramp
button to reduce the pressure. This will make talking easier.
• Make sure that bedding, curtains, or other items are not blocking
the filter or vents of the Solo. Air must flow freely around the
Solo for the System to work properly.
NOTE! Your home care provider or physician may have decided that ramp is not
appropriate for your therapy. If the ramp function does not work on your
system, contact your home care provider to find out whether or not ramp
was prescribed for you.

18
TRAVELING WITH THE SYSTEM
Packing
the System
Security Stations
Checking the
Power Cord
Changing the
Voltage and Fuses
CAUTION!
When traveling, the optional
carrying case is for carry-on
luggage only.The carrying case
will not protect the System if it is
put through checked baggage.
For ease at security stations, there is a
note on the bottom of the Solo stating
that it is medical equipment.
It may be helpful to bring this manual
along with you to help security
personnel understand the Solo.
If you are traveling to a country
with a line voltage different than
the one you are currently using,
an international plug adapter
may be required to make your
power cord compatible with the
power outlets of the country to
which you are traveling.
If you need a plug adapter,
you will probably need to change the voltage setting
(115 V or 230 V) and the fuses. Change the voltage setting and install
the appropriate fuses into the Solo before traveling. Contact your home
care provider to order fuses. (See the instructions for changing the fuses
in the “Routine Maintenance” section.)
Contact Respironics International Customer Service department at
1-800-345-6443 (in the U.S. and Canada) or 1-412-731-2100 for more
information.
Line Voltage: Fuse Type:
115 VAC (115-120 VAC) T 315 mA, 5 x 20 mm
230 VAC (230-240 VAC) T 200 mA, 5 x 20 mm
Do not use a voltage converter. It may cause damage to the Solo.

19
TRAVELING WITH THE SYSTEM
Changes in
Elevation Elevation changes can affect the pressure being delivered
by the Solo. At elevations less than 2,500 ft. (762 m), the Solo
should be set to the low setting. In areas with elevations of 2,500 ft.
(762 m) or higher, the Solo should be set to the high setting.
To verify the elevation setting:
1. Make sure the Solo is plugged in and the air flow is turned OFF.
2. Press the ramp button once and release it. The green signal light will
flash either one time for the low elevation setting (<2,500 ft.) or three
times for the high elevation setting (≥2,500 ft.).
To change the elevation setting:
1. Make sure the Solo is plugged in and the air flow is turned OFF.
2. Press the ramp button and hold it down. While holding the
ramp button down, press and release the pressure on/off button.
Release the ramp button.
3. Verify the elevation setting. Press the ramp button once and release it.
The green signal light will flash to verify the elevation setting.
one flash - low elevation setting (<2,500 ft.)
three flashes - high elevation setting (≥2,500 ft.)
Ramp
Button

20
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
Cleaning and
Replacing
the Filters
CAUTION!
The gray pollen filter is a reusable filter that screens out pollens and
some household dust. This filter should be cleaned at least once every
two weeks under normal usage and replaced with a new one every six
months. One additional pollen filter is included with the System. The
pollen filter must be in place at all times when the Solo is operating.
The white ultra-fine filter increases filtration of pollens, dust, some
tobacco smoke, and other small particles. The ultra-fine filter is
included with the System, but is optional, and should be used in
addition to the pollen filter. The ultra-fine filter should never be used
without the pollen filter. Replace the ultra-fine filter after 30 nights of
use or sooner if it appears dirty. Do not clean the ultra-fine filter.
Failure to replace or clean a dirty filter may cause the Solo to
operate at higher temperatures and damage the Solo.
To change the filters:
1.Remove the pollen filter by gently pulling around the edges of the
filter. Rinse the filter in a steady stream of running water.
Squeeze out the water and repeat. Air dry on a rack for 8 to 12
hours or in a clothes dryer for 15 to 20 minutes.
2.If you are using the white ultra-fine filter, remove the ultra-fine
filter if it appears dirty and discard. Replace with a new filter.
3.Place the pollen filter over the ultra-fine filter. Insert the filters
into the filter area in the back of the Solo.
The filter must be completely dry before use. Never place a wet filter
into the Solo. We recommend that you clean the filter in the morning
and alternate using the two pollen filters provided with the System to
ensure enough drying time for the cleaned filter.