Danger indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
injury.
Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
NOTICE
The information contained in this document is subject to
change without notice.
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT WITHOUT
FIRST READING AND UNDERSTANDING THIS
MANUAL. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO UNDERSTAND
THE WARNINGS, CAUTIONS, AND INSTRUCTIONS,
CONTACT YOUR HOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
OR INVACARE TECHNICAL SERVICES BEFORE
ATTEMPTING TO USE THIS EQUIPMENT -
OTHERWISE SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY
DAMAGE MAY RESULT.
Invacare products are specifically designed and manufactured for use in conjunction with invacare accessories.
accessories designed by other manufacturers have not
been tested by invacare and are not recommended for use
with invacare products.
NOTE: Updated versions of this manual are available on
www.invacare.com.
Invacare® Polaris™EX™2Part No 1110559
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPECIAL NOTES ............................................... 2
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES .................. 5
Oxygen Use Warnings....................................................................... 6
Humidifier Use Warnings.................................................................. 6
Temperature Warnings ..................................................................... 7
Radio Frequency Interference.......................................................... 7
To ensure the safe operation of the Invacare Polaris EX, the
instructions in this manual MUST be followed.
WARNING
SECTION 1 - GENERAL GUIDELINES contains
important information for the safe operation and use of
this product.DO NOT use this product or any available
optional equipment without first completely reading and
understanding these instructions and any additional
instructional material such as Owner’s Manuals, Service
Manuals or Instruction Sheets supplied with this product
or optional equipment. If you are unable to understand
the Warnings, Cautions or Instructions, contact a
healthcare professional, dealer or technical personnel
before attempting to use this equipment - otherwise,
injury or damage may occur.
THIS IS NOT A LIFE SUPPORT DEVICE. It may stop
operating with a power interruption or if a fault occurs in the
product.
A mask MUST be worn during treatment.
The entire mask system, including the air tubing, is intended
for single patient use. NEVER share a mask system with
another patient.
U.S. federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order
of a physician.
The Invacare Polaris EX CPAP system with SoftX MUST be set
up and adjusted by an appropriate professional before it can
be used.
This device is intended for adult use only.
DO NOT expose the air tubing to direct sunlight as the tubing
may harden over time and eventually crack.
Part No 11105595Invacare® Polaris™EX™
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
Exposure to tobacco smoke may result in malfunction due to
tar accumulating in the unit.
NEVER block the inlet filter. Be sure that all curtains,
bedclothes, sheets, etc., remain clear of the inlet filter.
The power cord should be inspected regularly for damage. If
damaged, call qualified service personnel for examination
and repair before using the device.
DO NOT pinch or kink the power cord between furniture.
DO NOT use the Polaris EX CPAP unit if the LCD window
display is erratic. If faulty, contact your home healthcare
provider IMMEDIATELY.
If any signs of malfunction are present, such as a change in
sound, reduction in air flow, odor accompanying air flow,
limited or lack of response to breathing effort, etc.,
discontinue use and contact your home healthcare provider.
EXPLOSION HAZARD - This equipment is not suitable for
use in the presence of a flammable anesthetic mixture with air
or with oxygen or nitrous oxide.
Oxygen Use Warnings
Oxygen is a prescription gas and should be used under the
supervision/direction of a physician. Oxygen can be
administered if ordered by a physician. Your home healthcare
provider can adapt your system for oxygen administration.
Refer to the oxygen system user manual and observe all
cautions, warnings, and instructions regarding safe use of
oxygen.
DO NOT smoke or have an open flame in any room where
oxygen is used.
To prevent oxygen accumulation within the device and tubing
which may create a risk of fire, the oxygen flow MUST be
turned off when the device is not operating.
Invacare® Polaris™EX™6Part No 1110559
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
Humidifier Use Warnings
Invacare recommends using the Polaris EX Heated
Humidifier or the Poseidon™Passover Humidifier. If using
the Poseidon Passover Humidifier or a humidifier not
manufactured by Invacare, it MUST be placed at a level below
the level of the Polaris EX CPAP unit. This will prevent
accidental drainage of water into the unit, which could result
in electrical shock or unit malfunction.
When not in use, water reservoirs should be disconnected
from the unit. Refer to recommended cleaning instructions in
the cleaning procedure in this manual.
If a heated humidifier is used, DO NOT use high temperature
settings which may result in water accumulation in the
tubing. This condition may cause improper operation of the
equipment.
If a humidifier, other than those recommended by Invacare, is
connected to the Polaris EX CPAP unit, the patient circuit
pressure may be different from the therapeutic pressure,
consequently, reducing the effectiveness of treatment.
Temperature Warnings
DO NOT operate the Polaris EX CPAP unit if it has been
exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures. Allow the unit
to adjust to room temperature before using.
DO NOT place the unit near heating or cooling sources such
as radiators, forced air vents, electric heaters, or air
conditioning outlets.
The breathing air flow temperature produced by this device
can be as much as 11°F (6°C) higher than the room
temperature. DO NOT use this product if the room
temperature is warmer than 95°F (35°C).
Part No 11105597Invacare® Polaris™EX™
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
Radio Frequency Interference
Most electronic equipment is influenced by Radio Frequency
Interference (RFI). CAUTION should be exercised with
regard to the use of portable communication equipment in the
area around such equipment.
DO NOT use outdoors or operate where aerosol (spray)
products are being used.
NEVER block the air openings of the product or place it on a
soft surface, such as a bed or couch, where the air openings
may be blocked. Keep the air openings free from lint, hair, and
the like. Blocked openings may cause the unit to shut down.
If the unit shuts down, contact your home healthcare provider
IMMEDIATELY.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, BURNS,
ELECTROCUTION, OR INJURY TO PERSONS:
NEVER use attachments other than those recommended by
the manufacturer. Use this product only for its intended use
as described in this manual. Use this product only under a
physician’s direction.
NEVER immerse the unit in water or any other liquid.
NEVER operate this product with a damaged cord or plug. If
it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged,
or dropped in water, return the product to a service center for
examination and repair.
NEVER place the power cord near or in contact with HEATED
or HOT surfaces.
ALWAYS disconnect the power cord plug before cleaning.
NEVER drop or insert any object into any opening or hose.
NEVER lubricate. This unit is oil-less.
Invacare® Polaris™EX™8Part No 1110559
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
DANGER
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTROCUTION:
NEVER use while bathing.
NEVER place or store product where it can fall or be pulled
into a tub or sink.
NEVER place or drop into water or other liquid.
NEVER reach for product that has fallen into water. UNPLUG
IMMEDIATELY.
NEVER disassemble. Risk of electric shock. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
SPECIFIC TREATMENT WARNINGS
The use of aromatic additives such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree
oil, or mentholated ointments may cause deterioration of the
mask system. NEVER use ointments when oxygen is in use.
If any of the symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
reoccur during the course of your CPAP treatment, consult
your physician.
If you are admitted to a hospital or are prescribed any other
form of medical treatment, ALWAYS inform the medical staff
that you are being treated for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
with a nasal CPAP system. Make sure that your Obstructive
Sleep Apnea (OSA) treatment physician is contacted.
DO NOT stop your CPAP treatment without consulting your
physician.
If you experience any of the following symptoms during the
course of your CPAP treatment, consult your physician
IMMEDIATELY:
•Headache
•Chest pain
Part No 11105599Invacare® Polaris™EX™
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
•Middle ear or sinus discomfort
•Air continually leaking out of the mouth while
sleeping.
•Feeling slightly bloated. Using the delay timer may
help, but contact your physician if symptoms persist.
•Dryness of the nose, mouth, or throat. The use of a
humidifier may help. Contact your physician or home
healthcare provider regarding the types of humidifiers
that can be used with the Polaris EX CPAP unit.
If you experience an infection of the upper respiratory tract,
middle ear, or sinus, you should consult your physician
before continuing your CPAP treatment.
You may experience sneezing, a runny nose or nasal
obstruction, especially during the first few weeks of using
your nasal CPAP system. Consult your physician for advice.
Skin irritation may occur from sensitivity to the material in
the mask or from too much tension in the headgear straps. A
correctly fitted mask and headgear straps will often prevent
skin irritation. If problems persist, contact your physician or
home healthcare provider for advice.
Explanation of the Warning: This CPAP machine is intended
to be used with special masks (or connectors)* which have
vent holes to allow continuous flow of air out of the mask.
When the CPAP machine is turned on and functioning
properly, new air from the CPAP machine flushes the exhaled
air out through the mask vent hole. However, when the CPAP
machine is not operating, enough fresh air will not be
provided through the mask, and exhaled air may be
rebreathed. Rebreathing of exhaled air for longer than several
minutes can in some circumstances lead to suffocation. This
warning applies to most models of CPAP machines.
* Ports may be incorporated in the mask or in connectors that
are near the mask.
Invacare® Polaris™EX™10Part No 1110559
SECTION 1—GENERAL GUIDELINES
At low pressures, the flow through the exhalation ports may
be inadequate to clear all exhaled air from the tubing. Some
rebreathing may occur.
Positive airway pressure devices may allow rebreathing of
exhaled air. To avoid rebreathing, the following should be
observed:
•The mask should only be worn when it is connected to
the CPAP unit and the unit is turned on with the
therapy mode activated.
•DO NOT block, seal, or cover the exhalation ports of
your mask.
Part No 111055911Invacare® Polaris™EX™
SECTION 2—FEATURES
SECTION 2—FEATURES
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 2.1.
NOTE: Check all parts and components for shipping damage. If the
device or any of the system components are missing or damaged, DO
NOT use. Contact your home healthcare provider for further
instructions.
Refer to Accessories on page 38, for details, accessories and
replacement parts available for use with the Polaris EX CPAP
system.
NOTE: A mask and headgear are needed in order to use this system.