Philips Respironics · Auto CPAP (APAP)
Philips Respironics System One REMstar 60 Series
The System One REMstar 60 Series was Philips' CPAP line before the DreamStation, sold as REMstar Plus, REMstar Pro and REMstar Auto (with A-Flex), with an optional System One heated humidifier and heated tube. It uses a control wheel and a Ramp button, and has patient settings for System One humidity control, resistance (mask type), tubing type and Auto On/Off. Philips discontinued it in the US in 2017, and it is part of the June 2021 foam recall under the name SystemOne (Q-Series).
Philips' June 14, 2021 recall covers SystemOne (Q-Series) devices made before April 26, 2021, all serial numbers, because the PE-PUR sound abatement foam can degrade into particles and off-gas chemicals; the FDA classified the recall as Class I in July 2021. Philips' Sleep and Respiratory Care Bulletin #8 (2022) says its System One 50 series and 60 series were discontinued in the US in 2013 and 2017, are past their typical 5 year useful life, and cannot be offered as a new or repaired version. Instead, registered owners choose in the Philips patient portal between a payment of $50 per 60 series device (paid when Philips receives the unit) or a replacement device, which requires a current prescription. The April 9, 2024 consent decree requires Philips to follow a Recall Remediation Plan. The FDA advises talking to your health care provider before deciding whether to stop or continue a recalled device, registering with Philips, and not using ozone or UV cleaners.
Specifications
| Noise | 27 dB(A) sound pressure with optional humidifier (uncertainty 2 dB) |
|---|---|
| Power | 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz with 60 W or 80 W power supply; 12 VDC, 6.67 A |
| Weight | About 3.37 lb (1.53 kg) with power supply (REMstar Auto A-Flex) |
| Display | LCD screen with control wheel and Ramp button |
| Data card | SD card slot on the back |
| Dimensions | 7 x 5.5 x 4 in (18 x 14 x 10 cm) |
| Humidifier | Optional System One heated humidifier and heated tube (heated tube needs the 80 W power supply) |
| Connectivity | Accessory slot for optional modem or Link Module |
| Pressure range | 4 to 20 cm H2O, in 0.5 cm H2O steps |
Key features
- CPAP and Auto-CPAP modes (REMstar Auto), plus Auto-Trial and CPAP-Check where enabled
- C-Flex, C-Flex+ and A-Flex exhale pressure relief
- System One humidity control that adjusts for room temperature and humidity, or classic humidification
- Ramp time 0 to 45 minutes in 5 minute steps and adjustable ramp start
- Patient-adjustable System One resistance (X1 to X5), tubing type, Auto On, Auto Off and Mask alert
- Mask Fit Check (Auto-CPAP mode) and 30 minute humidifier preheat
- Info menu with therapy hours, large leak, AHI, periodic breathing and 90% pressure
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- Patients can switch Auto On, Auto Off and the Mask alert themselves in the Setup menu
- Room-sensing System One humidity control helps keep mask humidity steady as the room changes
- Runs on 12 VDC with the Philips DC cord and battery adapter cable
- OSCAR reads System One 60 Series SD card data
Trade-offs
- Subject to the June 2021 Class I recall for PE-PUR foam breakdown
- Discontinued in the US in 2017 and past its typical 5 year useful life, so Philips will not repair it
- Heated tube only works with the 80 W power supply
- Not suitable for airline use with a modem or humidifier installed
Comfort settings you can change
These are in the patient menu. Your prescribed pressure and therapy mode are set by your clinician and are not covered here.
Ramp time and Ramp start
Ramp time sets how long pressure takes to climb (0 to 45 minutes). Ramp start sets the starting pressure.
How to change it: Home screen, highlight Setup, press the wheel, then choose Ramp time or Ramp start. Ramp start moves in 0.5 cm H2O steps and only shows if ramp time is above 0.
Flex
Exhale pressure relief (C-Flex, C-Flex+ or A-Flex, chosen by your provider). Level 1 is mild, higher is more relief.
How to change it: Home screen, highlight Flex or Setup, then Flex, and pick 1, 2 or 3. Flex demo lets you try levels in real time.
System One humidification
Keeps mask humidity steady by adjusting for room temperature and humidity. Off uses classic heated humidification (shown as C1 to C5).
How to change it: Setup, then SYSTEM ONE humidification, On or Off. Only shows with a humidifier attached.
Humidifier, Humidity level and Tube temperature
Humidifier sets 0 to 5 without a heated tube. With a heated tube, Humidity level (1 to 3) and Tube temperature (0 to 5) control moisture and hose warmth; tube temperature 0 turns both off.
How to change it: In Setup, or turn the wheel during therapy. The manual suggests starting the humidifier at 2.
SYSTEM ONE resistance
Matches pressure compensation to your Philips mask's resistance number (X1 to X5).
How to change it: Setup, then SYSTEM ONE resistance. If a lock shows, your provider has locked it.
Tubing type
Tells the device whether you use 22 or 15 mm tubing; it sets 15H automatically with a heated tube.
How to change it: Setup, then Tubing type.
Auto on and Auto off
Starts airflow when you put on the mask and stops it when you take it off.
How to change it: Setup, then Auto on or Auto off, On or Off.
Mask alert
Shows a message and beeps when a large mask leak or disconnection is detected.
How to change it: Setup, then Mask alert, On or Off.
Humidifier preheat
Warms the water for up to 30 minutes before therapy.
How to change it: Blower off and humidifier attached: highlight Therapy on the Home screen and hold the wheel down for 5 seconds until it beeps.
Cleaning and care
Device exterior
Unplug the machine and wipe the outside with a cloth slightly dampened with water and mild detergent. Never immerse it. Let it dry completely before plugging in, then check the device and circuit for damage.
Filters
Wash the grey foam filter at least every two weeks in warm water with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and air dry completely before reinstalling. Replace it every six months. Replace the white ultra-fine filter after 30 nights or sooner if dirty, and do not clean it. Never put a wet filter in the machine.
Daily: tubing
This manual says to clean 15 or 22 mm flexible tubing before first use and daily: wash gently in warm water with mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and air dry. Heated tube and humidifier tank cleaning instructions are in the separate System One humidifier manual.
No ozone or UV cleaners
Philips' recall notice says foam degradation may be made worse by unapproved cleaning methods such as ozone, and the FDA says not to use ozone or UV light cleaners on recalled CPAP machines.
Replacement parts
- Tubing
- 22 mm or 15 mm Philips flexible tubing, or System One heated tubing connected to the humidifier.
- Filters
- Grey reusable foam filter (wash every two weeks, replace every six months) and white disposable ultra-fine filter (replace after 30 nights).
- Water chamber
- System One heated humidifier water chamber (separate humidifier module).
- Replacement notes
- Philips says these units are past their typical five year useful life. Filters still matter if you are using one while you wait on remediation, but discuss replacing the machine with your clinician.
Troubleshooting
You see black debris in the tubing or mask
That matches the recall's foam breakdown description. Contact your clinician about your treatment plan, register with Philips if you have not, and report it to the FDA through MedWatch.
Ramp button does nothing
Ramp may not be prescribed, CPAP may be at the 4.0 cm H2O minimum, ramp start may equal your pressure, or ramp time may be 0. Ask your provider about enabling ramp.
Pressure feels too high or too low
Make sure Tubing type matches your hose (22 or 15). With a heated tube it should read 15H. Changes to the prescribed pressure come only from your clinician.
Tube temperature is on but the heated tube is cold
You are probably on the 60 W supply. Check the label on the power supply or the Humidifier screen in Info, and use the 80 W supply.
Humidifier light turns blue instead of staying orange with the heated tube
The heated tube may be attached incorrectly or damaged. Inspect it and reconnect it; contact your provider if it continues.
Nothing happens when you apply power
Check the outlet and every cord connection. On DC power check the DC cord, battery adapter cable, battery charge and the DC cord's fuse. Return the device and supply to your provider if it still will not start.
Airflow is warmer than usual
Clean or replace the filters, keep the machine out of sunlight and away from heaters, and check your humidifier settings.
Travel and power
The manual says the REMstar Auto A-Flex is suitable for airline use on AC or DC power, but not with a modem or humidifier installed, and it conforms to RTCA/DO-160F section 21, category M. A note on the bottom identifies it as medical equipment. It accepts 100 to 240 VAC, and a Philips DC power cord (12 VDC, 6.67 A) runs it in a stationary RV or boat or from a free-standing 12 VDC battery with the Philips battery adapter cable; do not run it from a vehicle battery while the engine is running. Keep it in carry-on. Given its age and recall status, ask your clinician whether a replacement makes more sense before a trip.
Your sleep data
The System One 60 Series records therapy data on an SD card in the back, and an accessory slot accepts an optional modem or Link Module for your provider. The Info menu shows therapy hours, days over 4 hours, large leak, AHI, periodic breathing and 90% pressure over 7 and 30 days, plus compliance check codes your provider may ask for. OSCAR's Philips loader lists REMstar Plus, Pro and Auto System One 60 Series models (for example 460P, 560P and 561P), so you can review your nights from the SD card. Any pressure change should come from your clinician.
Supplies that can help
The air inlet filter keeps dust and lint out of the machine and your airway; it is a cheap part that needs regular replacement.
Plain, mild dish soap is the cleaning agent most CPAP makers and the FDA point to for masks, tubing and humidifier chambers.
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Frequently asked questions
Is my System One REMstar 60 Series machine recalled?
Philips' June 14, 2021 recall lists SystemOne (Q-Series) devices made before April 26, 2021, and Philips' remediation bulletin covers System One 50 and 60 series machines. Enter the serial number on Philips' recall registration site or call 877-907-7508 to confirm your unit.
Will Philips repair or replace my System One?
Philips says it cannot offer a new or repaired System One because the line was discontinued in the US (60 series in 2017) and is past its useful life. Registered owners choose in the patient portal between a $50 payment per 60 series device, paid when Philips receives the unit, or a replacement device that needs a current prescription.
Should I keep using my System One while I wait?
The FDA says to talk with your health care provider, because for some people stopping therapy carries more risk than continuing. Your provider may suggest a different device, continuing for now, or another treatment.
What is the System One resistance setting?
It matches the machine's pressure compensation to your Philips mask. Each Philips mask may carry a System One resistance number, and you set the matching X1 to X5 value in Setup; ask your provider if you cannot find it for your mask.
Why is my heated tube not warming on the System One?
The manual says the heated tube only works with the 80 W power supply. If you have the 60 W supply, Tube Temperature can be on and the tube will stay cold; check the label or the Humidifier line in the Info menu.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error