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View Full Version : How Dry-Brick contacts air in Zephyr?


Glukhoj85
09-08-2011, 12:29 PM
I just got a new Zephyr from Amazon. The item was a new one as seen by the untouched packing. Took out the inclosed (into the Zephyr box) Dry-Brick, peeled off the foil cover, wrote the date, inserted as necessary. The device worked properly: the light and a humming sound came on after pressing the button.

Put into it my Smart IX aids with some EARWAX on the domes for the night. Next morning the light was off as required, but the WAX WAS SOFT and DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.

That was UNEXPECTED and distressing because before when I had put my aids with wax into a simple jar drier with the dessicant only (a special jar for hearing aids, sold by my Audi) for a night the wax on the domes became always hard and easy to flip off.

Looking closer at the Dry-Brick I do not see how the air contacts the dessicant inside it. I see only four tiny holes in the upper cover and no holes in the bottom one. To compare - in the jar the dessicant (rose-colored after preheating) has a wide open screen to access it.

I have bought a package of 6 spare Dry-Brick II, but before I try a new one I would much appreciate comments on how the Dry-Brick works and specifically on how its dessicant contacts the air inside the Zephyr.

Many thanks for attention and the comments.

I have also another question which seems to me less important just now. How to keep the battery compartments open (as the Zephyr instruction tells is necessary) in the Zephyr, as the battery in my left Smart IX falls out if I open the battery compartment fully (with the dome up, because it is awkward to put the dome down) ?

KarenK
09-08-2011, 04:58 PM
Did you press the button on the dessicant?? BTW, I started my brik in April and if the gauge is correct, I have time left.

prodigyplace
09-08-2011, 05:41 PM
Did you press the button on the dessicant?? BTW, I started my brik in April and if the gauge is correct, I have time left.
Te newer Dry-Brik II do not have the gauge, just a place to write the date. Both styles have the same 4 holes, though.

Evil Scientist
09-09-2011, 01:09 PM
those 4 little holes are exactly how the brick contacts the air...that's why they are under the foil. The fan in the Zephyr moves the air in and around those bricks, drying it.

I've been very happy with my Zephyr so far. Had it for about 6-7 months, on my 3rd brick.

To answer your last question, it's as simple as it sounds, leave the door open. Some say you should not put your batteries in the drier, to preserve your battery life. I do put them in the drier and have noticed no difference in battery life. Regardless, if your battery falls out, just put them in the morning. Get a magnet tool for that if it is easier for you that way.

Good luck.

Evil.

Glukhoj85
09-09-2011, 05:43 PM
those 4 little holes are exactly how the brick contacts the air...that's why they are under the foil. The fan in the Zephyr moves the air in and around those bricks, drying it.

I've been very happy with my Zephyr so far. Had it for about 6-7 months, on my 3rd brick.

Evil.

Evil:

Many thanks for the explanation. Please tell - IN WHAT CONDITION IS THE WAX AFTER YOUR ZEPHYR (if you have wax on the domes, unfortunately).

Also and optionally - did it come to your mind an idea to compare the water suction efficiency of the brick (in Zephyr) and just plain preheated silicagel (in a closed jar)

Best Wishes

Evil Scientist
09-10-2011, 12:17 AM
Evil:

Many thanks for the explanation. Please tell - IN WHAT CONDITION IS THE WAX AFTER YOUR ZEPHYR (if you have wax on the domes, unfortunately).

Also and optionally - did it come to your mind an idea to compare the water suction efficiency of the brick (in Zephyr) and just plain preheated silicagel (in a closed jar)

Best Wishes

First, I use custom Phonak SlimTips, not domes, so it is hard to make a comparison. But any wax that I brush away is well dessicated after running the Zephyr - brittle and flaky.

I've used a plain jar of silica at room temp (Hearing Aid Saver), it seemed to work fine, but I believe the Zephyr to be better due to active warm air flow, rather than passive air in a dessicant.

The danger of pre-heating silica and placing it in a closed system (like a sealed jar) is that there is no temperature control and if the air becomes too hot it might damage the HA's. That's the other advantage of a Dry and Store, heat that is carefully regulated.

I got the Zephyr because I'm not sure of the utility, or the safety of the UV lamp on the other models. Everyone says that there is no harm to the plastic, but I've seen first hand the damage extended UV exposure can have on plastics, so I'm a little paranoid about that.

Good luck.

Evil.