Suggestions about software for data tracking?

[robysue]

Ok,

It looks like I'll have a choice of one of these machines.

1) Philips Resprionics's M series Remstar Auto w' Cflex and Smart card, AHI, Leak (Yes, I know that PR has replaced this with the System One Remstars, but my DME is still providing the M series)

or

2) ResMed's S9 AutoSet CPAP Machine

or

3)Fisher and Paykel ICON Auto CPAP Machine with Built In Heated Humidifier and SensAwake (I think it's this one)

I'm wanting to be able to track my own data about how effective the machine is treating my recently diagnosed sleep apnea since I think this will be a positive factor in helping me adjust to sleeping with the machine blowing air up my nose.

So since I want to be able to track stuff via my own computer, so I know that I will need the software. Any comments or suggestions concerning availability and ease of use of the needed software?

Thanks!

[GumbyCT]

It's odd that they will force an M series on you. Not that it's a bad machine, I have one.

I think the FP only has one data capable machine and not many here can help you with that. But lots here have either Resmed or Respironics.

Normally, I would say get whichever machine you can get the software for.
Resmed has recently left a nasty taste in people mouths bc of their marketing practices. So that leaves Respironics and Intellipap. I think that there are prob more Respironics users here who can and will help. The "User Software" Encore viewer and card reader are both avail at cpap.com our host for this forum.

Now with all that said, I don't know if you pressure or other needs (exhale relief or auto) will play a role in your choice but there is plenty of info in this forum on any of those machines.

Read, READ, and READ some more to learn the models and take notes. But do not ever forget that any Respironics model with the word "Plus" in its name does NOT provide data other than the number of hours it has been used. Some DME's will tell you they provide data - AVOID those DME's too. AVOID the Plus models, period.

HTH and Good Luck

[robysue]

Normally, I would say get whichever machine you can get the software for.

This is really why I'm asking for help. What browsing I've already done seems to indicate that getting the software is a real problem.

I know the Resprionics that they showed me was a M series Remstar Auto. It may be that they're in the process of switching over to the System One Remstars. I really don't know.

Read, READ, and READ some more to learn the models and take notes. But do not ever forget that any Respironics model with the word "Plus" in its name does NOT provide data other than the number of hours it has been used. Some DME's will tell you they provide data - AVOID those DME's too. AVOID the Plus models, period.

That's what I have been doing. I've already rejected a number of DMEs because of how they've reacted to my questions about data capable machines. Thanks for the tip on how to avoid Reprionics that aren't data capable! And as for the DME that I'm seriously looking at, if they do pull a bait-and-switch, then I fully intend on walking out the door and continue looking for a DME.

[GumbyCT]

It can get confusing. cpap has a steep learning curve. But you are in the right place if you want to learn.

Looking at this page -
https://www.cpap.com/productSearch.php? ... ore+viewer

You will do much better to call and speak with someone at cpap.com the number is at the top of the page.

ok quick rundown since it looks like Viewer version 1 is not avail.
Ver 1 is what you need for M Series - it will NOT work on the newer PR machines

Ver 2 works on both the M series and the newer PR machine.

If you get Ver 2 and later have to change to a newer machine (it does happen, esp. when the DME provides just a loaner) you will be all set. So keep that in mind.

The M series "Smartcard" uses an older type of card reader and nothing but the Mako DT3500 reader is known to work. The newer PR machines use the SD cards found in most digital camera and can be read easily on any pc with an SD card reader.

That doesn't mean it's Ok to stop reading and taking notes