ResMed -v- Respironics APAP algorithms

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Mon May 15, 2006 11:58 am

Can any of you wise folks give me a simple explanation of the difference between ResMed's AutoSet algorithm and the algorithm that drives Respironics APAPs??? I understand the differences between EPR and C-flex and how they work in the ResMed S8 -v- the REMSTAR machines, but I'm awful curious about the clinical difference between the two APAP algorithms.

Any thoughts would be mighty appreciated.

Thanks!

Chuck

Paul B · Post by **Paul B** » Mon May 15, 2006 3:00 pm

These algorithms are proprietary to each company and are not published anywhere. There are definitely differences between the two as you might imagine and one company's approach might fit individual differences better than the next one. Kind of hard to tell though without buying both machines outright and testing them both.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon May 15, 2006 5:17 pm

I agree with Paul,

This data appears to be a trade secret & clearly well protected.

In fact I have wondered why we can't get software upgrades for our machines. There surely has to be the capability of doing so.

But!, I do know that Resmed did (do?) offer a software upgrade for their S7 Elite to an Auto Spirit. Also a VPAP III can be software upgraded to a VPAP III S/T.

I don't know how they do these upgrades, it may be the machine has to go back to their factory.

I wonder if anyone here has had such an upgrade done ? - if yes, what was the proces ?.

DSM

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Mon May 15, 2006 6:23 pm

Here's how one person described his upgrading a ResMed S7 Elite to an S7 Spirit. Doesn't sound like the machine had to be sent off to ResMed:

http://www.talkaboutsleep.com/message-b ... hp?t=14969

Wish there had been an answer to his question in that topic about whether it can be done with an S8 Elite to an S8 Vantage.

Handgunner45 · Post by **Handgunner45** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:14 pm

I can tell you that Respironics does have limited software updates for their machines. These updates are available to "providers and dealers", so your (choke) DME (cough, cough) has them available if they have any idea how to access them. It does take special hardware to access the machines to update the software. There is a cable that plugs in where the smart card goes and connects to your computer to upgrade. Just so you know, NO I don't see that you can upgrade the Pro to a Pro 2 or to an auto. I don't have any ResMed equipment so I don't have access to anything they might have available. I will have to do some checking on PB.

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:20 pm

RG,

I just phoned Resmed and asked if the S8's can be upgraded the same way the S7 Elite's were able to be.

The lady I spoke to said yes they can. I asked her if this info was on their website & she assured it was. I will try to find it. She used the model name - Autoscore - that applies in Australia (they named them differently in each market - I suppose to try to stop people like me buying them cheaper in the US )

Will let you know what I find.

Cheers

DSM

#2 Yup found it

http://resmed.com.au/portal/site/ResMed ... nPNum=null

Go down the page & you can see where it is said to be upgradeable to the s8Autoset Spirit.

EXTRACT >>

Perfect for patients

* Compact, robust design—unobtrusive in the bedroom
* Upgradable to S8 AutoSet Spirit™—investment protection
* Built-in power supply and auto mains switching—ideal for travel
* 12V and 24V DC input via ResMed’s DC-12 converter—broad application
* Auto altitude setting—from the beach to the peaks
* SmartStart™/Stop and ramp—user-friendly
* Smart Data—encourages self-monitoring by providing mask leak, pressure and usage data for previous session
* Premium noise guard
<<

DSM

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:25 pm

Thanks for all the interesting and helpful posts. What I'm actually curious about though, is the clinical differences in how the ResMed -v- the Respironics machines work in treatment. Most folks here seem to flock to Respironics rather tthan ResMEd though those that comment say the ResMeds are well built, and I agree with that. So, why do more foks wind up with REMSTAR APAPs rather than S8s?? Has anyone had experience with both? What differences have you noticed? I'm just trying to understand this new world that I've been thrust into.

Thanks!

Chuck

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:28 pm

[quote="Handgunner45"]I can tell you that Respironics does have limited software updates for their machines. These updates are available to "providers and dealers", so your (choke) DME (cough, cough) has them available if they have any idea how to access them. It does take special hardware to access the machines to update the software. There is a cable that plugs in where the smart card goes and connects to your computer to upgrade. Just so you know, NO I don't see that you can upgrade the Pro to a Pro 2 or to an auto. I don't have any ResMed equipment so I don't have access to anything they might have available. I will have to do some checking on PB.

Handgunner45 · Post by **Handgunner45** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:45 pm

DSM,

Here is a list from the Respironics Web sight, I have access through my work at the Hospital. You should be able to determine the software version on your machine by looking at the LCD when you first apply power to the unit. I don't know how much help this will be but it should at least let you know if you have the most current version available.

Welcome to the Respironics Software Update Center

Software Release Date Link
BiPAP Auto SV Version 2.30 12/15/2005
Software upgrade for the BiPAP Auto version 2.30. The user and provider manuals are located at the Documents section of this site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Pro 2 Version 2.6 11/11/2005
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Auto w/C-Flex Version 2.6 11/11/2005
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BiPAP Pro2 Version 5.4 10/4/2005
Software upgrade for BiPAP Pro 2 devices with a serial number less than 3911716. This upgrade requires the installation of the free upgrade kit RP number 1031357 prior to the software installation. To Order the upgrade contact customer service.
US and Canada 1-800-345-6443
International 1-724-387-5012
To upgrade the BiFlex to 25cm use the BiFlex 25 Upgrade tool application that can be found under Respironics Utility Tools Individual Updates menu.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BiPAP Pro 2 - German 10/4/2005
Upgrade for the German BiPAP Pro 2 model to version 5.4.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Synchrony Version 5.30 8/8/2005
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Pro 2 Version 2.5 1/4/2005
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Auto C-Flex Version 2.5 1/4/2005
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BiPAP Plus Version 3.6 12/6/2004
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Auto English Version 3.0 11/4/2004
Update your device with the latest released software.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Auto German Version 3.0 11/10/2004
For use with REMstar Auto having software version 2.7 or greater installed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REMstar Auto German Version 2.6 11/10/2004
For use with REMstar Auto having software version 2.5 or below installed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Mon May 15, 2006 8:54 pm

GoofyUT wrote:Most folks here seem to flock to Respironics rather tthan ResMEd though those that comment say the ResMeds are well built, and I agree with that. So, why do more foks wind up with REMSTAR APAPs rather than S8s??

My best guess is C-flex. Plus, I believe the number of folks going with Respironics may have been skewed because of two additional factors.
1) Encore Pro was available for free download for a number of months
2) MyEncore provides additional useful data reduction capability not matched with other machines.

All, just my opinion, of course.

Regards,
Bill

dsm · Post by **dsm** » Mon May 15, 2006 9:17 pm

NightHawkeye wrote:
GoofyUT wrote:Most folks here seem to flock to Respironics rather tthan
<snip>
1) Encore Pro was available for free download for a number of months
2) MyEncore provides additional useful data reduction capability not matched with other machines.
<snip>

Bill,

I would add to that, the Remstar AUTO with c-flex came out about 9 months or so ahead of the Resmed with EPR & add to this, that Resmed haven't marketed EPR as well as Respironics have c-flex.

When I came to make my choice of a 1st xPAP, I had been thinking of getting an F&P 234 but came here to cpaptalk & got convinced to go for a Remstar AUTO with c-flex.

Given the situation over again, I would do just the same. It was a very good buy & to me stands out as one of the best built xPAPs I have dismantled.

The motherboard is top quality & component layout very well done. The fan & its housing and the padding are excellent.

The Remstar AUTO is just a bit better designed than the Bipap models in the area of sound proofing but that is a minor nit (NOTE though that the Bipap AUTO appears to be modelled on the Remstar AUTO & not the older Bipap Pro 2 or Bipap S/T).

DSM

spam spam spam · Post by **spam spam spam** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 5:49 am

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:01 am

[quote="GoofyUT"]Thanks for all the interesting and helpful posts. What I'm actually curious about though, is the clinical differences in how the ResMed -v- the Respironics machines work in treatment. Most folks here seem to flock to Respironics rather tthan ResMEd though those that comment say the ResMeds are well built, and I agree with that. So, why do more foks wind up with REMSTAR APAPs rather than S8s?? Has anyone had experience with both? What differences have you noticed? I'm just trying to understand this new world that I've been thrust into.

Thanks!

Chuck

RedThunder94 · Post by **RedThunder94** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:03 am

spam spam spam wrote:spam

WTF? where?

GoofyUT · Post by **GoofyUT** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:07 am

Ya know Red, when push coems to shove, I think that your post here is the wisest and most honets that I've read on this forum.

Thanks for bringing me back to what matters, not all ths faux-scientific horseshit that we bat around and worry about here.

Chuck

ResMed -v- Respironics APAP algorithms

ResMed -v- Respironics APAP algorithms

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