How to read data

DrDroopy · Post by **DrDroopy** » Tue May 17, 2005 11:57 am

I apologize to those of you who read talkaboutsleep.com and might have seen that I put this question in there as well. It is probably poor etiquette, but it was so buried within an unrelated topic I worried no one would ever see it, so decided to post it here as well. I have been reading this forum for a few weeks now and am learning a great deal about taking management of my apnea into my own hands. I have used the equipment for about two months now and am not feeling better, and am thinking I want to understand this better. I'm wondering if someone can help me understand how to gather and read my own data. The CPAP machine they gave me is the REMstar Pro 2, which has a computer card it it. It says it captures compliance data (AHI, leak, and snoring) with the Encore Pro SmartCard and Data Management Software. Because I had to prove compliance for the insurance to pay for it, I took the card in to the supply place after the first month. The medical supply store returned the card along with a copy of the data from the first month, but the print was so blurry that I was unable to read any of it.

I have two questions:

1. Are there any images of these reports on-line so I could at least compare the printout I have and try to figure out what the unreadable categories on the report might be?

2. Would I be able to buy a reader and software to use at home with this particular machine?

As for my hospital test, from what I've read it was a rather mild result -- 23 events per hour in REM sleep and 17 events in all other phases of sleep. The pressure starts out at 4 and ramps up to 8. I'm not even sure I'm giving you this data correctly as I have yet to master the lingo. I can definitely feel the difference when I am lying down; with it off my throat feels obstructed and it feels wide open with it on.

Thanks! The forum is a bright spot in what has been a depressing time.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Tue May 17, 2005 12:18 pm

Yes! We have an Encore Pro expert who did a review! Click on:

viewArticle/Encore-Pro-Respironics-CPAP ... Derek.html

Good luck and hang in there. I was so hoping to feel better after a month and it hasn't happened for me either. Getting involved in the therapy with the software and reports actually helps me keep trying.

Don't give up!!!!!!!

Post by **forumadmin** » Tue May 17, 2005 12:54 pm

Howdy,

We want you to use our forum to help your CPAP Education and Treatment.

If a cpaptalk user is trying to get more help and has to repost or reference previous TAS threads to do it, then by all means please do.

We're happy your here and learning.

Johnny

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:44 pm

Neversleeps,

Thanks so much for this link. It was exactly what I needed to answer both questions. And especially thanks to Derek for all the work he did to make this information available to everyone. As soon as I scrounge $200, I will get this equipment and meanwhile, at least I can read the reports I have by comparing them to the PDF's in Derek's review.

PS. Also thanks to you, Johnny, for your kind reassurances that I'm not using the forum incorrectly.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue May 17, 2005 2:44 pm

Neversleeps,

Thanks so much for this link. It was exactly what I needed to answer both questions. And especially thanks to Derek for all the work he did to make this information available to everyone. As soon as I scrounge $200, I will get this equipment and meanwhile, at least I can read the reports I have by comparing them to the PDF's in Derek's review.

PS. Also thanks to you, Johnny, for your kind reassurances that I'm not using the forum incorrectly.

DrDroopy · Post by **DrDroopy** » Tue May 17, 2005 3:59 pm

Okay, so thanks to the link you gave me, I was able to read the data printed out from the Medical Supply regarding my first month of CPAP therapy. This is when I was using the Activa mask. It looks to me like my average AHI during this time is in the neighborhood of 1, which I understand to be very good. Does this mean one per hour or one per night? Of course, although it is good, I was only able to tolerate it for a few hours a night. I can't read the data on the leakage level because the printing on the repot is so bad, but given that the AHI is good, does that matter? What I think I have to do next is to collect this same data for the ComfortCurve that I'm wearing now to be sure that I'm doing as well. I know I'm sleeping longer with it on but I need to be sure that my AHI is still under 5 with it, right? Is this how I should be thinking about it? Is there anything other than the AHI that is important to attend to? Thanks so much!

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed May 18, 2005 7:50 am

DrDroopy wrote:*snip* It looks to me like my average AHI during this time is in the neighborhood of 1, which I understand to be very good. *snip* I know I'm sleeping longer with it on but I need to be sure that my AHI is still under 5 with it, right? Is this how I should be thinking about it? Is there anything other than the AHI that is important to attend to? Thanks so much!

DrDroopy, an AHI of under 5 is a goal, but the most important thing IMHO is how you feel. Are you starting to wake up and feel a bit more rested? Is the "brain fog" going away? Are you less prone to nap or nod off during the day? etc. Your body is probably the best gauge of whether or not things are going well. The readouts can and will help guide you, but the main thing, again IMHO, is "How are you feeling?" It may take a while for you to start feeling the benefits, so the printouts are a good guide. Hang in there!

This therapy WORKS!!

How to read data

How to read data

Re-Posts and TAS Stuff