John, is the "Smart Card" you're using with the second REMstar Auto (the one you bought) a new card that came with the new machine, or are you still using the card that came with the loaner apap?
If still using the same card, I don't know if something like you've described could have anything to do with the card itself, but I think I'd try a new Smart Card, as Jim (JL) and loonlvr suggested.
If you plan to start looking at the data yourself (VERY good idea) you'll need not only the card reader but the Encore Pro software. You have to have the regular Encore Pro software before you can use Derek's "MyEncore" software with it.
cpap.com has the card reader and Encore Pro software package for $199. You might also want to check cpapman.com where they give you a free copy of the Encore Pro software itself when selling the card reader. They have Respironics' permission to do that. Other prices (masks, machines, etc.) at cpapman.com are often much higher than my favorite place to shop (cpap.com) but for the card reader and software you might want to compare prices.
confusing Smart Card results, dr baffled....can anyone help?
Hi, JL...thanks for your continuing interest in my saga.
Two separate SmartCards for the two machines. I guess the odds of them both being defective are a bit long. I definitely will buy the software and the reader.
Thanks.
John
Two separate SmartCards for the two machines. I guess the odds of them both being defective are a bit long. I definitely will buy the software and the reader.
Thanks.
John
JL wrote:John
Are they downloading your data from the new card that came with the machine you bought or the original one that they gave you to use? You could at least then eliminate that as a possibility. Definitely would be better off with your own software and reader to track your own progress, etc.
Jim
Thanks for taking the time to try to help, Wulfman.
The LED monitor on my APAP shows both "blower hours" and "compliance hours". The data is definitely recording that the machine is blowing air into me (91 hours over the past 14 days), but only 15.1 actual compliance/therapy hours.
I'm definately going to buy the software. And I will take you advice about using the machine during the day and watch what the monitor records.
John
[quote="Wulfman"]John,
I don't have the APAP model, but there should be enough similarities for what I'm about to suggest.
There's a window on the top of your machine that has a number (with a decimal point) that essentially gives your use/compliance hours. What I would do is to have a notepad by the bedside and note the actual time (from a clock or watch) and then note the number on the machine when you put on the mask and go to sleep. Then when you shut it off in the morning, make notes of the time and number on the machine. Then, when you take the card into your DME and doctor. The "compliance" numbers from the software and machine should be pretty close. You will also (in the mean time) be able to see from the numbers (in the machine display) whether they are incrementing by whole hours or partial hours behind the decimal point.
It appears from your list that 10 minutes is about the most it's recorded in the "short times". Another test you might do is to hook yourself up during the day on the weekend (or a day off) and just sit with the mask on and machine running and see if it stops on its own or quits recording time on the screen.
Also, like others, my suggestion (if you can swing it) is to get the Encore Pro and card reader (then get the MyEncore software). There are many things that can affect your sleep and this will allow you to analyze what went on in a shorter period of time.....while it's still fresh in your memory.
Let us know how it's going.
Good luck.
The LED monitor on my APAP shows both "blower hours" and "compliance hours". The data is definitely recording that the machine is blowing air into me (91 hours over the past 14 days), but only 15.1 actual compliance/therapy hours.
I'm definately going to buy the software. And I will take you advice about using the machine during the day and watch what the monitor records.
John
[quote="Wulfman"]John,
I don't have the APAP model, but there should be enough similarities for what I'm about to suggest.
There's a window on the top of your machine that has a number (with a decimal point) that essentially gives your use/compliance hours. What I would do is to have a notepad by the bedside and note the actual time (from a clock or watch) and then note the number on the machine when you put on the mask and go to sleep. Then when you shut it off in the morning, make notes of the time and number on the machine. Then, when you take the card into your DME and doctor. The "compliance" numbers from the software and machine should be pretty close. You will also (in the mean time) be able to see from the numbers (in the machine display) whether they are incrementing by whole hours or partial hours behind the decimal point.
It appears from your list that 10 minutes is about the most it's recorded in the "short times". Another test you might do is to hook yourself up during the day on the weekend (or a day off) and just sit with the mask on and machine running and see if it stops on its own or quits recording time on the screen.
Also, like others, my suggestion (if you can swing it) is to get the Encore Pro and card reader (then get the MyEncore software). There are many things that can affect your sleep and this will allow you to analyze what went on in a shorter period of time.....while it's still fresh in your memory.
Let us know how it's going.
Good luck.
-
Guest
Gonna take a wild guess...
Are you having a problem with mask leak? If you have excessive leak, the machine won't think you are using it.
Also, it is possible that the folks you are getting your cards from don't know how to format them correctly. I had a problem similar to yours and a reformat of the card corrected it.
Couple of things to try...
Are you having a problem with mask leak? If you have excessive leak, the machine won't think you are using it.
Also, it is possible that the folks you are getting your cards from don't know how to format them correctly. I had a problem similar to yours and a reformat of the card corrected it.
Couple of things to try...
John,
Along the same thoughts with the "leak" suspicion, be sure to check that the fittings on the machine are all in place and connected. There should be a white connector/fitting "thingy" that goes over the hose connector on the machine and seals the tube on the water chamber when they're put together. Make sure it's in place and that the humidifier tank tube is properly inserted in it.
Later,
Along the same thoughts with the "leak" suspicion, be sure to check that the fittings on the machine are all in place and connected. There should be a white connector/fitting "thingy" that goes over the hose connector on the machine and seals the tube on the water chamber when they're put together. Make sure it's in place and that the humidifier tank tube is properly inserted in it.
Later,
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
Interesting problem
This is an interesting problem - a real mystery. It is great to see the volume of very helpful suggestions being put forward.
Reading threads like this make cpaptalk a great place
What I have got out of this is a better understanding of the numbers in the readout. I really wasn't clear before on their meanings or value.
To John,
I am sure with the brains available here, your problem can be unravelled.
The conclusions I have come to based on all the interaction this far ...
1) Possible leaking air (probability guess 80%)
2) Defective machine (probability guess 50%)
3) Defective card (probability guess 60%)
as for 1)
a) leaking hose ?
b) leaking joints hose/mask joints ?
c) leaking mask ?
Just as a comment. I used my new RemStar AUTO 1 night, then when playing with it the next day noticed air coming from the brand new hose. I checked it & found to places on this new hose where there were big tears. I have *no* idea how they got there but lots of air was escaping. I taped the holes up & now I do periodic checks of the whole system.
Cheers
DSM
Reading threads like this make cpaptalk a great place
What I have got out of this is a better understanding of the numbers in the readout. I really wasn't clear before on their meanings or value.
To John,
I am sure with the brains available here, your problem can be unravelled.
The conclusions I have come to based on all the interaction this far ...
1) Possible leaking air (probability guess 80%)
2) Defective machine (probability guess 50%)
3) Defective card (probability guess 60%)
as for 1)
a) leaking hose ?
b) leaking joints hose/mask joints ?
c) leaking mask ?
Just as a comment. I used my new RemStar AUTO 1 night, then when playing with it the next day noticed air coming from the brand new hose. I checked it & found to places on this new hose where there were big tears. I have *no* idea how they got there but lots of air was escaping. I taped the holes up & now I do periodic checks of the whole system.
Cheers
DSM
xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)
-
Guest
Wulfman, you may be onto something!
I think one of the fittings going from the humidifer to the machine may have been the wrong part (from a previous CPAP). I'll know for sure tomorrow morning, but you may have cracked this case! In which case, I'll feel stupid tomorrow, albeit well-rested
[quote="Wulfman"]John,
Along the same thoughts with the "leak" suspicion, be sure to check that the fittings on the machine are all in place and connected. There should be a white connector/fitting "thingy" that goes over the hose connector on the machine and seals the tube on the water chamber when they're put together. Make sure it's in place and that the humidifier tank tube is properly inserted in it.
Later,
I think one of the fittings going from the humidifer to the machine may have been the wrong part (from a previous CPAP). I'll know for sure tomorrow morning, but you may have cracked this case! In which case, I'll feel stupid tomorrow, albeit well-rested
[quote="Wulfman"]John,
Along the same thoughts with the "leak" suspicion, be sure to check that the fittings on the machine are all in place and connected. There should be a white connector/fitting "thingy" that goes over the hose connector on the machine and seals the tube on the water chamber when they're put together. Make sure it's in place and that the humidifier tank tube is properly inserted in it.
Later,
John,
When you purchased your new machine, there should have been a little bag with two of those fittings in it....and was probably in the box with the humidifier. If the one you have was from another REMstar machine, it should be the same one. There should also have been a little pamphlet with the humidifier that shows how to put it together. One end of the fitting is smaller than the other one.....the smaller end goes toward the machine and over that tube. The larger (flanged) end goes toward the humidifier tube. The humidifier tube will fit inside that end and it won't be too tight so you can slide your humidifier tank in and out of the connector when you take it off of the machine.
Later,
When you purchased your new machine, there should have been a little bag with two of those fittings in it....and was probably in the box with the humidifier. If the one you have was from another REMstar machine, it should be the same one. There should also have been a little pamphlet with the humidifier that shows how to put it together. One end of the fitting is smaller than the other one.....the smaller end goes toward the machine and over that tube. The larger (flanged) end goes toward the humidifier tube. The humidifier tube will fit inside that end and it won't be too tight so you can slide your humidifier tank in and out of the connector when you take it off of the machine.
Later,
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
John,
I need to make a clarification on my earlier post. The connectors are a clear rubber-like material with a metal ring in one end and they're about 3/4" long. The end with the metal ring should be positioned toward the humidifier connector. They should be in a plastic bag labeled:
1026263
RP - Humid Couplings & Funnel Kit
Couplings 2 each
Funnel 1 each
Sorry about that.....I wasn't at home when I posted that and was going from "memory" from over two months ago.
Hope this helps.
Den
I need to make a clarification on my earlier post. The connectors are a clear rubber-like material with a metal ring in one end and they're about 3/4" long. The end with the metal ring should be positioned toward the humidifier connector. They should be in a plastic bag labeled:
1026263
RP - Humid Couplings & Funnel Kit
Couplings 2 each
Funnel 1 each
Sorry about that.....I wasn't at home when I posted that and was going from "memory" from over two months ago.
Hope this helps.
Den
(5) REMstar Autos w/C-Flex & (6) REMstar Pro 2 CPAPs w/C-Flex - Pressure Setting = 14 cm.
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
"Passover" Humidification - ResMed Ultra Mirage FF - Encore Pro w/Card Reader & MyEncore software - Chiroflow pillow
User since 05/14/05
-
Guest
Nah, the coupler's not missing. I'm drowsy, but not stupid
I just wanted to post an update to keep those of you who have been following this saga "in the loop".
Last night was another disaster of 0.1 compliance hours. Long story short, my AutoPap is en route back to Respironics and I'm getting a new one just in case this is a machine defect issue after all. I'll be resorting to my old CPAP for the next few days until my new APAP arrives on Tuesday. I'm hoping the new machine will work and, if it doesn't, well, I have a sleep study scheduled for Thursday, so perhaps that will provide some answers.
Hey, I want to put in a quick plug for the The CPAP Shop: Tony has been extremely helpful and sympathetic to my plight. Good man!
Oh, and I did indeed order the smartcard software and should have it by Monday. So at least i'll be able to SEE how badly I'm sleeping.
Hope to have some good results to report next week.
John
I just wanted to post an update to keep those of you who have been following this saga "in the loop".
Last night was another disaster of 0.1 compliance hours. Long story short, my AutoPap is en route back to Respironics and I'm getting a new one just in case this is a machine defect issue after all. I'll be resorting to my old CPAP for the next few days until my new APAP arrives on Tuesday. I'm hoping the new machine will work and, if it doesn't, well, I have a sleep study scheduled for Thursday, so perhaps that will provide some answers.
Hey, I want to put in a quick plug for the The CPAP Shop: Tony has been extremely helpful and sympathetic to my plight. Good man!
Oh, and I did indeed order the smartcard software and should have it by Monday. So at least i'll be able to SEE how badly I'm sleeping.
Hope to have some good results to report next week.
John