Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
quotmastr
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Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by quotmastr » Sun Sep 06, 2009 2:58 pm

I have a ResMed S8 Escape Cpap with a pressure setting of 9. I have been on CPAP for 3 years and am 100% compliant. I just had my CPAP replaced by Resmed as part of the S8 recall that happened in 2007. When I got the new machine, I noticed as soon as I turned it on that it sounded like it was blowing at a much higher pressure than I remembered my old machine sounding. I put my mask on and confirmed that it was at much higher pressure than my last machine. I checked the settings and confirmed that the pressure setting and ramp were set the same as the old machine. I used it the first night and had a VERY vivid dream that I remembered the next morning. I haven't remembered haveing any dreams in a year or more. I now believe that my old machine got out of calibration at some time over the last 3 years and I wasn't aware that I wasn't receiving the prescribed pressure. I have been using the "new" CPAP for 3 days now and am already feeling much more rested than before.

My 1st question is "How often should I have my machine checked? Who should check it? Can I check the pressure calibration myself?"

My 2nd question is "Will the software and card reader help me at all?"

I still haven't been able to find out what info I can get from the S8 and view in the software. I have the ResScan card. It came with my CPAP 3 years ago, but my Dr. has never seen me after my initial sleep study. I may be naive, but I expected my Dr.'s office to call or send me something in the mail when it was time to be seen again. I didn't realize that I should be seen by my Dr. every year. Is this correct?

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williamco
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Re: Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by williamco » Sun Sep 06, 2009 3:24 pm

I heard that you need to calibrate your machine once a year.

the only way is to buy the manometer. they have 2 versions on cpap.com, expensive though. there might be cheaper versions out there.
cpap.com is not good in accessories. for instance oximetry, they have an expensive one that is not software capable, while for he same price they have, you can buy software capable one

My post titled "Schedule for mask, tube, filter, mach check, new mach, study" went unanswered in full detail, I didn't know why people were not interested in it although like your case it is very important for all of us

My humble opnion about software is ABSOLUTLY : it tells you if you have a leak problem , if your treatment is effective, numbers are OK. time for a change or re-examine your apnea, effect of other variables on your apnea( weight loss or gain, drinking, sleep setting..etc)

remember if you had a software you would never have had this missed calibration issue for so long
Last edited by williamco on Sun Sep 06, 2009 3:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.

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Pugsy
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Re: Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by Pugsy » Sun Sep 06, 2009 3:32 pm

The ResMed Escape does not have full data capability. It will only provide hours of use or compliance usage.
No data at all to help evaluate results, therapy or effectiveness.

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jdm2857
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Re: Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by jdm2857 » Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:47 pm

Here's a link to instructions to make your own manometer: viewtopic.php?t=8432
jeff

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plr66
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Re: Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by plr66 » Mon Sep 07, 2009 8:22 am

OK, I've got to ask what is probably a stupid question
....So if the calibration is found to be "off," then what? I admittedly have not run off to the bedroom to check my machine's setting choices, but is there a way we can change the calibration on our machines?
DeVilbiss IntelliPap Std Plus with Smartflex; Transcend miniCPAP & Everest2 w/humidifier & batt for travel. UltraMirage FFM; PadACheeks; PaPillow. Using straight CPAP at 13.0/passover humidifier. AHI consistently < 1.5. Began CPAP 9/4/08.

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jdm2857
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Re: Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by jdm2857 » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:10 am

I think you'd have to send it out for service.
jeff

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Wulfman
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Re: Do I need software? & How often to have calibration checked?

Post by Wulfman » Mon Sep 07, 2009 9:34 am

jdm2857 wrote:Here's a link to instructions to make your own manometer: viewtopic.php?t=8432
In that thread you noted, there's a post in there by "Tomjax" about putting the hose in water and watching the bubbles. Being the curious (and cheap) person that I am, I tried that. Only I took a ruler and marked off the relevant centimeter markers on my hose (with a "Shapie" pen)......then stuck it in a container of water and it worked.

PS. Make sure you do this in a LARGE container of water as you can have water blowing all over you if the hose isn't deep enough into the water.


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