Bluetooth module for System One A-Flex

As stated in previous thread ("new APAP... I want daily access to my data")
I have a new System One RemStar A-Flex (arrived on Friday)

My desire is to easily see (on my iPhone) how I slept last night, last week, etc.

I've installed the Sleepmapper app. It seems like Bluetooth functionality is possible, but I might need to get an add-on to the device.

I know I can take out the SD card, but seems that whatever computer I install it in would require Windows. (I'm Mac-only)

I'd rather do the Bluetooth method if I can help it anyway; don't feel like reaching in and pulling out the card every day.

So today's question is where can I get a BT module, and roughly how much should I expect the cost to be?

just a heads up, before you buy this module go look at the reviews of sleepmapper... I looked at them last night and most are just not good... it may or may not be worth it....

Cowboy...

Hello Cowboy ~

When you say

I looked at them last night and most are just not good... it may or may not be worth it...

Are you saying the reviews are bad for the Bluetooth module or for the Sleepmapper software?

He's probably referring to the reviews for SleepMapper.
Have you actually used it to see what it shows? It's pretty basic data. Not really any different from what you get off the LCD screen. No where near the level of data that the regular software offers.
If you haven't actually used it then you might want to use it on your computer first to see if you are happy with the limited data it offers before buying a Bluetooth module.

BTW you can use SleepyHead software on your Mac. There is a Mac version of SleepyHead available.

Sorry for so many newb questions, but since you brought up Sleepyhead; does Sleepyhead work with Bluetooth?

No, SleepyHead does not worth with Bluetooth.

If you want to go the wireless route your only choice is SleepMapper.

My suggestion since wireless seems to be a priority for you....use it for day to day and every so often download to SleepyHead to see the detailed data if you want to. You may not care.
Your AHI might be nice and low and you might never have any leaks and you might feel great and have no need for the detailed data. Up to you but you aren't going to get anything beyond hours of use, generic AHI and leak data using SleepMapper. It might suit your needs though.

KingofPillows wrote:Hello Cowboy ~

When you say

I looked at them last night and most are just not good... it may or may not be worth it...

Are you saying the reviews are bad for the Bluetooth module or for the Sleepmapper software?

Thanks Pugsy, I guess I should have said that, the reviews were of sleepmapper....

more to come on wireless, It is something I am going to try and figure out, hopefully soon

http://www.sleepmapper.com/

The screen shot in the opening page is all the details that is provides...

Mask Fit as %, Therapy hours, and AHI.

There is a small bar graphs on the bottom of each that shows the last 2 weeks or so. If you click on each section it will show a larger version of the bar graph for the last 2 weeks - that is all is shows

So, if you are interested in more details, then SleepyHead is the way to go

Yeah, I'm not looking for advanced stats yet, more a system (of recording data) that's easy to stick with.

Thank all of you for your feedback.

Beware of a BIG RIPOFF: Unless you have the Respironics PRO device with "Advanced Data", all that your CPAP will upload is data about how many hours you used the machine each night (as if I didn't know that). This information is pretty much useless to you, the user/consumer. (Apparently the insurance companies like it). So don't expect SleepMapper to give you AHI and LEAK information, even though the screen shots show that, unless you have a PRO machine with "Advanced Data".

I found this out the hard way, by buying a $400 CPAP that supports SleepMapper, then spending $70 for the BlueTooth module, then discovering that it doesn't give me any meaningful data.

I've been using CPAP machines for at least 10 years and all 3 CPAP machines I've used kept track of the AHIs throughout the night. But Philips Respironics sells machines in the $400+ range that do not have this basic capability, and they use a marketing term ("Advanced Data") to hide that many of their machines do not track whether the therapy is actually working for the patient. It's highway robbery.

Oh, and by the way, if you do happen to buy one of these useless CPAP machines online, they will not let you upgrade it to one that actually checks that the therapy is working. Once you open the package, it's yours and that's too bad. I suppose if you don't buy the "advanced braking" option on your next car, you may have to stop it by sticking your foot out the door and dragging it on the road.

The supervisor told me I should have known I needed a machine with "Advanced Data". But my doctor did not mention those words on her prescription. And to further confusing things, the Respironics CPAP machines without the ability to upload meaningful data advertise that they support SleepMapper, and when you look at the documentation for SleepMapper, it shows that it displays the AHI! You have to drill down 2 levels on the website and the "hover" your mouse over the "i" button next to "Advanced Data" to see that it means basic AHI and leak tracking.

Bottom line: If you don't have the Respironics "PRO" version with "Advanced Data", forget about the Bluetooth Module, and forget about finding out whether your sleep therapy is actually effective.

Dr. Bob wrote:Beware of a BIG RIPOFF: Unless you have the Respironics PRO device with "Advanced Data", all that your CPAP will upload is data about how many hours you used the machine each night (as if I didn't know that). This information is pretty much useless to you, the user/consumer. (Apparently the insurance companies like it). So don't expect SleepMapper to give you AHI and LEAK information, even though the screen shots show that, unless you have a PRO machine with "Advanced Data".

Pro or higher...model 460 or higher offers the advanced detail data in the latest Respironics model line. The 450 will also offer it but that machine was discontinued 2 years ago and replaced with the 460...so I don't mention it much.
That's why we tell people to read this blog so that they don't get stuck with the brick you got stuck with.
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/
If people don't know the exact model name and are unsure....model numbers are on a little sticker on the bottom of the blower unit...3 digits with REF or DS in front or behind. Those model numbers don't lie.