Semi-permanently disabling modem in ResMed Airsense 10

Captain Neon wrote:Even though I have the modem fully functioning, I still got a robocall yesterday from my DME asking me questions that could be answered by looking at my downloaded data. When I have some time, I might just give them a call and ask what gives.

Not all DMEs access the patient's modem information. Once you are past the compliance status for your insurance or government program, Lincare (my local office anyway) will not access your machine's modem unless you ASK them to or have given them permission specifically. Even when they are faxed doctor's orders to change the settings, they contact the patient before making the changes.

Geezer Butler wrote: Many of us don't have insurance, and we have to do what's needed to survive.
And that includes hacking a CPAP and mending cracked masks and headgear if need be.
I've been there...

I appreciate the instructions!

You are most welcome! I'm happy to have been able to help!

Thanks much for posting this information.

As someone who has worked extensively with cell phone companies and cell technology the idea of a cell phone device is embedded in a CPAP machine is absolutely chilling. The fact that it cannot be permanently defeated without disassembling the machine makes the product completely unacceptable. This technology allows Resmed and the DME provider to know exactly where you are, when you are sleeping, if you have insomnia, and if a microphone is built in (who knows?), what is being said in the room. (Even if no mic is built in it is technically possible to hack a cell modem to allow audio in the room to be monitored.)

These companies say "No problem, trust us." I don't. The fact that I have no choice other than to trust my cell phone provider is bad enough. I will not bring two other companies into the mix and I know way too much about the Internet and cell phone technology to use a machine of this type.

I just took possession of a Resmed VPAP today, but have already notified my DME provider that I will be returning the machine. There is no way I will accept any machine that includes a cellular modem that can't be easily and permanently defeated.

oy vey... with some, paranoia runs deep, with others, it positively GALLOPS.

I have a few feet of excess aluminum foil . . .

might take more than that

there's no microphone on the board, that'd be pretty easy to spot, and I have seen good pics of the boards, it's not difficult to disconnect the modem board, if one REALLY hates using the 'airplane mode'.

Unfortunately, cat telepathy is completely foil proof.

Obviously many here have no idea how easy it is to monitor cellular data. Lots of people don't even tell the post office when they leave for vacation, but allowing two companies and potentially all the people in them to know when you're out of town, as well as exactly where you have gone is just fine and it's "paranoid" to think otherwise.

Giving up your privacy because you can't imagine anyone using the information you have willingly and needlessly provided is just plain foolish. It's one thing to give up some privacy for a good reason or because you have no choice, but other brands don't pull this nonsense and work just as well. You do have a choice and there is absolutely no reason to put up with Resmed's intrusion.

But you're right, there's no reason to worry.

raptersocks wrote:Obviously many here have no idea how easy it is to monitor cellular data. Lots of people don't even tell the post office when they leave for vacation, but allowing two companies and potentially all the people in them to know when you're out of town, as well as exactly where you have gone is just fine and it's "paranoid" to think otherwise.

Giving up your privacy because you can't imagine anyone using the information you have willingly and needlessly provided is just plain foolish. It's one thing to give up some privacy for a good reason or because you have no choice, but other brands don't pull this nonsense and work just as well. You do have a choice and there is absolutely no reason to put up with Resmed's intrusion.

But you're right, there's no reason to worry.

it's funny how you're rustling around under your tinfoil hat while not even understanding (or caring) what's actually in the machine, or what data it can create... "microphone"

hobbs wrote:

I'm thinking his hat, along with the chinstrap would be working well despite the fact he does appear to have more chins than a chinese telephone directory.

raptersocks wrote:Thanks much for posting this information.
...
These companies say "No problem, trust us." I don't.

You are most welcome. Happy to be of service.

There should be a quiet disable control for the modem,
which turns off the signal without activating the "nag screen".
Remember devices with a little hole in the bottom?
Insert a paper clip to reboot the calculator, laptop, etc.
Unless one is afflicted with paranoia, we cannot imagine how it feels.
Many know their fear is irrational; but that is not enough to erase it.

All of the discussions seem to ignore the security of the data and the access mode.
I can find no information about the security or access control to the equipment.
What prevents a hacker from connecting and changing settings perhaps resulting in a patients death?

I was not killed by any of the power outages that occurred at night.
Just woke up feeling rotten.
Hackers have better things to do than fooling around with my cpap--like using my debit card.