Remote Control for M-Series?

reidlb · Post by **reidlb** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:18 pm

Hi all. I am new to CPAP therapy (just started using my machine about 3 weeks ago), and I have a question. I have a Respironics M-series auto with a-flex machine and it is REALLY GREAT! However, I do have one small frustration, and I'm hoping that someone will have a suggestion. My pressure setting is pretty high, so I have trouble achieving a mask seal at full pressure. My machine has a "Ramp" feature, which is really great for solving this problem. I push the button to start ramp-up, and the reduced pressure at the beginning of ramp-up allows me to achieve a good seal, which will then hold up as the pressure increases to the full required pressure. However, the "Ramp" button is difficult for me to reach once I am in bed (and adjusting the mask in the night after I knock it loose or lose the seal). If I just had a wireless remote control for the "ramp" button, then I could quickly and easily reduce the pressure, re-seat the mask, and go back to sleep. Without it, however, I have to get out of bed, push the "ramp" button on the top of the machine, re-seat the mask, and then get back into bed. Doing that 1 - 3 times a night is getting a little tiresome. Any ideas?

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:36 pm

I too have the very same problem, as I am sure others who will chime in. Hopefully someone has a solution, I do NOT.

I do wish there was just a remote button at the end of the hose just for the "Ramp Feature". Something near the mask to press - so you could just roll-over & go back to sleep.

I feel your pain.
GumbyCT

reidlb · Post by **reidlb** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 4:43 pm

Well, it's good to know that I'm not alone. I couldn't locate a phone number for Respironics Marketing department, so I sent an e-mail. I am going to suggest either a credit-card sized wireless remote (that you could slide under your pillow), or some kind of wireless watch-sized apparatus that you could velcro to your wrist at night.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:41 pm

There's a feature called "Auto On" that you can toggle. It starts the machine automatically when you breathe into the mask.

Mine's a little touchy and random. Some nights I just pickup the mask and it starts. Other nights I huff myself blue in the face and then it finally starts.

It's in the setup menu.

Cheers,
Babette

bigk · Post by **bigk** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 5:44 pm

I use the smartstart function on my Resmed too because it's hard to reach the button.

I only ever have to exhale once or at most twice to get it to start.

LyleHaze · Post by **LyleHaze** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:08 pm

Re: Auto Start:
I believe that is not an option, it's a requirement.
Autostart cannot be turned OFF on my machine, and I think that's a safety feature.

Re: Remote Ramp:
It would not be hard to build a little homemade remote receiver, but there would be two ways to attach it.. Something that would mechanically push the button (a bit clunky, and it would get in your way for "regular" operation) or opening the case and wiring it to the contacts on the back of the existing button.(Much prettier, but it voids your warranty).

If there are a few people interested, and we can agree on the above interface issue, I would be happy to put a few together at or near cost.
I am not interested in making money off the CPAP crowd, but I will expect to cover my expenses.

Lyle

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 7:36 pm

1. Using the ramp, because of leaks at your full pressure, does not solve anything. Fix the leaks at your prescribed pressure so you can recieve treatment.

2. I don't use the ramp and never have, because I want treatment when I go to bed and for the above reason.

3. I don't wear mittens to bed and have all my digits, so pushing buttons is not a problem, I have three or four remotes at every location I set in the house, so I have plenty of practice.

4. The watch idea is a good one for the people that think XPAP's are clocks. Two birds with one stone. They could tell time and turn the XPAP on. Provided they could lift one arm and press that button, Oh No, If I could do that, I could press the Buttons on the XPAP.

Life is so Hard!. Jim

bigk · Post by **bigk** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 8:04 pm

Well I have all my digits too but it's EASIER having autostart than having to reach for the button. The wonders of 21st century conveniences. I use a car instead of a horse and buggy or a bus for convenience as well. LOL.

I also use the settling feature because the data is crap if you start recording before you fall asleep. I would most probably use Ramp for the same reason if I was using straight CPAP instead of APAP. I also remove the mask as soon as I wake up so it doesn't skew my data either.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:19 pm

Thanks for the replies. Lyle, I was thinking along the same two lines as you, but you clearly have the fabrication skills which I do not possess. I would be interested in further discussion on the second approach. Your offer is very generous. Thank you! As for Jim ... perhaps you misplaced your manners today? In the furture, try this little test before you send a reply: If you don't have anything nice to say, DON'T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL!

reidlb · Post by **reidlb** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:29 pm

Sorry, Lyle ... I failed to log in before I replied, so it posted as "Guest". Sorry, I'm new to this forum.

Laurie

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:45 pm

Lyle - For me the reason is because the machine is out of reach and sometimes it is difficult to fall to sleep at the higher pressures. Yea my 500M makes some mean noises at the higher pressures too. So I keep it at the end of a 10ft hose. If I had a remote ramp, I think I'd put it in another room.

For me, I would prefer a wired version -
Because I wouldn't want to go looking for a remote.
A wired version either attached to the end of the hose or for the paranoid- placed within reach while sleeping.
Plus I don't need something else to find when I wake up.

JMMO,
GumbyCT

jules · Post by **jules** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 9:57 pm

oh, respironics used to have a machine with a remote - not sure if it controlled ramp too as I don't have it - wonder if I can get one of those multipurpose remotes for cable, tv, recorder etc. to work --

yes, gumby - my trash can

GumbyCT · Post by **GumbyCT** » Tue Feb 12, 2008 10:13 pm

::Gumby thinks Jules may be starting a museum?::

sleepie · Post by **sleepie** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 2:51 am

the remote should have different buttons for diif thing---ramp on,off---machine on,off, a screen for pressure and a time stamp--sometimes i wake up in the night and wonder if it was from an apnea-or an increse in pressure-i could just press a button for a time stamp and check this against software to see why i was awakened --and i like the watch type thing ---i don't want to have to look for something---an one more thing---backlight so i can see------thoughts--pat

LyleHaze · Post by **LyleHaze** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 5:19 am

Wow! I get a few hours sleep and there's a whole thread to catch up on..
bigK: I always use autostart to turn the machine on, I only use the power button to turn it off. It's just a convenience for me.
reidlib,GumbyCT: There are two "ends" of the proposed device. Is your "remote" wired or wireless, and does it connect mechanically or electrically? To connect a button that is wired direct would only require a few dollars in parts from your local RadioShack. Really simple, but opening the case will void the warranty. If we go with a wireless remote, I would only build the receiver, and each person could choose and buy their own remote. Regular or wristwatch as you choose. Back to the original question, do we open the case to wire the receiver direct, or do we build something that will physically push the button?
sleepie: I really don't want to build a whole new CPAP machine, we are only extending a button or two here, but I like your enthusiasm!

So the questions:

wireless remote of the users choosing, or just a small switch on a wire?
Do we crack the case open or build a button-pushing mechanical device?

Since I don't use ramp, I don't need one of these. But if we can keep it simple (sorry Sleepie!) it shoudn't be too hard to get built.

Lyle

Mask	Humidifier

Additional Comments: S9 Autoset, H5i, Resmed Swift FX, Resscan 3.10