Software?

I notice that a lot of folks on here list the software they have for their machines. What is the benefit of the software? What does it do for you?

Satisfies my curiosity since my sleep doctor is too ignorant of my VPAP's capabilities to take advantage of the data even when I print it out and give it to him. Same w/my local DME's RT.

Provides the data that COULD help my sleep professionals improve my therapy if they had the smarts, open minds and experience to take advantage of the data available.

Provides the data that will help fellow forum members help me to help myself.

Keeps me interested in learning MORE about my sleep and lung problems and what my VPAP Auto can do to improve my therapy results.

I think Velbor gave a great comprehensive summary on the question of the benefits of software (specifically concerning ResMed software, but the principles apply to all), about halfway down the following page:

viewtopic.php?p=283499#283499

In my case, since I have an Auto, I can not only monitor my therapy, I can actively tweak it, in a variety of ways. Yesterday I discovered I'm running my numbers way higher than I used to, and I probably need to raise my top pressure to accommodate that change. I have the option to be a complete geek and look at my numbers daily, and make subtle tweaks all the time. I don't, however, have that much energy, and tend to look at my numbers more like once a month.

However, during yesterday's download, I only got a week's worth of data, and now I'm annoyed and think I'm going to try to remember to download at least once a week.

Cheers,
Babs

Thanks for the responses.

That link was helpful. I may have to invest in the software but dang it is expensive! Plus, it looks like with my machine I'd have to buy the card reader too.

After last night I suspect I had a couple of leaks so the graphs from the software would be helpful.

Babette wrote:...I don't, however, have that much energy, and tend to look at my numbers more like once a month.

However, during yesterday's download, I only got a week's worth of data, and now I'm annoyed and think I'm going to try to remember to download at least once a week.

Cheers,
Babs

Hi Babs,

Yep - a week's worth of detail data is about right for the Respironics. I try to download once a week (and of course still miss an occasional day or two because of the M-series bug). I miss downloading now and then but am lazy and am no longer breathlessly awaiting my next set of numbers now that they've stabilized

Mindy

Well this looks like a bummer. I have the ResMed S8 Compact. I downloaded the manual and it doesn't appear to have a slot for the data card.

you need the elite or the vantage S8 but the compact or even the escape won't give meaningful data (escape has a card but worthless) - the new model II line might be different -

( https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/resme ... -cpap.html)

The good news is that the fully data-capable Resmeds can show the most important data from the screen without software.

RedDwarf, how long have you had your Resmed S8 Compact? Are you purchasing it thru insurance or out of pocket? If purchasing it thru your insurance and its been less that 30 days it would behoove you to call your insurance company and ask about your DME CPAP benefits.

What local DME CPAP supppliers are they contracted with? Hopefully you will have the option of more than one.
What are your copays and or deducatables?
Is there an annual or lifetime limit on your DME benefits?
Is your xPAP purchased outright immediately or is there a rental period?
If there is a rental period, how long is the rental period and once that rental period has been met does the CPAP become your property?
What about your CPAP accessories? Rental period and then purchase or outright purchase from the get-go?
If you were to purchase your equipment "out of network" what is their reimbursement policy?
If you were to purchase your equipment "out of pocket" and submitted a PAID invoice including the proper HCPCS code numbers would they partially or fully reimburse you? If partial reimbursement what percent would be reimbursed?

It could well be worth your while after getting the answers to the above questions to return that Resmed S8 Compact and request a Resmed S8 II AutoSet from your current local DME supplier. They're foisting off the bottom of the line model and you would be asking for the top of the line model giving both you and the DME bargaining/negotiating room and you might well be able to agree on a Resmed S8 II Elite w/EPR (its fully data capable).

If they don't want to budge on providing any better than the Compact and you have the option of other local DME suppliers contracted w/your insurance you again have some bargaining/negotiating room. You can shop elsewhere to see what your other DME options are willing to provide. One of them should want your business enough to provide you w/at least the Elite. And somewhere along the line you just might get lucky and actually be able to get the AutoSet or AutoSet Vantage tho the Elite is a great CPAP and provides that all important full data.

Be DIPLOMATIC but FIRM whilst bargaining and negotiating. You can catch more flies w/honey than w/vinegar. Ask each local DME supplier how lenient their mask exchange policy is. After all, YOU realize that a comfortable, relatively leak-free mask is THE KEY to SUCCESSFUL CPAP therapy. You want a fully data capable CPAP so that your DME's RT and your doctor will have the data necessary to help determine what problems you are having w/your CPAP therapy and how to correct any issues you may be having. You want the ENCOURAGEMENT of being able to see for yourself via the LCD screen that your therapy IS improving or to know when to call them or your sleep doctor for help. Don't even mention software and cable reader. That's for another time, not in your early negotiations. Not until you have the equipment you want "in hand"!

Good luck and God bless!!!

Slinky,

Thanks for the advice. This is exactly what I'm thinking. I found this board after I got my CPAP. I just took what the DME (Sleep Healers) gave me. My insurance sucks. $2,000 deductible on medical equipment.

I will be calling the DME tomorrow to see if I can get another machine. It has been less than 30 days. I was able to get a new mask and it has helped a lot. I'm now getting 6+ hours of sleep a night.

I wish I had thought to search for this forum before I got the CPAP. I may have just bought on-line sans insurance.

Figure it out. If it is cheaper to purchase online, just return the Compact and tell them you can get what you want elsewhere cheaper. Be sure to get a receipt for return of the Compact and then go ahead and purchase the Elite or AutoSet online at cpap.com. You do NOT have to stay w/your current local DME supplier since its been less than 30 days since they provided you w/the equipment. They MIGHT even be willing to sell you what you want at cpap.com's price. Maybe. Don't count on it.

I have a feeling I may return all the stuff and rebuy online. I called about an exchange or a refund and they said "I'll have to call you back, we don't sell that model"

Reddwarf wrote:I have a feeling I may return all the stuff and rebuy online. I called about an exchange or a refund and they said "I'll have to call you back, we don't sell that model"

Yup, that's the decision I finally came to, after obsessing over it for 3-4 weeks. With $1000 deductible untouched so far this year, and to re-set in January, I just decided it was worth the $1000 out of pocket to get a much better deal on the whole package I actually wanted from cpap.com and not have the continuing hassle of the ridiculous lies being constantly told to me by the DME (along the lines of: No you can't, No we can't, No, No, No...), nor the waste of that insurance-required rent-to-own deal. So Glad I did!!

Reddwarf wrote:I have a feeling I may return all the stuff and rebuy online. I called about an exchange or a refund and they said "I'll have to call you back, we don't sell that model"

Reddwafr: I already faced the same situation as you... my DME gave me the cheapest machine available... after read the forum I approached my doctor and I did ask him for the better machine.. Finally he gave me the new order and I did negotiate with my DME... I found that in my case I didn't have any obligation to maintain the machine and I could return it whenever I want... my DME provide me with the S8 Autoset II (exactly what I did ask) they fight a little but they can't do much... so be firm and they will give you what you want/need

Miko