reporting software

This is most likely a really dumb question but does the reporting software come with the new machine or do I need to specifiy what reporting software to include when I meet with the DME?

I don't use the software because my computer is broke. Look at the bottom of Pugsy profile. She had a download link to sleepy head (I think that is what you call it).

Sheriff

Software doesn't come with the machine and what software that is available from the manufacturer is usually only provided to clinics. If you can get a machine that is compatible with SleepyHead it would be best. I have a F&P Icon and was able to find the software online thru non-standard sources but it isn't as good as SleepyHead. Other users were able to purchase the software with permission from their Dr but it is a separate purchase and some MDs are apparently reluctant to let you have the software. I am just waiting for my machine to be added to SleepyHead(it is in progress).

The medical mafia believes in the mushroom theory of patient management. Keep them in the dark, feed them manure, and when their head pops up, cut it off.

Most of the medical community doesn't want you to have software, be able to read your data, or participate in decisions about your therapy. Many of them ignore the results from your CPAP machine and will only look at an expensive in-lab sleep study.

Read Janknitz's blog entry to figure out how to not get screwed as badly when you get your CPAP machine. Many DMEs (CPAP salesmen) will try to screw you with a lower cost machine that doesn't give you or your doctor any data on how your therapy is working.

SleepyHead software is free and open source, and does a really good job reading your data if you get a Philips Respironics System One (PRS1) Pro or Auto, or Resmed S9 AutoSet (Not Escape Auto) or S9 Elite CPAP machine.

Sleepyhead also works with the Devilbis Intellipap Auto

It's not the software you need to worry about when selecting a CPAP machine, it's the data collection. Machines collect two types of data:

1. Usage data--how many hours you use the machine per day, how many days you use the machine
2. EFFICACY data--how well the machine is working for you. This is a broad spectrum of data including AHI (number of apnea/hypopnea events per hour of use), leak data, type of apneas, breathing waveform data, pressure, and a few other measures. Not all machines collect EFFICACY data, and they usually cost a bit more (not much more--about $40 or $50 more retail).

Obviously, as users, we are interested in the EFFICACY data. The ONLY reason for usage data is to "prove up" your compliance to the insurance company so that they will pay for the machine. You already know how much you use (or don't use) the machine. The insurance company understandably doesn't want to pay for a machine that sits in your closet and gathers dust. However, the insurance company doesn't care if the machine is working for you or not (they should, but they don't).

EFFICACY data, on the other hand, is infinitely important to YOU. If you have a problem, EFFICACY data will help you sort out what the problem might be and how to fix it. For example, you may not realize that you are opening your mouth in the middle of the night, causing all the air to go out your mouth instead of keeping your airway open. EFFICACY data will tell you that. Or, the pressure may not be optimal (sleep studies are a snapshot of one night in very unusual sleeping conditions—often the pressure can be dialed in more accurately over time with good data at home). But if you don’t have EFFICACY data, you’ll never know this or why the CPAP may not be helping as much as expected when a problem arises.

Our recent troll made it clear that EFFICACY data was considered an extra luxury, even though most of us feel that it’s a medical necessity (what, pray tell, is the medical necessity of usage data, which all the machines have???). So to be certain that you get a machine with EFFICACY data, you should do all of the following:

1. Ask your doctor to specify the following in the prescription:
“Patient access to AHI and leak data”.
If the prescription requires it, the DME must provide it.

2. Read my blog and understand which machines have EFFICACY data and which do not. Refuse to accept any ResMed with “Escape” in the name or any Philips Respironics System One Plus (but “Philips Respironics System one PRO with C-flex Plus” is OK) because these lack full EFFICACY data.

Once you get your machine, we can help you with the software end. Do not expect any help with software from the DME. As already stated, they don’t even think you should have access to your data, and will even tell you it’s impossible for you to access or try to scare you that it’s illegal for you to access it. But you’ll know better, because you have asked here. And you’ll have contacted your insurance company so that you know how they reimburse for CPAP machines so the DME can’t try to convince you that your insurance won’t cover a machine with EFFICACY data.

BTW, it’s not worth getting into a fight or arguing with the DME, except that you should not allow them to stick you with a brick that lacks full EFFICACY data. Unless you’re with an HMO and stuck with one provider, you can always find a DME who wants your business and is willing to work with you.

DMEs are unlikely to even want you to have any software and for sure won't do anything to help you get software. We can help though. Just make sure you get a machine that offers full data and has easily obtained software. Checkout SleepyHead in my signature line as it works with the SD cards from ResMed S9, Respironics PR S1 and the Devilbiss machines. Just make sure you know which models gather efficacy data and which models don't.

Another vote for SleepyHead. Though there are other options depending on what you machine you get, there is a lot to be said for software coded by a fellow hosehead for his fellow hoseheads. The manufacturers and DMEs just don't have the same agenda as we do.

I think SleepyHead currently supports Resmed S9, Philips PR1, and DeVilbiss Intellipap, but no earlier versions from any of those manufacturers. Support is in the works for at least one F&P machine, but as the developer is taking a sabbatical, it might be a while before this is a realistic option.

As Jan said, you want full efficacy data. Say "data" to your average DME employee, and he'll think you're talking about compliance data, because they're more focused on getting insurance to pay than on the details of the actual therapy. These folks also tend to be believe rather bizarre things about patients looking at their own data. Examples: You could never understand it. It's illegal for you to look at it. It's encrypted so that can't look at it. If you manage look at it anyway, the machine will lock up and have to be sent back to the factory to be reset.

Try not to loose your temper. Also try to restrain your laughter. But stick to your guns and get the machine you need.

Be very careful about exactly what model you take home. Most brands have a dumbed down version with a very similar name and identical appearance to the top of the line machine, and it's common for DMEs to try to boost their bottom line by foisting these cheaper versions on newbie CPAPers who are still trying to navigate in a fog. Learn to identify the different models before you go to pick yours up, and make sure that you're getting what you expect by looking at the actual machine rather than trusting in DME statements or paperwork. Too often, they either don't know the difference themselves, or they flat out lie.

You may want to research what data the various machines log. The Intellipap, for instance, won't show your data breath by breath, which forces you to rely on the machine's interpretation of what happened. The PR1 and S9 both log breath by breath data, but they go about it differently. The PR1 has more types of events, flagging suspected Cheyne-Stokes respiration and attempting to identify RERA from flow data alone. S9 does not attempt these feats, but gives you access to more data traces. For instance, it logs respiratory rate, from which I've learned to identify REM sleep. (Odds are high my method would not work for everyone.)

jmcanzo wrote:Sleepyhead also works with the Devilbis Intellipap Auto

You have to buy the optional data module for $100 or so. Even then, you get no airflow waveform data.

The data is much better on the data capable PRS1 and S9 machines.