does your specialist\cme actually help with your apnea?

I suggest you make a manometer, I did, and if I can do it, ANYONE can. Took maybe 20-30 minutes, a ruler, tubing from a fish tank filter (new, no fish stuff), and some food coloring and tape if I remember correctly, and I used the directions on this FAB site!

Sounds like a plan.
Now if I could just figure out how to test vacuum cleaners--and not get stuck with another dog.
(actually, the dog does a better job.)

Well this was the card reader I used for my Old Remstar. I still have both and they work.

http://www.cpap-supply.com/Mako-DT3500- ... dt3500.htm

The software for it is around on the Web and probably this forum. Someone would happily PM info on how if you asked for it in thread.

The hard part is getting it to work on today's OS. I was able to get it to work and install properly though on a Win 7 64 bit system by going through all the install files and marking them "Run as Admin" as well as turning off UAC for the install. I Then turned UAC back on after install. But this doesn't always work. If you have a old Windows XP on a computer or laptop you could get the reader and make it work more easily.

With full data you really don't need a doctor unless you can't get the unit to work for you no matter what you try. If you have these things buy the reader and get setup. If not well you might want to think about getting a new or used Apap out of pocket that is more current and has full data capabilities. Also Amazon sells Oximeters I got mine from there a CMS50E and it works for me. I just checked today though and the unit I got is no longer being sold so I can't recommend one over another. Price range 30$ to 100$+

*EDIT* Here is a link to a different model, software looks the same though.

http://www.amazon.com/fingertip-oximete ... -1-catcorr

and a link to the old

http://facelake.com/cms50e.html

The Facelake one is more expensive but has goodies like Bluetooth and Wireless adapters.

My experience is that the doctors in this area are worse than useless.

I responded to a magazine advert in 2005 "Snoring ? maybe you've got sleep apnea". That is 2005. I researched on internet first and knew broadly what to expect. I went to scheduled appointment for the overnight sleep study (part 1) at a large public hospital in Brisbane Australia... Paperwork, wired up.. then to bed. I did not see a doctor while there. Next I got detailed letter (based on the various graphs I guess) - that I had "severe" OSA. Recommendations were: 1 lose weight, 2 cpap. I was max of 5 kg overweight - but within the normal range of BMI. I booked into second night at sleep clinic for titration study (to get the presscriptiom and the pressure setting). I thought I would meet the doctor (apparently an "expert" in this area). I arrived early and was ushered into a room where - I am not making this up - they played a video of the doctor saying "You have been diagnosed with OSA, let me tell you about it in some detail...". It was a video. IT went for about 15 minutes. I then stayed overngiht. Got my pressure rating (11) and my script in the post. I bought my CPAP machine online (actually an APAP - Resmed S8 auto), by uploading the script, and have used it every day since then - 2005. Every day. Without fail.

Bottomline - I have never "seen" a doctor. I can't imagine what they would help with. My next purchase is going to be a data recording oximeter (CMS50) which are about $100-$120. This forum and a few others like it are much more useful than 10 minutes in front of a doctor. They tend to be there for people who are ot interested in the detail, but want the very dumbed down over-simplified explanation.. Doesn't suit me.