My CPAP stopped transmitting

[Robear]

My sleep apnea is mild & with my CPAP I rarely have problems. However, every morning, I force transmission by pressing the button on my machine and check my numbers, via DreamMapper on my phone. I know SleepyHead tracks things much more in detail. My DreamMapper & SleepyHead "overall numbers" have always agreed, so I only remove my card & load data to SleepyHead every few weeks.

For the last 3 days my Philips REMstar (System one 60 series) has not transmitted properly. It now always shows a code-9 error when I force transmission. The book basically says that "there was an error, press the button to force transmission". I've loaded the data from my card into SleepyHead & the info for these missing days is on the card.

I've called the supplier & my doctor's office. Nobody seems to know anything about how the machine works. Supplier promises to call back, but never does or to have my "local contact" get in touch with me. My supplier is in Santa Fe (or Utah, not sure which) & I live in Maryland. Dr's office said "if the machine isn't working we can order a new one". How do I know if I need a new machine? For all I know, DreamMapper's software has a bug . . . it's happened before & they've fixed after my reporting.

Side issue - I've been trying unsuccessfully for a month to get a heated hose. I was initially told by doctor that my supplier (Tibro) was the low bidder on the Medicare contract, so I had to use them. More recently, I've been told that I can use a local supplier, but the paperwork (similar to a prescription) must be changed.

Suggestions?

[Wulfman...]

As long as you're using Sleepyhead, I wouldn't give a rat's patootie about DreamMapper........if I were you.

If it gets to a point where they DO care and complain, send them a printout of your Sleepyhead reports.


Den

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[SewTired]

I would call the supplier every day (squeaky wheel). The Medicare code for heated hose is A4604. I assume that you are in a Medicare bid area. You can go to the medicare.gov site and do a search for approved Medicare companies for cpap supplies. They may not be local to you, but maybe you'll get better business from them.

As to your cpap, my bro has a series 560 bipap and the transmitter/modem is removable. Just pull it out the back and take it back to the place who ordered your machine and ask for a replacement. IF Medicare paid for it, as part of your package, then they need to repair/replace according to Medicare rules they agreed to. If Medicare did not pay for it, then they tossed it in soley for compliance and are under no obligation to replace it as it is not necessary for the function of the machine. We tossed my brother's into the bag after his compliance was done. Instead of regularly removing his SD card, he's getting the Flashair SD card so that it can be read directly into his computer and into Sleepyhead.

Why did I keep the modem? If something happened to me, he would be in assisted living and they have no clue how to make the adjustments, so DME would do it over the modem.

[Robear]

I emailed DreamMapper support & they replied that they were having "a temporary interruption with our modem data service". BIG help! But at least I know that it's not MY machine.

Wulfman . . . I use DreamMapper because it's more convenient (for me) to quickly get basic numbers. There's no question that SleepyHead gives much more detailed info, but I don't need that on a daily basis.

SewTired . . . I just discovered recently that a heated hose was originally recommended, but I never got it. Don't know if supplier billed Medicare correctly or not. I only decided to press the hose issue after a big rainout a month ago. Actually, I have no hose issues right now, except that they must be sending it via pony express. I can't take machine (or anything) back to where I got it because I have no idea where it came from. Machine was delivered to my house & very briefly demonstrated. Santa Fe called ever 3 months to "hack their wares" (because Medicare pays for it). I finally told them to stop calling because I'm buried under unneeded supplies; didn't work, so I just stopped answering their calls.

This forum is the only place that I've found where people know about CPAP. I even got recommendations here for adjusting pressure. Surprised the hell out of my doctor when I changed the settings myself.

[ractar28]

Is it possible your memory card is bad (or full)?

[ChicagoGranny]

Wulfman . . . I use DreamMapper because it's more convenient (for me) to quickly get basic numbers.

You can see just as much in the display. Each morning, I take a quick glance at AHI, AI, CA, leak and hours used in the display. Takes about 5 seconds. Only download to Sleepyhead if I see a problem - this happens infrequently.