Why Do I Want Data from my CPAP Machine?

[Hetron]

I've been using CPAP since last June. I love my CPAP since I've been using, I feel like $1 million.

I had one initial sleep study and a second in November. My machine is a REMStar Plus "M" series with a SmartCard. A few days ago I posted a question about the SmartCard and everyone basically agreed it gave limited information. After surfing the CPAP message board, I see where some folks are talking about software for their computers used to extract data from their CPAP machines. They talk about details, graphs and other information. As far as I know, the supplier has never checked the SmartCard on my machine.

My questions are: Why would one need to have this data? What does the data tell the user?
Should I be getting this data? Any idea why this was not explained to me when my supplier delivered thne equipment?

Looking forward to your comments.

--thanx Hetron

[alnhwrd]

If you are using your machine and have no problems and feel like a million, you probably don't need data, at least not right now. Many are prescribed machines set above or below the optimal pressure, or have a significant weight gain or loss, or experiance problems with leaks, or other problems. Having the data helps to understand whats going on, and thus helps to find the means to correct it and get to the point where they feel like a million, just like you!

BTW, congrats on several months of successful CPAP use! Keep it up!

[kopoloff]

It's all about taking control of your own therapy. With the ability to see what is happening during the night, you can adjust your therapy so as to make improvements. My experience was that as soon as I was able to see the data, my sleep improved markedly, and I still continue to make small changes to maximise the benefits.

Maybe not for everyone, but I think you'll find the overwhelming response from this community will echo my words. You may get to feel 2 million dollars! (The most I ever get to feel is about $1,000, and it doesn't belong to me)

Good luck

K

[sleepguide]

You might feel great without the data, but having the data will give you the tools to understand whether you can feel even better. without it, you're flying blind.

the supplier/doctor didn't tell you about data options because they don't get paid anything extra to do so. cynical, but true.

SleepGuide

[CollegeGirl]

Hetron, your M-Series Plus machine does have a smart card - but the only data your machine is capable of providing is compliance data, i.e., how long you use the machine every night. Your specific machine is not capable of providing anything else. You'd need at least an M-Series Pro for data you can actually use, like how many apneas you're having ever hour, leak rate, etc.

[Slinky]

The data a fully data capable CPAP can provide isn't NEEDED. If you are satisfied w/the therapy you are getting and aren't that interested or curious about what the data says about how you are doing, why bother w/the hassle of getting a fully data capable CPAP? The real proof of the pudding is in how you FEEL w/your CPAP therapy. Rested, energetic, clear minded, etc., etc.

[GumbyCT]

My questions are:
Why would one need to have this data?

Sounds like you don't want data. Some just want to know where the OFF button is.

What does the data tell the user?

If therapy is effective. Some just don't care.

Should I be getting this data?

Your machine does NOT supply anything useful. Just whether you used it and how long, but you already know that, don't you?

Any idea why this was not explained to me when my supplier delivered thne equipment?

Only they can tell you. But I think the answer above is accurate.

[jules]

You don't have to look at the data if you don't want to.

But should there is problems, you got somewhere to start looking rather than just saying "WHINE WHINE WHINE" why didn't I get data?

[webnrrd2k]

I'd just like to add that I'm getting the software and card reader. I've been on a machine for about two years, and it's been hellish. Not because of the machine, but because there have been a lot of problems that could have been easily avoided. I've dealt with the machine being set too high (after I lost weight) or the masks leaked, or my nasal passage swelled up (because there was no humidifier) or just getting sick and having my throat swell up a bit. It's cost me almost two years of my life, and I just don't want to take any chances. The software/reader will let me keep better track of what's going on, and I'll have a much better chance of being able to do something if there is a problem.