Software?

[tMC]

I am rather new to my CPAP (just about 2 months). I am finally getting some good sleep and comfortable wearing my mask not only for nights but even when I take the occasional nap on weekends.

I have seen posts here about different software you use to track information about your sleep. I would love to get some additional information on this. Do you get this information from your CPAP? How do I find out if my CPAP is even able to do provide me this data to look at in a software program?

I use a PR System One REMstar DS150 CPAP machine. There is an SD card in the back which I have never taken out and tried to put it in my computer. I guess I could start there, but I don't know where to even go after that.

Thanks,
tMC

[Hawthorne]

Sorry to say, but I think your machine only gives "compliance" data (how long and how often you use it).

The software (Encore Viewer 2.0 - $99 from cpap.com) is only useful for a fully data capable machine. In the PR System One machines that would be a "Pro" or an "Auto". With either of those 2 machines and Encore Viewer software your SD card will record nightly events (apneas - central and obstructive, hypopneas, vibratory snore, flow limitations and leak rate) and you can upload all that data to your computer and be in control of your therapy, able to make adjsutments based on real information. The "Auto", if set in auto mode (autos can be set in auto mode with a range of pressures and adjust pressure within that range automatically). The "auto" also works in straight cpap mode.

Your model, I believe, only gives the compliance data. Even a doctor or a DME cannot get any information except compliance from your machine.

Unless you can exhange your machine for a System One "Pro" or a System One "Auto", the software is of no use to you.

[tMC]

Hawthorne - thanks for the information. I figured as much! I got the cheap machine...guess I will live with it for now until my insurance will pay for a better one. The good thing is that I am sleeping better, feeling more rested and not keeping my spouse up with my snoring!

[jdm2857]

That's correct. The DS-150 is the most basic System One CPAP. It does not have any therapy data available.

If you (or your insurance) is renting the machine from a DME, you may be able to get it upgraded. You can try to ask for an upgrade yourself, or you can ask you doctor for a prescription that states that access to AHI, HI, and leak data is required. That should make the process easier.

In the Philips Respironics line, the Pro (DS-450) and the Auto (DS-550) have the data you want available. The Pro is a straight CPAP, while the Auto, as the name implies is an automatic pressure adjusting machine (APAP).

[tMC]

Thanks, I am going back to the doctor next week, I will see if they will give me a prescription that states I need all that information.