Should I invest in software?

[trike-mike]

I believe it is Captain Midnight who says "it is like flying a plane in a cloud without instruments".

Which can lead to running into fir tree stratus or granite cumulus.

While an amusing alliteration (ok... maybe only somewhat), now 3 days in with a machine that will capture data I can see that more data is good especially while trying to get a handle on treatment and I am was definitely running into trees and rocks before I had significant data. As I have noted elsewhere, my RCP is unresponsive and/or overloaded as well as having a 50 minute (each way) trip similar to diboja that can be avoided.

3 days of having real data from the APAP, I am finding some startling and unexpected things already. Perhaps when I have enough empirical data, I will attempt to re-engage the RCP to make some clinical sense of it. Until then, I can start to see patterns against what I am subjectively experiencing.

[ppharman]

I agree with mattman...it depends. I am a data junky so I have the software. I still go with my sleep doctor's recommendations. I am still on the steep part of the learning curve on interpreting the data, but it is comforting to know I am within acceptable ranges. I am not a professional sleep doctor and my insurance pays for his services so I use him. I don't think of myself as managing my cpap therapy, but as watching it and so far concurring with the sleep doctor. The money I spent for the software and the reader were minimal, and the software and the information from this board have been very educational. My suggestion is if you can afford it and enjoy interpreting data, by all means purchase the software. Otherwise, not using the software will not harm you.

Pat Harman

[kopoloff]

ABSOLUTELY TOTALLY NO DOUBTS YES YES YES YES

I think I mean that you should!

K

[wlenz]

When I am sleeping, I do not have a clue as to what is happening. The data is the only way to know when all is well, or if there can be some improvement. I have tried taping my mouth, using denture adhesive on my lips, nasal gel mask, ffm, lanolin, baby wipes to clean my face and mask before putting them on. And the list goes on. The ONLY way I can evaluate the changes is to read the data. And, even if you are having good results, things change. Seasonal changes such as hot humid weather, cold dry air, allergies, a cold, new pillows... subtle things can change for good or bad. Masks, hoses, machines, etc wear out and the DATA tells you that something needs attention. Don't fly blind, use the data. I download my data every Sunday, take a quick glance, and only look more closely if I see something that is notable.
I take a printout of my data to my sleep doc and he loves it. He has changed my script and given advice because of the data. And, he loves having a patient that is interested and knowledgeable. This forum has made a lot of us capable of being educated about our treatment. Thanks to everyone that contributes.
Bill

[ChelseaChestnut]

I've heard of some DME's billing for downloading services and charging insurance.

AND, not all the DME's who download data will provide it to the patient--some will only give it to a physician.

Imagine if a diabetic's glucose meter worked that way!

I have an awesome DME. I emailed them today about getting my data dowloaded off my sd card and here is her answer:
"As for your download....the information obtained is YOUR information. You
are always entitled to any and all information contained in your chart - at
no charge. It is a shame others charge you for what is actually yours in
the first place."