CPAP design wish list

[tungpust]

What do people wish to see in their CPAP machines? I have some wishes, as follows:

1. an open hardware and software architecture, within reason

2. STANDARD interfaces and card formats: Use a plain USB port for data access and a compact flash data card for data storage

3. LED lights that blink every time an Apnea event is detected (i.e. each time an AHI or AI event counter is incremented), I want to see
whether I trigger events inadvertently while I am awake, and I want to know how sensitive the detection is.

I can think of a few more items, but how about the above for starters. What are other people looking for? Apologies if you had a thread like this one already, but I could not find it via search.

[robysue]

What do people wish to see in their CPAP machines? I have some wishes, as follows:
3. LED lights that blink every time an Apnea event is detected (i.e. each time an AHI or AI event counter is incremented), I want to see
whether I trigger events inadvertently while I am awake, and I want to know how sensitive the detection is.

Only if this can be firmly and completely turned OFF. Flashing lights (even faint ones) can wake some of us up. I've had to tape an index card over the window in my Hi5 humidifier because the orange light is enough to keep me from sleeping.

I'd add:

4) Overnight AHI, AI, CAI numbers available from the machine's LCD. Yes, the ResMed S9 has this, but the PR S1 does not. And I have to switch to a PR S1 BiPAP next week.

5) Software that will run natively on a Mac as well as a PC.

6) Software that is automatically bundled with the machine (on a disc) that costs NOTHING extra AND allows the user to see the wave form of the flow data when detailed data is downloaded.

7) A mask as comfortable as the Swift FX that does NOT blow the exhaust vent air right on the user or the cover just so it bounces back in the user's eyes or mouth.

[jazzer4]

This is my dream.

A machine the size of a pack of cigaretts and a mini mask.

Sometimes I just want to flop on the sofa a take a nap. This little machine would be great.

There will be one like this someday I just hope I'm around to see it.

[LoQ]

This is my dream.

A machine the size of a pack of cigaretts and a mini mask.

Sometimes I just want to flop on the sofa a take a nap. This little machine would be great.

There's an app for that.

[Big S]

I feel like I'm writing a letter to Santa Claus!
My list includes:
1) Total design integration. This means all components must work in harmony and component interfaces defined at least in specifications.
2) More robust design to increase expected time between failure modes of any kind. This should be more dependent on customer use rather than insurance replacement schedules.
3) Larger humidifier options or more environment control (within mask, of course) without without having to try after we buy.
4) Hard case or more padding in soft cases with appropriate markings on outside of case and more thought to hose protection.
5) Software for crying out loud! Come on, this should be a no brainer.
6) Education and tutorials for appropriate use of software and machine. Another no brainer. Durable medical equipment used for therapy at home and little to no training and instruction. I personally think this is unforgiveable. The people on this site are the oasis in the desert but they have to be found. Youtube served the function for me initially and was invaluable. Give it up before we have to go looking or spending.
7) Another foot of hose length.
Oh well, enough for now. I'm not even sure that felt good.

[tungpust]

7) A mask as comfortable as the Swift FX that does NOT blow the exhaust vent air right on the user or the cover just so it bounces back in the user's eyes or mouth.

Damned straight! May I also add that the "universal joint" of my Fisher and Paykel model Opus Headgear is noisy because of all the air that leaks out on the side of it. Could be improved.

[Big Daddy RRT,RPSGT]

CPAP unit that charges my Ipod and cell phone while I sleep.

[tungpust]

Okay, I'll add some more of my own wishes.

4. headgear that is more like a headband, so that it is supported by forehead and back of head rather than top of head + back of head.
I already modified my headgear to do that.

5. I also removed the strap that constrains the tube to be in the "straight up" position. I sleep better when I can arrange the tube more freely.

6. cover any rubber or foam on the mask with cloth so that I don't get allergy and rashes. For this I use soft felt/fleece and a glue gun.

7. instructional videos on youtube. Not from the manufacturer, not from the doctor, but from real patients. There probably are some already.

Hmm, the above list is more about custom modifications. Perhaps I could start a thread about people's experiences with modifications. In my experience, CPAP is completely useless out of the box. If I had not found out what to modify, or had just followed the instructions I got, I would have given up a long time ago.

[tungpust]

Only if this can be firmly and completely turned OFF. Flashing lights (even faint ones) can wake some of us up. I've had to tape an index card over the window in my Hi5 humidifier because the orange light is enough to keep me from sleeping.

Because I modified my mask so that the tubing does not go straight up my forehead, I can wear a sleep mask with my CPAP.

I have collected a number of sleep masks from international flights. I buy new elastic band at a fabric store or similar, and replace them as needed. Use a stapler and staple from inside of the mask to outside.