General Software Question

[evbirch]

I'm considering upgrading my old machine. I'm curious about the software that many (most?) of you have. My old machine doesn't give me any information at all (that I'm aware of). What sorts of information can I get with the newer machines? Do you find it useful?

Thanks!
-Em

[SkepticalOne]

I have an Respironics M-Series BiPAP Auto with a Smart Card and use the Encore Software to read my card. It works well for me. The newer Repironics machines (PR System One) do not have software available for end users of the machines, for that reason people are not buying those. I have a friend that was given one of the PR System One CPAP machines from his DME, he has taken it back and told them he wants an M-Series.

I am not as familiar with the other brands of machines, but having access to the software to read how your treatment is going is a great aid. I am sure others will jump in here and explain their machine and software combinations.

Much like a diabetic needs to keep track of their blood sugar, being able to keep track of your AHI events gives you a good picture into your CPAP treatment. You don't have to be obsessive about it, but the information is valuable.

I notice you are in Seattle, I too am from the Seattle area, if you have more questions PM me.

[Gerryk]

I use encore pro which is for the respironics machines up intil the PR1. As long as you have a respironics machine other than the PR1 that is fully data capable you can track everything the software allows such as humidifier settings, hours of usage, minimum, maximum and average pressures, how many hours a day the machine is used, apnea /hypopnea index, obstructive apnea, average hypopnea index, flow limitations, vibratory snore, mask leak rate, and total AHI per night. I believe I covered most of it but I am sure I forgot something.
Yes, I do find the software very helpful. I have changed my setting, but I always talked to my doc or rt about why I was going to change it.

Gerry

[evbirch]

Thanks for your responses. Now that I'm looking at the set-up guide for my machine (the provider one, not the patient one) it says that with appropriate cables and Encore software, the machine can be hooked up to a computer and info can be downloaded. I'm assuming that this is intended to be just for the provider, but does anyone here use this feature? And where can I find the cables/software?

[rested gal]

evbirch, your equipment profile says you have a Respironics REMstar Plus CPAP machine. None of the Respironics machines that have "Plus" in their name record any useful information at all. It would not do you any good to get software or a cable to do a download from your machine. All it would show is "hours of use" (compliance.) That's all the DME is interested in seeing so they can prove to an insurance company that the person is using the machine a required minimum number of hours a night. That's so the DME can keep getting monthly reimbursements from the insurance company.

My list of machines that record "full data" (AHI and leak info) and those that don't -- updated through Oct. 2009:
viewtopic.php?p=307168#p307168

[evbirch]

That's what I figured, but I got excited when I saw the thing about the cable. Thanks for the info, RestedGal. I will peruse your list.

Em