silverlining and encore

sanctacaris · Post by **sanctacaris** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:25 pm

I'm starting to think it's time to get an autopap and software. After 2 months of using cpap every night but not feeling any better, not knowing what's going on and getting slow or no responses from the sleep doc's staff, I want to know what's happening. Fortunately, my cpap rental runs one more month before the automatic purchase, so I have a little more time to sort this out.

My inclination is to get a Remstar auto because there are so many people on these boards using the encore software, not to mention derek's MyEncore. But there are also a number of you out there using silver lining who seem quite happy with it, and it'd be a cheaper way to go.

My question: is there any reason to prefer one of the autopap/software combos over another?

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 8:51 pm

I have used both machines and software. I consider myself moderately computer savvy.
OPINIONS ONLY:
I found Encore Pro software MUCH easier to UNDERSTAND and get the card downloaded and getting it up and running with basic useful information. Its pretty much standard type windows interfaces and its easy to wade through without instructions.

I am running an older version of Silverlining (3.2), although I don't know if that matters much, although having to kick it into operation with a crash and "Switch to" in Win XP, doesn't help. NO hint words pop up when you roll over the obscure software buttons. No rollover help. Just deeply buried obscure help files to try to decipher. And they couldn't even take the effort to add the AHI total for you. The info IS all there though, and then some. actually seems to be more info than the Encore...if you can figure it out. Interesting glich on my version is the software can't read its own files. Luckily it can save the BASIC info as a textfile at least.

BUT, I MUCH prefer the PB420E over my previous Remstar Auto MACHINE. The 420E seems much more responsive FOR ME, and my AHI numbers are significantly lower. Size difference is significant for travel, with the 420E dropping into a size that is much easier to lug around the airport. And MY 420E is MUCH quieter than my Remstar Auto was.

Also you can plug the Australian Heated hose right into the 420E powersupply, so you can bring along a heated hose without adding weight or bulk.

So the French don't seem to have the software interface thing down, but its good enough, and I would still choose the 420E hands down over the Remstar...for ME, based on RESULTS.

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Tue Sep 27, 2005 10:25 pm

In addition to what snork said:

The current version 3.6 is better behaved. However:

SL3, even in it's current version (3.6) has a bug when exporting data: It drops mixed apnea, so your exported data and SL3 data will vary. (I wrote a longish description and explanation of that in SL3 mixed apnea bug)

Additionally, SL3 does not give you the info of the number of events at a certain pressure, which makes self titration more difficult.

It also does not give you time spent in apnea.

O.

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 7:20 am

ozij wrote:Additionally, SL3 does not give you the info of the number of events at a certain pressure, which makes self titration more difficult.

This is particularly annoying because it is apparent that the data does exist!

sanctacaris · Post by **sanctacaris** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:34 pm

Thanks to all of you for the replies. As usual, I guess there's no perfect solution. I really like the idea of easy-to-use software in my foggy-headed apneic state. But the Remstar auto does look like a less appealing machine. Making decisions is so difficult. I wonder why?

Anyone else want to weigh in on the issue of software and autopaps?

TXKajun · Post by **TXKajun** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 1:46 pm

sanctacaris wrote:Thanks to all of you for the replies. As usual, I guess there's no perfect solution. I really like the idea of easy-to-use software in my foggy-headed apneic state. But the Remstar auto does look like a less appealing machine. Making decisions is so difficult. I wonder why?

Anyone else want to weigh in on the issue of software and autopaps?

I vote for the PB 420E with the Silverlining software (latest rev of software, of course). I've used it for 7 months now and am very happy with it. My computer is alllllll the way across the house from the bedroom and it takes probably almost 10 seconds to carry the APAP to the computer and plug it in. Another 30 seconds or so to fire up the Silverlining software and download my compliance data and voila! In fact, my only criticism is that I have to manually add up the apnea index and the hypopnea index to get my AHI. A total of 2 numbers, usually to 1 decimal place. It ain't rocket science! LOL

This therapy WORKS!!! (at least if you work at it!)

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 2:50 pm

Leave it to me to be the odd man out...or should I say woman. I like my Remstar Auto and Encore Pro software. Have had absolutely no problems with either. I guess it's just like masks, an individual preference.

sanctacaris · Post by **sanctacaris** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:14 pm

Hmmmmm. I've just been reading the thread on the new Resmed machine. I like that you can see your data on the machine's display without having to download anything. Too many choices!

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Sep 28, 2005 9:33 pm

I prefer the Silverlining software and the PB 420E. Remsta Auto and Encore Pro are good, too. Just my personal preference for the 420E. I do love the 96 hour graph display in Silverlining.

420E · Post by **420E** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:14 am

IMHO, I use the 420E. I like the added plus of being able to adjust my settings myself, rather than wait for the dreaded no show DME phantom. I'm finding due to recent heart surgery that my ap's/pop's are actually increasing. Go figure...So I upped the setting, and the nice part is, I was at 7.0, so I could go up, one-half, rather than a jump to 8. Reduced my ap's, pop's to level before heart stuff. So it works for me. I can't speak for anyone else.

I do agree with the other ''poster'' that the French and their brochure in Franglish is a horror, but once I got it installed with some much needed advice and help by several great folks on board, this non-techno middle aged woman got it down finally and I check my progress/or lack thereof on my computer, saving data, so I can go back and see certain times when I was sleeping better/poorer, whatever.

Good Luck!
[quote="sanctacaris"]Thanks to all of you for the replies. As usual, I guess there's no perfect solution. I really like the idea of easy-to-use software in my foggy-headed apneic state. But the Remstar auto does look like a less appealing machine. Making decisions is so difficult. I wonder why?

Anyone else want to weigh in on the issue of software and autopaps?

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:37 am

420E wrote:IMHO, I use the 420E. I like the added plus of being able to adjust my settings myself, rather than wait for the dreaded no show DME phantom.

I don't know if I'm reading your line wrong (won't be the first OR last time, I'm sure), but you can also adjust your settings on the Remstar Auto that has software, too. I don't know if you were saying that you thought the 420e was the only machine that uses software AND can be adjusted by you or not. Probably my mistake, as usual.

420E settings · Post by **420E settings** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 6:35 pm

The old expression "I learned something" new, that the other Remstar machine can also be changed re: setting. What I like about the 420E, i can change my settings right on the computer without ever pushing buttons on the machine. My former DME (the phantom) pushed buttons, told me only "she" could set it, all the way I did have the devil in me, saying, "JUST YOU WAIT TILL YOU LEAVE HONEY!" I've upped my starting pressures, etc. very easy. Why the big conspiracy that JOHN Q PUBLIC can't change a lousy setting is beyond me. Probably some federal law, or something.
Whatever.

I don't know about the software for other machines, perhaps RG can fill us in. She is invaluable. (and so darn nice too).

thanks for your input.
Also thanks for some of the PM's, welcoming me back.
Wonder if my apnea was causal for heart problems, eh? (I'm thinking...........).....I am text book case for misdiagnosed sleep apnea among other problems that can impact heart health. At least I have a dr. now agreeing with me. (easy for him to think..I'm already on the apap).
But one interesting note, his notes from my hosp visit and discharge, told me to ''absolutely continue sleep apnea cpap treatment." so maybe some doc's do value the sleep apnea and what it may do to someone.

Good to hear from all and thanks!

Sleepless on LI wrote:
420E wrote:IMHO, I use the 420E. I like the added plus of being able to adjust my settings myself, rather than wait for the dreaded no show DME phantom.
I don't know if I'm reading your line wrong (won't be the first OR last time, I'm sure), but you can also adjust your settings on the Remstar Auto that has software, too. I don't know if you were saying that you thought the 420e was the only machine that uses software AND can be adjusted by you or not. Probably my mistake, as usual.

Sleepless on LI · Post by **Sleepless on LI** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 8:11 pm

You can also change your settings for your machine through the software on Encore Pro. However, if you do that, you do lose all the prior saved data on your smart card, but it can be done that way, too.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sat Oct 01, 2005 11:57 pm

The 420E doesn't lose the data if you change pressure via the software, so that makes it nicer in that respect.

I'm back to using a 420E again -- sooooo nice to see that big old graph I love so much! Such a sweet little machine.

Gail, I've thought about you often, going through what you and your husband have been going through health-wise. I'm glad to see you are back posting in your unique spunky fashion. LOL!! The "phantom".. LOL!!!

WillSucceed · Post by **WillSucceed** » Sun Oct 02, 2005 5:36 am

420E wrote:

I do agree with the other ''poster'' that the French and their brochure in Franglish is a horror

No kidding! There's a nail hit squarely on the head!

Rested Gal wrote:

I'm back to using a 420E again -- sooooo nice to see that big old graph I love so much! Such a sweet little machine

Welcome Back! Another nail hit squarely on the head!