Oximeter recommendation

[Leland]

I just downloaded and used the Sleepyhead software. I really like it. Now I would like to download oximeter data with it. I see that Sleepyhead supports the CMS-50(x) Oximeter. I recently bought and returned a CMS-50d-plus, and I found it to be useless. It was slow to respond and gave a different reading depending on which finger was used. I only successfully downloaded data from it a few times, but usually it would just go off into la-la land. Its finger "bite" was uncomfortable for the long term. I know professional oximeters are meant to be taped on the finger for overnight use. Have others on this list had good luck with a CMS product or was mine just a bad unit?

[Lizistired]

This thread may be helpful. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=66121&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... eter+nonin
You could do a forum search for "nonin". There are several threads that discuss this and nonin gets mentioned in most of them, though I think most members here use Contec 50x oximeters.

[VikingGnome]

Most use CMS-50x because that is the only one SleepyHead supports. I have the CMS-50D Plus. It says in the instruction pamphlet that you should not wear it on the same finger longer than two hours. I really can't see waking up every two hours to move it to another finger. I think doing something so it doesn't squeeze so tight without affecting the readings is what somebody needs to figure out. Also I notice that readings are updated about every two seconds. I haven't tried using mine all night yet so don't know how SleepyHead handles all that data. Does it average it out for you? Does anyone know?

[archangle]

I find my CMS-50D+ is more comfortable used on my thumb and I've used it all night long.

[DrPepper00]

Most use CMS-50x because that is the only one SleepyHead supports. I have the CMS-50D Plus. It says in the instruction pamphlet that you should not wear it on the same finger longer than two hours. I really can't see waking up every two hours to move it to another finger. I think doing something so it doesn't squeeze so tight without affecting the readings is what somebody needs to figure out. Also I notice that readings are updated about every two seconds. I haven't tried using mine all night yet so don't know how SleepyHead handles all that data. Does it average it out for you? Does anyone know?

I use my 50D+ all night, every night since I got it 2 weeks ago. SleepyHead handles it just fine. I upload the info to SPO2 Review and save the file each day. Then I upload it into SleepyHead. It shows you the detail data on each day and the summary data on the statistics page and the summary page. You can set parameters for "events" by choosing percent drup and duration of event. You can synchronize the cpap data and oximetry data. Start the cpap and oximeter at the same time. Then download the cpap data first. Then when you download the oximetry data, enter the date and starting time before you save it. Then it will show up on the detail screen for the correct date.

JediMark who writes SleepyHead has a CMS50D+ Oximeter so that one is fully supported.

[fewleh]

Hi Leland - I too had a similar issue over the last few days - Wasn't happy with my old oximeter for use overnight - was unconfortable, and not that reliable - I got one of these on order (http://www.vitaloximeters.com/products/ ... lseox-6000), and have heard good things about them on another forum - will keep you guys updated on it. A little more expensive than a Chinese one, but it's supposed to be quite a bit better Not sure if this oximeter is compatible though? Keep us updated with what you choose

[DrPepper00]

Hi Leland - I too had a similar issue over the last few days - Wasn't happy with my old oximeter for use overnight - was unconfortable, and not that reliable - I got one of these on order (http://www.vitaloximeters.com/products/ ... lseox-6000), and have heard good things about them on another forum - will keep you guys updated on it. A little more expensive than a Chinese one, but it's supposed to be quite a bit better Not sure if this oximeter is compatible though? Keep us updated with what you choose

Does that one record overnight and download to the computer? I didn't see any mention of it in the description.

[chunkyfrog]

I use my thumb, too.
Our sleep doc's nurse was a bit surprised when I presented my thumb--but went with it.

[VikingGnome]

So how do y'all keep the gadget on your thumb all night? One idea I had was to wear a loose knit mitten over it. I tried using large bandaid..too expensive to do every night. Also thought about a finger ace bandage wrapped around it and finger.

Tell me your solutions.

[MaxDarkside]

So how do y'all keep the gadget on your thumb all night? One idea I had was to wear a loose knit mitten over it. I tried using large bandaid..too expensive to do every night. Also thought about a finger ace bandage wrapped around it and finger.Tell me your solutions.

I tear two 0.25" strips of medical tape about 4" long. I put on the pulse ox (CMS50E) then drape the center of the tape over my finger and attach the tape ends on the underside of the pulse ox, then repeat such that the 2nd piece of tape comes up from under wrapping my finger and the ends are on the top of the pulse ox (or vis-versa, as shown). I can use the tape tension to control how tight the pulse ox is clamping on my finger. The two pieces of tape last a couple weeks before needing to tear off a couple more strips. I have great control over tension of the clamping-on of the device, from crushing to flippy-floppy and everywhere between. Try it. It won't come off even if you pull hard, lest your finger pops off too Picture:

[SleepingUgly]

That picture makes it look like an instrument of torture!

[Papit]

[/quote]I tear two 0.25" strips of medical tape about 4" long. I put on the pulse ox (CMS50E) then drape the center of the tape over my finger and attach the tape ends on the underside of the pulse ox, then repeat such that the 2nd piece of tape comes up from under wrapping my finger and the ends are on the top of the pulse ox (or vis-versa, as shown). Picture:

[/quote]

Nice instruction and great photo. Are you seeing much variation in O2 saturation during your sleep? What is the typical high-low range?

Also, what events or stage of sleep or elapsed time seem to be related to the changes in O2 saturation?

Thanks.

[MaxDarkside]

Nice instruction and great photo.

Thank you.

Are you seeing much variation in O2 saturation during your sleep? What is the typical high-low range?

When I'm getting proper therapy, the O2 sat is pretty stable in the 90's. However last night in a rare experience I took off the mask and shut off the machine in the middle of the night. I have no idea why, but I think it was part of a dream I was having. Anyway, the resulting non-therapy really showed on the O2 sats, where I went from the high/mid 90's down into the low 80's.

Also, what events or stage of sleep or elapsed time seem to be related to the changes in O2 saturation?

During a good night, any stage, or cluster of events, my O2 sat is pretty stable. To me that's a measure of good therapy and reasonable sleep quality. On some nights the cluster of apnea events are severe (AHI 60+ for a period) and while the machine is reacting, then I might desat some, low 90's or upper 80's. Most of my apnea clusters are due to [REM+On my Back].

[MaxDarkside]

That picture makes it look like an instrument of torture!

I guess that's the small price I pay for information. It's not as bad as it may seem. Each night I rotate to a different finger, though I tend to put it on my left hand most often.

[MaxDarkside]

Funny thing... last night in my sleep I "cracked the code" for the button. Apparently rolling around, moving my hand, laying on it, etc. I must have bumped/held the button in the right sequence to cause it to open the menu, scroll down and click on the "Record" menu item just so... to shut the recording off. I have skillz!