Full Data/ Software Questions

[dirtymartinigirl]

Okay, don't smack me too hard for asking a stupid question here, but I'm confused. I'm getting ready to buy my first machine this week and trying to decide what I need.

I know that I want to get all the data from my machine that I can. If I get a machine that is "full data capable" do I still need to buy the software and reader? Or does that mean that the machine already has the data capabilities built in? I'm confusing myself here. (Thats not hard to do.)

I'm looking at the M Series Auto C-Flex and the S8 Vantage machines. If I want all the data I can get with these, what do I need to order?

[TGregg]

I'm looking at the M Series Auto C-Flex and the S8 Vantage machines. If I want all the data I can get with these, what do I need to order?

First let me clarify that I do not know what data you'll get from the Remstar, nor what data with software from the ResMed. However, I can tell you that you can get a decent amount of information from the ResMed. You can get AI, HI, AHI and the hours and minutes the machine was CPAPing from the on screen menu - provided you check before noon. The machine wipes all the info from the menus at noon.

The ResMed also reports leak rates, pressure and an attempt to determine how well the mask fit.

Please note that obtaining the ResMed card reader and software is possible, although it doesn't seem to be available on CPAP.com.

[RichCMH]

ResMed:

The AutoScan 5.7 software (for Windows XP only) can be obtained, but you have to search google, and you may have to order it from Australia. I got mine from a supplier in PA, USA - but it was expensive. Data cards and readers are more readily available for purchase in the USA.

ResMed (I have the S8 Elite) data can be seen on the lcd screen on the machine as TGregg pointed out. It's a good idea to write these numbers down in a daily diary.

Transferring data from the machine to a datacard to the computer is easy. The machine keeps detailed data for the last 5 days and when loaded into AutoScan, you can see in timeline graphs, Pressure, Leaks l/m, and AHI - apnea, hypoapnea events.

Hope this helps.

-Rich

[Goofproof]

Using the software is more useful than the data on the machine screen. Without the software you don't what happened or when or why for the most part, you just know it happened. The more info you can get the better you can make decisions. Jim

[Linda3032]

And yes, both machines are capable of more data than is displayed on the LCD. Yes, you would need to buy the software and card reader in order to read the data. And insurance never (unless they screw up) pay for the reader and software -- that is out of pocket.

Both are good machines. Good Luck.

[rested gal]

I'm looking at the M Series Auto C-Flex and the S8 Vantage machines. If I want all the data I can get with these, what do I need to order?

If you want all the data you can get with the M Series Auto C-Flex (that machine would be my choice) you'll need to get the Encore Pro software and the special card reader that can read the Smart Card which comes with the machine.

The Encore Pro software can be purchased from cpap.com as a bundle with the card reader included. Or you could buy just the Encore Pro software itself, and get the correct card reader separately for about $30 including shipping to the U.S. from this site:
http://www.two-factor.com/shop/index.php?productID=115

You probably already know this, since you're doing your research, dirtymartinigirl... the S8 Vantage's "EPR" to drop the pressure each time you exhale cannot be turned on when the Vantage is being operated in autopap mode. That exhalation relief feature can be used only when that autopap is used in single pressure CPAP mode.

So, if exhalation relief is definitely something you want to have available in an "autopap", the Respironics REMstar Auto (either the "M" series machine or the older slightly larger model) can provide that (the C-Flex) feature in autopap mode as well as cpap mode.

[dirtymartinigirl]

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.