remstar plus m series. How do I get more info from machine?

[debstieb]

I can only get basic info from my machine. Is there a way to get more info? Can I plug it into my computer w/USB port? Any input greatly appreciated.

Thnx,

Deb

[svh]

I'm sorry, bu tthat machine doesn't have any more information. You'd need a different machine (a Pro) to get the details....

[cpapernewbie]

I think it is Pro 2, not just Pro

[Dark_Star]

The M Series Plus.. does not have capability to plug directly into a PC. Also it only has limited data reporting.

The next model up... is the M Series Pro and includes a built-in 'Smartcard' and has full data: Date/time, hours of use, usage patterns, AHI, leak, snore, FOSQ VAC.

You would then need to buy a Smartcard reader (which will plug in to your PC) and the Software Encore Pro (available from cpap.com)

Here are the links.
M Series Pro w/ c-flex
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=2170

Encore Pro
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... e-pro.html

Card Reader USB

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/Respir ... r-USB.html

[oceanpearl]

I have a Remstar Pro and all it gives is compliance. I have a new machine coming Tues and am all set up with 1.8 and reader.
All my current machine tells me is that I did 4.4 hrs last night.

[geoDoug]

I can only get basic info from my machine. Is there a way to get more info? Can I plug it into my computer w/USB port? Any input greatly appreciated.

This is a wild coincidence. Yesterday I was thinking about posting something involving the remstar plus capabilities. I was curious because the respironics remstarplus product page says the remstar plus (which I also have) has cflex technology. I was confused because I remember somebody saying here that with a cflex machine there's a setting for it, but I've never seen that and there's no mention of it in my manual.

So I did a little sleuthing. A google search on "remstar plus" and "without cflex" came up with a few results that said something about "remstar plus with or without cflex." Ah hah! So it used to not have it and respironics (understandably) chooses to advertise only the latest on their site.

I remembered somebody here saying something about the first four digits of a serial number (I don't remember the brand) being the month and year. Mine begins 1005. If that's the case with respironics, my DME gave me a machine that's almost two years old. Common refrain I've read around these parts.

Grrr...I'm a classic case of the DME taking advantage of somebody who's new and doesn't know jack, so they just give the guy an old, bottom-of-the-line machine. Since then, I've found this place and educated myself about the multitude of different features I didn't know existed, like software capability that's way cool to an OCD guy who micro-manages his health. When I get my next CPAP, I'm going to first go to the sleep clinic and try to get them to write a prescription for my ideal machine--or see if I can buy that machine online and get my insurance to reimburse me.

/stepping down from soapbox

Doug.

[Guest]

Doug,

If you have a prescription (which you should already have) that says "CPAP", you can purchase whatever machine you want (CPAP or Auto) online.
You can purchase an Auto on a CPAP prescription, but not a CPAP on an Auto prescription.

Respironics makes several non-C-Flex machines.
REMstar Lite
REMstar Plus
M Series DS100

As you mentioned, there are two of the older "Plus" models.....one with and one without C-Flex......but they're both still available.
And, NONE of the above have data recording capabilities. (like anything with the word "Plus" in it)

Den

[geoDoug]

If you have a prescription (which you should already have) that says "CPAP", you can purchase whatever machine you want (CPAP or Auto) online.

Thanks for the information. My prescription says "CPAP." I don't know if it'll still be possible to get a higher-end machine this time around, since I've already got my cpap. If I remember right, Aetna covers one CPAP every five years. I'll call them and/or my DME (Apria) to find out if I can return my CPAP. I'd be surprised, but you never know unless you ask.

Doug.

[Guest]

Doug,

If you want a higher-end machine......

Depending on IF your insurance provider will reimburse you for out-of-pocket expenses.....and IF your machine is on a rental/purchase agreement and you're in the early days of rental.....you could take your other one back and buy one online.....and then, both you and your insurance provider will be money ahead. Your humidifier is probably already paid for, so all you would need is a machine to go with it. The "Classic" model REMstar Pro 2 or the REMstar Auto would work with your humidifier. Neither of those machines (like the ones I have) have a history of dropping data (like the M Series has).

Or....if you want to just buy one of those out-of-pocket, you could do that too. Never know when you might need a back-up machine.

Den

[Craig-Tx]

I have a Remstar Pro and all it gives is compliance. I have a new machine coming Tues and am all set up with 1.8 and reader.
All my current machine tells me is that I did 4.4 hrs last night.

The Remstar Pro (Classic Style - aka Tank) does not record anything but compliance data. In the classic style, you would need either a PRO 2 or an Auto to record any useful data.

In the M-Series, to record any useful data, you would want a PRO or an Auto.

[snoregirl]

Doug,

You might also want to take a detailed look at what your are paying for the machine you have now. Copay and deductable if any. You may find that the machine that you have costs you more out of pocket than buying online with no insurance involvement. You also may not. Insurance is so different for all of us If you are very early in the rental stage and you find your copay high, take the machine back and use the prescription you already possess to buy online before the next month rental (if it is rent to purchase after compliance).

[geoDoug]

You might also want to take a detailed look at what your are paying for the machine you have now. Copay and deductable if any.

Not an issue for me. My insurance paid 100%. It's not a rental. I'll keep that in mind for the future if/when insurance changes.

Doug.

[debstieb]

Sorry I did not reply sooner.

I have been working weird shifts so haven't been here. I kind of thought That was the case with this machine. I have kaiser and this is the one they use. It would be nice to see how this thing is working for me though.

Thanks again for replies,

Deb