nightly data from my resmed elite II

[lkk15]

I have been using my cpap machine for nearly 30 days now. I have had some really good days and some reminiscent of my time before cpap. After reading a great deal of info on this site I have been hopeful that understanding my nightly data will aid me in improving my sleep experience. I can't seem to figure out if my machine (although it has a data card) can provide me with this information...perhaps I'm missing something. Is buying the software the only answer? thanks for any assistance

[GuyK]

You can get basic leak, AHI and usage data from the results menu.

Hold down the right and left arrow keys, simultaneously, for about three seconds. Then I think you have to hit Enter twice to get into the Results menu.

You get a basic average for the night. Track the leak rate -- if it goes over 0.50 L/sec, then the rest of the data is not accurate. Work to get the leak rate as low as possible. That might mean cleansing your face, or the mask, addressing mouth leaks, mask fit, headgear tightness, etc.

Once the leak rate is under control, then you want to shoot for an AHI of less than 5. You may be fine already, or it may mean a slight pressure boost.

Just keep track of those numbers -- post some data back here, and someone will chime in with what they think.

Guy

[lkk15]

will do and I'll check back tomorrow. Thank you!!

[MoneyGal]

GuyK - can you elaborate more on the leak rate data? I have the same machine but I don't understand the leak rate data.

[Slinky]

Actually, if you are using a Resmed mask and have selected the correct Mask Selection for that mask, Resmed automatically subtracts the allowed vent rate for that mask at your set pressure. In this scenario you really don't want to see your reported Leak rate higher than 24 L/M.

On the other hand, if you are using a non-Resmed mask then your Mask Selection should be set to Standard. In the Standard setting the reported Leak rate has already had 0.4 L/s (24 L/M). It is then up to you to check your mask's allowed vent rate at your pressure, compare it to the reported Leak rate and do the math to determine your true leak rate. You can find the allowed vent rate for your mask in a table chart in the literature that came w/the mask.

[alnhwrd]

When you hold down the buttons, you are looking for the words "Efficiency Menu" to come on the screen. Once that happens, press the down button to scroll through the pressure, leak rate, AI, HI and AHI numbers. I kept a log of these numbers for a while which help me see my progress. Make sure that you check the screen when you first get up, because it wipes the data and rolls it figures into the weekly/monthly/yearly averages at noon every day. You want leak and AI to be as low as possible, and AHI should be under 5.0. Good Luck to you.

[lkk15]

Thanks for the feedback. Apparently I have not been paying close attention as I actually have an "Escape II" not "Elite II" and therefore have no performance data to check. I will be in touch with my respiratory therapist tomorrow and likely take in my data card for them to give me information....not the best use of my time.

[rested gal]

Apparently I have not been paying close attention as I actually have an "Escape II" not "Elite II" and therefore have no performance data to check. I will be in touch with my respiratory therapist tomorrow and likely take in my data card for them to give me information....not the best use of my time.

Unfortunately, the card from an Escape will not contain any useful information for you either. An Escape (or Escape II) records only "hours of use" ... compliance. That would be the only data the RT will be able to get from the card -- just how many hours you've been using the machine. There will be no AHI or leak data on the card from an Escape.

So, if the only reason you'd be taking the card to the RT tomorrow is in hopes of them being able to give you information about your therapy, you can save yourself a trip.

I'd ask the RT to swap the Escape for an Elite. Never hurts to ask. Sometimes a DME will surprise you, pleasantly.

[lkk15]

So I called the resp therapist this am and she said that the info I downloaded to my card will tell leak rate and I can inconveniently drop it off anytime btw. 8:30am-5pm and they will read it when they can get to it. I asked about the elite ii and they said not an option. I'm persistent and am not giving up yet. Thanks for your feedback!

[rested gal]

So I called the resp therapist this am and she said that the info I downloaded to my card will tell leak rate

That will be interesting to know -- if leak data is recorded by the Escape II onto the Smart Card. I don't think it is, but whadd'a I know. I'm sure not a DME (they know their machines, right? ) or health care professional of any kind. Do please tell us if leak data is in the report the DME gives you after she downloads the card from your Escape II.

and I can inconveniently drop it off anytime btw. 8:30am-5pm and they will read it when they can get to it.

I like your dry humor.

I asked about the elite ii and they said not an option.

Translation: "not an option" = "We make more profit on the Escape II, so we are NOT going to swap it for an Elite II, even though an Elite II is exactly the same treatment machine, different only in type of data recorded, and would fill the doctor's Rx for 'cpap ___ cm H2O' exactly like the Escape does."

May not be an option that DME would consider, but I'd say there are plenty of cooperative DMEs out there who would make that kind of swap with no hassle at all.

I'm persistent and am not giving up yet.

[Slinky]

Yup, BEFORE I made that trip to the current DME provider tomorrow I would call my insurance and ask what local DME CPAP suppliers they are contracted with. Hopefully you will have the option of more than just this one as that would give you more bargaining/negotiating room to get that Resmed S8 II Elite w/EPR. You could then check w/the other DME provider's contracted w/your insurance to see who wants your business bad enough to provide you w/the Elite. GOOD LUCK!

[lkk15]

I took my trusty "card" in this afternoon and asked them to read the leak rate. The DME came out to confirm the type of machine I had and without me even asking said "I'm changing out your machine" as the card reader gave her no info other than compliance. I now have a Resmed Elite II w/ EPR AND the DME is even stopping by my house on her way home to pick up my Escape machine (I didn't have it w/ me) because it's on her way home. I was armed with info and questions but didn't even need them...today anyway! Thanks for all the input!

[Slinky]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Sounds like you've been lucky to get your equipment from a good local DME supplier. ENJOY!!!

[sleeplessinaz]

WOW!!! That ia GREAT NEWS!! CONGRATS on getting that state of the art machine!!! The Resmed Elite II w/ EPR is a wonderful machine--I love mine!!! It will show you data every morning in the LCD window but you have to check it before noon that day as it clears at noon and rolls the data into the "weekly" totals. You can buy a card reader and the software now to load onto your computer and keep a graph of your stats. I just got the card reader and software recently--I have to get some free time to load it yet. You are on your way to controlling your own health!! You must have a great and wonderful DME.....

Carrie

[alnhwrd]

I think the Elite II has Easy Breathe, which is even better!

Its nice to hear about a victory in the DME wars. Keep up the good work!