Some nights I just can't use the cpap

[Janknitz]

Well, first, make sure of the model. If sticking with Philips Respironics, be absolutely certain they are giving you either the PR S1 CPAP Pro OR the PR S1 Auto. These are the data capable machines. The auto is what you want.

Second, yes, you can send in your card and have them read the data for you, BUT (your DME will NOT like this--best not to bring it up!) you can also obtain software (Encore Viewer Software is sold by our hosts, Cpap.com, for $99) and read it yourself. That way YOU will know what is going on with your therapy and be able to work with your doctor if changes need to be made. YOU can take charge of your own therapy instead of trusting this DME which hasn't done much for you yet. BTW, you do NOT need a special card reader. The PR S1 machines use a standard SD card and a reader you can buy anywhere for just a few dollars if your computer doesn't have a built-in SD slot. (NOTE: Encore Viewer does not work with 64 bit machines--i.e. those running Microsoft 7).

Please go take a gander at my blog, http://www.maskarrayed.wordpress.com. You can find a Respironics Data Tutorial there that will let you see what PR data looks like and how it might help you to have access to it.

You may find it too complicated after taking a look. Some people are just not geeks and don't want to try to interpret all that stuff. If that's you, that's OK. Your DME or Doctor can take a look at the data for you, or you can ask for help here. Or you may find it really interesting and stretch your learning about CPAP therapy. In any case, you can be in the driver's seat here if you want.

[brazospearl]

Welcome to the forum, benalexe! Aren't you glad you stumbled upon us? You're very clever to be taking control of your therapy now, instead of just accepting that the DME folks are doing the best they can for you. Regarding your doctor writing a new Rx for you, while it isn't strictly needed, it'd be a good idea. And one way to approach the dr is to explain that, since you've been having problems with your therapy it's important that you have as many options as possible and the most accurate data to determine how to proceed. Providing you with a bottom-of-the-line straight cpap with no data (except compliance) is the same as providing a patient with diabetes with a blood sugar monitor that only shows whether or not they took a sample instead of providing data about the levels. This is a thought pattern your dr will understand. Any of the current fully data-capable auto machines would give you better data, and therefore better therapy, than what you have now, and if the purpose of this endeavor is to improve your health, than the data and options are essential.

Good luck on your quest for the best therapy. Keep reading here--there's LOTS to learn!--and ask us anything because we're here to help!

[benalexe]

Okay everyone...

So they are sending me out a new machine they said they are sending a Respironics DS550HS. That a good one?

Also told me they are sending out new tubing, and a new mask. Currently I have the swift nasal pillow. Any reason to change it?

They told me under insurance I get a new mask every 3 months along with new tubing and a filter.

Every 6 months I get a new head gear and water tank for the humidifier.

They are sending it out today!

[Janknitz]

Excellent, the DS550HS is the same machine I have! It's a fully data capable, auto machine. It will work just fine with the humidifier, tubing, and mask you already have.

Now you should consider purchasing the software so you can monitor your own therapy.

[brazospearl]

That's an excellent machine; as Janknitz said, now it's time to get the software so you can take advantage of all the great data you'll have. Good for you!

[KimberlyM]

Congrats!!

[benalexe]

Is the software Mac Compatible?

Is it hard to use and necessary?

[brazospearl]

There's a work-around to get the software to work on your Mac. Somebody will be along shortly to explain it, I'm sure. And, yes, it's absolutely necessary. When trying to troubleshoot a problem with your therapy you need all the info possible.

[benalexe]

Excellent, the DS550HS is the same machine I have! It's a fully data capable, auto machine. It will work just fine with the humidifier, tubing, and mask you already have.

Now you should consider purchasing the software so you can monitor your own therapy.

They are sending me me new tubing and a new mask anyway.... is the swift a good one or should I request a different type? So far it seems okay in that I can sleep on my side with it. but I don't hvae anything to compare it with.

Thank you so much everyone

[benalexe]

There's a work-around to get the software to work on your Mac. Somebody will be along shortly to explain it, I'm sure. And, yes, it's absolutely necessary. When trying to troubleshoot a problem with your therapy you need all the info possible.

Oh... boy a whole other set of questions...... Troubleshoot a problem with Therapy? Not sure what you mean? like if I can't sleep or am snoring again?

Is a non trained person qualified to be messing with the settings and making changes?


Also just an observation the machines look identical from the photos to the one I have

[brazospearl]

Mask selection is key to effective therapy. The best mask for you is the one that WORKS. Sort of like finding the most comfortable shoes, the "best" mask varies from person to person. If the one you've been using is comfortable and not leaking, stick with that one for now.

You're correct that all the machines look the same in the photos. That's why it's a better idea to list your equipment as text instead of pix. Makes it easier for the resident experts to guide you when you have questions.

Troubleshooting is fine-tuning your therapy to obtain the best results. After a couple of days on this forum you'll be surprised at how much you know compared to the good folks at your DME. You will certainly have enough knowledge to fiddle with your humidity, ramp, exhalation relief, and even (gasp!) pressure. Really. Most of what needs to be done to fine-tune your equipment can be done without your DME/dr's knowledge or consent. You need to be in charge because it's your life and health at stake.

[Janknitz]

Many people here like to access their data to monitor their therapy. When issues are identified, they might consult with their physician and DME, if they are helpful. Some find they can't get competent assistance from their physcian and DME, and choose to carefully take matters into their own hands.

The data you will get on the PR S1 Auto screen is VERY limited and only a little bit helpful. It only gives you 7 and 30 day average AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) and large leak info (which is really useless). The data you can see with software is extremely detailed. It will allow you to see a breakdown of WHAT type of AHI events you are having, WHEN they are happening, and Whether leaks might be an issue. You'll be able to tell if your pressure is adequate, or too much or too little.

It doesn't sound like you are going to be comfortable accessing your data, and that's OK. It's a very steep learning curve. You can ask your DME to read the card, and maybe now they will be helpful problem-solving with you. You can also ask them to send printouts of data to your doctor, so you can work with your dotor on this. Without the data capability, NOBODY can help you. With data capability, you can leave it to professionals or take as active a role as you feel comfortable in your own care. It's up to you.

[benalexe]

Just got the machine last night. I tried it. I definitely think it is better! When I woke up in the AM i noticed that the AHI on the machine said 2.0? What does that mean?

Also I may need to play with the flex a bit as exhaling is still a bit strange. Is there a way I can find out if the machine adjusted the pressure?

[BlackSpinner]

Just got the machine last night. I tried it. I definitely think it is better! When I woke up in the AM i noticed that the AHI on the machine said 2.0? What does that mean?

Also I may need to play with the flex a bit as exhaling is still a bit strange. Is there a way I can find out if the machine adjusted the pressure?

AHI = apnea + hypnea (apnea wanna be) per hour any thing under 5 is considered good but the lower the better.
Start reading the cpap wiki (light bulb at the top of the page)

The kind of thing you want to know from the data eventually is details of the kind of AHI, leak rate, snoring and things like where most of your pressure is during the night.

I don't have your machine but others will tell you how to do it.

Macs have something called "bootcamp" which allows you to run windows XP software. You need a windows XP install disk for it.

[benalexe]

So if I have an AHI of 2.0 on the machine does that mean that 2.0 is the result of the machine. If I did not have the machine it would be higher?