software

njy · Post by **njy** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 8:08 pm

As you see I am new to the boards, too. I am also new to the cpap machine -- just since September. I have noticed that several of you have the software and card readers, this is something I have not invested in. Do you recommend it, if so how do you know what to purchase?
Thanks

NJY --- who attempts to keep the stupid mask on for at least 5 hours a night.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 8:40 pm

Since nobody else has responded yet, I'll get it started.

You have a Respironics machine according to your post, so you need Encore Pro. Version 1.5 is free for the downloading or you can buy the earlier version 1.4 from CPAP.com. (Don't ask why 1.5 is free, just search prior posts and read the interesting history.)

You're lucky, so you won't have to buy the software. You will probably have to purchase some sort of way to get the machine's data to your PC though. Your choice will be determined by the exact type of machine; either Smart Card or serial cable. I'm guessing your machine is new, so probably it uses a Smart Card. The Smart Card reader goes from about $30 at the website 2factors.com (use Internet Explorer there), to over $100 depending upon where you get it. I'm sure somebody else will answer about the cable if you need that.

Regards,
Bill

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:46 pm

The software is an absolute must, if you have ANY interest in optimizing your therapy and taking it to the next level....which 99% of the docs won't.

Good advice in the previous post.

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 12:05 am

njy, here are some useful links:

Respironics Software Update Center Choose "Encore and Encore Pro." The download of Encore Pro version 1.5i is free.

2factors.com USB desktop "sliding and postal" card reader DT3500 (use IE as the web browser if ordering from this site.)

"setup.exe" drivers file URL to driver for card reader is on "sleepyman's" website.

LINKS to Encore Pro, "MyEncore", smart card reader troubleshooting help with installation

njy · Post by **njy** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 8:44 am

Thanks folks. I am still at the very newbie stage, and am not sure exactly what all is up. I took my card in once to have it read, then was told to come back in 6 months. Seemed a little strange to me, especially since I have not been real successful yet. I will check into your suggestions.

NightHawkeye · Post by **NightHawkeye** » Wed Jan 11, 2006 9:36 am

The software is an absolute must, if you have ANY interest in optimizing your therapy and taking it to the next level....which 99% of the docs won't.

You've got that right Snork1. In my case, after just a couple of weeks on the machine it's become obvious that my Schnozz/sinuses are a significant factor and some more adjustments are needed to improve the therapy. Without the software it would have been extremely difficult or maybe even impossible to make the necessary adjustments.

Even mask adjustments are facilitated by having the software. I've noticed that as I've loosened the straps over the last few days, the leakage rate has actually dropped, although this was not at all apparent when making the adjustments. If anything, it seemed at the time that the leakage went up. The fact that the leakage dropped as I loosened the mask was important because I had been developing some marks from the mask that lasted all day.

Regards,
Bill

njy · Post by **njy** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 10:43 am

Hey, rested gal. I went to order the card reader and noticed that their contact address is Hong Kong. I assume you have ordered from them, and they are "safe". how long did it take to get the reader?

Thanks

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 11:30 am

njy, I ordered three card readers from them - received them fine in about a week. Their ordering form is set up for IE browsers, so best to use IE. (Normally, I use Firefox as my web browser.)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:24 pm

thanks, Rested.
After my visit with my providers today, I decided it was time to take this plunge. I thought I would have them print off the data for me, got a new card the first of the year because of the error problem. Well... when they put the card in the reader it says I have been consistantly using it for 2 minutes a night -- that is all!!! PLUS they have no data from the end of november on.... the did not pull the data off the old card before discarding it, or attempting to . AND there are no notes on the issue either. I am sure my insurance will love this. I understand that they are fine if I am using it for atleast 4 hours a night average. --- dont' think the "documented" two minutes will do me much good. If I had been reading the card, I would have known there was a problem.

Off to place the order. Thanks for the information
Nancy

njy · Post by **njy** » Fri Jan 13, 2006 1:25 pm

dang log in thing... LOL
the above guest was me. njy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 2:43 pm

slumberer · Post by **slumberer** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 3:58 pm

Your machine (Remstar Pro2 or Auto) should have the capability to read the compliance information directly from the window on the machine itself. If your compliance data isn't on the Smartcard, use the machine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 24, 2006 5:46 pm

rested gal wrote:njy, here are some useful links:

Respironics Software Update Center Choose "Encore and Encore Pro." The download of Encore Pro version 1.5i is free.

2factors.com USB desktop "sliding and postal" card reader DT3500 (use IE as the web browser if ordering from this site.)

"setup.exe" drivers file URL to driver for card reader is on "sleepyman's" website.

LINKS to Encore Pro, "MyEncore", smart card reader troubleshooting help with installation

When I clicked on that Respironics link, I was delighted to see Respironics is still offering the complete new version of the software for free under Updates and patches for Encore and EncorePro.

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Pressure Range=7cm---15cm Avg. AHI 0.6

software

software

Card Data Not Read