Replacement for S8 Compact with better data logging

[Papa Foxtrot]

New to the forum. I'm on my third machine(16 years), a Resmed S8 Compact, but I'd like to get a similar machine with better data logging capabilities. I'm a private pilot, so I need the compliance data printout once a year for the FAA. There's one tech at my sleep doc's that knows how to pull compliance data off the S8 Compact and, if she leaves, then I'm up the creek.

I'm looking at the IntelliPAP by DeVilbiss; either the DV51D or DV53D. I get along well with the S8, so I don't know if I need any sort of "flex". The 51D looks like a pretty good match for the S8 Compact. The price is certainly attractive - I think that is less than my co-pay was on the S8...

Any advice will be appreciated!

[RandyJ]

You could get another S8 if you like the S8; gently used ones can be found in places like Craigslist or secondwindcpap.com. You would want the Elite or Autoset model.

If you want a new machine, the S9 Elite or S9 Autoset can be found at cpap.com. They are the newest models and will work with either Resmed's ResScan software or open source Sleepyhead, both easily available here in the forum through member links (see Pugsy or Uncle Bob). Only these models will give you the efficacy data.

[Pugsy]

To get software print outs from the Devilbiss machine you need the module and software
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/devilb ... ystem.html

or you can get the module alone for $100
and use SleepyHead software for free

Otherwise you are only going to have available the smart code information from the machine itself.

The 51D only offers hours of use...compliance data.
The 53D offers compliance hours of use along with efficacy data which may not matter to you.

Study up on the smart code thing to see if it would satisfy your FAA compliance requirements. If not...you are going to need the module with either model to be able to use the software to generate compliance reports. So that will drive up your overall price.

If you found a S9 ResMed or PR S1 machine...now those machine now use SD cards to gather data and software for both is free and you don't need anything special as long as your computer has a slot for SD cards. If it doesn't have a slot then all you need is a cheap generic SD card reader/adapter.
Avoid another S8 machine because it requires the smart card and special card reader (pricey and hard to find).

[jdm2857]

A long as one has the card reader for the S8 smart card the process of uploading and reading the
data is the same as for the newer S9 series. The same software works for both.

The card reader plugs into a USB port; the card is inserted into the reader with the gold contacts
facing up.

So you should be able to use your S8 until it dies.

[Pugsy]

This is the card reader for the S8.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Resmed-ResScan- ... 3cc953162b

If you have one all you need is ResScan software and that's easily found.
Then you don't have to rely on the tech to get you the reports if you want to stick with the S8 you have.

[n0hardmask]

Papa Foxtrot,

I sent you a PM about a card reader I can sell. That is, if you're interested in hanging on to the s8 a while. Didn't think to ask if you're covered by insurance or not; if you are, a new xPAP could be nice if you want to delve into the data. earl

[Papa Foxtrot]

Thanks for the replies. The S8 Compact does not have a smart card. It has a com port where the smart card would be. When you pull off the rear cover, there's a section of the motherboard that extends back with traces on it. The section of motherboard is about the shape of a smart card, but the Resmed card reader won't work. I already have one with the software. I'm not sure what kind of cable the sleep doc's tech uses.

The FAA is only interested in the compliance data from the machine. They also want a letter from the sleep doc that must contain four specific points that cover those points. I would probably have interest in the efficacy data tho'.

My current machine is working just fine. I just want a machine that I can be sure will provide the data that I need for the FAA.

[RandyJ]

I didn't realize the S8 Compact didn't have a slot for a data card but I just went and read the spec sheet... So it must just have a port as you say and that's it.

Resmed has good options for you with either another S8 + card reader or S9 (Elite or Autoset)... The PR System One machines are good too... The decision will probably come down to what you want to spend if you are paying out of pocket. The latest machines offer the most efficacy data.

The Devilbiss machines are not as popular among forum members, perhaps another thread asking for feedback on those specific machines would get you some useful info.

Do you currently travel with machine + humidifier or just machine? I'm wondering if size factors in for you.

[Papa Foxtrot]

Do you currently travel with machine + humidifier or just machine? I'm wondering if size factors in for you.

Just the machine. Size is important. I travel quite a bit and I like to pack light. I'd also like a 12V option, so I could dispense with the inverter.

The S9 might be a good possibility. A quick craigslist search showed several in the area.

[chunkyfrog]

Hubby and I bought matching DevilBiss Intellipap Autoadjusts for the 12 volt option.

[jdm2857]

The ResMed S8 series blowers run on 12V DC. The humidifiers for them do not.

The ResMed S9 series runs on 24V DC, humidifier included.

Interesting that the S8 compact does not use the smart card. With the cover
removed, the S8 AutoSet II has the same section of motherboard with the traces,
but there is a slot for the card just above or below it.