Downloading Spirit Data

I have a ResMed Spirit on a three week trial basis. The Dr. wanted to see my results before he ordered an APAP for me.

The manual for the Spirit says that it only holds 5 nights of data. I don't think it's going to accomplish anything to keep this thing for 3 weeks unless it is downloaded every 5 days. I don't want to take it in to the DME because I think they will know I have been adjusting the settings (though they don't seem like a real bright bunch)

I am recording the results from the screen each morning but I don't think that is detailed enough information to make an intelligent decision with.

My question; is their any way to just download the data and save the file for the Dr. without having the Autoscan Software? I have a 9 pin cable that I can connect with but I don't want to hook it up if it won't help. Or should I just reset it to the original settings, take it to the DME and play dumb?

Any opinions?

The Spirit holds a full years worth of data. The five nights is only refering to the detailed one night graph, which shows pressure, leaks, and AHI in graph form. You should see that when you get it downloaded for your doctor. Ask for a copy for yourself if they don't offer, just for your own records. Mine just keeps four nights of the nightly graph - funny, I thought it was supposed to be five as well.

Anyway, there shouldn't be any reason for you to change the settings, and it's probably best that you don't since this is a study. Save the experiments for when you get your own. Also, when they download the info, it appears they will not know you changed it if it is set as it was when they gave it to you. I could be wrong. It will show if you set it to cpap mode, but otherwise, I think it just loads what the current pressure setting is. You should tell them anyway. It could be important for them to know, as it could affect the results depending on what changes you made. You cannot download the data without the software, and you need a null modem serial cable, not a standard cable.

Tom

Thanks, Thomas.
I have the correct cable.

I'm not concerned about the DME's involvement in the study. They are so clueless....the first time I called them about an APAP they told me they didn't have any, and that all CPAP's were automatic.

This study is really for me, so I can show the Doctor the value of an APAP, and the ability to tweak the operating parameters. Even the Dr. is of the mindset that APAP's are only for in-home titration checks. However, he is otherwise very well educated on the subject of OSA and willing to work with me on getting an APAP if we see that it is warranted. And, it could be that it is not necessary for me.

I'll just reset everything the way it was before returning it.

You should at least keep a record of what your settings were for each night to show your doctor. The DME doesn't matter in that regard. Tha data will show what your median pressure was, your 95th centile pressure, and your maximum pressure, as well as AHI, leaks, and compliance numbers. The pressure reading on the machine display for each night is the 95th centile pressure. The machine does not record the minimum pressure, but you can sort of see it in the graphs.

Tom