CPAP machine with data features

I think the most important missing link in current CPAP usage is the need for continuous feedback and response. We never sleep the same any two nights. So our response to therapy will not be the same any two nights. We need the data from many nights to be enabled to know what we should do to better live with the settings we currently have or if we need to change them.

The people here often use their own data to make such decisions. But only a small percentage of the people who try to use CPAP have the tools in their background as well as the fortitude to rig to use their CPAP data and do so. Only a very small percentage of CPAP users would ever use CPAP data with the very clumsy tools we have available right now.

We need a good automated data gathering, reporting, and alarming system for CPAP.

1. It requires standards industry wide. Gathering and format needs to be consistent. If a machine is a brick we need an external data gathering unit available. Each machine needs to be able to report it's data in a way that the monitoring software can use and the monitoring software needs to be a standard as well. So perhaps a project might be to make an external sampling device to use with any CPAP that works with – say – the cell network to transfer data to a data server.
2. At the server the monitoring analysis and reporting software does it's thing and makes reports available to the doctor, other medical parties (e.g. visiting nurse), and of course the patient who has been trained to use it if he or she wishes. If problems are found all appropriate parties are notified.
3. There should be many layers to the reporting software such that usable reports are available to all parties by many means (web pages, apps, fax reports, email …).

Of all things that you might do I believe this one has the best chance to do the most to improve the health of all involved. I believe it has the most potential value to society world wide.

Well, I'd like to know when I was on my back and when I was on my side, and it would be great if there was a way for the machine to adjust its therapy accordingly.

Yes, I might buy a module/unlock-code to be able to read my in-depth data on my iOS device screen. I don't see why a manufacturer would spend much on their own display in the day of retina-quality smart phones and tablets on nearly every bedside table. But as said above, it is not worth it to me to just see what Philips Respironics machines show on their screen (so their current Sleep Mapper is not what I'm asking for). Extra points if I can dock/usb-charge my iOS device on the machine at night. But I'll just use the SD card download to my computer if I feel the module/dock option costs too much. But I would pay more if you add what others suggested: something which tells us sleep cycles (how much, I don't know. Not medical device prices though, just as I won't buy a pulse oximeter from the manufacturer when a battery-powered unit bought online is a fraction of their cost).

I bought my own machines out-of-pocket. That way I could choose the features and model I wanted. The most recent machine was less than $490.00 (with shipping) including humidifier, heated hose, an extra set of foam and fine-particle filters, power supply and travel bag (everything but the mask and the distilled water). That is a full data machine: OA, CA, H, RERA, Leak, breath-by-breath waveform, Flow Limitation (if it is in Auto mode), and it adjusts the humidifier output based on relative humidity in the room (oh yes, it also reports compliance hours-on). I paid extra for the cord which lets me run it on 12v battery if needed.

Hey, if you build this thing, would you also make it so the clock can be set?

--SleepyCPAP

THANK YOU everyone for all your helpful replies!!

Due to your replies, we decided to change the directions of our design now. Instead, we're going to incorporate a LCD screen into the CPAP machine that would allow you to view your previous night's sleep at a glance. And maybe even wirelessly uploading those data to a cloud to allowing viewing from other devices.

We started a new topic forum to help get some feedbacks regarding this idea. Your replies previously were very help, please let us know what you think of this idea!
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=94026

If possible, help us consolidate the data by filling out our survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JFSCFJ9 (This is mentioned in the new post)

THANK YOU everyone again for your helpful feedbacks!!