What is SleepyHead Worth?

The Windows hard drive on my desktop recently died. The backup I used to restore an image to an identical disk drive (after checking it's health) was some two or so years old. Lots of stuff I had not thought about in a while.

In the process of purging old stuff from the drive I ran across my old version of Encore CPAP data management software. I paid about a hundred dollars for that way back when.

But SleepyHead allows me to see minute ventilation, and allows me to easily zoom in on events and sections, and so it allows me to keep tabs on not only obstruction but also ventilatory stability. I need both to get a clear picture of what is going on with my therapy and I need the feedback to do well.

Indeed I think SleepyHead probably saved my life a time or two.

So I think my little hundred dollar donation to Jedimark today will be the first of a total of five to be. SleepyHead is probably worth more than that but I did not find it soon enough so am dealing with limited resources right now. I do the best I can.

So let me add a heart felt “THANK YOU VERY MUCH JEDIMARK” in hopes that it will a bit make up for my current lack.

I currently am using Encore Pro v2.12 in conjunction with my PR autoSV machine. I'm waiting for the various temporary issues with SH v0.9.6 to get ironed out before I switch, however I can do most of what I need with Encore. That being said, your comments about Sleepyhead are right on when it comes to simplicity of use and detailed 'zoom-in' inspection of all waveforms, which I sorely miss. SH is a great program when you get it working. Donating to Mark is a fine idea and I've done it a few times myself.

Sir NoddinOff wrote:I currently am using Encore Pro v2.12 in conjunction with my PR autoSV machine.

I read that the newer commercial software is improved. I hope that is true.

Sir NoddinOff wrote: I'm waiting for the various temporary issues with SH v0.9.6 to get ironed out before I switch, however I can do most of what I need with Encore.

There are always bugs with software and a “not yet even version 1.0” open software release is not expected to be fully functional. Yet SleepyHead offers me the very things I need to track obstructive events along with the very important in my case breathing stability issues. I never could to that with Encore as it was.

Sir NoddinOff wrote: That being said, your comments about Sleepyhead are right on when it comes to simplicity of use and detailed 'zoom-in' inspection of all waveforms, which I sorely miss. SH is a great program when you get it working.

I have used open source software such as SleepyHead is for years. One of the tricks is simply if you have a working release do not be quick to upgrade. In my case I usually try the new release on a second machine and see how it goes.

Sir NoddinOff wrote: Donating to Mark is a fine idea and I've done it a few times myself.

I wish I had done this earlier and am very glad the first donation is in his hands.

One thing that kind of kept me back was the mention of PayPal. I do not like their strong arm and fear mongering tactics and am not alone in that (they have their hate sites on the web). The whole thing did result in my coming to terms with them. However I later found that this was not necessary. Any card would likely have worked.

Todzo wrote: One thing that kind of kept me back was the mention of PayPal. I do not like their strong arm and fear mongering tactics and am not alone in that (they have their hate sites on the web). The whole thing did result in my coming to terms with them. However I later found that this was not necessary. Any card would likely have worked.

Yes Todzo, I've heard stuff like that about PayPal too. Here's an idea that might work: If Mark, a relative or a friend had a PO Box he could have mail delivered to, then he'd have a way to remain more private. Also, if he would be willing to be incorporated as Sleepyhead something-or-other, then the checks could be made out to that company name. The point being that he could still keep his home address and full name out of the mix. Maybe more work than he's willing to take on... just a thought,though.

Sir NoddinOff wrote:

Todzo wrote: One thing that kind of kept me back was the mention of PayPal. I do not like their strong arm and fear mongering tactics and am not alone in that (they have their hate sites on the web). The whole thing did result in my coming to terms with them. However I later found that this was not necessary. Any card would likely have worked.

Yes Todzo, I've heard stuff like that about PayPal too.

I was so glad to learn that the donor does not need to directly deal with PayPal and can simply use their card.

Sir NoddinOff wrote: Here's an idea that might work: If Mark, a relative or a friend had a PO Box he could have mail delivered to, then he'd have a way to remain more private.

The international aspect of this, of USD vs Australian Dollars vs Yen vs Pound vs … - along with simply the distance and differences in language and culture make the donation process more interesting. An agent such as PayPal is probably a necessity.

Oh well when corporations mess up such as PayPal seems to be doing others tend to step in...

Besides, I kind of like knowing Mark. And love his handle “Jedimark”.

Sir NoddinOff wrote: Also, if he would be willing to be incorporated as Sleepyhead something-or-other, then the checks could be made out to that company name.

Probably one of the reasons why 97% of the worlds supercomputers are powered by Open Source Software is that no corporations can easily hamper the process of building the software. I think Mark writes software because he loves doing this! And being open allows others to contribute directly with their different perspectives.

I think this is a different process and much different culture than you are used to.

Sir NoddinOff wrote: The point being that he could still keep his home address and full name out of the mix. Maybe more work than he's willing to take on... just a thought,though.

Being hampered by this evil disease himself I think Mark has shown himself awesome!