New and have a Question

I am new to all this, will be starting on CPAP as soon as my machine arrives. I ordered it through BillMyInsurance and it was supposed to be delivered today, but we had too much snow for UPS. Hopefully it will come tomorrow.

I am so glad that I found this message board. I have spent a lot of time reading, especially the info at the yellow lightbulb. However, I still have questions.

Can someone explain a little about getting data from the Remstar M Series Auto? Will I be able to get any data without ordering the software? I would like to be able to tell if I'm having any apneas and what my average pressure is. I think I have read that some information is available on the window of the machine itself. Is this correct, or will I need to purchase the software?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Rose

From what I've read, you will have some data... I'm not positive what, but there will be some.

For complete data you need the software.

ROSEY

You are so clever to find the forum, go through billmyinsurance, and get such a great machine. Congratulations to you.

Your machine will give you some data - certainly enough to get you started. And, if you keep a notebook by your bed, you can jot down daily and weekly info.

Later on, especially if you are having problems, then you can look into getting the software.

Good luck and hope you stick around.

Thanks for the replys. I'm sure I'll be sticking around. May not post too much, but I'll be reading.

I'm hoping that someone with either an M Series Pro or Plus APAP can answer RoseY's question with specifics. I'm in the process of trying to upgrade from an M Series REMstar Plus to a Pro, and I, too, would like to know exactly what information one can get without the card reader/software.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies with specifics!

Until you get the software AND a card reader, you'll only be able to get 7- and 30-day rolling averages for your AHI, Leak, and some usage/compliance data. Once you get the card reader and Encore Pro software, you'll be able to download much more detailed data that will allow you to see graphs of when during the night Apneas, Hyponeas, and other breathing interference occurred.

The card reader can be ordered either for about $100 from CPAP dot com or for about $30 from TwoFactors dot com. The Encore Pro software's only available from CPAP dot com to the best of my knowledge.

The software is also supplemented by Jim Skinner's Encore Pro Analyzer which can be downloaded for free from his website. This allows more sophisticated data analysis than the regular Encore Pro software.

When you install the software, make sure to set your registry so it does not erase the "smart" card when you download your data. Also, you'll need to download the data from the "smart" card every 6 days or more frequently because the detailed data are overwritten and only compliance and basic stats data will be available from the earlier nights. Don't sweat it too much if you lose some of the detailed earlier data while waiting for the card reader and software. Better to start using the PAP sooner than later!

Any time you have a question, post it and you should get a response soon.

Good luck with your treatment!

--Andy

As someone who used only the machine data for the first couple of months, let me encourage you to get the software and reader. The info you get on the LED readout from the machine is accurate, but can be mis-leading. From the info I got from it I had my machine WAY too high for what I needed but couldn't tell that because I didn't have the more detailed info the software offers.

Spend the extra money, it's worth it.

I have had a machine and mask for about 6 weeks. I haven't been able to keep it on all night yet. Very frustrating and it is very uncomfortable. Maybe I have one that doesn't suit me? I have one with nasal pillows and every time I move my head it leaks and I have to readjust it and air blows in my eyes, etc. . I have never slept on my back, so it has been difficult for me to adjust. Also, I am reading about getting data.....I was never made aware I could get any info. I think that would be great. How do I go about doing that? I have a Remstar machine. Thanks for all of your input!

Tmac, if you register and fill in your equipment in your profile, then we might can give you some suggestions.