Remote Control for M-Series?

[quote="reidlb"]Hi all. I am new to CPAP therapy (just started using my machine about 3 weeks ago), and I have a question. I have a Respironics M-series auto with a-flex machine and it is REALLY GREAT! However, I do have one small frustration, and I'm hoping that someone will have a suggestion. My pressure setting is pretty high, so I have trouble achieving a mask seal at full pressure. My machine has a "Ramp" feature, which is really great for solving this problem. I push the button to start ramp-up, and the reduced pressure at the beginning of ramp-up allows me to achieve a good seal, which will then hold up as the pressure increases to the full required pressure. However, the "Ramp" button is difficult for me to reach once I am in bed (and adjusting the mask in the night after I knock it loose or lose the seal). If I just had a wireless remote control for the "ramp" button, then I could quickly and easily reduce the pressure, re-seat the mask, and go back to sleep. Without it, however, I have to get out of bed, push the "ramp" button on the top of the machine, re-seat the mask, and then get back into bed. Doing that 1 - 3 times a night is getting a little tiresome. Any ideas?

Once upon a time, I found photos of a disassembled M-Series machine. It was probably on this site, or linked from it.
Can anyone remember where I might find those pictures again?

Thanks,
Lyle

Wow, you guys are really the greatest! OK, let me try to give some replies in the order in which questions were asked:

Babette - I will check, but I believe that "Auto On" is already set on my machine. As you say,when I first go to bed I start breathing into the mask and the machine automatically starts. However, I don't understand how this feature can help me when the machine is already doing its thing and I lose the mask seal on the middle of the night ... what am I missing here?

Gumby - I can understand why you prefer to keep the noisy critter as far away as possible! It sounds like Lyle may have some good ideas for us, if we can get together on the interface type. You make a good point about the credit-card style remote being one more thing to try to keep track of -- I'm not wedded to the idea. I, personally, would really like wireless, but I suppose I could just run the wire along the inside of my "snugglehose" and let the "button" stick out at the mask end of the hose for easy accessability.

Sleepie - Wow! What wonderful vision and product ideas you have! I will pass your suggestions along to Respironics if/when they respond to my e-mail.

jsmythe - My target pressure is 14, so my auto range is set to 10 - 18. Yes, you are right, I had the straps too tight. I made some adjustments last night and it was better. I'm still a newbie, and you are right that some of this is just getting the hang of things. Thanks.

Lyle - You are really great to offer your help, especially since it isn't even a problem for you! To answer your questions:

1. I could live with voiding the warranty; life's short, and sometimes you just have to take some chances. I, personally, would strongly prefer an electrical conection on the machine end.

2. As for the other end, again, I would strongly prefer a wireless remote of the user's choosing, but I could live with a small switch on a wire (and just run the wire down inside my snugglehose) if that's what everyone else wants.

Thanks all!

Although I think it senseless, You could hook a X-10 Appliance module to the circuit where the Ramp leads are and control it with a wireless X-10 remote. You would only have to bring the two wires from the ramp switch out of the case. The appliance relay plugs into 110V and the wires just hook to it. The problem may come from the machine only needing a momentary shorting of the switch, not a full time short. Just a thought. Jim

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): Ramp

@Goofproof
X-10 could be used, but the output is switched AC, so we'd need a relay between it and the switch contacts. Appliance modules CAN be modified for momentary action. Certainly do-able!

@all
After some thought, I don't want to offer a device that requires anyone to open the case on their PAP machine and modify the insides, even if it's just connecting a pair of wires.
I have done some work in the past reading and decoding remote controls with a PIC (single chip computer) I have found some little servo motors from a hobby shop that are available for under $15 each. And both of these can be run from a cheap five volt supply like some cell-phone charging cords.

So.. the current plan (subject to change at will) will be a tiny box, smaller than a pack of cigarettes, that plugs into a cell phone charging cord (or similar) for power, and has:
A single multifunction button for manual activation or "learning" a remote code.
A remote IR receiver so it can "see" your wireless remote control.
A jack on the back to connect a wired switch.
Some sort of mechanical linkage that allows this thing to push your ramp button.

This is NOT (so far) a complicated project. Learning and recognizing _ANY_ (or at least MOST ANY) remote control code may be a bit tricky, but I think I can pull it off. Turning the servo to "push" your ramp button should be pretty easy too.

I suck at cost estimating, but
PROBABLY $35 to 50 will do it, maybe less.

As I have been FLOORED at work, it will take a few weeks before I have a working prototype.
Feedback welcome. It's easier to change things early rather than later. The finished device should let you push ANY button by remote, it is not limited to PAP machine RAMP buttons!

Feed me ideas!
Lyle

Sounds wonderful, Lyle. I was also having second thoughts about opening the case and voiding the warranty. And I understand completely about work ... please TAKE YOUR TIME.

Count me in!

Thanks.

Laurie

LyleHaze wrote:@Goofproof
X-10 could be used, but the output is switched AC, so we'd need a relay between it and the switch contacts. Appliance modules CAN be modified for momentary action. Certainly do-able!

@all
After some thought, I don't want to offer a device that requires anyone to open the case on their PAP machine and modify the insides, even if it's just connecting a pair of wires.
I have done some work in the past reading and decoding remote controls with a PIC (single chip computer) I have found some little servo motors from a hobby shop that are available for under $15 each. And both of these can be run from a cheap five volt supply like some cell-phone charging cords.

So.. the current plan (subject to change at will) will be a tiny box, smaller than a pack of cigarettes, that plugs into a cell phone charging cord (or similar) for power, and has:
A single multifunction button for manual activation or "learning" a remote code.
A remote IR receiver so it can "see" your wireless remote control.
A jack on the back to connect a wired switch.
Some sort of mechanical linkage that allows this thing to push your ramp button.

This is NOT (so far) a complicated project. Learning and recognizing _ANY_ (or at least MOST ANY) remote control code may be a bit tricky, but I think I can pull it off. Turning the servo to "push" your ramp button should be pretty easy too.

I suck at cost estimating, but
PROBABLY $35 to 50 will do it, maybe less.

As I have been FLOORED at work, it will take a few weeks before I have a working prototype.
Feedback welcome. It's easier to change things early rather than later. The finished device should let you push ANY button by remote, it is not limited to PAP machine RAMP buttons!

Feed me ideas!
Lyle

I found my problem, I had called it a appliance module, what I was thinking of was the Universal module, I have used load's of X-10's, for security apps and remote control. The Universal does have momentary setting. It's a UM506.

The idea of a remote was my first thought. I too use the ramp to get adjusted and positioned for sleep. Sometimes I need to use the ramp several times.

I have the added trouble of not being able to SEE the buttons on the machine without my glasses. And I can't wear my glasses with my mask.

I realize I'm not getting full therapy at the lower level but it's a lot easier to start there for a newbie. I've even turned up the start level of my ramp 2 levels already so progress is being made.

Here's my solution. I took a piece of medical tape and taped a peanut M&M to the top of the ramp button. I know. Silly. Then I can use my back scratcher to whack it to put it back on. I can "see" the tape without my glasses enough to know where to aim. And the back scratcher is long enough to reach from the middle to far side of my queen-sized bed.

So far, so good.

Just don't break the M & M!!!

That solution wouldn't work for me, I'd eat the repair, chocolate doesn't stand a chance. I keep kisses on the table above the XPAP, it short time only wrappers are left. Jim

I don't know how good an M&M would taste after being covered in medical tape. Think I'd have to be pretty desperate to eat that one.

@GoofProof
Yes, that module would work great.

@PocketDragonFriend
Please don't whack it too hard.
I'd hate to see anyone bust a nut over a ramp setting.(sorry, couldn't resist)

@All
One thing I forgot to mention earlier, I will support both wireless and wired remote, so if someone wants a wired switch, they will be covered.

I'm still a bit undecided on the mechanical linkage, but I have a pretty good mental image of the code to be written. If it's going to depress a button, it will need to be heavier than the required button force, or it will need some leverage. I'm looking for the most Simple, graceful, and adaptable way to do this... Something to think on for a few days.

Lyle

jules, I used to have one of those antiques. Mine had a ramp function controlled by a 6 or 8 position rotary switch. The remote just turned the machine on and off; it would turn on with ramp if the ramp switch were turned on.

LyleHaze wrote:...
...I'm still a bit undecided on the mechanical linkage, but I have a pretty good mental image of the code to be written. If it's going to depress a button, it will need to be heavier than the required button force, or it will need some leverage. I'm looking for the most Simple, graceful, and adaptable way to do this... Something to think on for a few days.

For me, the task I am trying to perform more remotely without turning over or easily* (even if turning over is still necessary) is resetting the AutoPAP to the minimum pressure (hitting the down arrow soft button). *I did like the peanut M&M trick to facilitate finding and pressing a single commonly used button... and that might already help me.

Actuator: How about attaching the actuator to the CPAP with either industrial strength stick on velcro or just a double stick tape type product (so that it would be affixed and not merely heavy to keep it in place). I suppose it would also be nice if the actuator would still preserve ability to perform a manual depress of the button, it would be nice.

Remote: It would be fantastic if this could be small and affixed to the mask since we will already be adjusting the mask and if the switch is wired it makes sense for the wire to follow the hose.

Anonymous wrote:

LyleHaze wrote:...
...I'm still a bit undecided on the mechanical linkage, but I have a pretty good mental image of the code to be written. If it's going to depress a button, it will need to be heavier than the required button force, or it will need some leverage. I'm looking for the most Simple, graceful, and adaptable way to do this... Something to think on for a few days.

For me, the task I am trying to perform more remotely without turning over or easily* (even if turning over is still necessary) is resetting the AutoPAP** to the minimum pressure (hitting the down arrow soft button). *I did like the peanut M&M trick to facilitate finding and pressing a single commonly used button... and that might already help me.

Actuator: How about attaching the actuator to the CPAP with either industrial strength stick on velcro or just a double stick tape type product (so that it would be affixed and not merely heavy to keep it in place). I suppose it would also be nice if the actuator would still preserve ability to perform a manual depress of the button, it would be nice.

Remote: It would be fantastic if this could be small and affixed to the mask since we will already be adjusting the mask and if the switch is wired it makes sense for the wire to follow the hose.

Sorry I (liv2kite) posted above Anonymous by accident

BTW, I posted this same idea of a remote independently in another thread that I started and was redirected to this thread. I did search ... but somehow (doh) failed to find this thread). For me the point of using CPAP is two-fold getting good restful sleep and keeping my blood & tissues oxygenated (... and you thought I was going to say one of the reasons is making a fashion statement). Having to turn over, find the switch (either tactilely or visually) to reset the ramp lower after a leak and then reposition myself (and possibly reposition the mask and my head/pillows due to the move) interferes with my sleep. So, the idea of the remote is not laziness or desire for hi-tech gadgets, rather just let me sleep.

** I have a REMstar Auto with C-Flex in AutoCPAP with C-Flex Therapy Mode (C-Flex Setting:0) and with APAP Set: 4.0-20.0 cm/H2O and actual pressures (averaged over the last 10 days with the help of Encore Pro Analyzer) for APAP: 9.2 (+/- 1.8 ) cm/H2O, 90% APAP: 7.1 (+/- 1.6) cm/H2O and Avg APAP: 5.5 (+/- 0.5) cm/H2O.

I do also wonder if I should just go with a fixed pressure and importantly am I getting the maximum therapeutic benefit from my CPAP machine. I switch between nasal mask (better cumfort but louder & more leaks) and nasal pillows (can be painful after a few days ... but quieter better seal).

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): cpap machine, hose, C-FLEX, Encore Pro, CPAP, Ramp, seal, auto, APAP