complicated?

I agree with Wader that having software is not necessary at all for most people to get good treatment. It was for me, because I was "going it alone"....an autopap with software and plenty of help from more experienced people on the message boards was absolutely essential for me at the beginning.

Most people have a doctor involved in their treatment, however; or at the very least a DME to consult with. Whether the doctor and DME can/will provide useful help is another matter....depends on the individuals.

Most people can get good treatment from a basic straight cpap. Most can get good treatment even if neither the user, nor the doctor, nor the DME ever used software to look at data from any machine.

Those two basic cpap machines that Wader mentioned are good ones. The packages he linked to include heated humidification for both of them, and C-flex for one of them. (Respironics' machines are the only ones that have "C-Flex".) I might be wrong, but I don't think either of those cpap machines can give any information other than "compliance" - number of hours the machine was used.

For less than $300 more than the cost of either of the two basic cpaps Wader mentioned (and yes, I realize he was considering limited finances) a person could get a much more useful machine, imho... REMstar Auto with C-Flex and heated humidifier. With that particular autopap, you've got four machines in one. That specific machine can be run in either cpap or autopap mode, with C-Flex on or off in either mode.

And.... that autopap can use software to give you and/or your doctor or DME data about your treatment. Data about the number of snores, apneas, hypopneas, leaks, air flow limitations, and what pressures the machine used during the night. Some pretty useful information to look at in the future if treatment is not going well.

You wouldn't even have to ever buy the software yourself. You could have the DME download and print out the data for you occasionally if you were curious. Or your doctor might want the DME to download it for him to look at. (Unlikely, but a few doctors are interested in that kind of info. )

As Judy pointed out, if you or your doctor ever needed to see if the prescribed pressure was right for you, or wanted to see what was going on in your treatment, a machine that is at least capable of providing data via software could be invaluable.

With an autopap finding the varying pressures you need during the night, night after night, it's almost like having a mini sleep study at home - every night. With a straight cpap, though, if there's ever any doubt about what pressure you need, the doctor has to make a guesstimate - or send you back to the sleep clinic for another overnight titration study.

You'd have plenty of time way down the road to decide if you ever want to buy the software yourself. But at least you wouldn't be kicking yourself later, wishing you had gotten a more versatile machine at the start...for less than $300 more than a basic one.
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My disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nor have I ever worked in the health care field. Those are just my personal opinions. A mask or machine I love/hate could be completely the opposite for others. Finding suitable equipment can be an expensive trial and error experience.

ahujudybear wrote:But one more question....

If Terry has problems with her settings, can her DME be expected to come to her home to adjust it? (FX, if her Rx changes, etc.)

See, with the software you can do all of this yourself, or you can download the info and take it to your Dr ot RT for advice.

FYI, you don't need the software to change the settings on any of the machines.

I bought the F & P HC220LE from cpap.com, our host. It has a heated humidifier, hose, bag and extra water bulb for the humidifier. The mask is a Comfortfull FF mask and am very comfortable with the set up. Are there better units out there? Probably, but the price was right and it's been a little over 2 months & I feel great. On the mask, I decided it was better to have it a little loose so it is comfortable and boosted the cfm up to compensate for the leakage because of my beard, which is not that much. I have noticed that there are smaller and more safisticated units out there and maybe sometime down the road I may try one. In the mean time mine is doing fine. Hope this helps.

Toby

Thanks for all the info.

Toby before I read your post I was thinking, "time for a reality check. we can't all afford the bmw!" I drive and escort without power windows, etc...and I'm happy as a clam tooling around in it. Now this is much more important than a car, directly effecting health and rest...but you get my meaning....The FP looks like a good machine. Glad you're happy w/it.
Terry