What good does software do for the user?

It seems the ones who produce software only acknowledge support for those in the field and leave the user to fend for themselves for analysis and response. Do the manuals only deal with setup and use, or do they actually go into what actions should be taken when this or that happens? And if not, where can I go to find out, other than a sleep lab?

Assuming that one has a data-capable machine, it gives detailed information about what occurred during their sleep and how well their therapy is working. It shows leaks, snores, apneas and hypopneas in detail on the reports. Also, if one is using an Auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP), it shows flow limitations and other pressure information.
This information is also applicable to data-capable Bi-Level machines.

Den

For me, I'm hoping it will avoid the need for another sleep study. My sleep doc is happy to see the reports I bring and has suggested changes in pressure based on them. In the sleep lab I have a very lousy quality of sleep and it doesn't seem like the results are nearly as good as my trusty APAP.

Mindy

For me, it's just like a diabetic checking their stats. My therapy changes FREQUENTLY, for reasons I'm still not 100% clear on, and I feel the need to adjust my machine, my mask, whether I'm taping, etc. etc. based on what the software tells me is happening.

Some people are "set it and forget it" sort of patients. I'm not. I'm not nearly as geeky about my data as some folks are, but I do see a need to check my stats, and see if I'm getting good therapy, or if my numbers are looking weird and adjustments need to be made.

Cheers,
Barbara

I'll give you a great example of why I wanted the software...My average leak rates appear to be in the range of what's considered normal for the mask I use. When I got the software, I found that while the average appears normal, in reality my leak rates are bouncing all over the place, sometimes close to 100%. It just happens mathematically to look normal, but I really have problems that I need to resolve. Now, armed with the knowledge that my leak rates vary so much, I can start troubleshooting and trying to figure out if the leaks are coming from mouthbreathing, if my mask is not sealing well, etc. When I resolve that issue, my therapeutic results should be improved. I think the software is very useful.

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