New Features for CPAP machines?

Goofproof wrote:

dmstangu wrote:

Goofproof wrote:If the Lcd would show the pressure being delivered to the mask circuit, in real time that would be useful, at least for checking to see if the machine is still working correctly.

Again, the IntelliPap does that.

Now if they just had exhale relief.

Hear, Hear, Goofproof!

I don't know if it's possible for O2 analysis to be done by sampling inhalation and exhalation gasses and comparing oxygen content, but if so, I'd like O2 monitoring built directly into the unit. I'd like some fine settings for inhalation motor-response time - my S8 II only gives you a choice between "fast" and "medium." I'd like a multiple choice of waveforms used as breathing algorithms and memory storage ability so that you can instantly retrieve a prior list of settings. And here's an interesting one that might not be too practical: what about a self-cleaning cycle in which the motor reverses and puts out enough pressure to blow any fine dust that's worked its way past the filter out the intake port (this, of course, would require removing the filter from the intake port and placing it in a new, temporary intake port)? And finally, I'd like a sensor to tell me if my filter is reducing air-flow and therefore needs changing. Hey, I can dream can't I?

Raj wrote:I don't know if it's possible for O2 analysis to be done by sampling inhalation and exhalation gasses and comparing oxygen content, but if so, I'd like O2 monitoring built directly into the unit.

Blood oxygen saturation can't determined from your breath. The gold standard for measurement is an ABG from an arterial blood draw, and less precisely by shining a bright light through the blood in your finger -- remember the "ET go home" thing they clipped on your finger during the sleep study? Even it were possible to measure it from your breath, those gasses go out the exhaust port of the mask, not up the hose.

As others have mentioned, the DeVilbiss IntelliPap has a port compatible with Nonin oxymeters, so that oxygen saturation can be correlated to breathing events in software.

Makes sense, El Pap, but I was thinking a sensor would clip near the mask exhaust port. I suspected that even knowing how much 02 was retained from breath to breath wouldn't provide info on actual saturation. Pity.

Fredman wrote:I would also like a LCD panel that would be on the side of the unit so you could read it while laying in bed and be able to reach the ramp button...There are times when I will awake in the night and need to hit the ramp button so I can fall asleep again at the lower pressure. With my classic Respironics tank, I have to do this by feel...I end up either pressing the HH button or the left/right buttons just below the LCD.

Sandman's got that --

Mindy

DoriC wrote:On the M Series machine I would like there to be a choice on which side to connect the hose in back depending on which side you place your nightstand .

Hi,cpap.com sells a "non-swivel" for the M-series. It works great for me.

Look at the link here:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -cpap.html

Goofproof wrote:I have Remstar "Classic" Tanks, I was thinking the other night, It showes the pressure it's set for on the LCD, more useless info, if you don't know what's it's set for you shouldn't plug it into the wall.

If the Lcd would show the pressure being delivered to the mask circuit, in real time that would be useful, at least for checking to see if the machine is still working correctly. No new parts would be needed the data is already coming off the flow sensor anyway. Jim

My backup unit is a Remstar AutoBiPAP "Classic Tank" and when it is running it shows the dynamic pressure delivered.

Here is another couple thoughts,

1. If you have to have always on lit buttons, how about red lights--much less disturbing to night vision.
2. Problem with a side LCD is "which side?" Might need four left, right, top and front. How about a single "flip up & swivel" LCD display would be nice you could just set it based on your particular desire. But, OEMs probably would never go for this as it would be more prone to failure.
3. How about a single "glow" button that lights up other buttons (only when you push it).
4. How about a lighted LCD display (again with a "glow" button to switch it on).
5 better yet combine #2, #3 and #4.

BTW a "glow" button glows is one of those "glow in the dark" buttons like you find on a tv remote. They use no energy. They glow "just a little" and you can see them all night long. You know the little buttons that "auto fluoresce" when you expose them to light.

Also, for this display the real question is, Don't you need your reading glasses to read it anyway?? Can you find and put them on your face with the machine, mask and hose going? I cannot.

Goofproof wrote:

Fredman wrote:

Goofproof wrote:

dmstangu wrote:

Goofproof wrote:If the Lcd would show the pressure being delivered to the mask circuit, in real time that would be useful, at least for checking to see if the machine is still working correctly.

Again, the IntelliPap does that.

Now if they just had exhale relief.

I would also like a LCD panel that would be on the side of the unit so you could read it while laying in bed and be able to reach the ramp button...There are times when I will awake in the night and need to hit the ramp button so I can fall asleep again at the lower pressure. With my classic Respironics tank, I have to do this by feel...I end up either pressing the HH button or the left/right buttons just below the LCD.

I also like the re-positionable hose outlet...good idea.

After a year and a half you still need a ramp, I never used one and I started at 14 CM after being cut open. Jim

Hi Jim, Actually, don't need it often. Perhaps once a month or I can go months without using it. I am not sure why I occassionally awake perhaps is just the stage of sleep and higher pressure just awakes.

I have been on APAP for 3.5 years. I would love to avoid using it. What tweaks should I look at to avoid waking up with the higher pressure. Go on straight CPAP with C-Flex? Let me know your thoughts because it is hassle to wake up and fumble for the ramp button.

builta wrote:

DoriC wrote:On the M Series machine I would like there to be a choice on which side to connect the hose in back depending on which side you place your nightstand .

Hi,cpap.com sells a "non-swivel" for the M-series. It works great for me.

Look at the link here:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/respir ... -cpap.html

OMG!--On a suggestion from Laura (RestedGal), I got one of these (ivory color) at Lowe's for 75 cents!! I'm pretty sure it was measured 3/4" to 1/2." Works perfectly, and have been using it for 4-5 months.

Hooray! I'm off to Lowe's, they just opened one about a mile up the road. Are you sure it doesn't come in black to match the machine??(LOL)

dmstangu wrote:

rocketdork wrote:If you could add any feature that you wanted to a xPAP machine, what would it be?
I think I'd add the following items/data

Conventional method of storing data...SD card, Thumb drive, CF card, etc. The smart card is just a pain. Readers are expensive.
Port for a O2 sat monitor. With a O2 sat monitor to match.
Record detailed data for more than 7 days, with memory as cheap as it is now, it doesn't make sense to only store 7 days of detailed data.
Heart rate monitor.
Software upgrade to count breaths per minute. Would allow you to determine how long it took you to fall asleep and other things.
Software upgrade to show breath volume average.

The "IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP Machine with Heated Humidifier and SmartLink Therapy Management System" includes each and every one of the features described by you (except for the heart rate monitoring function, which would be performed by the O2 sat monitor).

I don't think it does. There does not appear to be any O2 monitoring, and data appears to be compliance only, no deails about therapy effectiveness. It also has no exhale relief. If I was looking for a travel machine, I'd pick one that is lighter also.

DoriC wrote:Hooray! I'm off to Lowe's, they just opened one about a mile up the road. Are you sure it doesn't come in black to match the machine??(LOL)

Lowe's wants to put a store in my town, but it has been held up while the women work out the details for visitation rights to see our husbands.

DoriC wrote:Hooray! I'm off to Lowe's, they just opened one about a mile up the road. Are you sure it doesn't come in black to match the machine??(LOL)

I should make it more clear that the elbow has 1/2" on one end and 3/4" on the other. Found in plumbing dept, naturally.

Fredman wrote: Hi Jim, Actually, don't need it often. Perhaps once a month or I can go months without using it. I am not sure why I occassionally awake perhaps is just the stage of sleep and higher pressure just awakes.

I have been on APAP for 3.5 years. I would love to avoid using it. What tweaks should I look at to avoid waking up with the higher pressure. Go on straight CPAP with C-Flex? Let me know your thoughts because it is hassle to wake up and fumble for the ramp button.

I never had a problem with treatment on APAP waking me up, as I kept my high pressure to CPAP pressure, and went 3 cm under for the low, that small range wasn't noticeable to me. I now run it in APAP mode with the high and low set the same 15CM, Why, not sure, it works for me, and reads FL on the reports too.

I've always looked on the ramp as a crutch, so I went for the real thing out of the chute, At that high of a pressure it was painful for a few days but soon became a way of life. Sorry if Crutch isn't PC, but I'm not a PC kind of Guy... I calls them likes I see's them. The sooner you can get to doing the same thing every night the faster the body accepts it as normal. I just think about all tha apnea events that may go untreated because the machine is in ramp mode, plus I want all my data in Encore Pro to be as good as it can. Jim