Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

completelyhosed · Post by **completelyhosed** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 6:16 pm

Two and an half years after the initial post of this thread, we have some progress. Many patients have taken control of their treatment and use software to manage treatment effectiveness and make appropriate improvements. Respironics has released a cpap user specific software program. Sadly, Resmed banned software sales in the USA a year ago and has warned internet dealers not to sell it on the risk of losing their dealership. Why Resmed? When will we have software help from you? Please use your position to develop software for the benefit of cpap users. Better yet, make the firmware public so we can write the code we need and support ongoing development and service ourselves.

Here is a supporting link.

s112.photobucket.com/albums/n174/annie123456789/?action=view&current=resmed.jpg

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:32 pm

Respironics did, indeed, take a giant step forward in recognizing that are many cpap users out there who do want to monitor their own treatment. They developed the EncoreViewer software specifically for cpap users. It's easy to install, easy to use, and displays all the same data that Encore Pro displays.

Having used several brands, I like using the "black" machine.... Respironics REMstar Auto with A-flex M series, with EncoreViewer software. Extremely comfortable machine to breathe out with.

emb · Post by **emb** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 7:09 pm

HI I recently purchased the resmed S9 with the H5I humidifier I then purchased the card reader For Aus$39.95 and the ResScan software download key for Aus$29.90 from CPAP AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
6 HEUSSLER TCE MILTON, QLD, 4064 Australia.

chunkyfrog · Post by **chunkyfrog** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 9:42 pm

I was diabetic long before my OSA diagnosis--I just don't understand.

Kevin G. · Post by **Kevin G.** » Sun Aug 08, 2010 10:05 pm

The e-mail from ResMed does not say you cannot sell ResScan but rather that you can not advertise it on line.

ResMed does take the position that ResScan is not for patients. My sense is that this is based on the position that since the software makes it possible to change prescriptions that it is inappropriate.

The fact is that in California the law specifically says that you are empowered to treat your self. The state agency regulating RTs has interpreted this to mean that you can change your machine settings for your own machine.

If you talk to the right individual at ResMed, not one of the local representatives, you will get a more nuanced position when pushed. Basically if you have a prescription from your physician for the software they will not refuse to provide the software.

Janknitz · Post by **Janknitz** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 5:15 am

Thanks for reviving this thread. It's been an interesting insight into the mentality of the machine manufacturers who remind us, once again, that they do not consider us their customers.

However, because of online forums like this one, I think there's a groundswell of activism among us cpap users, and we are starting to drive the market by influencing people to choose machines that are not only data capable but that have the data accessible to patients.

It's important for us to keep pushing to get those machines that let us have full involvement in our therapy.

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 11:23 am

I can't speak for Canada, but in the USA all you need is a script from your doctor for the software. It isn't the manufacturers who prevent the sale of software to the patient, it is the FDA requirement "For sale, by or on the order of a licensed physician" or similar wording and intent.

As was proven w/the recent Health Care Reform, them's that lobbied the loudest, mostest and threw the most money at Congress (local DME providers) got and thems that didn't throw to goodies to Congress (the manufacturers) didn't get diddley-squat.

M.D.Hosehead · Post by **M.D.Hosehead** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 12:46 pm

I wonder what would happen if someone appeared at a federal Courthouse and said, "I want to confess. I bought a copy of cpap software without a doctor's prescription. What is my punishment?"

Kevin G. · Post by **Kevin G.** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 3:16 pm

In my experience it is the DEM's that are most adament that the patient not get the software. They want to perpetuate their control over the patient.

kc5tty · Post by **kc5tty** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 4:16 pm

As I told in a previous thread - had to browbeat the DME for my Resmed S8 Autoset II. Walked out on him and only came back after 2 weeks when they bought the machine I wanted.

ON READING MY DATA-

DME: You wouldn't be able to understand the data.
ME: I've got a degree in Computer Information Systems and over 30 years of work with Artillery computer systems programming and troubleshooting. What are your qualifications? (no answer)

DME: Your doctor is the only one who can change your machine settings.
ME: I AM IN CHARGE OF MY HEALTH! I can fire you and the doctor and go somewhere else.

DME: You have to enter a special key into the machine to get data and the software is not give to anyone but us and doctors.
ME: I'll find it. (I went to the internet - several different Apnea support sites)

Now I'm just waiting for my cable to arrive and I'm set.

All of you helped me. And now I'm trying to help others.

brazospearl · Post by **brazospearl** » Mon Aug 09, 2010 6:05 pm

Steve, this is the attitude that will lead to successful therapy! Nice work.

Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients

Re: Origins of Selling CPAP Software to Patients