Question about fully data capable machines

My sleep doctor, who also the DME, said that I can choose another CPAP machine if needed. People on this forum recommend a fully data capable system. However, I just have a couple of questions about these.

1. How do you get the data off the machines?
2. Do any of them give you things like AHI, leak rates etc on their LCD screens or do you have to use a computer?
3. If you need software, will that come with the machine?
4. Some have autoset,CPAP and other modes. Does the DME locks these features out if you are supposed to use the CPAP option.
5. Will the doctor get mad, if you change your own settings like ramp pressure etc?

fsmitty wrote:My sleep doctor, who also the DME, said that I can choose another CPAP machine if needed. People on this forum recommend a fully data capable system. However, I just have a couple of questions about these.

1. How do you get the data off the machines?
2. Do any of them give you things like AHI, leak rates etc on their LCD screens or do you have to use a computer?
3. If you need software, will that come with the machine?
4. Some have autoset,CPAP and other modes. Does the DME locks these features out if you are supposed to use the CPAP option.
5. Will the doctor get mad, if you change your own settings like ramp pressure etc?

1. Depends on the make and model how you get the data. Some have it on the LCD screen and some don't, but they all usually have a way to pull it down to your computer.
2. Just answered that
3. Not always, though I think that Covidien's machines might come with software. If you buy from cpap.com you can get it bundled.
4. Even if the DME locks it out, there are directions floating around in order to unlock it.
5. Depends on the doctor... some it's better just not to tell them.

fsmitty wrote: 1. How do you get the data off the machines?
2. Do any of them give you things like AHI, leak rates etc on their LCD screens or do you have to use a computer?
3. If you need software, will that come with the machine?
4. Some have autoset,CPAP and other modes. Does the DME locks these features out if you are supposed to use the CPAP option.
5. Will the doctor get mad, if you change your own settings like ramp pressure etc?

1. Depends on the machine.
2. Yes, some information is available via the LCD screen. Exactly what depends on the machine. Did you have a specific machine in mind?
3. Not commonly, software usually has to be purchase separately along with the card reader to transfer the data on the card to the computer.
4. Yes, DME will most likely try to limit your access but that is easily circumvented. It is not hard at all.
5. Depends on the doctor and what you change. Ramp is usually considered a comfort feature and most docs don't care about comfort features like ramp or exhale relief (EPR, CFlex, AFlex). Other changes they might get upset with if you don't make a strong case for them. Some docs simply won't relinquish their superior mentality and won't want you to do anything on your own.

ResMed machines seem to offer more details via the LCD screen ( daily AI, HI, AHI, Leak, average pressure) but their software is only available from Australia.

Respironics machines offer only the 7/30 day averages (AHI, Leak, pressure and hours of use) on their LCD screen but the software is readily available in the US.

Other machines offer similar data but they are less common. For specifics you need to check the brand.

Thanks for all the information. Another question is with the A-Flex- C-Flex and other terms. My CPAP is constant pressure. Is it better to get the other type like C-Flex? How do you decide what type of "Flex" is best for you. Sorry for asking so many questions as this is all new to me.

fsmitty wrote:Thanks for all the information. Another question is with the A-Flex- C-Flex and other terms. My CPAP is constant pressure. Is it better to get the other type like C-Flex? How do you decide what type of "Flex" is best for you.

To be honest, I didn't decide on one over the other. In the beginning I knew I wanted the M series auto because I had decided the Encore Viewer was the software I wanted. So it was a matter of finding a machine and the CFlex auto was found first last May. I started with CFlex at 2, then 1 then turned it off. I could exhale just fine without it.
Then I found the new AFlex auto about a month ago and decided to give AFlex a try. I already knew I could get by without the exhale feature but figured I had it available, why not give it a try. Found out I liked it very much. Suited me just fine. So I didn't really choose one over the other to start with. It was a matter of what I found available to me private purchase first.

In respect to AFlex and CFlex, AFlex is the newer technology and with the AFlex auto I have a choice either AFlex or CFlex. The autos with CFlex only have the CFLex exhale relief.