Complication fears. Lots of worries.

Check your PM's

Don't worry, lots of people here to help with software questions and report explanations.

Yep, when you get a report all you need to do is post the one page called "Daily Details" and the members will give you some good analysis.

Looking at the pressure range and AHI you posted, I am guessing that some tweaking will greatly improve things for you.

Well, sometimes fear is a good thing: if you use it to motivate yourself to make changes and work on these issues, it can be positive. The really good news is that you have figured it out early! And this solution requires no surgery ! If you look at the posts here, many of us went on year after year just getting worse with no ideas. Ten or fifteen years is not uncommon. Part of the problem is the memory loss, so most of us are only guessing
Your ideas about exercise are right on track with many others: get your sleep squared away first and then get moving. And as far as not being "compliant", just keep working on it, embrace it and don't view it as an enemy. It will get better and eventually be your friend. ( I know, sounded like BS to me at first too! ) I'm now compliant and working on keeping it on for 8 hours. Not succeeding, but working on it. And my energy level is up, my thoughts are clear, and my wife no longer wears ear plugs ! )
Best of luck. Ed

I am sure upon uploading the data you will all be noticing big problems in terms of AHI, possible leaks, and anything else I am unfamiliar with. But this is the whole reason for posting it.

It brings up a concern for me though, will my sleep therapist be upset if I am using the SD card and software? He told me upon setting up the CPAP not to remove the SD card. Also, I am not sure if I should be changing settings either? I understand it's MY treatment and should have the option to do so.

I am not sure if it matters but I am doing monthly payments to own the machine, so it's not a rental but at the same time not completely mine yet. Not sure if that matters, but I suppose it's still more their CPAP than it is mine at this point. I would hate to tinker with things and then have a follow-up appointment with my therapist and find him upset that I've taken out the SD card, changed settings, etc.

Having said all of that, I really want to see the data. I doubt there's anyway for him to know if I've taken it out. There probably won't be a ton of data considering the mask usually only stays on my face a couple hours a night. But it would be interesting and helpful nonetheless.

It hurts nothing at all to look at your data, on screen or in the software reports.
Using software to view reports doesn't mean you have to change anything. Again looking doesn't hurt anything.

The only caution I make for those people who choose to use Encore Pro is that this software is designed and written for DME, doctors and such. There is a place where the download prompt is that defaults to "erase data card" this must be unchecked prior to uploading the data or the card will be erased. Not a big deal if a person no longer has to satisfy any DME or insurance requirements because the software holds the report data. I have looked but cannot find anything to change this default setting.

As long as the card is not erased, the DME will never know it was out of the machine. Just pulling the card out of the machine does not erase anything. There is no provision for telling on someone that does remove the data card unless someone changes a pressure setting or accidentally erases the card. DME will know then. Of course if the card is removed, don't forget to put it right back.

We aren't suggesting that you change anything. We are only suggesting that you learn in depth what is going on while you sleep. Then with time, experience and education you can decide if you think a change is warranted. You can always discuss this with your doctor if you wish.

If you don't have insurance compliance requirements to meet, I doubt the DME will even care. They only care about your check to pay them each month. It is a rare sleep doctor who wants more than "how do you feel" info.

NewToCPAP wrote: I understand it's MY treatment and should have the option to do so.

That is what matters.

As far as the danger of changing your settings, I know 13-year old diabetics who measure their blood sugar and determine dosage and timing of their insulin shots or adjust their insulin pumps. This is much more dangerous than adjusting one's CPAP pressure, however managing their own insulin is allowing these kids to lead a safer, healthier life. And their doctors encourage them to do it.

With a little knowledge and the right tools (software), most CPAPers can tweak their machine settings and achieve an optimal therapy.

But that is getting too far ahead. Just take it one step at a time now. I think you are getting the software and the next step is to load it on your computer. Let that be your goal for now.

Encore viewer for 99$ at CPAP.com, is easy to use, those few hours with the mask on will provide useful data, definately give you a starting point. If you decide that you want to make pressure changes the clinician manual is easily available for free. I don't doubt that you will get better therapy results with soft wear. Its your health I wouldn't leave it to anyone else. Just my 2cents worth. Kathy

When my husband first started, as soon as his mask developed leaks enough to disturb him, he would remove it in his sleep. Once we learned the tips for adjusting the mask and pressure properly he stopped doing it. I think the software is really essential. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks again.

It seems that the EncoreViewer 2.0 is not compatible with 64 bit OS's? That's what I am using.

Might just use the pro and get you guys to guide me through it. Again seems as though there might be issues with 64 bit operating systems.

My laptop does support SD cards and mine is plugged in right now. If all the software fails, is there anything else we can do? Can someone on here with knowledge analyze my results? I don't believe the card has any real personal information or identifying info about me, just how I sleep.

NewToCPAP wrote:Thanks again.

It seems that the EncoreViewer 2.0 is not compatible with 64 bit OS's? That's what I am using.

There are work arounds. Search the forum for EncoreViewer and 64 bit computer and you should get some hits.

Or another potential solution is to get your hands on a cheap used older computer---even one running Windows XP will be good enough to run EncoreViewer 2.0.

Might just use the pro and get you guys to guide me through it. Again seems as though there might be issues with 64 bit operating systems.

If I recall correctly Encore Pro is also technically only compatible with 32 bit computers. But again, I believe there are work arounds.

NewToCPAP wrote: I don't believe the card has any real personal information or identifying info about me, just how I sleep.

When you setup your software, list your name as NewToCPAP to protect your confidentiality.