do these machines ever update?

I have a ResMed S9, and just realized I've never updated the system software. Is that something I should be doing from time to time?

Ever other digital device I use seems to need updating at least a few times a year...

Never heard of updating the system software on a CPAP machine.

Yeah, neither have I, but it has a computer brain, and for security reasons alone (since the S9 can communicate over a wireless network) there is probably an update for the thing =(

TalonNYC wrote:Yeah, neither have I, but it has a computer brain, and for security reasons alone (since the S9 can communicate over a wireless network) there is probably an update for the thing =(

I doubt it. Remember, this is a medical device subject to significant testing and proofing before it's released to the public. Updates to it are not going to be done routinely like we get for a computer or smartphone. Only Microsoft, well maybe not only, willy nilly pushes out updates to software, a process that drives tech folks responsible for critical systems like financial computers crazy because they need to be 100% sure the update is safe, necessary, and reliable. Plus, there ain't no money in it for Resmed, or any other mfr, to push out updates to xPAP machines already sold.

DeVilbiss is the only manufacturer that I am aware of that does offer machine firmware updates/upgrades and possibly software also (not for sure about software).

Emilia (Intellipap user) could tell you for sure what is offered and how often.

idamtnboy wrote:

TalonNYC wrote:Yeah, neither have I, but it has a computer brain, and for security reasons alone (since the S9 can communicate over a wireless network) there is probably an update for the thing =(

I doubt it. Remember, this is a medical device subject to significant testing and proofing before it's released to the public. Updates to it are not going to be done routinely like we get for a computer or smartphone.

You really don't want to know how many horror stories I have about medical equipment getting hacked once it is networked, but I get your point.

Ripping the modem off my unit, better safe (and non-networked) than sorry =)

Edit: I'm sure ResMed does a TON of QA on their device software, but the doctors can connect to the thing via remote web software. THAT'S what I'm worried about. One bad desktop software revision and suddenly you have a security hole to the devices. Yes, I'm paranoid, but the company I work for pays me to be a bit paranoid =)

Devillbis upgraded the firmware when they introduced "smartflex" mine did not have it as I bought it before it came out. I bought the software and data module and that came with a cable to hook to my laptop. Went to the Devillbis website, located the firmware code, downloaded and updated my CPAP. Now it is just like a one you would buy now. It added the smartflex and changed all the menus. It was actually quite painless of a procedure.

jmcanzo wrote:Devillbis upgraded the firmware when they introduced "smartflex" mine did not have it as I bought it before it came out. I bought the software and data module and that came with a cable to hook to my laptop. Went to the Devillbis website, located the firmware code, downloaded and updated my CPAP. Now it is just like a one you would buy now. It added the smartflex and changed all the menus. It was actually quite painless of a procedure.

actually, there would be potential for disaster, as applies with computer mainboard upgrades. if the power goes off during the flashing of the BIOS then, unless they have a backup plan to restore from a backup on the machine, there will be a failure. On PC mainboards there is a pair of pins you can short circuit to restore the default BIOS. I dont know what would apply in the case of the Devilbiss 'mobos' , though I would like to take the machine apart and have a look (voiding the warantee).

peterg wrote:

jmcanzo wrote:Devillbis upgraded the firmware when they introduced "smartflex" mine did not have it as I bought it before it came out. I bought the software and data module and that came with a cable to hook to my laptop. Went to the Devillbis website, located the firmware code, downloaded and updated my CPAP. Now it is just like a one you would buy now. It added the smartflex and changed all the menus. It was actually quite painless of a procedure.

actually, there would be potential for disaster, as applies with computer mainboard upgrades. if the power goes off during the flashing of the BIOS then, unless they have a backup plan to restore from a backup on the machine, there will be a failure. On PC mainboards there is a pair of pins you can short circuit to restore the default BIOS. I dont know what would apply in the case of the Devilbiss 'mobos' , though I would like to take the machine apart and have a look (voiding the warantee).

Upgradable electronic devices of any kind don't operate like this anymore, they haven't in over 10 years. Memory is dirt cheap these days so they always include two separate chipsets. A static memory chip and and an upgradable flash chip. The boot firmware is static and can not be erased. It provides only enough functionality to boot the device and upload a firmware application set if the existing should become corrupt. Even computer motherboards have overcome this flaw, even though they still tell you not to power down during an upgrade, just because it will stop the upgrade.

DeVilbiss's software has had 3 updates since version 2.0 came out in Aug. 2010. Those come to users free when you open up the program. Those who had the previous version 1.? when 2.0 came out had to purchase the new version, but within the version the updates are free.

I bought my Intellipap just as SmartFlex was introduced so I got the latest version of everything at the time; however, those with the older machines had the opportunity to upgrade their firmware to include SmartFlex for free. To my knowledge, DeVilbiss is the only cpap manufacturer who does this..... someone correct me if wrong, please.

peterg wrote:

jmcanzo wrote:Devillbis upgraded the firmware when they introduced "smartflex" mine did not have it as I bought it before it came out. I bought the software and data module and that came with a cable to hook to my laptop. Went to the Devillbis website, located the firmware code, downloaded and updated my CPAP. Now it is just like a one you would buy now. It added the smartflex and changed all the menus. It was actually quite painless of a procedure.

actually, there would be potential for disaster, as applies with computer mainboard upgrades. if the power goes off during the flashing of the BIOS then, unless they have a backup plan to restore from a backup on the machine, there will be a failure. On PC mainboards there is a pair of pins you can short circuit to restore the default BIOS. I dont know what would apply in the case of the Devilbiss 'mobos' , though I would like to take the machine apart and have a look (voiding the warantee).

Being I support PC's for a living, I have upgraded bios all the time, not once in over 25yrs has the power gone off while upgrading. Of course I would not upgrade during a storm, high winds, flickering power, etc. The Devillbis upgrade took less then a minute to flash the firmware. I guess the chance is always there. Also it has a 3yr warranty and is still under 3yrs old. I would think they would cover it as this is a procedure they allow the consumer to do.

correct me if I am wrong, but to do the firmware upgrade you would have to purchase the $150 Smartlink package.
(I am just about to do this, just to get the extra information).

peterg wrote:correct me if I am wrong, but to do the firmware upgrade you would have to purchase the $150 Smartlink package.
(I am just about to do this, just to get the extra information).

No you can buy just the cable... If your Intellipap already has smartflex then there is no reason to update, actually there is not a newer update available. If you are just buying the Smartlink package to upgrade, no need. Now if you are going to buy it anyways for the software, then if and when another update comes out you will be all set!