Viewing CPAP data? AHI Question?

I just swapped from a compliance data only CPAP machine to a Respironics Pro C-Flex+ machine. The machine has the capacility to view 7 day and 30 day average for AHI, periodic breathing and leaks. I have done searches on this site and others and have seen reference to sleepyhead and encore (pro).

I am having trouble deciphering all of the information. I would like to get the data from my CPAP machine onto a computer to view. My CPAP machine has a small blue data card that looks like a camera memory card. Some of the stuff I found about cards used by others showed credit card sized smart cards.

Do I have the right machine to get data onto a computer?

How do I get the data from the CPAP machine to the computer. Do I need a smart card reader? Do I pay for that, or does insurance pay for that?

What program shows detailed data. Should I get sleepyhead or encore... does either work on a Mac or do I need a PC?

Finally, my sleep study AHI was 15, and my AHI after one night on the new machine was 7.9. This seemed above the 5 AHI cutoff and I wonder what is considered successful treatment with CPAP. Should I be getting and AHI lower than 7.9 if treatment is successful?

Thanks for the help! Its tough pulling all the knowledge together in a comprehensible form when you are new at this like I am.

The good news for me is that I got my mask and comfort with CPAP dialed in over the last month and half so I can at least sleep comfortably with it without leaks.

Okay, let me see if I can answer some of these for you. I don't have the same device as you, but the answers are somewhat universal.

1) Do you have the right machine to get data on your computer: I'm not 100% sure, but since you have a card it is recording something. Is it fully data capable, I'm going to let someone who has this machine comment. I think it is.

2) How do you get it on the computer: You will need an SD card reader. These are only about $15 and you can pick one up at Walmart or where ever.

3) Programs... If you have a Mac, I think your only option is Sleepyhead (they have a Mac Version I hear). I have also heard that you can run a Windows instance on a Mac and if that is the case you could try Encore on it, but I don't know if anyone has done that.

4) As far as an AHI of 7.9, yes it is above the magic number of 5, but there is a lot that goes into telling what is going on. Get the programs so we can see some of the waves that you are having and we can tell better what is going on. We would need to know what your pressure settings are, and a whole lot of other items.

Lastly, please update your signature with your equipment so we better know how to help you. I have a link to how to do this in my signature.

John

Your machine is likely the PR System One Remstar Pro CPAP with CFlex.
It does collect full data.
The little blue SD card holds the data. If your computer has a SD slot (like for camera SDs) you can use that slot to access the software.
If your computer does not have a SD slot (some don't) then you will need a little SD card reader/adapter to plug into one of your computers USB ports. Not expensive generic cheap $10 at Walmart and even less online.

Did you see the software options explained here? SleepyHead has a Mac version. If you have a Mac and want Encore you have to set up a Windows environment to run Encore. SleepyHead offers same data though. Just presented visually a little different.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=64906&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... re+options

Do you have the clinical/provider manual for your machine? If not you can request it here. Be sure to use the full name as I listed above.http://www.apneaboard.com/CPAP%20Adjustment.htm
This manual will greatly help with explanations regarding some of the terms you see in the software reports.

Generally we like to see AHI less than 5. The software helps us see what might need work. Especially leaks which are always a battle and if you have much leak it can cause the pressure to be less than optimal.

Welcome to the forum. There is a pretty steep learning curve here at first with all this report stuff but it will get easier. Take your time and read, read and read.

80210, welcome to the forum. I wanted to let you know about our upcoming help/support group meeting, it's a small group of great people at all stages of therapy. We just started in September and have a relaxed, fun, good ol' time. Good folks and good ideas.

Here's the thread, if you're able to make it just let us know here: viewtopic/t70121/DENVER-Forum-meetup-Sa ... -10AM.html

Good luck! Ken

Thanks for the info folks. I got confused on the SD card reader vs. smart card reader. Thanks for the clarification. I will take a look at sleepyhead for the Mac. Thanks for the manual link too. I don't have one and tried to find it online and was having some trouble finding it. Appreciate the help!