User reading efficacy data from a s9 elite or s9 autoset

I can really use some help here.

I have used a Resmed elite s8 CPAP for over 5 years and just discovered that it has a wealth of efficacy data. For the first time ever, I had my provider read the S8 card last week and discovered that due to massive leaks my machine and mask have essentially done nothing to mitigate my apnea.

My health has gotten to the point where I need to pay very close attention to my machine's efficacy data. The horrible process of using snail mail and my provider to read the data and send me a report is just plain stupid. I want to be able to read efficacy data myself.

As I understand it (Please correct me if I'm wrong), the Resmed S8 card:

a) is not readable using standard flash memory electronics (Radio Shack type readers/USB cables ), and

b) That software required to read the Resmed S8 card is proprietary to Resmed and must be purchased from them or their re-sellers.

My doctor will send an order for a new machine. I am considering either the "Resmed S9 Elite" or the "Resmed S9 Autoset".

Now to my questions:

a) Can the "Resmed S9 Elite" or the "Resmed S9 Autoset" data cards both be read using standard off the shelf flash memory data card readers w/standard USB cables?

b) Can the free Sourceforge "Sleepyhead" software read the efficacy data from the standard off the shelf flash memory data card reader?

c) Is there anything especially tricky involved in reading the oximeter data from these two machines.

Thank you for any help you can provide

Mike

Mike : First...WELCOME...second... the software can be read by you any time you want, you do not have to buy it from Resmed or your DME. Several of the members here will share it with you for free...yes free, and yes you can use sleepyhead. Go to our members Pugsy or uncle bob and they have it on their signature lines...just download and go to work. Go to members marker in the top blue banner....then typ in pugsy or uncle bob...then click on any of their threads and you will see the signature box with the software indicated...just click on it and download. You can download and use both if you want or whichever one you find the easyest to use.
Good luck
Nan

The S9 machine uses a SD card and if your computer has a slot for a SD card (like digital camera SD card) then you need nothing else but the software which is free. Either SleepyHead or ResScan. If you don't have a SD slot then all you need is a card reader/adapter. One end to plug into the USB port on the computer and the other end to plug the SD card into. Doesn't have to be name brande..generic will work just fine. SD cards don't have to be name brand either.

The oxygen readings available from the S9 is a whole lot more involved and requires a very expensive pulse oximeter.
Most of the forum members just use an overnight recording pulse oximeter that is relatively inexpensive and don't try to use the oximetery capabilities with the S9.
Cost somewhere between $75 and $120 depending on which model you prefer. I have a CMS 50 D Plus and it was around $80.
SleepyHead software is compatible with the CMS 50 models that record over night.

Your S8 machine does have some data available on the LCD screen though. AHI and leak I believe.

I have both, and the Autoset is the one that makes me happiest.
The sleep report screen has all the data I need most of the time; either Rescan or Sleepyhead will give even more.

Even without using the card you have daily data available to you on the LCD screen. The S8 gives you a daily read out on Leaks, AI, HI and usage.

Thank you all for your terrific help, and, your warm welcome. Your advice is authoritative and very much appreciated. Perhaps now I can sleep.

Thank you again and again,

Mike

Some doctors have a bias against auto CPAP. However, you still want to get the AutoSet because it will do everything the Elite will do and more. It can be set to manual CPAP mode if needed. However, the S9 Elite is a fine manual CPAP.

The DME makes a higher profit for a manual CPAP. Many will lie, cheat, and steal to give you the more profitable model. In order to get the auto machine you want, it will help if your doctor prescribes a pressure range, even a small one. If you doctor wants you on a pressure of 10, he could write the prescription for 8-12 auto. Before going to the DME, find out which local DMEs are "in network" for your insurance. If one won't give you the right machine, see if another DME will give you what you want to get your business.

Do NOT under any circumstances let them give you an Escape or Escape Auto. These record much less data to manage your therapy. BTW, there is NO such thing as an "S9 Auto." S9 machines have the machine model next to the power button.