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+--- Thread: [Equipment] How is the software used? (/Thread-Equipment-How-is-the-software-used)
How is the software used? - DeeMax45 - 02-19-2013
I see that a lot of people have different names of software listed under their equipment description, but I can't figure out how it's used.
Do you install it on your computer and then somehow interface the machine to the computer in order to perhaps print out a report of what's been happening?
Thanks,
Dee
RE: How is the software used? - zonk - 02-19-2013
most folk use either Resscan or SleepyHead
ResScan for Resmed machines and SH for Resmed S9 and PRS1 machines
you can download either from here but make sure to get data capable machine otherwise the software of no use
read here first: Archangle:Machine Choices
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php?title=Archangle:Machine_Choices
http://maskarrayed.wordpress.com/dont-pay-that-upcharge/
RE: How is the software used? - Sleepster - 02-19-2013
You've got it almost exactly correct. The data is recorded on a SD card. You take the card out of the CPAP machine and pop it into your computer. The CPAP machines have pressure sensors and flow rate meters. You can see every breath you take on the flow rate graph, and every time the graph flattens out for 10 seconds or more it means you've stopped breathing and the machine scores an apnea. It also measures your leak rate and stuff like that.
RE: How is the software used? - Ugly - 02-20-2013
(02-19-2013, 10:31 PM)Sleepster Wrote: You've got it almost exactly correct. The data is recorded on a SD card. You take the card out of the CPAP machine and pop it into your computer. The CPAP machines have pressure sensors and flow rate meters. You can see every breath you take on the flow rate graph, and every time the graph flattens out for 10 seconds or more it means you've stopped breathing and the machine scores an apnea. It also measures your leak rate and stuff like that.
Of course for extra cost you can connect an S9 through a USB cable.
I toyed with that idea but since my computer isn't in the same room as my CPAP I decided it's easier moving the SD card around rather than stringing cable.
RE: How is the software used? - DeeMax45 - 02-21-2013
(02-19-2013, 10:31 PM)Sleepster Wrote: You've got it almost exactly correct. The data is recorded on a SD card. You take the card out of the CPAP machine and pop it into your computer. The CPAP machines have pressure sensors and flow rate meters. You can see every breath you take on the flow rate graph, and every time the graph flattens out for 10 seconds or more it means you've stopped breathing and the machine scores an apnea. It also measures your leak rate and stuff like that.
Thanks so much for the info. I'll be sure to request a data capable machine.
Dee
RE: How is the software used? - Ugly - 02-21-2013
(02-21-2013, 08:06 PM)DeeMax45 Wrote: Thanks so much for the info. I'll be sure to request a data capable machine.
Dee
If your situation is anything like mine you'll have a respiratory therapist who assumes all patients are total idiots so you may have to assert yourself.
RE: How is the software used? - DeeMax45 - 02-22-2013
(02-21-2013, 09:49 PM)Ugly Wrote:(02-21-2013, 08:06 PM)DeeMax45 Wrote: Thanks so much for the info. I'll be sure to request a data capable machine.
Dee
If your situation is anything like mine you'll have a respiratory therapist who assumes all patients are total idiots so you may have to assert yourself.
Believe me I've never had a problem asserting myself....especially when it comes to my health care.
I gotta say though that I've been doing tons of research before going for my titration study on Tuesday trying to get prepared so that I can make an informed decision as to which machine brands/specs are going to be best for me. And it seems that the more I read the more confused I get.
Dee
RE: How is the software used? - Ugly - 02-22-2013
(02-22-2013, 09:17 AM)DeeMax45 Wrote:(02-21-2013, 09:49 PM)Ugly Wrote: If your situation is anything like mine you'll have a respiratory therapist who assumes all patients are total idiots so you may have to assert yourself.
Believe me I've never had a problem asserting myself....especially when it comes to my health care.
I gotta say though that I've been doing tons of research before going for my titration study on Tuesday trying to get prepared so that I can make an informed decision as to which machine brands/specs are going to be best for me. And it seems that the more I read the more confused I get.
That's good news. Well since I haven't heard anything positive from my former usual supplier, VitalAire I made contact with another company, ProResp. Today I booked the paratransit bus for Friday of next week so everything's ready to go. They said they'd help me out.
I for one am tired of being the doormat and now I take matters into my own hands.
RE: How is the software used? - PaulaO2 - 02-22-2013
DeeMax, for now, there's just a few things to look for.
1 - you want a copy of the sleep report. If they tell you that you won't understand it, say you want it anyway. If they say it is hundreds of pages of data, say you want the summary they sent the doc. If they still balk, say this simple word: HIPPA (unless you are not from the US then I'm not sure what law applies).
2 - you want a data capable machine. Not just compliance data, you want AHI and flow rate, flow limitation, the works. You don't have to get an autoPAP, although it is convenient.
3 - know the brands they are going to mention. Personally, I'd steer away from Icon. They look nice but the software is not free though it should kinda sorta work with SleepyHead (has anyone confirmed this?). Phillips-Respironics and ResMed are the two most popular. Avoid any PR with the word "Plus" in the name and any ResMed with "Escape" in the name. Those machines are compliance only (or limited).
4 - You want a supplier that has a good mask policy. Many places allow you to try masks for anywhere from 2 weeks to 30 days. If they say they don't have such a policy, thank them for their time and leave.
Once you have your machine and all that, then you can learn from there.
RE: How is the software used? - DeeMax45 - 02-22-2013
(02-22-2013, 06:53 PM)PaulaO2 Wrote: DeeMax, for now, there's just a few things to look for.
1 - you want a copy of the sleep report. If they tell you that you won't understand it, say you want it anyway. If they say it is hundreds of pages of data, say you want the summary they sent the doc. If they still balk, say this simple word: HIPPA (unless you are not from the US then I'm not sure what law applies).
2 - you want a data capable machine. Not just compliance data, you want AHI and flow rate, flow limitation, the works. You don't have to get an autoPAP, although it is convenient.
3 - know the brands they are going to mention. Personally, I'd steer away from Icon. They look nice but the software is not free though it should kinda sorta work with SleepyHead (has anyone confirmed this?). Phillips-Respironics and ResMed are the two most popular. Avoid any PR with the word "Plus" in the name and any ResMed with "Escape" in the name. Those machines are compliance only (or limited).
4 - You want a supplier that has a good mask policy. Many places allow you to try masks for anywhere from 2 weeks to 30 days. If they say they don't have such a policy, thank them for their time and leave.
Once you have your machine and all that, then you can learn from there.
Thanks for all of the good info Paula. I've added it all to my list to take with me when I go to the follow-up visit with the doctor.
Dee