[Equipment] REMstarPro M series

[Lorelei]

New user here, not even sure I am doing this right but hopefully someone will be able to answer my questions.

My husband is using the REMstarPro M series, I understand it has a Humidifier that you add water too when using it, is he supose to sleep with the humidifier? I understand you can detach it from the machine, does that mean the machine is usable without it? because we have always filled it with water but he seems to think his lungs is filling with water from it, so is it possible to use without the humidifier?

Also I saw that people use software, so they have software for this machine or is it too old? if so where would I find that at?

Thanks for your time..

[OpalRose]

You can request the Clinicians Manual for the machine.
http://www.apneaboard.com/adjust-cpap-pr...tup-manual

I'm not sure how the M Series works, but you should be able to turn humidifier off.

I can't say for sure if SleepyHead supports this machine, but it should.
http://OSCAR Official Download Page ----> CLICK HERE ./

[trish6hundred]

Hi Lorelei,
WELCOME! to the forum.
Hang in there for more responses to your post and good luck to your husband as he continues his CPAP therapy.

[Ghost1958]

You can simply turn the dial to 0.
Or you can unplug the humidifier from the blower unit and remove it. If you have the hose adapter to connect to the blower directly.

No the himidifier isnt putting water into his lungs anymore than a room humidifier would be.
The card for that machine is big. Takes a special reader.
I have one. M seies auto aflex. Only have for a backup to my backup machine.
Id guess buying a card reader would be more expensive than the machine itself.

[Lorelei]

what do you mean by card reader? The card that looks like a credit card? Is there anyway for me to read that card?

[DeepBreathing]

G'day Lorelei, welcome to Apnea Board.

what do you mean by card reader? The card that looks like a credit card? Is there anyway for me to read that card?

Yes, the card holds a lot of detailed information about the therapy. You would need a card reader to connect it to your computer - Ghost was referring to the fact that these old card readers are hard to get hold of and likely to be expensive. If you can get the card reader, then you will need the appropriate software to interpret the data:

Encore Pro: http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...hines-only

Encore Basic: http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...hines-only

SleepyHead: http://OSCAR Official Download Page ----> CLICK HERE ./

I'm pretty sure that Encore Pro will work with your machine, and Encore basic should as well. I'm not so sure about SleepyHead.

The sad fact is that (like all electronic gadgets) old CPAPs don't have the same features as more modern machines and their data compatibility is more limited. If your husband is doing well on his current machine (apart from the humidity issue) that's fine. But there might be significant benefits in considering a new machine which incorporates the latest research and development.

[Sleeprider]

The data on the M-series is on a Smartcard. The Smartcard readers are still available, but you have to do some searching for the best price. The data on the card is able to be read by EncoreBasic, which you can obtain without cost here on the forum. It will provide detailed information about apnea events (type, duration, patterns etc) as well as respiratory flow data, snores etc. Supplier #1 has the products listed as "Encore Smart Card Reader - USB" if you want to search.

The better move would be to update his machine. Either the Philips Respironics System One 60 Series Auto, or Dreamstation Auto would be a significant improvement. The newest Dreamstation Auto is actually available for $450 on Amazon. I'd sure buy that before dumping $80 on a smartcard reader.

Humidity is controllable using the dial on the M-series. If using any water in the humidity chamber is bothering your husband, it can be left dry with the humidity at 0, or you can separate the blower from the humidifier, and just connect the 22 mm hose directly to the blower outlet. I still have my M-series...in a closet where it belongs. It was replaced long ago.

[Lorelei]

So I am gathering that these machine do not need to prescribed by an actual Doctor anymore? Because my husbands was and he just revisited that Doctor last year and he did not update the machine, however we were unable to get parts for it either.

The machine itself was never explained to us in any detail and only after three years were we to bring the "card" from the machine into the Dr. office. The card was so big that they were scrambled on how to get a reading from it.

So from here on in it is our responsibility to find a machine?

Thank you for your help. I appreciate you taking the time.

[Sleeprider]

Lorelei, your doctor should be willing to issue a new prescription, or in some cases the old prescription may be for "lifetime". In order to get insurance reimbursement, you will need to have the prescription and follow the rules for durable medical equipment (DME) that your insurer requires. Any CPAP, APAP, BPAP or other respiratory device and mask requires a prescription, however that does not mean you can't obtain one without. Depending on your financial or insurance situation, it may be better to buy your own machine, or to use insurance.

In most cases where someone has used CPAP for a long period of time, a new CPAP machine can be obtained from insurance. Usually this benefit is available every 5-years. A new sleep study should not be necessary, however it is always a good idea to have copies of old studies and prescriptions. A sleep study costs more than an auto cpap, so most renewals don't require a new study as long as the medical need was previously established, and there is a prescription for CPAP. Your general physician can write a prescription, but he may refer you to a specialist. It's really up to you to know what you need so you don't get bounced through the system and can avoid unnecessary costs.

[OpalRose]

Lorelei,
You don't say whether you have insurance coverage or not.
If you do, they may pay for a new machine minus deductable, this is up to you to check with them.

Do you have a copy of your husband's perscription? You will need that to purchase another machine. Have a talk with your doctor about this. He may want another sleep study, but then again, he may just write you a new script.

If no insurance coverage, then try looking at the online suppliers. There is a suppliers link at top of page. If money is an issue, try Supplier #2. They sell good low hour used equipment and new open box machines.

Here is a link to show you what machines are available and which ones to avoid.
http://www.apneaboard.com/wiki/index.php...ne_Choices

If you do consider buying a newer machine, be sure to get a fully data capable Auto Cpap.