Want Data-Capable Machine / Scent

[diamaunt]

It works fine with the software. I'm using it with that machine. You might need a newer version, or there's something else going on.

not the plus, it's a brick.

[Terry]

Since you have the REMstar Plus, SleepyHead won't work with it. Unfortunately the "Plus" is a usage only machine. It doesn't record any detailed data that SleepyHead needs.

Yeah, sorry, the Remstar Plus was my old machine.

About the only thing it keeps track of is hours of runtime. There's no data there.

[lac47]

You have all given me really good info; I feel really dumb---I was totally lied to by DME. I'll be back on the phone tomorrow.

[Sleepster]

When the DME told you that the data shows no leaks or apneas, he wasn't lying.

What he told you is referred to as a vacuous truth. It's true because the data for that machine will NEVER show leaks or apneas.

In other words, he's either deceiving you intentionally or he's really stoopid.

[lac47]

I see your point. They must be trained well in what NOT to say...

[jaycee]

Can I ask DME provider or dr. to change machine just so I can download my own data? Do most DME's and doctors know CPAP users do this? Anyone have experience with changing machines just for this reason?

1) You can ask. The insurance pays for a CPAP and you got a CPAP.

2) Only a small percentage of PAP users are interested in tracking their daily PAP usage.

3) If your DME won't change the machine, you can change DME's (assuming other DME's participate with your insurance). I am also in Michigan and know some companies give "bricks" and some that will give fully downloadable machines.

If you do switch DME's, double check whether your humidifier was done as a "purchase" or a "rental" (depends on the insurance). If purchase, keep the humidifier/mask/tubing. If rental, still keep the mask/tubing (those are always purchase).

[jaycee]

As far as scent, I would assume you are picking up something from motor.

It should have diminished (or gone away) by 3 weeks.

[bwexler]

If it were me I would insist on APAP with heated hose, ds560TS and nothing less. I would insist that the doctor write the prescription that way and insist that the DME fill it that way.
When I walked into my DME to pick up my machine, the very nice very ignorant RT had it set up on the table when I walked into the room. I could see from the doorway that it did not have the proper connection for a heated hose. She argued with me for a minute, than went to check the prescription and inventory and returned with the proper humidifier and hose. It is so important to do your research in this strange new world and provide clear and explicit instructions to everyone you deal with along the way. Trust but VERIFY.

[archangle]

2) Only a small percentage of PAP users are interested in tracking their daily PAP usage.

The ignorance of the patient is somewhat understandable. It's criminal that only a small percentage of the doctors bother to properly check their patient's CPAP data. How can anyone who understands CPAP think it's OK to look at data from a single night in a lab vs. getting some pretty good data every single night in the patient's actual bed? Especially when it's almost no extra effort or cost to the patient.

[lac47]

If it were me I would insist on APAP with heated hose, ds560TS and nothing less. I would insist that the doctor write the prescription that way and insist that the DME fill it that way.

I am not sure I understand the benefit of the APAP vs. the CPAP. Is that something everyone eventually needs during their course of therapy over the years? Is it an easier machine to fine tune everything with if my pressures change later on, or based on the data I hope to obtain soon? I am new to all of this and don't know what to expect in a year, 5, 10 years, etc.

Also, can I use the hose unheated when necessary?