"please keep me updated about oximeters "
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ResMed Software
I asked about the availability of software for end users of their equipment. Here is their reply:
Dear Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to email ResMed with your inquiry. We appreciate the fact that you are actively involved with your therapy and want to manage it accordingly. Because these devices and masks are of prescription requirement, we cannot sell the ResScan software to patients. All of our previous software versions have been for clinical settings only and not intended for home use. The clinical software allows for changes in therapy pressures, modes, sensitivities where appropriate.
The restriction for clinical use is dictated by the FDA.
You may want to ask your physician for a prescription of the software that would allow you to purchase and make changes with his/her understanding that you will be in control of changing the prescription as you deem appropriate.
Once again, thank you for your email as we are tracking requests for a patient-friendly home version of software.
Thank you,
Nichole
ResMed Customer Service
I am not interested in setting my own machine, though I know many of you forum members are capable. Lets keep letting ResMed know we want end user software.
Mary Zimlich
Dear Mary,
Thank you for taking the time to email ResMed with your inquiry. We appreciate the fact that you are actively involved with your therapy and want to manage it accordingly. Because these devices and masks are of prescription requirement, we cannot sell the ResScan software to patients. All of our previous software versions have been for clinical settings only and not intended for home use. The clinical software allows for changes in therapy pressures, modes, sensitivities where appropriate.
The restriction for clinical use is dictated by the FDA.
You may want to ask your physician for a prescription of the software that would allow you to purchase and make changes with his/her understanding that you will be in control of changing the prescription as you deem appropriate.
Once again, thank you for your email as we are tracking requests for a patient-friendly home version of software.
Thank you,
Nichole
ResMed Customer Service
I am not interested in setting my own machine, though I know many of you forum members are capable. Lets keep letting ResMed know we want end user software.
Mary Zimlich
Views: 185
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by 99 on
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just an after thought have you tried honey to heal the sensitve nose i understand that hydogen peroxide in honey has healing properties because of its weak strenght
Mary Zimlich said:In their reply to me (at top of discussion) ResMed states that with a Doctors prescription you can buy the software with his approval and understanding that you will be in charge of your own treatment. I'm certainly not capable of doing that, but I'm sure some of you professionals could handle your treatment parameters. On cpapauction.com you don't need a prescription for a mask, but do need one on file for a machine.
ResMed also offers online courses (as well as inservices for professionals). I registered as an RN interested in becoming a sleep tech- they asked, and that satisfied them. Next week they are sending me two discs- Overview of SDB and Comorbities of SDB. They are free.
Also I just had my DME fit me with a Mirage Liberty due to a nonhealing pressure sore on my nose. The next day I saw my doc and he was very firm- no Liberty for me. He said at my pressures the nose pillows will leak. Last night I put a small bandaid over the sore and moleskin over the top of that and my nose wasn't so red this morning. Hopefully I can get my nose healed and then continue with the moleskin to keep it from happening again.
I thought of wearing my mask and attaching the hose to some type of canister for Halloween, but sommon sense prevailed. I wouldn't have been able to see or talk!
Mary Zimlich
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Permalink Reply by Judy on
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Unfortunately, Patricia, that Respironics M Series Plus your local DME provider pawned off on your is NOT fully data capable. Software wouldn't do you on whit of good. The Plus can ONLY provide compliance data which is of absolutely NO VALUE to you or your sleep doctor.
Since you've had it less that 30 days, if you really want some feedback and data on your CPAP therapy, take that Plus back to your local DME provider and INSIST that they provide you w/the Respironics M Series Pro w/C-Flex. The Pro is fully data capable and is compatible w/the EncoreViewer software. Be aware, tho, that insurances do NOT pay for the software and necessary cable reader, you must buy them yourself out of pocket.
If your local DME provider is reluctant to make the exchange you might casually throw into the conversation that you are aware that the M Series has been discontinued in favor of the PR SystemOne devices and that the Plus and the Pro are the exact same insurance (HCPCS) code: e0601, so there should be NO PROBLEM making the exchange.
Patricia Ann Shuff said:I too would like to get this software. I just got my brand new CPAP Machine last week & so far it is doing a fine job. I have the Respironics REMstar Plus M series with Heated Humidifer. Does anybody out there have one & do you have any special concerns? The first night I had it I thought I was going to drown with water running across my face half the night till I figured that I had the humidifier turned up too high. I only had it on 2 but turned it down to 1 now & that seems to be ok. I use the machine with the Breeze Headgear which I really like. Don't have to put up with anything on my face.
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Mary, this is my PERSONAL OPINION, I don't know of any forum ruling on the issue, but:
posting the button sequence to access the Efficacy data on the LCD screen via the advanced/detailed patient menu is perfectly okay since we can't accidentally or intentionally change our therapy settings from that advanced/detailed patient menu.
HOWEVER, the access to the Clinicians Menu and to being able to alter our therapy settings is better shared via Private Messaging once you are comfortable that the person has a reasonable understanding of CPAP therapy and the ramifacations of changing therapy settings.
Too many of us sometimes get tempted to "play" w/our new "toys" just 'cause we can - not necessarily because we understand why and how.
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Permalink Reply by Mary Z on
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Thanks Judy, good advice. I deleted the item.
Mary ZImlich
Judy said:Mary, this is my PERSONAL OPINION, I don't know of any forum ruling on the issue, but:
posting the button sequence to
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Permalink Reply by Ms_ZZZZ on
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Uhmmm Isn't there a reason pulmonologists give the orders for the settings? Airways, oxygenation of the body, pressure settings are part of the ABC's for life. What am I missing that ppl wish to have control of their settings???
Not meaning to p'o anyone.
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Permalink Reply by Andy on
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Hi Ms ZZZZ,
It seems that some people like to monitor their xPAP device, and read detailed data from it. In this way, the patient "takes control" of the process by monitoring results far more closely than the Doctors or equipment providers can. These people want to "read only", and don't want to change any settings, but will inform their doc if they see something in the data that needs attention.
For others, "taking control" means reading the data AND changing settings. In some cases, the xPAP patient is a professional in the sleep field (i.e. a tech) and has the knowledge and understanding needed to make changes in the settings. In other cases, the patient has above-average knowledge, and is comfortable in monitoring the results, making the changes, and notifying the doctor when necessary.
Then, of course, there are the people who just like to play with gadgets! I'm sure, as well, that there are people who THINK they know what they're doing, but sadly do not. Those folks are most likely to have problems.
I'm somewhere in the middle. I guess. I want to read as much data as possible, and learn as much as possible about interpreting the data. I also want to be able to notify the doctor if I feel there's anything that needs attention. And, in some cases, I'm going to want to make a change myself.
As an example, I recently had a titration study, and I know that my pressure needs to be bumped up a little. However, it's going to be close to two months before I'll see the results of the study, and be able to meet with my doctor to review the results and make any changes. In this case, if I had the ability, I'd just bump it up myself and not have to wait. I only need the pressure to be increased by 2, so I don't think that would be a big deal if I did it.
Of course, here's my usual disclaimer: I've only been on CPAP for a month, I'm not a doctor, tech, lawyer or DME emplyee, so pay no attention to anything I say...
;)
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Thanks Andy. I get it. In the med profession myself yet new to this whole stuff. Truly hope those making changes DO know their stuff well as I said, breathing, oxygenation is the FIRST part to maintaining life!
Waiting for a doc's appointment, having advanced knowledge base is understandable on the other hand. Especially when it comes to feeling good and getting SLEEP.
This coming from a newbie who still is getting adjusted to the whole process. Yet bound and determined to so I can .live a somewhat normal life even though I am by far a normal person :P. stop living in a fog, not getting things done, having my husband wonder WHY I am so tired (despite having an emotionally and physically draining j o b), stop dropping and spilling things (I KNOW it is more than just being a klutz), and the list goes on.
Nice to meet you btw.
Ms.
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Ms ZZZZ, not all doctors are pulmonologists sub-specializing in sleep medicine. Some are neurologists, some are ENTs, most any specialist can take on a sub-specialty in sleep medicine.
Obstructive sleep apnea is NOT a lung problem. It is NOT a lung function. It is a problem w/anatomy of the throat, or the tongue, or jaw, or muscles, or obesity or in the case of central apnea a problem w/in brain function or some combination thereof.
And, unfortunately, sleep medicine is fast becoming a "cash cow" for some doctors who see a relatively short investment of time and money to take on a sub-speciality that doesn't necessarily take up much of their time consulting w/patients. It is often BECAUSE of such sleep specialists that many apeans end up in these forums and insist on taking some degree of "control" over their xPAP therapy.
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MsZZZZ,
My psychiatrist put me on a drug call provigil while I was having excessive daytime sleepiness and waiting for sleep studys and proper titration. In spite of being on CPAP (now BiPap) for over 18 months I am still getting properly titrated, for some of us the process isn't quick or easy. My Sleep DIsorder Doctor change my Provigil to Nuvigil- I still need it though my numbers are slowly improving. I read that some of us continue to have the excessive sleepiness even after being properly titrated and sleeping well. Maybe you can contact your Doctor or his/her nurse (sometimes the nurse is my best ally- I cultivate that relationship) and explain the problems you are having- let them know you are really suffering- perhaps they can see you sooner or have another recommendation. You can also check for cancellations and maybe get in sooner. Also maybe your GP can help you out temporilly while you wait to see the sleep doc. I read you are in the medical profession, I am an RN, but this is one area where I don't try to nurse myself. I do emphasize the extent of my problems to the nurse or the Doc and tell them when I need help. I'm sure you have already thought of my suggestions yourself, LOL, and I'm not telling you anything new.
Hang in there, sometimes it takes a while to get the ball rolling. My first Doc didn't take me very seriously and until I changed docs and found one who is seeing me more often while titrating I didn't realize what was missing. Every month to two months may be what you need in the beginning, though if you're truly miserable somehing should, hopefully, be done sooner.
Keep us posted, please and hang in there.
Mary Zimlich
Ms_ZZZZ said:
,Thanks Andy. I get it. In the med profession myself yet new to this whole stuff. Truly hope those making changes DO know their stuff well as I said, breathing, oxygenation is the FIRST part to maintaining life!
Waiting for a doc's appointment, having advanced knowledge base is understandable on the other hand. Especially when it comes to feeling good and getting SLEEP.
This coming from a newbie who still is getting adjusted to the whole process. Yet bound and determined to so I can .live a somewhat normal life even though I am by far a normal person :P. stop living in a fog, not getting things done, having my husband wonder WHY I am so tired (despite having an emotionally and physically draining j o b), stop dropping and spilling things (I KNOW it is more than just being a klutz), and the list goes on.
Nice to meet you btw.
Ms.
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Mary Z, thanks for your advice. Already on Adderal. Started it prior to the sleep study as was so frustrated with the fatigue. It was my PMD and I who thought of the sleep study at the same time. What a shame it was not addressed sooner but it is what it is. Nothing like having lost half your life SLEEPING. Meanwhile, having meds upon meds thrown at me and now have to try and get rid of ONCE I am running full force with the CPAP. At least, that is my hope and plan.
Definately lots to learn and completely out of my area of practice. Impressive the data all know here. I just wish I could suck it up asap, ie, work out the kinks asap, have the tx be effective and be able to start living a fullfilling life again. I am sure most of you all have uttered the same words at some time or another.
Ironically, my motto has always been "rest is the best". Sleep is so VITAL in a person's health and well being.
Until my next babbling, good night. : ) MsZ
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The bi-levels, especially the bi-level autos ARE sophisticated and complicated devices and I don't recommend patients changing ANY of their settings or comfort features w/o the help of a sleep professional.
BUT - straight CPAPs or APAPs nor NOT rocket science. W/a fully data capable CPAP or APAP any one w/an interest in their own therapy and common sense can make adjustments to their settings quite successfully. The key if one opts to do so is to 1] get their leaks under control, 2] make sure they have a comfortable fitting, relatively leak free mask and 3] make only ONE adjustment at a time whether new mask for pressure change or Ramp or EPR/C- or A-Flex change at a time for ONE WEEK at a time before making any other ONE change.
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