Well, the DME was supposed to come to my house today to set up my vpap.  When they called to make the appointment, I asked that the tech please call before coming out here. Their office is about an hour away.

When she called, I asked what machine she was bringing, and was told that it was a Resmed Vpap S.  When I asked if I would be able to see the data every morning, via an LCD screen, she told me that no I wouldn't, and that as far as she knew, none of the machines would give me that data.  So I mentioned the Vpap ST, and she said that I had been prescribed just bi-level, not an auto machine.  Now, since I haven't actually seen the scrip, I don't know if that's accurate. But I looked at the Resmed site, and that model (Vpap S) looks pretty bare-bones to me.

So I cancelled the appointment for today, and currently have a call in to my pulmonologist to see exactly what was prescribed, and if it can be changed if necessary to a fully data capable xpap.  I suppose if they say that a bi-level is all that I need, then the Vpap S is as good as any. It bugs me, though, because my doc knows that I like to have the numbers.  Plus, I thought I understood that the pressure was to be variable, not straight bi-level.  Am I being unreasonable here?

I am so disappointed right now.  I wanted to get going on this, since it's taken since July to get to this point.  Thanks to all who post here with their expertise. Without your input, I would probably accept a modified leaf blower at this point!

Edited to add:  Just to be clear, all I want to do is be able to look at the screen in the morning and see the current numbers.  I don't want to download them to my computer, just see them and maybe keep a notebook for my own information.  Is this possible, or do I have to have software, etc?   The tech I talked to today gave me the basic speech about how "they" don't like to have patients have access, because they don't want patients messing with the settings.  I respect that and I don't want to change any settings.   When I was talking to her, I think she said that she could see that info, but she didn't think there was a way for me to have access to it.  I don't want her to bring out a machine that I can't access, and she said that if she brought one out, I would not be able to change it out if it turned out to be unsatisfactory, because then it would be "used".  

I have looked at the Resmed site and really can't determine from their descriptions which machines can be read the way I want to do it.  They reference the software capabilities, but I don't care about that. I just want to see the stats!

So, do all the basic machines, like the Vpap S supply this basic info, and it's just a question of getting access?  Or, is  this kind of information only available on a "fully data capable" xpap?  I have totally confused myself.  I'm about ready to give up and just take whatever is in the box they bring to my house!



Last edited by jrinker on Mon Oct 12, 2009 10:12 pm; edited 1 time in total

jrinker wrote:

Well, the DME was supposed to come to my house today to set up my vpap.  When they called to make the appointment, I asked that the tech please call before coming out here. Their office is about an hour away.

When she called, I asked what machine she was bringing, and was told that it was a Resmed Vpap S.  When I asked if I would be able to see the data every morning, via an LCD screen, she told me that no I wouldn't, and that as far as she knew, none of the machines would give me that data.  So I mentioned the Vpap ST, and she said that I had been prescribed just bi-level, not an auto machine.  Now, since I haven't actually seen the scrip, I don't know if that's accurate. But I looked at the Resmed site, and that model (Vpap S) looks pretty bare-bones to me.

So I cancelled the appointment for today, and currently have a call in to my pulmonologist to see exactly what was prescribed, and if it can be changed if necessary to a fully data capable xpap.  I suppose if they say that a bi-level is all that I need, then the Vpap S is as good as any. It bugs me, though, because my doc knows that I like to have the numbers.  Plus, I thought I understood that the pressure was to be variable, not straight bi-level.  Am I being unreasonable here?

I am so disappointed right now.  I wanted to get going on this, since it's taken since July to get to this point.  Thanks to all who post here with their expertise. Without your input, I would probably accept a modified leaf blower at this point!

Certainly not unreasonable.

You (or your insurers.....which means you) pay the doctor and DME..............I think that gives you certain rights. Primary right is that YOU decide what you want (in conjunction with your doctor) and the DME supplies specifically what you want.

He who pays the piper, calls the tune.

Good luck.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

You sound just like I did. I have the ResMed CPAP and I do have acess to the data on the LCD screen. BUT you will not be told how to access that information from the DME. THEY like to keep that information to themselves. I peek at my data and never think of changing any of the settings.

The advanced/detailed patient menu access can be turned on by your provider from the Clincians Menu. If access to SmartData is turned on then a combination button press and hold of the Left and Right buttons provides access to our Efficacy Data. If that access has already been turned on it is then just a matter of Left button to Enter, Right button to Exit, Up button to Return to the previous screen and Down button to Proceed to the next screen. You can NOT change your therapy settings in this menu accidentally or intentionally.


_________________
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, ProBasics Zzz-Mask full face, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.
Currently trialing PR SystemOne BPAP Auto w/Bi-Flex, EncorePro 2.2, ConTec CMS-50D+ oximeter