Want to see all the data stored on your CPAP machine's SD Card?

Posted by John, Volunteer Mentor @johnbishop, Nov 1, 2018

I use a Philips Respironics DreamStation CPAP machine that has an app for your phone and a website you can go to to view the data from the phone app. Some people don't feel comfortable sharing this information so don't use the app. The only way they learn how they are doing is by taking their CPAP machine to their doctor or medical store and have them download the data from the SD card and tell them how they are doing. My first instance of this was taking my CPAP machine back to my Mayo Sleep Medicine doctor at my "Medicare" compliance appointment to make sure I was using the CPAP the minimum of 4 hours a day. They downloaded the data and the nurse went over it with me but it was high level and the details that were shared didn't stick with me.

I have a nephew who uses a CPAP machine but pulled the modem out of it because he didn't want to send the data and have it stored on line. We got to talking about it and I thought there has to be a way to view the data on the SD card using your computer. A little research and I found a program and sent the link to my nephew and he was finally able to see all of his data for the time he's been using a CPAP. He was so impressed that I thought I should give it a try to see how much more data is on the card than what my DreamMapper app on my phone is showing me. I was amazed and if you are the technical type that likes to view and analyze data it might help you understand and make changes that will help with your CPAP usage.

The program I installed to read the SD card is called SleepyHead and can be downloaded from the following website:
-- http://sleepyhead.jedimark.net/

Note: You will need a USB SD card reader to view and import the data from the SD card into the program. Also, make sure when you take the SD card out of the CPAP machine you move the small read/write switch on the card to the locked position so that you don't overwrite the data on the card. Then make sure to move the switch back to the write position so that your CPAP machine can write to the SD card.

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Currenly supported machines:

CPAP
Philips Respironics System One (CPAP Pro, Auto, BiPAP & ASV models)
ResMed S9 models (CPAP, Auto, VPAP)
DeVilbiss Intellipap (Auto)
Fisher & Paykel ICON (CPAP, Auto)

Oximetry
Contec CMS50D+, CMS50E and CMS50F (not 50FW) Oximeters
ResMed S9 Oximeter Attachment
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Anyone else out there in CPAP land tried this and have any tips on how to use the data to improve their sleep?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sleep Health Support Group.

delilahrose | @delilahrose | Feb 5, 2021

In reply to @gramps "Thanks @johnbishop ! Very useful indeed" + (show)

@johnbishop @gramps, Hello I am new to this and just joined the Mayo Clinic Connect. My dilemma is the following: I am getting all my requirements needed for my bariatric surgery. One of them is the compliance for my sleep apnea. I have to be 75% in compliance within a 30 day period. I had major issues with face mask not fitting properly. Had to go twice for fittings since November 2020. Because of this I was not using my machine. I have anxiety issues and tend to wake up and pull the mask off my face. Well I was using the full face mask that had a lot of leakage. In November he sent me home with the pillow that goes under your nose and but covers your mouth. That didn't work for me. Had to pull the straps as far as they went to not get air leakage. So I went back and now i have two options to try out. Both are nose pillow mask. So I must make sure I keep my mouth closed while sleeping. So because all of this back and forth I had to start fresh for my 75% compliance. Start date was Jan 26th. I have the same problem @gramps has. My modem isn't working and I'm ok with that. But I have to take my machine so they can download the info from the SD card. If I use any of the two options...OSCAR or Sleepyhead to view my info will it delete it from my SD card. I don't want to mess up my 75% compliance stats. But I also want to make sure I can view it and if I get there before the 30 days I would like to let them know. I hope I make sense. This is all so new to me. Thank you for any advice given!

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 6, 2021

In reply to @delilahrose "@Johnbishop @gramps, Hello I am new to this and just joined the Mayo Clinic Connect. My..." + (show)

Hello @delilahrose, Welcome to Connect. When you take your SD card out of your CPAP machine just make sure you set the read/write switch on the SD card to the lock position so that the data cannot be erased and lost. Then you can put it in the reader and upload to OSCAR or Sleepyhead. Then just put the switch back to the unlocked position when you insert it in your CPAP machine.
- https://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6971/~/sandisk-microsd-memory-card-is-write-protected-or-locked

Sorry to hear you are having issues with the mask. I use a ResMed AirFit F20 full face mask with a cloth Comfort Cover. It does have a little leakage but that really doesn't hurt compliance - https://cpapcomfortcover.com/.

Have you considered using a chin strap to help keep your mouth closed?

delilahrose | @delilahrose | Feb 6, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @delilahrose, Welcome to Connect. When you take your SD card out of your CPAP machine..." + (show)

@johnbishop Thank you for your response. This last time I went to get mask fitting he did show me the one you are currently using. It was to big. He said fitting me was difficult because I have a small face and even smaller nose. So he sent me home with the AirFit P30i and the AirFit N30i. I am currently trying them both to see which one I am more comfortable with. I like them both but my nose gets super dry and I do have issues with bloody nose on left side only (for many years). I am just hoping i reach compliance before the month end. Which is why I want to check this myself. I don't want to go to hospital with machine in tow every time I THINK I am at 75%. He also gave me with a chin strap. But I have no issues with keeping my mouth closed when I sleep. I would definitely know if I didn't since with this type of mask you must have mouth shut. Last night was a good night...I did 9 hrs with AHI 4.1. I do remember waking up 3 times removing my mask because it was getting to dry. That's the real issue I have now. Any suggestions?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Feb 6, 2021

In reply to @delilahrose "@johnbishop Thank you for your response. This last time I went to get mask fitting he..." + (show)

@delilahrose I have dry mouth once in awhile also. What helps me is Biotene mouthwash - https://www.biotene.com/dry-mouth-products/mouthwash/. I think you can get it at most drug stores or supermarkets as well as online through Amazon. The inside of my nose also gets dry and I use a petroleum free CPAP moisturizer like this one - https://www.amazon.com/RespLabs-CPAP-Chap-Face-Cream/dp/B01IOE876W/ref=sr_1_3. It also seems to make breathing through my nose a little easier.

gramps | @gramps | Feb 7, 2021

In reply to @delilahrose "@johnbishop Thank you for your response. This last time I went to get mask fitting he..." + (show)

Does your CPAP machine include a humidifier? That's what helped me with dry mouth and throat

delilahrose | @delilahrose | Feb 7, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "@delilahrose I have dry mouth once in awhile also. What helps me is Biotene mouthwash -..." + (show)

@johnbishop Thank you so much for the information and links! I downloaded sleepyhead and imported my data. Although everything seems foreign to me...I don't understand what I am reading. I am sure I can catch up...lol. Thank you for your help!

delilahrose | @delilahrose | Feb 7, 2021

In reply to @gramps "Does your CPAP machine include a humidifier? That's what helped me with dry mouth and throat" + (show)

@gramps Hello! I don't even know 🙁 I have a Phillips Respironics Auto CPAP 500X110. But I am trying the two different mask they sent me home with. I need to see which one works best before the tech sends in for supplies. This way my insurance will cover. Last night was not good. I took mask off after an hour use. My nose was so dry. When I imported my data it said I had major leakage 95%!!!! And this is the mask that I liked 🙁 Oh boy. I am going to try the other mask tonight.

gramps | @gramps | Feb 7, 2021

In reply to @delilahrose "@gramps Hello! I don't even know :( I have a Phillips Respironics Auto CPAP 500X110. But..." + (show)

It took me weeks before I could use the mask a whole night. You'll get used to it.Find the right mask, wear it for a while before you go to sleep to make sure you don't have leaks. Try it in different sleeping positions to make sure it doesn't leak in any of them. It's probably a matter of adjusting the straps so they are tight enough but not too tight.

akalsas | @akalsas | Apr 11, 2021

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @delilahrose, Welcome to Connect. When you take your SD card out of your CPAP machine..." + (show)

Does Oscar work on iPad? Tried to use and unable read on ipad

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 11, 2021

In reply to @akalsas "Does Oscar work on iPad? Tried to use and unable read on ipad" + (show)

@akalsas - It won't work with an iPad. OSCAR requires a computer with an SD card slot or adaptor, and runs on Windows, MacOS v10.12-10.14, and can be compiled for most versions of Linux.