Software to Track Compliance of CPAP

Most CPAP machines record the hours they've been in use, and often store a great deal of additional information as well. Many models allow this information to be downloaded onto a computer, where it may be viewed in various graphic formats using software provided by the manufacturer.

Considerations

• One of the sad truths about Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is that patients don't always comply with it. Sleeping with a mask on your face takes some getting used to, and many patients don't stick it out. Others try to follow therapy, but end up removing their masks without really waking up. Doctors and respiratory therapists need to know whether patients are actually complying with therapy, both to judge the therapy's effectiveness and also to be able to certify to insurance companies that the patient is actually using the equipment and supplies that are covered.

Significance

• Compliance software can show a variety of data, depending primarily on the information that is recorded by the specific model of CPAP machine. However, typical data include the number of hours of usage and the times of day during which the machine has been used. Mask leakage rates and respiration rate are typically included, and machines that adjust their pressure to patient needs can show how that pressure varies throughout the night.

Features

• In order to be able to share data with a computer, the CPAP machine must be equipped with a "smart card" that records various aspects of the machine's function. This card is removed from the machine and inserted into a card reader, which is then plugged into a computer, usually via a USB port. Lastly, software on the computer reads the data from the card and presents it in the form of graphs and reports.