EncoreViewer is manufactured for end-users of Respironics sleep therapy devices, enabling one to view compliance and therapy information with the use of a Smart Card. The EncoreViewer software will not delete or alter data on the Encore Pro Smart Card.
EncoreViewer is a software program that analyzes data recorded by Respironics CPAP and BiPAP machines and generates therapy reports. The information in the reports includes occurrences of flow-limitation events like snores, hypopneas or apneas, time at specific pressure levels (on auto CPAPs and BiPAPs), event histograms and mask leaks. The information is given in short-term detailed formats as well as in long-term trends.
EncoreViewer supports only the following Respironics sleep therapy devices:
All CPAP, Auto, and BiPAP with SmartCard
All M Series systems with SmartCard
BiPAP autoSV with SmartCard)
Does Not Work With:
REMstar Choice
REMstar LX
PR System One Machines
Respironics DOES offer minimal technical support for this product. Respironics technicians will not assist with interpretation of data, but you may leave your information directly with Respironics and a representative will call back within 2 business days.
Software is intended for use by Sleep Labs and DMEs. We do not provide technical support for software purchases.
Specifications
Product Specifications
System Requirements
Color monitor with 16 bit color, 800x600 resolution (minimum, but not limited to)
Windows-compatible PC with Pentium III or later processor running Windows XP Home SP2 or Windows Vista Home
256 MB system memory
50 MB free hard disk space
Windows-compatible pointing device (mouse)
Windows-supported USB port or PCMCIA slot
UL 1950, IEC 60950, or EN 60950 compliant computer
USB SmartCard Reader (PN 1014352) or PCMCIA SmartCard reader (PN 1014353) to copy therapy data from the SmartCard to your computer.
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24 hour access to our CPAPtalk.com Support Forum
Learning Center for information on sleep apnea and cpap equipment
Consumer Purchasing Trends Reports
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Manufacturer Note:
Philips Respironics products are for sale only to patients within the U.S. and not to other third parties or businesses.
All services provided by CPAP.com, including advertisement, ordering, sale, delivery, instruction, and setup of the products are performed solely by CPAP.com and independently of the manufacturer.
Important Tips
64 Bit System Warning
The EncoreViewer v1.0 Software and the associated Encore Smart Card Reader USB for the Respironics and REMstar CPAP machines are not compatible with any 64-bit Operating System, e.g. Windows XP, VISTA, or Windows 7.
Most Windows XP systems are 32 bit and will work. Windows XP 64 bit systems will not work.
Instructions for Installing EncoreViewer
Please read the following instructions to avoid receiving the error message "Version 1.3 or higher is needed".
First time installation requires that you load the Software CD before attaching the Smart Card Reader. Once the disc labeled "EncoreViewer Software for Windows" is installed, attach the Card Reader. The hardware will install without a CD if your computer already has drivers loaded. If the computer asks to load drivers, use the disc labeled SmartCard Reader/Writer "Installation wizard for the software drivers. For Windows OS".
We do not offer technical support or interpretation assistance with this software. Please consult your physician or clinician for interpretation assistance.
*This package does not include a Smart Card.
You are able to print reports using EncoreViewer.
However, data reports cannot be exported to a file.
EncoreViewer is a much smaller program than Encore Pro. It provides the same detailed data as Encore Pro, but is only about 40 MB in size and does not require installation of Microsoft SQL Database Server. Installation is much simpler and less cumbersome than Encore Pro.
The EncoreViewer software will not delete or alter data on the Encore Pro Smart Card.
Here are links to information that may be helpful in using this EncoreViewer Software 1.0:
"If you are using an auto-titrating Respironics machine, this software takes a lot of guesswork out of adjusting the settings. But you need to have some basic understanding of sleep studies and sleep physiology, or you might misinterpret the data. (It's not that complicated, and the information is likely available on the net). I am a physician, so I do have this knowledge, but keep this in mind when you read this review.
Aside from giving usage statistics (for compliance monitoring), it presents the data in an easy to figure out graph that allows you to fine-tune your settings eg minimum and maximum pressures for the auto titration.
For example, in the first few days of use I determined the minimum pressure needed was at least 8cm as this was the level above which the Vibratory Snore events decreased. Over several days, I settled on 9cm, and am presently adjusting the A-flex setting downwards to further reduce snoring without increasing the minimum pressure (the Snore occurs on expiration, so limiting the drop in pressure that occurs with A-flex will further reduce the snore).
I am also able to analyze the frequency of mask leaks, which has aided in setting the maximum pressures (major leaks have only occurred above 18cm with my nasal pillows). I also anticipate being able to judge the effectiveness of various setups (with/without chin strap, different masks etc).
Keep in mind you should be using recommended pressures from a sleep study if available, but I haven't undergone a formal sleep study.
The limitations of the software are mainly the lack of certain types of data available in a sleep study, eg rem vs non-rem phases of sleep, positioning, oxygen desaturation, arousals vs non-arousals, which would be helpful in analyzing some of the data (eg early in the morning I get more frequent episodes of apnea, which I suspect is during rem sleep but without this information it's hard to determine if any adjustments can be made-looking at the data the graphs suggest events increase above a certain pressure, but I'm not certain this is truly the case).
Another limitation is that it won't allow you to delete the data on the smart card. I will worry about this in six months from now, when the card fills up.
(Another possible issue relates to the machine's readings-how accurate is the data, is it sensed in the same way as the sleep study machines detect events, or by using some other approximation? I assume it's flow based sensors but aside from this, none of the manufacturers publish specs such as sensitivity, error etc. This is an inherent limitation to any auto-titrating machine.)
I you like to tinker, you can do your own split studies- set your machine for 4cm for the first 3-4 hours, then auto titrate for the rest. You can even analyze your spouse for sleep apnea! (Disclaimer: don't do this yourself unless you're a certified sleep specialist, yada, yada)"
Voted most helpful critical review
Incompatible Software
Phil H, Carnation, WA – November 07, 2009
"The EncoreViewer v1.0 Software and the associated Encore Smart Card Reader USB for the Respironics and REMstar CPAP machines are not compatible with any 64-bit Operating System, e.g. Windows XP, VISTA, or Windows 7. I contacted Respironics and they told me that they have no plans to offer a 64-bit compatible version of this product. I informed them that most Windows-based PCs sold today are 64-bit machines, and that without support for 64-bit OS's, their product is dead-end. They suggested I look for an older machine! This is not what I would have expected. I will say that their CPAP machine (M Series Pro) is, however, very good."
"Like the title suggests, there's no windows 7 support or vista for that matter."
Virul R, MI – April 04, 2010
"good software."
Wrong software
New Mexico – March 17, 2010
"This EncoreViewer software version, 1.0, does not work for the REM Auto A-Flex System one CPAP machines. The applicable software for this machine is EncoreAnywhere Version 1.10.64.0. The Encore Pro 2 software may also work."
What is the difference between the M Series Pro and the M Series Plus?
The difference deals in data collection ability. The Plus lets you track compliance only data. The Pro lets you track efficacy data (e.g. Leak and AHI). The Pro has the EncoreCard Reader to help you track your therapy.
What Data Capable Machines are available?
CPAP machines which record full data (like AHI and leak info):
*Note: The older pre-M Respironics CPAP, APAP and BiPAP Pro 2 with Bi-Flex, the ResMed S7 VPAP III, S8 Elite, and the Puritan Bennett Goodnight 420S, 420SP, and 420E record full data.
What does CPAP software do?
CPAP software allows the downloading of information from certain CPAP machines. Information on breathing, pressure levels delivered, apneas, etc. is available to help determine the effectiveness of CPAP therapy. Software is not required to operate a CPAP machine. CPAP Software also provides more data than obtained through the on screen display or SmartCode. The CPAP Software also allows you and your doctor to drill into any night of data recorded and view the data on an hour by hour basis.
Some CPAP manufacturer maintains a proprietary software package that is only compatible with their machines.
Here is a list of each manufacturer and the name of its related full data software:
Philips Respironics: EncorePro - sold for Sleep Professionals
Philips Respironics: EncoreViewer 1.0 - sold for Patient Use
Puritan Bennett (Legacy 420 Series): SilverLining 3.10 - sold for both
Covidien: Sandman Series Therapy Software 1.2 - sold for both
Resmed: ResScan 3.3 and ResScan 3.7 - sold for Sleep Professionals
DeVilbiss: SmartLink Therapy Management Software - sold for both
Fisher & Paykel: Performance Maximizer - sold for both
Here is a list of each manufacturer and the name of is related compliance software:
AEIOMed: DataRest Compliance Software Kit - sold for both
Fisher & Paykel: Compliance Maximizer - sold for both
What types of Software are available?
There are two types of software available: Compliance software, and Advanced software.
Compliance software provides data such as patient hours, total machine operating hours, your pressure setting, and pressure relief information. Advance software includes compliance data and provides more detail such as AHI (Apnea/Hypopnea Index), Leakage, most pressure used, and a detailed usage histogram.
Compliance software is available with some standard CPAP machines. Advanced software is available with most top of the line CPAP machines, APAPs, and Bi-level machines as well.
How do I interpret my data?
Software data can be interpreted by your physician or clinician. There are also many websites and search engines available to help you research the sleep apnea related terms which will provide you more knowledge in managing your own cpap therapy. CPAPtalk.com. our free Sleep Apnea forum is a great resource for CPAP users who want to understand their condition and take control over their health.