CPAP Data Management

CPAP Data Management Guide

What's the difference between an SD card and a cellular modem for CPAP data?

An SD card records your therapy data locally on the card inside your machine. You remove the card, insert it into a computer, and read the data using free software like OSCAR or SleepHQ — both of which provide detailed breakdowns of your AHI, pressure, leak rate, and more. It's entirely self-managed, with no subscription required. A cellular modem, by contrast, transmits your therapy data wirelessly to a cloud platform — typically for your sleep clinic or GP to review remotely. This is the approach used by the Philips DreamStation 4G module (connecting to DreamMapper or EncoreAnywhere) and the Lowenstein Prisma Cloud modem. Both approaches have their place: SD cards suit self-monitoring users; cellular modems suit patients under active clinical supervision who want their data reviewed remotely.

Does my CPAP machine already have built-in wireless connectivity?

Many modern machines do — but the type varies. ResMed AirSense 10 and AirSense 11 machines with the "4G" designation include built-in cellular connectivity that transmits data to the myAir platform automatically, with no add-on required. However, these machines still benefit from an SD card if you want to read detailed data in OSCAR or SleepHQ, as myAir provides a simplified summary rather than full raw data.

For modular machines like the Philips DreamStation and Lowenstein Prisma, the cellular modem is a separate, swappable component. If your machine was purchased a few years ago, it may have shipped with a 3G modem — and with 3G networks now shut down in Australia, that modem will no longer transmit data. Upgrading to a 4G module restores remote monitoring functionality without needing to replace the machine itself. If you're unsure whether your modem is still active, check whether data is appearing in your clinic's platform or your machine's companion app — a loss of data transmission is the most common sign of a 3G modem that's no longer connecting.

Can I read my own CPAP data, or is it just for clinicians?

You can absolutely read your own data — and many experienced CPAP users do. Free tools like OSCAR and SleepHQ display the same detailed therapy data your clinician sees, including nightly AHI, pressure graphs, leak events, and respiratory event breakdowns. An SD card is all you need for ResMed machines. The Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Info USB performs a similar function for SleepStyle machines.