Data recorded by a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine provides information for managing sleep apnea therapy. This usage data, including the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) and leak rate, is often required for insurance compliance and helps healthcare providers confirm treatment effectiveness. When the machine fails to record or transmit this information, it is usually due to a technical issue that can be resolved with simple troubleshooting. Even if data transfer is interrupted, the machine continues to deliver the prescribed air pressure, maintaining the integrity of your therapy.
Troubleshooting the Data Storage Medium
Most modern CPAP devices store detailed therapy data on an internal memory chip and write a copy to a removable Secure Digital (SD) card. The SD card serves as a physical backup and is often the primary method for extracting high-resolution data for software analysis. If the machine’s display shows usage data but the card appears empty, the problem likely involves the physical media or its interaction with the device.
A frequent cause of recording failure is improper seating of the SD card. When re-inserting the card, check for a confirmation message on the device’s screen to ensure the machine has acknowledged the media. For cards with a physical switch, ensure the small slider is in the “unlocked” position. If the card is write-protected, the CPAP cannot record the nightly session.
SD cards can also become corrupted or full over time, preventing new data from being logged. If simpler steps fail, you may need to insert the card into a computer to reformat it after backing up any existing data. Older CPAP models may not recognize cards larger than 32 GB, requiring replacement with a smaller capacity card. Data loss can also occur if the card is removed too quickly after waking up, as the machine needs a moment to finalize the session files.
Checking Wireless Transmission and Connectivity
Many CPAP machines have a built-in cellular modem or Wi-Fi connectivity to automatically send usage data to a cloud platform, such as ResMed’s AirView or myAir. Transmission failure means data is not reaching your provider or personal app, but the data remains stored on the device’s internal memory and the SD card. A common reason for lost connectivity is a weak signal, especially if the device is located in an area with poor cellular reception.
Older devices with 3G cellular modems may have lost the ability to transmit data because cellular carriers shut down their legacy networks. This network shutdown affects the modem’s ability to communicate remotely, even if the device is functioning perfectly. Check the device’s screen for a signal strength indicator, typically bars or a tower icon, to confirm if a connection is being made.
Ensure the device is not accidentally set to “airplane mode,” which disables all wireless transmission features. If the machine is plugged in and has a good signal but shows no new data online, the issue may be a system delay, as data transfer can take up to 24 to 48 hours to process. If the wireless module itself has failed, the machine will continue to operate, but remote data transfer will cease until the component is repaired.
Reviewing Machine Settings and Malfunctions
When a CPAP device stops logging data despite functioning storage and connectivity, the cause may be related to internal software settings or a hardware malfunction. Performing a hard reset is one of the simplest troubleshooting steps; unplug the device from its power source for at least 30 seconds. This action can clear temporary software glitches that interfere with the data logging process.
Incorrect internal clock settings can lead to compliance software rejecting data or displaying it out of sequence. If you have recently traveled or experienced a power outage, verify and correct the date and time settings within the device’s main menu. Many devices also display error codes on the screen if a system fault is detected, such as “Error 001” or a “Card Error.”
These error codes are specific to the machine’s manufacturer and model. Consulting the user manual or contacting your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) supplier is the appropriate next step for interpretation. If the problem persists after checking the media, connectivity, and performing a hard reset, the underlying issue may be a component failure, such as a faulty main PC board or a software issue that requires professional servicing.