Illustration being redrawn
Mock-up of the OSCAR interface: sidebar on the left and 4 to 5 stacked graphs (Flow Rate, Events, Pressure, Leak)
oscar-interface-mockup-en · 1200×700px · screenshot-mockup
Who is OSCAR for?
You do not need to be an engineer to use it. But to be honest, it is not a mainstream tool. You are in the right place if you recognize yourself in one of these profiles.
Profile 1
The curious
Your residual AHI is fine, but you want to understand what lies behind it. OSCAR shows you how you really breathe.
Profile 2
The patient who is struggling
You have been on CPAP for months but do not feel better. OSCAR helps spot flow limitation, leaks, sleeping on your back, residual central apneas.
Profile 3
The power user
You know the basics and want to fine-tune (EPR, ramp, minimum and maximum pressure). OSCAR is your dashboard.
Not for you if your treatment works well (residual AHI under 5, you feel rested). No need to complicate your life: carry on with your usual follow-up.
Installing: 5 minutes
Download the latest version from the official site sleepfiles.com/OSCAR (beware of unofficial copies on other sites). Current version: 2.1.0, released on 9 October 2026.
OSCAR-2.1.0-Win64.exe
A standard installer, for Windows 10 and 11. Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 are no longer supported.
Two .dmg files: Apple Silicon or Intel
Pick the one for your processor (Apple Silicon: macOS 13 or later; Intel: macOS 15.7 or later). If macOS blocks it from opening, follow ApneaBoard's Mac installation guide.
.deb packages (Debian, Ubuntu, Raspberry Pi OS)
Choose the package for your distribution and version on the download page.
.deb package, through Linux
Turn on Linux in the Chromebook settings, then install the .deb package (AMD64 or ARM64 depending on the device).
OSCAR 2.0 changed how data is stored (a local database). If you used version 1.x, 2.0 offers to convert your old data the first time you open it, and both versions can live side by side. OSCAR is updated a few times a year: check your version if you change machines, as the list of compatible devices keeps growing.
First steps: importing your data
Switch off your CPAP and take out the SD card
The card is usually on the side or at the back of the machine. Press it to release it. Do not yank it out.
Put the card in your computer
A built-in SD reader, or a USB SD adapter (€5 to €15). Above all, never format the card, even if Windows offers to: you would lose your data.
Open OSCAR and import
The first time, create a profile (your name; your data stays on your computer). Then import the SD card data from the welcome screen or the File menu. OSCAR recognizes the machine model automatically.
Put the card back in the machine
Do not leave it out for long: without an SD card, your CPAP does not record the detailed data. For regular follow-up, allow 5 minutes a week for copying.
The main graphs to understand
OSCAR shows about ten graphs per night. Start with these 6, which cover the essentials.
Flow Rate (breathing curve)
AdvancedThe most valuable data: your breathing, second by second. It shows flow limitation, palatal prolapse, recovery breathing and subtle hypopneas the machine did not flag.
Event Flags
All levelsThe events the machine detected: OA (obstructive apnea), CA (central apnea), H (hypopnea), RERA, FL (flow limitation), Snore. One color per type.
Pressure
All levelsThe pressure the machine delivers, in cmH₂O. On APAP you can see how it adapts; on fixed CPAP the line is flat. Helps you see whether the current pressure is enough.
Leak Rate
All levelsLeaks beyond the mask's calibrated vent, in L/min. ResMed's threshold: 24 L/min. Above that, treatment becomes less effective. Essential for adjusting the mask.
Snore
IntermediateResidual snoring on CPAP. A lot of snoring despite the machine points to pressure that is too low, or a leaking mask.
Tidal Volume / Minute Vent
ExpertThe volume of air per breath and per minute. Useful on BiPAP or ASV to check ventilation. Clinical level.
Remember
The most telling graph is Flow Rate (breathing flow). It reveals what the machine does not always flag: flow limitation, palatal prolapse, chin tucking, periodic breathing. Learn to read it before anything else.
Is my machine compatible?
OSCAR works with machines that record detailed data on an SD card. Here are the main ones (the full, up-to-date list is on the official site).
| Brand | Models | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ResMed |
| ✓ Compatible |
| ResMed |
| ✓ Compatible (with an SD card added) |
| ResMed |
| ✗ Not compatible (no local storage) |
| Philips Respironics |
| ✓ Compatible |
| Philips Respironics |
| ✓ Compatible |
| Fisher & Paykel |
| ✓ Compatible |
| DeVilbiss |
| ✓ Compatible |
| Löwenstein (formerly Weinmann) |
| ✓ Compatible (since OSCAR 2.0 and 2.1) |
A special case, the ResMed AirSense 11: this machine comes without an SD card, but it does have a card slot. Buy an SD card (FAT32, 32 GB maximum) and insert it: the machine records its data on it just like the AirSense 10, and OSCAR reads it without trouble.
DreamStation 2: compatible. Use a recent version of OSCAR.
Limits and precautions
- OSCAR does not change anything on your machine. It only reads. To change the pressure or settings, you go through the machine's clinician menu, something to discuss with your sleep doctor.
- Interpreting the data takes some knowledge. A residual AHI of 6 an hour is not necessarily a problem if your symptoms are stable. Conversely, an AHI of 2 an hour with a big leak and flow limitation can be.
- It does not replace medical follow-up. OSCAR is a complement, not a substitute. Your sleep center and your CPAP provider remain your official points of contact.
- Privacy: OSCAR keeps your data on your computer. Nothing is sent online (unlike SleepHQ or the manufacturers' apps). More private, but backing up is up to you.
OSCAR or SleepHQ: which to choose?
The two tools largely cover the same data. The choice mostly depends on who you are.
| OSCAR | SleepHQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Completely free | Free forever (1 device, last 30 days); Pro at US$14.90 a month or US$149 a year |
| Platform | PC, Mac, Linux | Web browser (any system, mobile included) |
| Importing data | SD card, by hand | SD card, or automatic with the Magic Uploader (sold separately) |
| AirSense 11 | ✓ With an SD card added | ✓ With an SD card or the Magic Uploader |
| Storage | On your computer (private) | Online |
| Sharing with your doctor | PDF or image export, by hand | Share link |
| Detailed graphs | Very detailed (the reference) | Good, more visual |
A sleep technologist's advice
Start with the free version of SleepHQ if you have a ResMed AirSense 10 or 11, or an F&P: it is simpler, the interface is modern, and you get the views that really matter. Move to OSCAR if you want to go further, or for other machines.
See the SleepHQ guide → FRFrequently asked questions
Next step
You have your first data. Now what?
See how to interpret your CPAP report (residual AHI, leaks, pressure, usage) with our interactive decoder. And if you want to talk it over, the ApneaBoard community analyzes OSCAR exports for free.
See also
