A patient can borrow ZMax and autonomously or semi-autonomously record one or more nights of sleep data. ZMax offers three options to support this type of scenario:

Case 1. A remote operator or clinician monitors the signal remotely throughout the whole night.

This is the most labor intensive option for a clinician. The clinician must set up an appointment with the patient, or remain on call until the patient decides to go to sleep Then, the clinician must continue to monitor the signal until the patient wakes up in the morning. The main advantage is that any night-time problem with the recording (such as electrode disconnection or excessive sweating) can be handled in real time. The main disadvantage is that the patient must run the server in his or her home. Additionally, wireless link quality issues are not easily resolved by the patient autonomously unless he is able to simply place the receiver close to the bed.

Case 2. A remote operator or clinician checks proper signal acquisition remotely, then starts memory card storage and leaves.

This is a less labor intensive option. The clinician must still set up an appointment with the patient, or remain on call until the patient decides to go to sleep. However, once memory card storage is initiated, no further remote interaction is necessary (or possible). The main disadvantage is that the patient must run the server in his or her home. Wireless link quality issues are not easily resolved by the patient autonomously, but are irrelevant once memory card recording begins.

Case 3. No remote operator, patient initiates memory card storage without supervision

This is the most convenient option for the clinician. The patient is completely autonomous and no wireless link quality problems can arise. However, with no remote monitoring, signal integrity can only be verified when the data file is received by the clinician (that is, when the patient uploads it the next day, or when the memory card is retrieved). Because ZMax is very simple to use, most patients can just apply it to their forehead with an electrode patch connected, start memory card storage and go to sleep. A common issue with first time users occurs when the electrodes become displaced throughout the night, perhaps during arousals. This is always a problem with headband tightness (which should, however, not be excessive to prevent heart rate contamination of the EEG signal due to pulsations of forehead blood vessels). If the issue arises, the patient can be instructed to resolve issues with electrode disconnections. Once this problem is handled there is often no need for remote monitoring or assistance.