Newbie - what questions should I ask?

OSAHell wrote:make sure to get a machine that can detect RERA

Which machines can do that? What do I look for in the machine specs? Any recommendations for specific machines?

The 2 main brand are Respironics and Resmed and I would stick within those two. You should look for "RERA detection" in the spec.

I'm not to familar with Respironic machines, but from what I can see a lot of those report RERAs.

For Resmed you might take a look at the Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset FOR HER. Double check for it, but It should detect RERAs (it will be in the spec if it is) and is suppose to help with UARS (I saw it here in a thread somewhere).
Older Resmed like S9 series don't report RERAs.

The Resmed Airsense 10 Autoset FOR HER would be my first pick
Now, the Autoset FOR HER wont do a better job than other xPAP if you're prescribe with a fixed pressure. But, if your therapy don't go as well as plan it might come in handy in trying to solve your problem. UARS seem to be really challenging in some case, so better safe than sorry I guest.

Just a few notes for your further research, may or may not be applicable to your case:
- our sleep expert Morbius mentioned some drugs as the easiest way to increase a threshold of arousal from sleep;

- Insurance companies are reluctant to cover CPAP and supplies for UARS (modeling for Medicare/Medicate: The medicaid agency does not pay for a CPAP device when the client is diagnosed with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS), );

Thanks, both of you!

I did a little research, and what I found seems to indicate that CPAP really can't detect RERAs reliably. Only EEG can do that.

And insurance is not a problem for me. I have great insurance and they will cover CPAP as long as my Dr. prescribes it. They don't require any supporting evidence.

tan, can you tell me more about these drugs you mention?

MamaGeek wrote:Thanks, both of you!

I did a little research, and what I found seems to indicate that CPAP really can't detect RERAs reliably. Only EEG can do that.

So is my understanding, but Morbius mentioned some other alternatives, for instance, measuring the activity of sympathetic nervous system. Don't know how accurate that is, however. CPAPs are said to be inaccurate. Don't know

And insurance is not a problem for me. I have great insurance and they will cover CPAP as long as my Dr. prescribes it. They don't require any supporting evidence.

Wow, good for you. My insurance (UHC) is pretty anal: they have been reluctant to pay for a DME mask fitting service (swapped F10 for Mirage Quattro).

tan, can you tell me more about these drugs you mention?

Morbius referenced a study -- see the post: viewtopic/t106361/viewtopic.php?p=986666#p986666

Another thing that may be helpful (just from my experience): a glass of red wine in the evening is sleep-killer #2. Stress is #1.

tan wrote:Morbius referenced a study -- see the post: viewtopic/t106361/viewtopic.php?p=986666#p986666

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out!

tan wrote:Another thing that may be helpful (just from my experience): a glass of red wine in the evening is sleep-killer #2. Stress is #1.

Unfortunately, that would almost definitely trigger my other medical problem: migraine.

MamaGeek wrote:

tan wrote:Morbius referenced a study -- see the post: viewtopic/t106361/viewtopic.php?p=986666#p986666

Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out!

Yeah, check it out but obviously that should only be used as a last resort. After everything else is addressed, such as but not limited to:
- leaks, even minor ones can cause disturbance;
- mouth drying out (probably same as above);
- sleep hygiene (doesnt look like a big deal for me, but maybe for you).

The thing is CPAP treatment for UARS may require a lot of patience before you accomplish regular refreshing sleeping, 'cause primary criteria of successful CPAP treatment -- low or zero AHI -- ain't mean shit.

tan wrote:Another thing that may be helpful (just from my experience): a glass of red wine in the evening is sleep-killer #2. Stress is #1.

Unfortunately, that would almost definitely trigger my other medical problem: migraine.

Forgoing wine for a better sleep looks like a good compromise

tan wrote:

tan wrote:

tan wrote:Another thing that may be helpful (just from my experience): a glass of red wine in the evening is sleep-killer #2. Stress is #1.

Unfortunately, that would almost definitely trigger my other medical problem: migraine.

Forgoing wine for a better sleep looks like a good compromise

Sorry, I misread your first post. I thought you were recommending I do drink wine before bed, but you were suggesting the opposite, that I don't.

That's not an issue, because I rarely drink, and never before bed, mainly because alcohol is a major migraine trigger. Red wine is the worst. I'll have a cocktail at Christmas or a beer on my Birthday, but that's about it for me.