Tips for Backpacking with Complex Sleep Apnea?

[cfischer]

Hi everyone!
I'm writing because I have been having trouble finding information on overnight outings, especially at altitude, with complex sleep apnea. I have seen tips and tricks for obstructive apnea and central apnea, but not complex apnea. I use an ASV and have been told by the doctor that even if I found a way to bring the device and a charging solution to higher altitudes (above 11,000 feet), it would be unable to generate sufficient pressures. Anyone who has personal experience, medical experience, or informational resources, please let me know. Please try to keep the information relevant to complex sleep apnea, as it seems that options that address either obstructive or central apneas but not complex apneas specifically, will be insufficient.
Thanks!
Charlie

[Dave B]

I know you want answers specific to complex apnea, but have you considered trying diamox. It's been shown to be an effective short term treatment for central apnea, but I couldn't find anything regarding it's effectiveness for complex sleep apnea. My uncle has pretty severe central apnea and takes diamox when backpacking, says he sleeps better with that than with his CPAP.

[cfischer]

I hadn't thought of Diamox. I was under the impression (and I could be wrong), that addressing the central and obstructive independently is only partially effective. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. But if I could use Diamox with a mouth piece, maybe that would be enough to temporarily address the complex apneas enough to get a restful sleep.

[painless4u2]

Not sure a mouthpiece would work well in your case, as it is generally used for mild to moderate OSA. Have you considered transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation?

[cfischer]

Is the the implant? With complex apnea, insurance won't cover either implant.

[chikes]

I had a question about our family is going backpacking on the Huay Huash trek in the Andes Mountains and will be sleeping at 11,000 feet. I am concerned about what travel cpap I should get and wondered if anyone had success with cpap while backpacking.