Peru Travel w/ Resmed AirSense 10

[jbmnj]

Has anyone traveled to Peru with the Resmed AirSense 10? Did you need make any adjustments for altitude in Cusco, Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley? Thanks.

[foxfire]

I've not traveled to high altitude myself, but I've read of some who bring prescription Diamox with them to help with the altitude adjustment.

[Sleeprider]

The most common problem with altitudes above 8000 feet are an increase in central apnea events. You can track that on your machine by noting changes in the OAI, and CAI on Essentials Plus. If central events increase, a decrease in CPAP pressure and decrease in EPR may be effective. The use of Diamox can be helpful with high altitude pulmonary edema or cerebral edema (aka altitude sickness), and this can lead to the increase of events and can be fatal if the victim is not returned below 8000 feet. Diamox treatment must be started 24 hours ahead of acclimatization and will not be effective once symptoms set in. If you do not have experience with those high altitudes, then prophylactic use of Acetazolamide may be advisable (consult your doctor). Gradual acclimatization and good hydration are the best choices.

Good article here: http://www.mayo.edu/research/documents/p...c-10026905
Don't go expecting problems, but taking reasonable precautions if you don't know how you react to altitude can be useful.

[jbmnj]

Thank you for your replies. My question was too vague, I think. Does my machine (pressure?)need to be adjusted when sleeeping at an altitude of 10,800 ft.? Thank you.

[Sleeprider]

The machine auto adjusts up to 8000 feet. Above that point there are not any guidelines. I have personally used Resmed and Respironics machines at up to 10,000 feet without any problems. As you can imagine, response to altitude is individual, but the machine will provide the same "differential pressure" (atmosphere plus setting in cmH2O). That setting is tested and medically approved up to 8000 feet MSL, but above that point the difference is not very significant in my experience.

The machines have not been tested or certified above 8000 feet, and that's the best I can give you. The machine will work, but you don't have a manufacturer certification at that altitude. Watch your data, and you will be fine.

[jbmnj]

Thank you, SleepRider!