Question 1

How is the Nox A1s different from a traditional sleep study?

Accepted Answer

Traditional sleep studies use wired systems that tether you to the wall with dozens of cables, restricting movement and bathroom access. The Nox A1s is a fully wireless system using Bluetooth mesh technology-you can move freely, use the restroom, and sleep in any position without being disconnected. Despite being wireless, it measures the same clinical parameters as wired systems: brain waves (EEG), eye movements (EOG), muscle tone (EMG), heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing patterns.

Question 2

Is wireless technology as accurate as wired systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Nox A1s has been clinically validated and is used in academic research centers worldwide. It uses advanced bio-impedance plethysmography for respiratory effort measurement and samples data at 4,000Hz-higher than many wired systems. The wireless signal is transmitted via secure Bluetooth mesh with zero data loss. In fact, because patients sleep more naturally without restrictive wires, we often get more representative data than traditional studies.

Question 3

What is Hypoxic Burden and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxic Burden measures the total cumulative stress your body endures from repeated drops in oxygen during sleep-not just how often you stop breathing (AHI), but how deep and prolonged each oxygen drop is. Research shows that patients with high Hypoxic Burden have significantly higher cardiovascular risk, even if their AHI is only 'mild.' We use this metric to personalize treatment intensity: some patients with mild AHI but high burden need aggressive therapy, while others with moderate AHI but low burden may do well with conservative treatment.

Question 4

Why use a medical-grade device instead of my Apple Watch or Oura Ring?

Accepted Answer

Consumer wearables use algorithms to guess sleep stages based on movement and heart rate-they cannot measure brain waves, which are required for true sleep staging. The SleepImage Ring we use is FDA-cleared as a diagnostic device for obstructive sleep apnea, measuring Cardiopulmonary Coupling (CPC)-a validated biomarker of sleep quality and breathing stability. Consumer devices are useful for trends and general wellness, but they cannot replace medical-grade diagnostics for diagnosing sleep disorders.

Question 5

Can these technologies diagnose all sleep disorders?

Accepted Answer

Different disorders require different tools. The Nox A1s full polysomnography can diagnose sleep apnea, periodic limb movements, parasomnias, and measure sleep architecture. The SleepImage Ring is specific to sleep apnea and sleep quality. For narcolepsy, we use the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT). For circadian disorders, we use sleep diaries and actigraphy. Dr. Jain selects the appropriate diagnostic tool based on your symptoms-there is no 'one size fits all' approach.

Question 6

Are Inspire and Genio implants safe? Are they FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

Both Inspire and Genio are FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in patients who cannot tolerate CPAP. Inspire has been on the market since 2014 with over 50,000 implants worldwide and extensive long-term safety data. Genio received FDA approval in 2023 and offers a single-incision, battery-free design. Both devices have been studied in rigorous clinical trials with favorable safety profiles. As with any surgery, there are risks (infection, tongue weakness, device malfunction), which Dr. Jain thoroughly discusses during candidacy evaluation.

Question 7

Does the Nidra device for Restless Legs really work without medication?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Nidra is the first and only FDA-authorized non-drug treatment for RLS. It delivers targeted electrical stimulation to the peroneal nerve (on the side of your calf), which has been clinically proven to reduce RLS symptoms comparable to first-line medications like ropinirole or pramipexole-without the side effects (nausea, augmentation, compulsive behaviors). It's particularly valuable for patients who cannot tolerate medications, pregnant women, or those experiencing augmentation (worsening symptoms from long-term medication use).

Question 8

How much does advanced technology cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic testing (Nox A1s sleep studies, SleepImage) is typically covered by insurance when medically necessary. Inspire and Genio implants are covered by most major insurers, including Medicare, when candidacy criteria are met-we handle all prior authorization paperwork. Nidra for RLS may require prior authorization depending on your plan. Our billing team verifies your benefits before any procedure and provides cost estimates for your out-of-pocket responsibility.

Diagnostic Intelligence

Ready for Better Sleep?

Nox A1s System

SleepImage Ring

Why we use it:

Beyond the AHI: Hypoxic Burden

Why this matters:

Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation

Inspire® & Genio®

Restless Legs Innovation

Nidra™ by Noctrix

Ready for Better Sleep?

Dream Difference

Treatment Options

Common Questions about Sleep Technology & Diagnostics