More info on the Nidra (TOMAC) Device

[grassgree]

I've extracted a part of the brochure about the Nidra device, showing how it works. I don't think it's available yet in the UK, and most of us in the US will have to wait for insurance coverage. But it's a ray of hope! Production is ramping up now. Here's the website, in case you can't see the image clearly; nidrarls.com/

[teakabeagle]

I participated in the study and didn’t find it all that great. I would not purchase it at $7500 unless it had a sound money back guarantee

[grassgree in reply to teakabeagle]

Thanks for posting! Would you mind telling us more? How long did you use it, how severe is your RLS, how much relief (if any) did you get?

[LotteM]

It would be interesting to see an official comparison between this very expensive and very limitedly available Tomac (US?) versus the cheaper Therapulse (mainly UK?). At first sight / description, they do mot seem very different. But the devil may be in the details. And when the details are in the software only, that should be dealt with easily. In theory..

[grassgree in reply to LotteM]

The Nidra device stimulates the peroneal nerve. I don't know how that compares to the Therapulse.

I found out that some insurance companies are already picking it up. You can request a prescription form from Notrix Health [nidrarls.com/] and take it to any doctor that has diagnosed you with RLS, and then email or fax it back to Notrix. Then they tell you what your cost would be, and you can bail out if necessary. If you decide to go forward, they connect you with a specialist in your area that guides you on how to use it. The idea is to keep taking your meds, but to turn on the device when you get a breakthrough. The device works for 30 minutes and shuts off.

No one has used it for longer than two years, so it's too soon to tell if this device will eventually replace meds, but they claim that no one was worse off after stopping the device, and those who stuck with it for two years have experienced a steadily increasing benefit. When they quit, they reverted a somewhat but not back to where they started.

I requested a form but I don't plan on seeing my doc until later this year. Apparently Medicare is still reviewing coverage, so that could change too.

I'd like to hear from anyone who has experience with it.

[LotteM in reply to grassgree]

Thanks for the heads up. As I am in The Netherlands, I assume we’ll have to wait for a while before it becomes available here. Also, when I am on my meds (buprenorphine patch, 5 mcg/h), virtually no breakthrough. Fortunately!

I hope the device will be much cheaper soon.