If you have sleep apnea, you may use a CPAP machine to improve your sleep quality at night. It helps you to breathe more easily as you sleep, and decreases the chance of comorbidities related to sleep apnea. In short, a CPAP is an important piece of medical equipment.
Most people who have used a CPAP for years feel less tired during the day and enjoy better, safer sleep. You’re less likely to make mistakes while driving because you aren’t as tired anymore.
However, while a CPAP is undeniably useful, it does have some downsides. One of the most significant drawbacks is that it can be hard to travel with a CPAP. So how can you travel with a CPAP?
Can You Skip a Night or Two?
If you aren’t traveling for long, you might consider leaving your CPAP at home. Consult with your doctor or medical professional to find out if this would be a better option for you.
However, not using your CPAP may cause your breathing at night to get worse again. This means that the symptoms you experienced before treatment, poor sleep, headaches, and fatigue throughout the day, could start again.
Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, you want to sleep as well as possible so you can enjoy your trip and get the most out of it. So, while it may be possible to skip a night or two, it’s a good idea to take your CPAP with you.
Transporting Your CPAP
One of the most difficult things about traveling with your CPAP is transportation. A CPAP is a complex piece of medical equipment and you don’t want to damage it in any way. Replacing a CPAP isn’t cheap.
It’s also bulky and difficult to travel with. However, once you have the CPAP packed into your vehicle and transported to your hotel or bedroom, you can set it up and forget about it for the week. Yes, it might be more inconvenient during your travel time, but it does get easier once it’s set up for the nights you’re staying there.
Using Your CPAP in Other Countries
But what if you’re traveling by plane? In this case, you will have to make sure it isn’t damaged at all. While you might not use it on the plane, it’s a good idea to take it with you so it doesn’t get potentially damaged during baggage handling.
Keep it in a sturdy bag and explain what it is to the airline staff. People travel with medical equipment all the time, and you’re unlikely to be the first with a CPAP. If possible, get a letter from your doctor that will help you explain things to the staff. If you’re in a non-english speaking country, make sure you have a translated letter.
If you do want to use your CPAP on a plane, speak to the airline in advance and get a medical certificate from the doctor. You might need to use a specific machine while in the air.
Another thing to consider is that different countries have different electrical outlets. Most machines can run in different countries, but check with your supplier before you travel. You might have to adjust the machine yourself, although some will do it automatically.
Another thing to consider is that different outlets means adaptor plugs. Take plenty with you for your CPAP and other electronic devices.
Caring for Your CPAP
As well as the bulkiness and fragility of medical equipment, you also need to think about how you will care for your CPAP while you travel. This is where CPAP Soap can help.
When you use a CPAP, you’re breathing air that runs through the machine. As you can expect, it’s best for this air to be as clean as possible. Germs and other bacteria travel back and forth and can accumulate in the mask and tubes of the machine. In extreme cases, you might even notice mold accumulating.
Your supplier or sleep specialist will likely encourage you to clean your CPAP equipment every day, ideally with CPAP Soap. As well as making sure the machine is hygienic for your health, this will also prevent dirt, dust, and other debris from damaging the CPAP so it lasts longer.
As you can imagine, traveling with your CPAP can introduce a lot of this dust and dirt, no matter how careful you are.
Cleaning Your CPAP on the Go
Ideally, you should clean your CPAP every day. While this might be simple at home, your routine is completely thrown off when you travel. However, it only takes a few minutes to clean your CPAP equipment, especially if you have CPAP Soap to make sure it’s completely hygienic.
CPAP Soap is a mild detergent that won’t damage your machine. It removes any bacteria, oil, or other contaminants without risking your health. It’s also easy to carry around and add to your luggage, rather than a large bottle. As well as your soap, you’ll need clean water, a cloth, and ideally a brush designed to clean the tubing. If you have a proper cleaning kit, it’ll be even better for your machine.
Find a place to disassemble your machine, then clean every part in turn. You don’t need to clean inside the machine itself, but focus on the mask, tubing, and water chamber.
Make sure that you dry the CPAP with a clean towel and then put it back together. Practice makes perfect, even when you’re traveling.
Is It Worth It?
It’s absolutely worth traveling with your CPAP. While it might seem less convenient, the ability to sleep properly and safely while you’re away will help you to stay alert during your travels. The key to traveling is to be prepared. The CPAP is just one more thing you need to prepare for.
But if you know what you’re doing and you’re ready before you leave, you can care for and use your CPAP wherever you go.