People living with sleep apnea usually think that it is difficult to travel with their CPAP machines. This can make you think that it is impossible for you to go camping if you are suffering from sleep apnea.
Most people usually ask, “Can I go camping with a CPAP machine and how am I going to power my CPAP machine while I’m out camping?” Well, the good news is that you can actually go out to sleep under the stars with your CPAP machine.
If you are a CPAP user and you are planning to hit the road so you can go camping, then you should not be discouraged. You can still get the quality sleep that you have become accustomed to even while you are camping.
Best battery for cpap camping:
Why You Should Never Leave your CPAP behind
You should never let traveling inconvenience your therapy. Today, going camping with a CPAP machine is as easy as leaving it behind. Therefore, there is no reason for you to leave your CPAP machine behind.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP helps to solve obstructive sleep apnea by increasing the air pressure in your throat. This will protect your airway from collapsing when you breathe.
If you are planning to leave your CPAP behind as you go camping, then you might as well cancel the whole camping trip. What’s the point of going on a camping trip when you know that you are not going to sleep comfortably? It’s therefore important for you to bring your CPAP machine with you to the camp.
Being on sleep therapy should not prevent you from doing the things you love like going camping with your friend or your family. Transporting and using your CPAP machine is very simple as long as you ensure that you have the following items with you.
1. The CPAP Device
Most CPAP machines are usually small and lightweight. They are, therefore, very portable. CPAP machines also come with cases that you can use to carry them in. Another good thing about CPAP machines is that you can use them anywhere in the world provided that you have a power source.
However, you have to ensure that you handle your CPAP machine properly so that it does not get damaged.
2. Power Adapters
Since you are moving away from home with your CPAP device, don’t forget to carry an adaptor with you. This is to ensure that you will be able to plug your CPAP machine on any socket in case you go camping in a place that has electricity.
3. Extra Masks
Carrying extra masks is a good thing. This is to ensure that you are not inconvenienced in case one mask gets damaged or if it gets lost.
How to Power CPAP Machine While Camping
There are so many ways you can ensure that your CPAP stays powered on. The first thing you should do is to look for a campsite that has a source of electric power. This will to a great extent make your life a whole lot easier while camping. When selecting campsites, be sure to call the campsite and ask if they have electricity. If the campsite has power, make sure you bring your extension cords.
However, the downside of this option is that you may incur some fees. This is because campsites with electricity will charge you electricity fee. You will also have to make some reservation before you secure a spot in the campsite. Campsites with a supply of electricity are usually crowded and noisy. This means that your sleeping problems may get worse.
If you are going for camping in a place that has no power source, then you should think of carrying your own power generator. You can bring your camping generator to help sort out your power needs. Having a camping generator will not only ensure that your CPAP device stays on, your other electrical devices like phones and computers will also have power.
The only downside of using your generator to power your CPAP is that it will be producing some noise and fumes. The noise from your generator might interfere with your sleep. You will also need to have your generator on throughout the night. This means that the operational cost of your generator will be high.
If you don’t have a camping generator, then your car battery could also come in handy to help power your CPAP. Using your car battery to charge your CPAP device will give you the option of being able to camp anywhere you like.
However, you will need to have a power inverter to power your CPAP. There are also some CPAP machines that usually have their own battery kits. These batteries are usually rechargeable.
Tips to Help You Fall Asleep on CPAP While Camping
When you are away from home, it can be hard for you in the first days to get used to using your CPAP. However, you can still have the best nights of your life while camping with a CPAP.
Here are some tips that you should try so you can be successful while using your CPAP machine and mask while camping.
a/ Practice Using Your CPAP during the day
In order to ease yourself into using your CPAP, once you have set your tent, you can try using it for a short period of time during the day. Using it during the day is a great way of knowing if it is properly working. If it needs any adjustments, you will be able to know in time so that you can make the adjustments accordingly.
If you don’t try it on earlier enough, you will not be able to know whether you have set it up in the right way that will suit your sleep apnea requirements.
Since your camping environment is most likely to differ greatly from your home environment, it is important that you adjust the settings accordingly to suit your new environment.
b/ Make the Mask Comfortable
One of the most common problems with using a CPAP is that the mask may not fit properly. You should, therefore, ensure that you only carry masks that fit you properly. Once you have arrived at your campsite, ensure that you try out the masks that you brought along to ensure that they fit you comfortably.
If the mask does not fit you, then you can make some subtle adjustments. Once you have made the adjustments, you can try lying down with your mask on. You should then turn your CPAP device on.
If you don’t like how the mask feels against your face, then you can also put on some soft nasal pads to reduce how much the mask rubs on your facial skin.
c/ Relax Before You Sleep
When camping with a CPAP device, you should ensure that you only go to bed when you feel tired. This is because if you go to bed when you are no feeling sleepy, falling asleep may be a little hard. This is because your mind may start thinking too much about your machine and mask. You might end up staying awake for longer.
You can make using your CPAP machine easier by ensuring that you stay active during the day. Make sure you engage yourself in several activities while you are camping. You can go hiking with your friends, or you can do something that is physically demanding.
The goal is to make yourself feel exhausted by the time you will be going to bed. This way, you will be able to fall asleep with your CPAP mask on easily.
Make Sure Your CPAP Machine has a Ramp Setting
Most CPAP machines usually have a ramp setting. This ramp setting is very useful since it allows you to set your device to start on a low pressure and gradually increase the pressure. This will allow you to fall asleep before the machine reaches its proper air pressure level. If you start on a high pressure, you might find it hard to fall asleep.
There are some CPAP machines that have automatic ramp mode settings. If you have such a machine, then you will be good since it won’t increase its air pressure until you have fallen asleep.
Things to Have in Mind When Camping With Your CPAP Device
- 1If you are planning to go camping, it is important that you know any CPAP equipment suppliers in your camping location. This is because you might want to replace some parts of your CPAP.
- 2You should also check if your CPAP device has automatic altitude adjustment settings. If it does not have the altitude adjustment setting, you will need to refer to your machine’s manual to guide you on how you can change the altitude settings.
- 3Keep your CPAP information sheet with you for “just in case.” This information should include your pressure numbers, your prescriptions and the contact information of your CPAP provider.
- 4When using your CPAP, ensure that its humidifier chamber is below your head. This is to prevent any chances of water from your CPAP humidifier chamber entering the tube and getting blown into your lungs.
Conclusion
Camping with a CPAP machine can still be fun and exciting. Therefore, if you are on CPAP therapy and you want to go camping, then go ahead and have a wonderful camping trip. You can bring your CPAP machine with you while going for your camping trip. This is because leaving your CPAP device at home will be very problematic.
Travelling and camping with a CPAP machine is nowadays easy due to the improved technology. CPAP machines are now smaller. This makes them extremely portable. That’s not all; most CPAP machines have batteries that are rechargeable. This means that you can use them even in places where power is not available throughout.
If you don’t carry your CPAP machine for your camping trip, your sleep apnea symptoms may return quickly. Your insurer can also penalize you for not using your CPAP consistently. There you have it on camping with a CPAP machine. Otherwise, have a happy camping trip with your CPAP machine.