Traveling and Sleeping Problems

kathleen · Post by **kathleen** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 7:39 pm

I just cut short a pretty fabulous vacation because not only couldn't I sleep, but I got so bad that I couldn't use the CPAP machine anymore.

One of my biggest problems, because I went undiagnosed so long, is that I can go into not sleeping mode pretty easily. I periodically get stressed out and get where I can't sleep.

Ambien makes me groggy and really doesn't work well for me -- I don't think I REM sleep on it. Provigil makes me feel like a zombie and adversely affects blood sugar. Has anyone tried Lunesta? Is it available?

One of the problems, was that the airplane air was so dry, it made using the CPAP painful. Right now, I have the Fisher & Paykel HC150 which wouldn't have worked there because it only uses 110 volt power, but was too big to take on the plane -- I don't always use it heated and often leave it off, and I think that would have done the trick on the plane.

How do I sell this to the doctor? He is extremely conservative and treats me like I am still on managed care, not PPO.

I think getting the Goodnight H20 would help, as it is loads smaller than the other humidifer. Most of the time when I travel I leave the humidifier at home because it is just too bulky to deal with.

Also the Goodnight H20 would have worked in Europe where we were at if I did need heated -- and I did by the end.

wading thru the muck! · Post by **wading thru the muck!** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:22 pm

Kathleen,

You don't need your doctors approval to buy the H2O humidifier. Just order it from cpap.com. I think it's about $200.

kathleen · Post by **kathleen** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:30 pm

Yes, you are right, but I want the insurance to pay for it, if possible.

nodding off · Post by **nodding off** » Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:58 pm

Hi Kathleen,
If you are going to travel a lot get a cpap that can travel with you! Not properly sleeping on vacation is a real spoiler after a couple of days. You can get small compact units. Even my ResMed S7 (not small and compact) travels well in its case and there is enough room for the heated humidifier, hose and mask with it. I'm diabetic and also keep my medical supplies in the same case. That way they are convenient and well protected. If airport security wants to inspect your machine, you have the right to demand it be inspected in a clean area, as it is respiratory equipment. Also, be sure you take a copy of your cpap prescription with you. The only place I don't try to use it is on the plane. I can't afford to fly first class, and considering we are packed in like sardines I never even thought about sleeping with it on the plane. Heck, you'd have to readjust the mask to sleep in an upright position anyway. I always take my primary machine and favorite mask, wanting to keep my sleeping conditions as consistent with home as possible.
Works for me, and I've travelled extensively for bothj business and vacations with my cpap. Hope you find this info helpful for you!!