Do I need to take humidifier on trip?

I will be traveling in Europe for a month this fall. Of course, I will take my cpap machine with me. Even though I always use the humidifier at home, I am considering not taking the humidifier on this trip. I would prefer not to have the extra weight and bulk in my carryon bag, plus I would prefer not to have the hassle of finding distilled water overseas. Since I am used to the humidifier, do you think I will have any problems? Should I start not using the humidifier to get used to the cpap without it? Has anyone else ever done this? Thanks in advance for your input.

It is better to have and not need than need and not have.
You can easily buy almost anything else!
You can use bottled drinking water, preferably not mineral water.

Well, that's true! It would be pretty impossible to get a humidifier while I'm over there.

You can almost certainly buy distilled water everywhere you are likely to go in Europe. A few nights (even a month) of using tap water is not going to do you any harm, and the tank of your humidifier can be replaced. Remember that Europe is civilized (parts of it may be more civilized than parts of the US). I would not be so sure about the availability/quality of water in some other countries, but Europe should be safe. Also, if you really can't get any water that you are OK with, you can always sleep with the humidifier attached but not turned on. I find it is a great silencer. You may not need humidity, and European hotels may not have air conditioning. I would definitely take the humidifier.

Thanks SleepyToo! I hadn't thought about the fact that my machine is quieter with the humidifier attached. and I guess you are right, I could just use tap water if need be. I will be in Paris most of the time and the water there should be fine.

How much time before your trip? Try using your machine without the humidifier for a week and see how it affects you. In general, though, I agree with CF that it's better to have and not need than vice versa.

Jjfell wrote:Thanks SleepyToo! I hadn't thought about the fact that my machine is quieter with the humidifier attached. and I guess you are right, I could just use tap water if need be. I will be in Paris most of the time and the water there should be fine.

I spent a week in Paris last November - it was fairly humid, drizzly even, and I probably didn't need the humidifier. I used tap water which I regret because Paris water is rather hard. I ended up with a chest cold, coughing all night and the worst AHI numbers of the year. I don't blame the water but it certainly didn't help. On the way back we stopped in Iceland for a few days and with the dry air and cold nights the humidifier was definitely needed.

The answer to the "travel with humidifier?" question really depends on the climate, the weather, and the A/C in the room you'll be sleeping in. When I travel to Florida to visit my father I don't bother with the humidifier because he keeps the A/C at 82 degrees and I end up opening a window at night. But if I were to stay in a tourist hotel I'd need the humidifier.

I went to Las Vegas for just under a week, and didn't bother to take the humidifier, and slept fine. I will be in Hawaii soon for 2 weeks, and haven't decided if I'm going to take the humidifier. Chances are I'll take it just in case…Being away for a month, I would suggest taking it with you (just in case).

Drowsy Dancer wrote: Try using your machine without the humidifier for a week and see how it affects you.

That is a good idea.

Jj, Where do you live now (climate?) and what is your humidifier setting? If you start the night with a full tank of water, how much is consumed overnight?

Your profile shows you use a nasal interface. Without the humidifier, the biggest risk would be you mouthbreathe and the therapeutic pressure is not maintained. This could make for a terrible time.

Definitely do some testing at home before traveling without the humidifier.