Altitude and humidity

[CyberSpiff]

Heading to the States soon to work in Colorado at around 3,000 meters with very low humidity. Any pointers from those who use their CPAP in similar conditions? It’s my first trip there in a long time and first with my CPAP.

[ChicagoGranny]

to work in Colorado at around 3,000 meters with very low humidity

As far as CPAP, it doesn't matter at what elevation or humidity you work. Sleep location? That's a different matter.

[colomom]

Heading to the States soon to work in Colorado at around 3,000 meters with very low humidity. Any pointers from those who use their CPAP in similar conditions? It’s my first trip there in a long time and first with my CPAP.

The combination of dry air and cold temperatures is likely to cause condensation in your hose if you use humidity, If you don’t have a heated hose a hose cover can help with condensation. Don’t be alarmed if a few extra central apnea’s show up, it’s not uncommon for some people to get central’s at high elevation. Taking baby aspirin the day before you come to Colorado and when you first get here can help prevent some of the altitude sickness symptoms many experience when they first come to high elevation.

[chunkyfrog]

Your Resmed is capable of automatically compensating for the altitude.
Where in the UK do you live?
You can look up the altitude range for your destination--it may not be a full 3000 meters.

[CyberSpiff]

Your Resmed is capable of automatically compensating for the altitude.
Where in the UK do you live?
You can look up the altitude range for your destination--it may not be a full 3000 meters.

Thanks, brilliant idea. I typically split my year between Sarasota and Surrey (dual citizenship and all that), so no worries as both are sea level. I’ll be working in Boulder CO (2059m) and Keystone CO (3500m) for a few months, so wanted to be prepared. First trip with my machine to any real elevation, so I appreciate the wise words to help me prepare for the visit.

[chunkyfrog]

If your cardiopulmonary health is normal (aside from OSA) you should be fine.
Good to ask your doctor--just in case.

[D.H.]

No doubt you already know this, but you need an adapter (or a U.S. plug). The voltage difference is almost certainly not an issue (but you still need to check).

You might want to look up the maximum altitude that your machine supports. If your destination is a little bit higher, it probably won't be problematic. If it's a lot higher, speak to you doctor and/or the manufacturer.

BTW, I used an Everest 3 CPAP in Quito, Ecuador (approx 3000m elev) and Shangri-La, China (approx 3100m elev). Yes, that is the real name of a real place! That machine officially supports up to 2500m above sea level. It did work and I did sleep comfortably. However, there was an issue with the hotplate under the humidifier not heating up in both of those places.

I do suggest taking a CPAP assisted nap for about two hours as soon as you check into the hotel. This should help you to adjust to the altitude and the time difference and also recover from the stress of flying (yes, flying is physically stressful). That is unless you arrive at dinner time. If that's the case, just eat dinner (I suggest a light dinner in that case), sit up for an hour or two, and then just go to bed and set a normal wake-up time.

[Nechaken]

I have the same machine as you and live in CO. No problems with it here. Since it is quite dry here (especially when you're at higher elevations in the mountains) make sure you fill your humidifier all the way up.

Also, this isn't related to CPAP specifically, but keep in mind that until you get acclimated, its easy to get dehydrated (so drink extra water) and a lot of people find alcohol hits them harder at altitude (which may be related to the dehydration effect).

[lc96]

Even though I am a Colorado native I now live at sea level. My brother lives in Breckenridge at 10,000 ft and we do fine if we stay in Denver/Boulder area first and give our blood time to get used to the altitude. Drink plenty of water. Our Cpap machines do fine and you will definitely need the humidification there.

[chunkyfrog]

Funny story: About a year after our wedding, we visited my brother
and his new bride in Casper, WY.
They lived in a tiny mobile home in a trailer court.
We were playing cards, and enjoying a drinkie (ot two or three.)
I have NEVER, in 53 years, seen the bullfrog more intoxicated than that night.
Yes, it is true. Oxygen slows intoxication.