Leaving for the Dominican Republic, Questions pls.

[tappers]

Hi Folks,

I'm a 57 yr old male, and last night here in Canada we had a power outage due to a snow storm. In Canada outages happen but not that often and are usually weather related. I'm getting ready to go to the Dominican Republic for a month in February. My current CPAP machine is 5 years old and I have not had any issues with it. It has served me faithfully for all those years. Last night, I didn't have backup/generator that I could plug my machine into and needless to say, I'm feeling awful today as a result.

I've been in the Dominican Republic before and brought my machine along and there was no problems, however, what would happen if my machine broke or there was a power outage? Is there a portable generator pack I can put into my CPAP case to carry along with me?

Would I be able to find a machine on the island anywhere in the "unlikely" event something went wrong with my machine? I don't have $2,500 kicking around for a new machine right now.

Thank you,

[blownaway]

Is it that much of a problem to go without CPAP for a while? Myself, I wouldn't even lug the machine along. A few groggy mornings are hardly worth the effort, tho I suppose some have more severe problems. OTOH for others, the machine seems to become more like a Linus blanket, just comforting to have it.

Portable generators? No, for air travel weight becomes the major issue along with whether or not you're on vacation or you exhaust yourself hauling all that stuff around. I speak from experience since I have to haul a 37 lb. dialysis machine around, plus dozens of pounds of liquid. Air travel becomes out of the question as I can even overload a Tahoe SUV. And return home needing a vacation from my vacation.

[Cardsfan]

You should fill in your profiile with what equipment you have, so people can better advise you.
If it was me, I'd get a newer machine, and take BOTH of them with me, plus a power supply.
Have you looked at http://www.secondwindcpap.com. They sell gently used xpap's with warranty.

[Goofproof]

There comes a time when our health needs take over control of our lives. Some people can't accept their limitations. I have long ago accepted mine, now I ask myself is the pain worth the effort, in everything I do. Most time the voice says no.

What that means, you won't find me in a large mall, or in a aluminum cigar tube at 25,000 feet. If a terrorist is going to take me out, he will have to come in my door, and plant a bomb in my recliner, odds are he wouldn't make it that far inside my house alive. Anyway, One on one, doesn't make for a good news story, not a likely target. So take trips go in crowds to public places, turn in your guns, it only makes me safer, I'm not the target.

Joking, folks, kinda! For those that don't get life.

Do I sound like a homebody, yes, but I've spent 23 hours in a 707 twice, all I know after that you are a long way from home. I'm sure there are pretty places to visit, I've been to some, but none compare to the Old U.S. of A.

While not as good, it's still hard to beat.

[starbuck]

Is there a portable generator pack I can put into my CPAP case to carry along with me?

Check out CPAP.com they have several options available for auxiliary power for CPAP machines. I traveled all over southern Africa for a year with my machine and had no problems. The extras that came in handy were: a universal power strip, an extension cord, (seemed like the outlets were never close to the bed) and electrical outlet adapters. (I needed three different ones in Africa).