I didn't realize how much cpap has helped me...

[proudaunt]

I didn't realize how much cpap was helping me until this past weekend. I was going away for two nights, on a sister's weekend getaway. On the drive to the hotel, I told my sister I felt like I was forgetting something. I had packed my bag with all my clothes, packed my cpap equipment, and the hose management system. We arrived at the hotel, and I always set up my cpap immediately so I don't have to deal with it when returning to the room late at night. I got that taken care of, and we went on our merry way. We returned to the room around midnight and I started to get ready for bed, when all of a sudden it hit me. I had forgotten my mask!!! Since we were no where close to any place where I could get another one, I had to go without my cpap for the two nights. I slept horribly, I kept waking up constantly, needed to get up to use the rest room and did not feel rested at all each morning. It had taken me so long to get used to sleeping with the mask on, the improvements to my sleep were also very gradual so I didn't really notice the slight improvement as time was going along. But now it's been three months, and WOW what a difference. I knew I was sleeping better, but had no idea how MUCH better. As much as I gripe about having to use that machine, I love it! Trust me, I will NOT be forgetting that mask again.

[bdp522]

I think many users don't realize just how much the xpap helps until they try a night without it! Some of us get instant results from xpap, but most get a slow gradual improvement that is hard to notice.
If you travel fairly often it may be worth it for you to get a backup mask to leave in your travel bag. I have my bag ready to go with mask, hose, tape, and everything else I need. I just pop the machine into the bag and I'm off!

Brenda

[rested gal]

It had taken me so long to get used to sleeping with the mask on, the improvements to my sleep were also very gradual so I didn't really notice the slight improvement as time was going along. But now it's been three months, and WOW what a difference. I knew I was sleeping better, but had no idea how MUCH better. As much as I gripe about having to use that machine, I love it! Trust me, I will NOT be forgetting that mask again.

Great message, proudaunt!

If you travel fairly often it may be worth it for you to get a backup mask to leave in your travel bag. I have my bag ready to go with mask, hose, tape, and everything else I need. I just pop the machine into the bag and I'm off!

And great advice, Brenda. Short of having a whole extra cpap machine and all the accessories packed and ready, having an extra mask already packed is a wonderful idea.