Help...snoring and flying

[sharonk]

Hi all,

I have severe sleep apnea and have to use a cpap when sleeping. My problem is that I will be flying overseas next June and am worried about snoring on the plane. I would like to spare myself the embarrassment and spare my fellow passengers any discomfort my snoring may cause. I have been told that i start snoring immediately upon closing my eyes (LOL)..and since I can't use my CPap on the plane, I was wondering if any of you could suggest an alternative to the cpap while on the plane. Any and all suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Worried in Louisiana
Sharonk

[PST]

The high level of low frequency noise in an airplane makes snoring less annoying to others than it would be in almost any other environment. It doesn't cut through the sound the way the screaming of an unhappy tot does. Sitting rather than lying down helps. I'll bet you will snore less than your would in bed. One of the ways I found out about my sleep apnea was when I discovered that I had learned to sit up in my sleep and sleep swaying back and forth, never falling back down. My doctor said that this is not uncommon; people do it unconsciously because they breathe easier that way. There are dental devices that help reduce snoring. People on CPAPtalk are here because we find these to be half measures that don't really solve our apnea problems, but one of those devices might be better than nothing for this purpose. Is there any way to schedule a day flight? I don't know where you are going, but I fly regularly from Chicago to London on flights that leave around 9:00 a.m. and arrive around 11:00 p.m. -- eight hours in the air plus a six hour time change, but it means no overnight. Well rested hosehead that I am, I find I don't need to nap.

[BlackSpinner]

.and since I can't use my CPap on the plane,

You can use it on the plane if you have an approved battery pack or a travel cpap like everest. Even if you are not flying first class you can just put it on your tray. using the humidifier is not recommend. Do not expect to be able to plug into the planes power plugs.

If you do a search you will find that people do this often.

[sharonk]

THANKS GUYS...YOUR ANSWERS ARE A HELP...I'm flying from New Orleans to Barcelona, Spain....it is a long flight and I know I'll have to sleep at some point... I snore sleeping sitting up straight (LOL) and I'm not joking... thought of looking into one of the mouth pieces but not sure which would be best.

Grateful
Sharonk

[M.D.Hosehead]

[quote="sharonk"]
I snore sleeping sitting up straight (LOL) and I'm not joking

Me too. In fact, it was complaints from fellow passengers on an overseas flight the propelled me to get my first PSG.

If I go again, I'll get a battery pak.

[SleepingUgly]

This is nice of you to consider your fellow passengers. I once arrived overseas a wreck because I could not sleep at all on the flight due to someone's snoring (I am a light sleeper, and this was not quiet snoring!).

[countman88]

I use a dental device/mouthguard/mandibular splint for a couple of nights away instead of taking my cpap. it stops my snoring and significantly reduces apnea events. Bought thru ebay for about $60.

Worth a try

KenD
Bris Oz

[M.D.Hosehead]

This is nice of you to consider your fellow passengers. I once arrived overseas a wreck because I could not sleep at all on the flight due to someone's snoring (I am a light sleeper, and this was not quiet snoring!).

...and that wasn't all. On the same trip, a woman in the next hotel room complained to the management. Now, that was embarassing! It felt like everyone i the hotel considered me to be an obnoxious guest. Still worse, I had to encounter the woman when going in or out of our respective rooms for two days. I called the sleep doc the same week I got home.

I keep earplugs (from the gun dept. in the sporting goods store) and and dark glasses (cheap sunglasses spraypainted black) in my travel kit. I can sleep despite snoring neighbors, screaming babies and flickering movie screens.

[cstull]

Flew SWISS from NYC to Zurich to Nairobi and returned Nairobi, Zurich, LAX.

SWISS requires advance notice of CPAP use (they prefer a couple weeks notice but only after you have made your reservation. They have some forms to fill out and for the Dr. to sign, then you fax them in. They wanted detailed info on the cpap as well to make sure it was certified for use on aircraft (The Swiss are very precise about things.)

The airline and crew were great. They rearranged our seating so that I had seat 6A (business) which has a 110 volt and a 240 volt outlet in the wall with, get this, 1,000watts of power! I just plugged in and used my humidifier. That said, on one flight the outlet failed so I pulled out my cpap.com battery and used it for that leg.

Overall, the experience was great. I have learned that the use of a CPAP, if medically documented, is a right not a privilege. Under the ADA, unless the equipment causes a problem with the aircraft, they must let you use it.

[billbolton]

is a right not a privilege.

A privilege is effectively the same as a right...

priv·i·lege (prv-lj, prvlj)
noun.
1. An advantage, immunity, permission, right, or benefit granted to or enjoyed by an individual, class, or caste.

Cheers,

Bill

[bailachel]

I recently flew Philadelphia to Barcelona and used my CPAP on board. US Airways requires prior notification and a "note" from a doctor saying that you need to use it when you sleep on the plane. Additionally, before one boards the plane, the Captain is informed and has to give his/her permission or the CPAP can not be used. I don't know if they ever actually say no, or why they would.