going a few days without xpap

[nomad]

I'm on the low end of the moderate sleep apnea scale... something like 23 events per hour if I remember correctly (from my study).

Here's my question... has anyone here had to go a few days without treatment? In the next few weeks, I'm going to be heading to a very remote area for 3 nights. There's no power and I don't have a battery powered xpap. The place I'm heading to is basically ON an island (only accessible by boat) and is a very corrosive environment to electronic equipment by nature. So, any battery powered xpap machine would probably not fair too well in that setting.

The way I look at it is I had the apnea for a long time before I was diagnosed. At that time I didn't use a machine (and I'm still alive). Since I received my xpap, I have been 100% compliant (over 1200 hours now).

Can any real harm come from three days without the hose? And no, I won't hold anyone legally responsible for their answer.

[ldemmery]

I don't know, but personally, I'd add a bottle of aspirine to your packing. I know after one night I have a terrible headache the next morning.

Lynne

[DreamStalker]

Cannot answer the question about any real harm going without but if you have a few weeks, you may wish to experiment in the comfort of your own home to see how it will make you feel after a night or two without.

I know for me it now makes me feel like I have a severe hangover mixed with flu symptoms if I go without ... and that was only after being on CPAP for first 3 days. However, I am classified as having severe OSA which may explain my severe withdrawl symptoms.

Best of luck!

- roberto

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

[krousseau]

There are marine batteries though that doesn't protect your other equipment-not sure how one would do that-is there other electronic equip on the island and how does it fare-what do people do to protect it??

[Goofproof]

Your machine will run of a 12 volt power source, a Deep Charge battery will last about 3 days per charge. I, personally wouldn't want to be without mine.

As far as damage, keep it dry and you shouldn't have a problem. Jim

[Wulfman]

Nomad,

I'm going to break with the crowd here and say you'll more than likely survive for a few nights without it. Like you said, you did before you went on CPAP. However, I'd agree with Lynne......take some aspirin along. Personally, I never had any problem with headaches prior to therapy, but others have.

When you get back, it may be like starting over.....but how often do these opportunities come up?
Sounds like you may be going to be near the ocean (salt water) and that may not be good for a CPAP.

Best wishes, (and good hunting or fishing or whatever)

Den

[HP]

If the cost isn't an issue, buy the BreatheX and a spare battery. Charge both batteries before you leave civilization. You'll be good for at least 3 nights.

If you don't want to take your home unit that operates on 12v and a deep discharge battery, stay away from alcohol. Try to sleep on your side if your sleep study indicates improvement that way.

Have a great time "away from it all."

[TerryB]

I flew to Korea for meetings which lasted through four days and did not take my machine. The only thing I noticed were the missing days in my compliance charts. I just came back from two weeks vacation with the folks and I did go through the hassles of taking the machine there.

TerryB