Going on a vacation

[RAMBLINMAN]

Hi All,

I was wondering on some ideas about going on vacation......

In the near future I am going away for a week and to be honest... really do not want to bring my cpap equipment. I know this doesn't sound like a good idea.

What I am trying to figure out is ( if it's possible ) any solutions that would possibly help me get thru the week without to many groggy morning wake ups?

[CollegeGirl]

Solution to getting through the week without groggy morning wake-ups:

Take your CPAP.

Sorry for the snarkiness, but we get this question here every now and then, and I never understand it. It's really not that hard to pack up and take with you, and I know I certainly enjoy MY vacations much more since I've started CPAP, because I'm actually rested, and have the energy to go out and explore. I've taken it with me all over Europe, and it's never once been a hassle.

Spend the five minutes it takes to pack it up, and take it with you. Not only will you enjoy your vacation more, but you'll have the added benefit of knowing you're not physically damaging your body while you sleep. Seriously, it's just plain logical.

Enjoy your vacation.

[JeffH]

Be sure and CARRY ON youre CPAP if you are flying. DON'T check it for any reason! Never let it out of your sight.

That's how I've always traveled with mine.


JeffH

[ready2sleep]

Hi Ramblin, my husbnd and I are both on cpap. I dont usually answer anything because we are both new, however we just travelled to San Diego. He took his cpap. I packed it up, mask in plastic bag, it was easy to pack, and he carried his on the plane. They would pull him aside and look at it closely, but he was on his way quite quickly. He felt much better taking his. I unfortunately didnt take mine and couldnt wait until I got back to get back on the mask. Just wanted to share my experiences. Happy Vacationing!!!

[NightHawkeye]

What I am trying to figure out is ( if it's possible ) any solutions that would possibly help me get thru the week without to many groggy morning wake ups?

You could buy a really small and lightweight CPAP machine. In conjunction with a Swift mask, you'd have very little to carry around with you.

Regards,
Bill

[SleepGuy]

I always take mine with me on the road--I've taken it on vacation to Cancun twice.

For me it's not just about being groggy. It's about all the nasty things that happen to me when I exist for hours on end with low blood oxygen levels. That's very scary to me--I've seen and felt what that does to me and will do to me long-term (like cause diabetes).

I don't stress about distilled water--I just use tap water or bottled drinking water when I'm on the road. It's not really that big of a hassle (though I do wonder what those maids in Cancun thought of that contraption--they tucked the mask away nicely in the top drawer of the nightstand every morning).

I'd take it along. But that's just my opinion.

[twillson]

Not taking and using your CPAP will greatly reduce the value of your vacation. At this point, I can't even take a catnap without my CPAP and not wake up with a headache!

The only exception I would consider is backpacking, but even then, I would exhaust all of the options for getting a small, light, portable CPAP setup before I gave up, especially if it was more than one or two nights.

If you are staying in hotels, then definitely bring your CPAP. In fact, bring your whole Kit including spares, etc. I don't like the bulkiness of my CPAP, but since it has a great carrying case with lots of extra space for masks, tubing, etc, I just don't worry about it. Everyone in your party will thank you for being rested and not keeping them up snoring all night.

One issue I always forget is water for my humidifier. I am not suggesting you pack water, but if you are staying in the same place more than a day, it is definitely worth the hassel to find purified or distilled water rather than using tap. You may never be able to get the scale from hotel tap water off your humidifier.

Basically, I think your frustration level will be much lower if you stick to your usual equipment and routine. It is no more of a hassel than lugging a camera bag or a laptop - probably less.

[billbolton]

What I am trying to figure out is ( if it's possible ) any solutions that would possibly help me get thru the week without to many groggy morning wake ups?

Its not possible, take your CPAP with you!

Cheers,

Bill

[musiccomposer1968]

I've been on several trips since I started and took it always carry on. My machine is quite big, but I found a sturdy suitcase that meets carry on size requirements and the machine and all accessories fit just in (but there is not much room for anything else). Most Airport screeners know what this is and don't give you trouble, only in London I had to fight a bit, because they only allow one piece of carry on and I had my Laptop bag as well. But I insisted and finally found a sane person who understood that this was important medical equipment and was let through.

I am looking into maybe buying a second, smaller machine some time down the road for backup and travel... the Goodknight machines seem to be a good choice size-wise...

[Guest]

I don;t see a solution to waking up feeling well while not using you machine, whether it be on vacation or at home. It desn;t take long to pack and unpac a machine. I travel frequently and have never had any problems with it. A few minutes of time to pack and unpack is a small price to pay for a good night's sleep.

[retiredpete]

hello we went on holidays to florida and i have taken the cpap with me and was glad i did when on the road did not use the water tank untill we got to florida ...so do what is best for you ......pete