Hotels and motels

[Husky Lover]

I was staying at a $139 per night hotel for a few days. I had to lift the mattress and unplug a lamp to plug in my CPAP. This week I was at a $50 something a night motel and they had an outlet right by the night stand.

Traveling with a CPAP is enough of a pain. Hotels need to hear that a free outlet on both sides of the bed is now a necessity for the comfort and health of their customers.

On a good note, I realized that I drove over six hours straight, both ways, and never felt drowsy! Before my CPAP therapy, I'd be taking nap breaks and struggle to drive safely at times.

[Scotty415]

Since you are talking hotels, do you feel comfortable leaving your equipment out or do you bag everything up in the morning?

[chunkyfrog]

I went to a professional conference less than a week after I got my machine. I left all my stuff out, hose hanging on towel bar, mask on machine wrapped in a clean hand towel to absorb moisture. No problems, except I had to move the bed out to access the only outlet behind the headboard.
I'm glad I took it along, some of the sessions were a bit dry.--but I didn't doze off once!

[Slinky]

Your experience is exactly why it is repeatedly suggested that one take an extension cord and multiple plug "surge bar" when traveling.

I leave my CPAP out but put my mask, etc. in the case simply so they are not dropped or broken and so I can easily find them when staying at a motel. I have no idea WHY I do it but I fill my humidifier tank w/hot water and a PoliDent Denture tablet and leave that on the bathroom sink to soak. I don't clean my humidifier tank every night at home ....

I also do not have my room cleaned every day. I'm capable of making my own bed and I don't change the sheets every night at home. The only thing I do ask from housekeeping is clean towels and wash cloths each day.

[Linus]

If you cannot find a free outlet usually hotel staff responds to a request for a extension cord bar. I have moved their furniture around and have unlugged items if they do not have an extra cord. Most of the time I take one with me.

[jdm2857]

Be sure to check the bedside lamp bases. Some hotels have lamps with outlets built in.

[torontoCPAPguy]

Leave the gear out. Stick a small sign on it that says "IMPORTANT! Human Life Support Equipment. Disinfect before use for personal safety". Nobody is going to touch it. Having said that there's always a first time.

If you really want to ensure it doesn't get swiped you can toss it in the bag and into the car when you go out or into the roomsafe if there is one. I usually travel without humidifer so it only takes me a few extra seconds to toss it into the bag and either hide it or place it in the car on the way out. I leave the extension cord behind but take the mask... I don't want some kindly maid spraying my mask with Mr. Clean.

I can get rid of the 'blech' with a green wipe thank you very much.

[bearded_two]

I carry an extension cord in case the outlet is far from the bed. During the day I put my mask and hose in the nightstand drawer and either leave the machine on top of the nightstand or put it the nightstand drawer if it will fit.

[TheDreamer]

So far, each trip that I've been on...I just leave the 'do not disturb' sign out....and they leave my room alone.

Last trip I went on was the first time I used my extension cord....was easier than digging behind the bed for an outlet.

Its been interesting sometimes dealing with the furniture and getting a spot to set my machine up next to me.....since I'm going to be staying at one of those places again this Thanksgiving....I should probably start thinking of what I'm going to do different this time.

Last time I was there I resorted to setting the machine on the floor, not planning on making that mistake again.

Also I think I'm going to see about getting a pillow or two for travel....

The Dreamer.

[Scotty415]

I was curious, because we've all heard the tooth brush horror stories.

and I can imagine all kinds of things that could happen to the hoses....

[Jaylee]

I worked as a hotel maid while I was in college. Trust me, they are not going to do anything extra to your room or your stuff. They only give you a small amount of time to get the real work done. Oh, and never, ever, ever stay at a hotel, just sayin'. I have only been to one once since working at one, and that was because I had no other possible option.

[newhosehead]

I worked as a hotel maid while I was in college. Trust me, they are not going to do anything extra to your room or your stuff. They only give you a small amount of time to get the real work done. Oh, and never, ever, ever stay at a hotel, just sayin'. I have only been to one once since working at one, and that was because I had no other possible option.

I am really confused by your post; perhaps you can help me out. You say "they" are not going to do anything extra to your stuff, implying I guess that one has no need to worry about their CPAP equipment. Then, you go to advise never ever staying at a hotel. Do you mean just hotels or does this statement include motels also??

I don't get it.

Jeanette

[Jaylee]

I worked as a hotel maid while I was in college. Trust me, they are not going to do anything extra to your room or your stuff. They only give you a small amount of time to get the real work done. Oh, and never, ever, ever stay at a hotel, just sayin'. I have only been to one once since working at one, and that was because I had no other possible option.

I am really confused by your post; perhaps you can help me out. You say "they" are not going to do anything extra to your stuff, implying I guess that one has no need to worry about their CPAP equipment. Then, you go to advise never ever staying at a hotel. Do you mean just hotels or does this statement include motels also??

I don't get it.

Jeanette

Sorry if I was unclear. The maids are not going to go near your mask or your hose. No way, no how. The only concern you should have is maybe it getting bumped with your humidifier tank in. That could happen while making the bed. But to seek out your mask and touch it, not going to happen.

Hotels are disgusting. I worked at a really nice one, and it was disgusting. I avoid them at all costs. People do gross things on bedspreads and blankets, and they are washed maybe once a year, if that. Just, gross.

ETA: I don't know about motels but I assume the level of cleanliness is the same.

[bearded_two]

I have never known housekeeping to spray cleaner onto my CPAP equipment and I don't think that they have ever touched my CPAP stuff.

I put my machine (I don't use a humidifier) into the nightstand drawer when I can; not because I distrust housekeeping, but to keep the nightstand uncluttered.

As long as the sheets and towels have been laundered since they were used last, I am not especially concerned about the blanket and bedspread.

[tgzlavistane]

Will a CPAP machine fit in a Hotel safe? Going to Vegas next month and am staying in a not to glamorous hotel. Hate to have my CPAP disappear on me. I am not to worried about but just thought I would ask if anyone else ever locked their machine up for the day.