Probably a silly ? from a newby

[kkb]

I've been using the CPAP machine for less than 2 weeks...so please don't chew me up and spit me out when I ask this question

My church is going on a mission trip to Honduras next summer. I had originally planned to go; however, with this new gizmo...I'm having second thoughts. I'm told that electricity in the very remote village where we'll be is spotty at best and can't be guaranteed. We'll be there for 5 nights working. So my 1st question is this: how long does a battery last without being re-charged? Next question is...how dumb is it to go without the CPAP machine altogether and take my chances for those 5 nights? (Probably answering my own question there by saying "dumb", but just want other opinions or clarification of "dumb".

[RomeinDNVR]

Not a dumb question!

No battery backup that I know of will work for more than 8 to 10 hours with a single charge.

As for no cpap for 5 days, that is totally your decision!

[NightMonkey]

I've been using the CPAP machine for less than 2 weeks...so please don't chew me up and spit me out when I ask this question

My church is going on a mission trip to Honduras next summer. I had originally planned to go; however, with this new gizmo...I'm having second thoughts.

When do you have to make your final decision or place a deposit? I would use all the time available to consider this venture and in the meantime read the forum to educate yourself well.

I think you will find most of the successful members here will not spend a single night without CPAP. Many of us will not even take a short nap without it.

[Mary Z]

I agree with NightMonkey. Consider your decision to go very carefully since you can't be guaranteed a power source. Perhaps there is something you can do to help the mission from this side of the water. I've only been on CPAP for 3 1/2 years and don't think I could/would sleep without my machine.
Good luck with your decision. I believe you have a valid reason not to go.
This was not a stupid question at all.

[purple]

I purchased a auto cigar lighter hook up for myself for times when the power goes out. I can sit in my car and sleep, although not use the humidifier. Will you have a car handy on this trip?

I also thought the recommend was that if one did not have a working machine, then one can avoid a lot of apneas by sitting up while sleeping.

You might ask your sleep doc. In some ways how dangerous or unpleasant going without your xpap might be based upon your type, amount of apnea.

[amos]

kkb,

If I were your Pastor, this is what I would advise you. It is a commendable and a good thing to help others in need. I appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time and effort to help others in representing your Church and your Lord.

However, first of all, you must take care of yourself. There is a reason that you are on cpap therapy. Consider your own health.

Second, you will be of little use, and perhaps even a hinderance to those who must fill in for your because you are fatigued, out of breath, and have to stop to urinate frequently.

Third, try to find some mission project in the U. S or elsewhere that has electricity.

God will bless every effort that you make.

amos

[BlackSpinner]

I've been using the CPAP machine for less than 2 weeks...so please don't chew me up and spit me out when I ask this question

My church is going on a mission trip to Honduras next summer. I had originally planned to go; however, with this new gizmo...I'm having second thoughts. I'm told that electricity in the very remote village where we'll be is spotty at best and can't be guaranteed. We'll be there for 5 nights working. So my 1st question is this: how long does a battery last without being re-charged? Next question is...how dumb is it to go without the CPAP machine altogether and take my chances for those 5 nights? (Probably answering my own question there by saying "dumb", but just want other opinions or clarification of "dumb".

I would consider staying home and making a donation so someone else could go in your place.

[NightMonkey]

kkb,

If I were your Pastor, this is what I would advise you. It is a commendable and a good thing to help others in need. I appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time and effort to help others in representing your Church and your Lord.

However, first of all, you must take care of yourself. There is a reason that you are on cpap therapy. Consider your own health.

Second, you will be of little use, and perhaps even a hinderance to those who must fill in for your because you are fatigued, out of breath, and have to stop to urinate frequently.

Third, try to find some mission project in the U. S or elsewhere that has electricity.

God will bless every effort that you make.

amos

Like.

I also thought the recommend was that if one did not have a working machine, then one can avoid a lot of apneas by sitting up while sleeping.

Dislike.

[xenablue]

Absolutely not a silly question at all!

Whether you go on this mission or not, is entirely your decision, and it's understandable that you would think - "I've only been on CPAP for a couple of weeks, so how bad can missing a few nights be?".

This trip isn't until next year and you will have been getting some really decent sleep in the meantime - my guess is you won't want to sleep without your machine even for a nap by the time you leave - both because you'll feel great, and because you'll learn that to not use your machine comes at quite a risk.

You actually asked a very good question and others may be in a similar situation.

Btw - you will learn so much on these forums - the people here are wonderful, caring and knowledgeable.

Cheers,
xena

[kkb]

it's understandable that you would think - "I've only been on CPAP for a couple of weeks, so how bad can missing a few nights be?".

This trip isn't until next year and you will have been getting some really decent sleep in the meantime - my guess is you won't want to sleep without your machine even for a nap by the time you leave - both because you'll feel great, and because you'll learn that to not use your machine comes at quite a risk.

xena

I guess when it really comes down to it...that's what I'm feeling right now...had bad can missing a few nights be? I'm sure you're right - that by next summer, I'll be so accustomed to sleeping with the machine, I won't know how to breathe without it and won't WANT to sleep without it.

I think my decision is made....plenty of good opportunities here at home to help out and the Lord knows, plenty of people to help. Thanks for everyone's input and kind words!

[redjoe]

People have had some good thoughts but, before you count yourself out, you might want to check out the batterygeek website. They rent rechargeable lithium ion batteries, and portable rollup solar chargers. In any case, blessings to you for your desire to do good works.

[kteague]

Of course there is plenty to be done even without your physical presence on location, but if your heart is set on going, there's a few things you might want to consider before making your decision.

Is your OSA mild, moderate or severe?
Of what duration are your apneas?
How low does your oxygen drop?
Are your events mostly positional?

It may be that a mild case with minimal drops in oxygen with events mostly when lying supine could be managed for a few days with a mouthpiece and some steps taken to control position. I think an evaluation of these aspects could help you make a wise yet not overreactive decision. Knowing what I know now, I would not place myself in jeopardy, especially in a remote setting, at a time when much is required physically, adding that travel in itself is hard even with proper rest. Truly needing your cpap and not having it could make for a miserable trip. But if some of the battery tips pan out - that's even better.

[ameriken]

I guess when it really comes down to it...that's what I'm feeling right now...had bad can missing a few nights be? I'm sure you're right - that by next summer, I'll be so accustomed to sleeping with the machine, I won't know how to breathe without it and won't WANT to sleep without it.

I think my decision is made....plenty of good opportunities here at home to help out and the Lord knows, plenty of people to help. Thanks for everyone's input and kind words!

It sounds like you've decided to stay home and help out around here, I think that's a great decision. I was going to suggest that until I read thats what you decided.

You definitely don't want to go anywhere or do anything that will intentionally cause you to sleep without your machine. All it takes is one night without it to wake up one morning and find yourself dead.

[amos]

kkb,

This is a follow up of my previous post and PM. I have been in touch with my son and DIL who have made several mission trips to Honduras. They both say that each place that they stayed had electricity. They said that your mission director should know the answer. So check with s/he, and you may get to go - cpap and all.

amos

[Ineedanap]

Not a silly question at all. Its a very good one.
I completely agree with all of the posters above me, daily adherence is important however...

I'm a Mom and when I saw your question I instantly thought of what a great opportunity this will be for you. There will be consequences but you may decide theyre worth it. You'll have a chance to make a difference in other peoples lives, have some great fellowship and life experience you cant possibly get in the safety of your living room. Will you one day look back and regret not taking this opportunity?
Talk with your Dr. then make a decision you are comfortable with.