Traveling with CPAP

[melindy]

I've only used the machine for 3 nights now counting the night in the sleep lab. I feel like I'm sleeping better but I"m not entirely sure.

I'm going to a conference this weekend- and I'll have roommates, and actually probably have to share a bed. The person I'll be sharing a bed with is my good friend but I wasn't thinking I was going to bring the machine since I wouldn't be used to it anyways.

How much of a pain is it to travel with it? I'm considering bringing it now but I'm concerned about the hassle of that combined with the weirdness of sleeping with it in a bed with a friend lol. My husband has to put up with it but I don't want to be super annoying....

[chunkyfrog]

Bring it! Start a good habit "right off the bat".
My first week, I attended a 3 day professional conference 200 miles away from home.
I actually stayed awake through even the most boring lectures--(and I learned quite a bit from them).
A little oxygen goes a long way.
Also, if you snore, sharing a room with others can be "interesting".
Much better to have show and tell in the evening than wake up to find everyone laughing at you.

[melindy]

Talked to me friend and she is fine with it so I think I'm going to try it.

Anything I need to know special about traveling with it?

[melindy]

Never mind, I found a very informative thread with information. I think I'm set now.

[cosmo]

Pack some ear plugs for them or you might find yourself defriended on FB after the trip is over.

[melindy]

Pack some ear plugs for them or you might find yourself defriended on FB after the trip is over.

Actually I'm not so worried about the noise because I've always slept with a white noise machine- especially in hotels - so this friend in particular is used to that lol. I'm quickly becoming the high maintenance friend. Good thing this friend is pretty awesome.

[lewsterr]

Don't forget an extension cord. It never fails that I'm always in need of one when I travel.

[melindy]

Don't forget an extension cord. It never fails that I'm always in need of one when I travel.

Argh, can't find one anywhere in the house. Going to hope for the best, worse case is I will be driving all over looking for one there!

[jweeks]

How much of a pain is it to travel with it? I'm considering bringing it now but I'm concerned about the hassle of that combined with the weirdness of sleeping with it in a bed with a friend lol. My husband has to put up with it but I don't want to be super annoying....

Hi,

I understand your feelings. I am really sensitive to standing out as being different. However, if you broke your arm, would you avoid getting a cast just because of how it looks? Or how others might react? The truth is that your breathing is broken, and this machine fixes it. It will likely extend your life and prevent horrible things like a stroke or heart damage. You really want to use the machine despite the fact that it might be a little awkward in situations like this.

Anyone that gets within 20 feet of me hears about CPAP and my more recent adventures in losing weight. While some CPAP patients are nervous about talking about CPAP, I have no problems talking about it. I have yet to find anyone who thought it was odd or weird, or who reacted badly about it. I am willing to bet that your friend is (1) really concerned about you and wants the best for you, (2) is probably curious about the machine and how it works and wants to learn more about it, and (3) will not be bothered in the least about it. The low hum from the machine is much more preferable to someone who is snoring, or worse, gasping for air all night long.

My advice is to go for it. It really isn't much of a hassle after you have traveled with it the first time, and if your friend objects to it, then they are not that much of a friend. Better to find out sooner rather than later.

-john-

[Ravensclown]

I travel with mine all the time. If I need an extension cord the hotel/motel can usually help. As far as sharing a room goes, I get heaps of questions from my roommate(s) but this is heaps better than the sideways looks I used to get in the morning from my room mates when I had an untreated snoring/apnea problem.

[OceanGoingGal]

I travel with mine all the time. My roomies never seem to mind and always adjust well to it. I purchased an extension cord and keep it in my case all the time. Recently while boaeding a cruise ship I was amused to see how many were carrying c-pap machines aboard. To travel without it would not be a good idea. Also never let the baggage handlers have it. Carry it on yourself. The baggage handlers are never too careful with them.

Laura

[BlackSpinner]

Pack some ear plugs for them or you might find yourself defriended on FB after the trip is over.

That is silly. It makes less noise then most hotel airconditioners. Most people SNORE a lot louder! Any body in their right mind would prefer to sleep next to someone with cpap machine then a gasping Mac Truck.

[cosmo]

That is silly. It makes less noise then most hotel air conditioners. Most people SNORE a lot louder! Any body in their right mind would prefer to sleep next to someone with cpap machine then a gasping Mac Truck.

There is nothing wrong with my suggestions for packing ear plugs. That would be a nice show of gesture to the friend that she is thinking about her friend's comfort.

Seems that I have plenty of enemies on this board that likes to turn everything I say into a negative

[BlackSpinner]

That is silly. It makes less noise then most hotel air conditioners. Most people SNORE a lot louder! Any body in their right mind would prefer to sleep next to someone with cpap machine then a gasping Mac Truck.

There is nothing wrong with my suggestions for packing ear plugs. That would be a nice show of gesture to the friend that she is thinking about her friend's comfort.

Seems that I have plenty of enemies on this board that likes to turn everything I say into a negative

If you chose to make that comment as a joke then you need to indicate that in your post with a smilly or a notation otherwise people can't "hear" the tone and take it as a serious comment. We have had plenty of spouses come on this board spouting of in all seriousness how their husband's use of a cpap machine "violates" them.

[cosmo]

If you chose to make that comment as a joke then you need to indicate that in your post with a smilly or a notation otherwise people can't "hear" the tone and take it as a serious comment. We have had plenty of spouses come on this board spouting of in all seriousness how their husband's use of a cpap machine "violates" them.

The comment was not a joke. She asked for opinions and suggestions about cpap and a traveling roommate. Ear plugs are in line with the thread and no one else including the op found it offensive. If you want to bash me, there is already a thread dedicated for that.

The ear plug topic was already killed off with her reply.