Cruise Ships and xPAP

I appreciate the advice I found here prior to leaving on my cruise. Some of it was very helpful. I thought I would share a litttle of what I learned and observed.

1) Take an extension cord! I don't know who suggested it, but it was a lifesaver! Most staterooms only have one or two outlets and none of them was less than 4' from the bed. I took a 20' extension chord. It was longer than needed, but its what I had in the garage. 15' would be perfect.
2) Take a surge protector/power strip. I didn't have any issue with power surges, but its always good to protect your electronic gear. Most of all, with so few outlets in the room it was great to have extra outlets to charge laptops, cell phones, cameras, run hair dryers, etc.
3) Water is NOT an issue. I am sure this will stir the never-ending debate about bottled vs. distilled vs. tap water, but here is what I learned. I have used tap water in my humidifier for 6 years with no issues. I debated asking for bottled water on the ship. Then I realized that I would be using the same water they serve to drink in the dining rooms. So, I used the tap water and it was great. No problems whatsoever. By way of note, the water used on cruise ships is seawater that has been de-salinated, purified and treated. Very safe.
4) Cruise ship baggage handlers are every bit as rough on your baggage as airlines. Always carry on your xPAP equipment.

Overall, it was really no different than staying in a hotel room; except maybe the shortage of power outlets.

Just in case you are wondering, it was marvelous cruise and a fantastic vacation!

S-Dubya wrote:. . . share a litttle of what I learned and observed. . . .

Thanks, S-Dubya.

I just booked a cruise for October, and I've never cruised with CPAP--so your suggestions are helpful and your information reassuring!

jeff

I emailed my cruise line before boarding and advised them that my husband and I both needed to use XPAP machines and would require electrical power bedside. When we embarked and the stateroom attendant showed up I told him that we needed electrical power at the nightstands. He called maintenance and they ran a line to each side and taped the cord to the carpet to avoid a tripping hazard.

We carry surge protectors with the machines as part of the carry on luggage.

Well, there was another thread on a cruising. I couldn't find it, because my mind is taxed (caused by not sleeping well).
Why don't we appoint a committee and get it going? I'm afraid we will talk about it, but never actually plan it.
Would someone like to serve as chairman, maybe someone who has had some "travel planning" experience?
I'm thinking of a 5 or 6 night cruise, where we would have a couple of sleep experts or physicians along to give a couple of lectures on the latest news and studies. And remember, some on here said it could be done for below $100 per day.

I say, let's find out where jnk is going and go with him. You would love that, right, Jeff?



Bev

Do you feel the love?

I have been cruising for 25 years. My next cruise booked is for December 2009. It will be my first since starting c-pap. I have a message forum of friends that are cruise addicted. Some of them are also on c-pap. It was on their urging that I got my sleep study done. God bless them, I feel so much better. I am a former cruise agent for an agency in NH. I now live in florida. I do understand there is an agent on this board. I would be willing to organise or help anyway I could. I know several agents that are very experienced in groups. One in particular that books the groups for a very large cruise related website.

Laura

I have been cruising for 25 years. My next cruise booked is for December 2009. It will be my first since starting c-pap. I have a message forum of friends that are cruise addicted. Some of them are also on c-pap. It was on their urging that I got my sleep study done. God bless them, I feel so much better. I am a former cruise agent for an agency in NH. I now live in florida. I do understand there is an agent on this board. I would be willing to organise or help anyway I could. I know several agents that are very experienced in groups. One in particular that books the groups for a very large cruise related website.

Laura

Those are great tips! Thanks! I always take my CPAP battery system when I stay in hotels, since I had to get room service to provide an extension cord one time. The lamps next to the bed were permanently wired/plugged into the outlets, so there were no available outlets for my CPAP. And, it gives my CPAP battery a chance to get used/tested periodically.

I've always used distilled water except when I went to Costa Rica (not a cruise) in September. I thoroughly cleaned my humidifier when I got home.

I went on a cruise in August and I previously arranged with the cruise lines to have distilled water so all I had to do was call room service. They charged $3.50 for a gallon and we drank what was left over after our five nights. It was peace of mind for me. I do carry an extension cord but I've yet to use it.

Will be going on another cruise in May to the Bahamas so this will be my second cpap cruise. I filled out the paperwork already so I don't expect any problems.

Cruising is a great way to vacation. You only rig up once and get to visit different places!

Deglorious [color=#4080FF[/color]

OutaSync wrote:I say, let's find out where jnk is going and go with him. You would love that, right, Jeff?



Bev

Do you feel the love?

Hey, sure, why not, Bev!

The wife and I will be celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary. So, everybody bring a gift and come on along.

We can make it the official CPAP cruise and all wear our masks to the midnight buffet!

jeff

Chocolate Buffet. Yahoo!!!

Really, I can't ever stay up that late. I try, but I give out around 10:30. The midnight chocolate buffets all go on without me.

Congrats on 20 years. I just passed what would have been 35 year anniversary, but didn't make it past 10. Again, couldn't stay up late enough to make it work.

Bev (still looking for a man who will leave me alone and let me sleep)

OutaSync wrote:Chocolate Buffet. Yahoo!!!

Really, I can't ever stay up that late. I try, but I give out around 10:30. The midnight chocolate buffets all go on without me.

Congrats on 20 years. I just passed what would have been 35 year anniversary, but didn't make it past 10. Again, couldn't stay up late enough to make it work.

Bev (still looking for a man who will leave me alone and let me sleep)

Thanks for the congrats, Bev. And may you find that man.

My wife usually goes to bed early so she can get up to go running around 4:30 a.m.! (Or so she says--she doesn't wake me up when she leaves or when she comes back. Hmmm.)

I try to leave her alone as much as I can.

jeff (who usually gives out around 10:30 too)

Well, that sounds good to me. I'll have to run it by "you know who".
(She's a HOUSE addict, and can't be bothered now - first show in the new season)
JNK, tell us the itenirary (never could spell that) how long, price, etc.
I move that we nominate OceanGoingGal to be chairwoman and look into the details and get back to us.
Any seconds?
Jay

One of the people I take care of is on c-pap. He uses tap water. I was apalled at the condition of his humidifier tank. He has not been on it very long and he uses tap water. It was coated with lime scale. I tried in vain to get t off to no avail. I called his case manager and talked with her. She is calling his suppliers to order a new tank. That afternoon she came over with bottles of distilled water for him. The live in companion did not unerstand anything about the care of his equipment. As far as I am concerned distilled water is very important. My tank is nice and clean and in great condition.

Laura

Depending on the water in your area hard water deposits can be an issue. My house has a water softener so its not an issue for me. In other places I have lived/visited I was always able to remove the deposits by filling the chamber with a 60-40 mixture of water and vinegar and letting it soak for 3-8 hours. Always works like a charm. Of course, if your client has years of deposits built up there may be no way to save the chamber. Soaking it once a week is usually sufficient.