Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects millions of Americans. Many who are undergoing treatment for their sleep apnea rely heavily on their continuous positive air pressure machine, also known as a CPAP. This machine helps keep the airway open with a steady, gentle flow of continuous air. However sometimes these machines can be bulky and difficult to travel with. Despite this, it is extremely important that you go the extra mile to take your CPAP with you on your travels.

Vacationing with Sleep Apnea

Vacation time is a time to rest, relax, and enjoy life. Yet many people who suffer from sleep apnea don’t want to lug their CPAP with them on their journey. With the severe complications that can arise from untreated sleep apnea, discontinuing treatment, even temporarily, can be detrimental to your health.

Sleep apnea has severe consequences if left untreated. Not only will you have more day time fatigue if you travel without your machine, but the low oxygen concentration can also contribute to cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. The last thing you want to occur on your family vacation is a life threatening problem as a result of not continuing your CPAP treatment.

If you had any other illness, you wouldn’t leave your medication at home while you went on vacation, so why leave your CPAP machine behind?

Sleep Apnea while Traveling

Continuing treatment for sleep apnea while you’re traveling may not be as difficult as you imagine. By planning ahead, you can safely travel with your CPAP machine and continue to treat your sleep apnea with little inconvenience.

If you’re planning on flying to your vacation destination, being prepared will help move things right along at the airport. While some people do check their machine, many find that it is best to take it as a carry on in the event that their luggage may become lost. The last thing you want is to show up at your destination and not have the CPAP machine needed to treat your sleep apnea. However, your machine will not count as one of your carry-on items since it is medical equipment, and taking your CPAP machine as a carry on is quite simple. Start by getting a copy of the prescription for your CPAP machine. This helps TSA identify that the equipment belongs to you. It’s also recommended that you place a medical equipment luggage tag on the case. Most TSA agents are aware of CPAP machines and will likely recognize it as medical equipment, but the extra precaution is handy in the event that they don’t.

At the TSA checkpoint, they will X-ray and swab your CPAP machine so taking it out of the carrying case and placing it in its own screening bin will help save time. If you are planning on using the machine to treat your sleep apnea during your flight, be sure to check with the airline ahead of time. Some airlines may have additional requirements if the device is used in flight.

If you are undergoing sleep apnea treatment and are traveling internationally be sure that you have the correct adaptors and plugs for the plane and the area, you are visiting.

Some people who are undergoing sleep apnea treatment still like to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, this is possible with the proper battery. There are even solar powered batteries available that will allow you to charge your machine during the day so that you can use it throughout the night.

Portable Sleep Apnea Treatment Options

If you tend to travel frequently and wish to purchase a travel CPAP machine, there are many models available that may be easier to travel with than your home model. Some of these options are around the size of a soda can, making them ideal for tight spaces.

Battery packs are also a fantastic option if you’re going to be traveling somewhere without electricity or if you will be sleeping enroute on an airplane, train, bus, or even in the car. Most of these travel CPAP machines come with a variety of adapters for various scenarios. With so many options available to people who suffer from sleep apnea, there’s no excuse to go without treatment while you’re away from home. The risk to your health is too great to suddenly cease using your CPAP machine.

Don’t let travel get in the way of your sleep apnea treatment plan. There are many options available that will allow you to continue your treatment in nearly any circumstance if you are prepared. It’s important that you remain healthy and continue your treatment any time that you will be sleeping.

If you have any questions about sleep apnea or vacationing with sleep apnea, please contact Mark Levy DDS at (614) 777-7350.