Don’t Stop Your Cpap Therapy
Camping with a CPAP machine may require a few more steps than youre used to. Although not necessarily inconvenient, the extra work needed to use your device might tempt you to skip therapy for a few nights. Doing so may negatively impact your health, however. For starters, you wont get the quality sleep you are now used to, which will leave you feeling exhausted when you should otherwise be relishing your time on the hiking trails or by the lake.
You may also notice a difference in your breathing throughout the night and during the day, and your risk of having a stroke or heart attack while you sleep jumps significantly when you skip therapy. Not only is using your CPAP machine while youre camping good for your health, but it also allows you to feel rested enough to truly relish your trip in a way that you deserve.
Given how important CPAP machines are in the treatment of sleep apnea, and how they need uninterrupted access to electricity to function, it would be easy to feel like your camping days are over. But with a bit of preparation and the right supplies, you can camp out in the wilderness just like you used to. Planning your next camping trip? Get the supplies you need here or browse our array of CPAP masks and machines.
Book A Campsite With Access To Electricity
Its one thing to bring your CPAP machine, but powering it is another matter entirely. Fortunately, there are plenty of state and national parks and KOA campgrounds that have campsites with access to electricity. In most cases, you can even book your spot in advance. Although these sites arent typically well away from civilization, they still offer the chance to get outdoors without having to worry about buying anything extra to power your CPAP machine.
How To Power Your Cpap Machine While Camping
Not only is it possible to go camping with sleep apnea, but were also going to show you how you can get the most out of your experience and make your next trip a truly enjoyable one! Planning your camping trip boils down to two options when using your CPAP. You can either:
- Only Camp Where Theres an Electrical Outlet
- Take Your Therapy Off-Grid with a CPAP Battery
There are benefits and drawbacks to each, and well discuss both in greater detail in the coming paragraphs. Lets get started!
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Bring A Travel Battery If You’re Going Off
Theres nothing quite like the peace and quiet you get from being well away from busy roads and bustling campgrounds. If you prefer primitive camping, having a CPAP machine doesnt have to hold you back from truly getting away. For its ease of use, a travel battery like the ResMed Power Station II cant be beaten. This portable battery provides up to 13 hours of power, meaning you can leave the cords and outlet behind.
Another option is the Air10 DC/DC converter, which you can use in your cars cigarette lighter socket or hook up directly to a car or boat battery. For a higher-tech option, invest in a portable solar panel and generator and keep your CPAP battery charged by harnessing the power of the sun.
With portable batteries and all kinds of ways to charge them, your CPAP machine shouldnt keep you from wandering off the beaten path.
What Cpap Machine Should I Pick When Camping With Cpap
Whether it is your first time or you are a seasoned pro, camping requires a lot of gear! In addition to your personal necessities, you may need a tent, sleeping bags, bedding, tarps, chairs, firewood, and cooking utensils, at a minimum. The last thing you want is to pack another heavy, cumbersome machine. Dont worry, we have you covered.
Our new line of travel CPAP machines is compact and lightweightweighing as little as 2 lbs! These mini machines include all the conveniences of your home unit. Plus, they can operate on battery power and even include heated humidification options.
Our customer favorites include:
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Take A Test Run At Home
As with most mechanics, it is always best to test out your system at home before trying it outdoors. Imagine you are not capable of successfully using your CPAP machine with your solar generator at home. How in the world will you get it to work in the wilderness?
We recommend recreating real-world scenarios that you are likely to experience well camping.
For example, try testing out your extended hose. Place your CPAP machine further away from you and connect it to your solar generator.
How does the whole setup feel? Perhaps you also want to test the discharge rate to see how long your CPAP machine will work with your particular solar generator model.
Is This The Cpap System For Camping
When it comes to camping, portability and power consumption can be major considerations, especially in remote places where every kilogram in the backpack matters, and where options for power are limited.
The ResMed AirMini may be the answer you are looking for. This compact and complete package will impress, whether you are looking for a portable travel CPAP machine or a primary device for your sleep apnea treatment.
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How To Power A Cpap Machine On The Road
One of the more common topics discussed among RVers who enjoy boondocking is how to power a CPAP machine with a limited power source. CPAP machines and other electric-powered medical devices are essential to the health and well being of those who need them. For RVers not hooked up to electricity, using a CPAP machine has presented a particular challenge, but and it shouldnt prevent anyone from enjoying the RV or camping lifestyle.
Weve put together some tips for how you can power your device without an electrical hook-up.
What is a CPAP machine?
Short for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, CPAP therapy is a common treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea . A CPAP machine uses a hose and mask or a nose piece, to deliver constant and steady air pressure into the users airways. People with obstructive sleep apnea rely on their devices to help them breathe during sleep. The most common issues among CPAP users include a leaky mask, trouble falling asleep, stuffy nose and a dry mouth. As Ive experienced on the road while boondocking, power interruptions have become a detriment to my regulated CPAP therapy, forcing us to come up with a viable remedy.
CPAP Machine Requirements
Powering a CPAP machine via am RV Energy Management System
Face it, RV batteries are not created equal.
One solution is to switch out your lead acid batteries for lithium ion batteries. While lithium ion batteries are a pricier option, they are much more versatile, and we highly recommended them.
Choose Your Campsite Wisely
If you want the most hassle-free camping experience with your machine, choose a campsite that has electricity. Many modern campgrounds, including the ever-popular KOAs, have campsites with a power supply. You can simply plug in your machine and peacefully snooze the night away.
This is another huge advantage to electricity equipped sites other than not having to deal with batteries humidity. Many CPAP machines include a device that humidifies the air being sent to the wearer. This is because without the humidification the air would be extremely dry, resulting in a sore throat, mouth, and nose.
However, these humidifiers result in a huge draw on the battery. Often draining it much faster than if the machine was used without the humidifier. If you choose a camping spot that provides electricity, you will not have to worry about conserving your battery and can still use the humidifier.
As a bonus, electricity will be available to power your other devices too, like a radio or electric griddle. Campgrounds with power often include bathrooms, showers, and even Wi-Fi, making for a comfortable trip.
However, if a usually crowded campground and less than rugged trip dont strike your fancy, you may need to explore other options to power your CPAP. In most cases this means batteries.
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Be Sure To Bring Everything With You
So youve figured out how to power your CPAP, and youre ready to hit the road. The next step is to ensure you have everything you need to use your CPAP while camping.
In addition to your machine, youll need to bring a power cord, a mask, and tubing. You might also want to get extra batteries, just in case.
And dont forget the little things, like a hose brush and mask wipes. These items will come in handy when its time to clean your gear.
Its essential to remember to bring everything you need because you wont be able to just run to the store if you forget something. So, before you head out, double-check your packing list to ensure you have everything you need.
How Do You Recharge A Portable Power Station
- Solar panels Almost all manufacturers of portable power stations sell solar panels designed to work with their units. These panels can recharge a power station in just one sunny afternoon. A larger power station may require two solar panels. These panels are designed to fold up small for easier storage.
- Plug it into your vehicles cigarette lighter All portable power stations have a 12v DC cord designed to plug right into a cigarette lighter. You will have to run the engine on your vehicle, however.
- Plug it into a wall outlet If youre tent camping or boondocking, youre not going to have a 110v wall outlet to plug into, but if youre able to find such a thing somewhere else, you can also recharge it that way.
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Can You Use Cpap While Awake
While youre awake, keep your CPAP on. Wearing your CPAP mask while youre awake is one of the most effective methods to become used to it. In the event that you merely throw it on before attempting to go asleep, you are more likely to feel uncomfortable and even claustrophobic in the process. First and foremost, we recommend that you use the CPAP mask when you are awake and erect.
Does A Cpap Machine Use A Lot Of Electricity
At a 20 cm water pressure setting, a CPAP machine that draws 4.5 amperes needs 36 amp-hours in 8 hours. So, your battery should be at least 54-ampere hours. With this, your machine can support one night of sleep. CPAP units utilized by truck drivers usually require a 30-40 ampere hour- battery for 2 nights.
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How Do I Run My Cpap While Camping
There are two ways you can run your CPAP machine while youre camping. The first is to stay at a campsite with access to electricity so you can plug your machine directly into an outlet. Your other option is to purchase a portable battery or an adapter that you can use to hook your CPAP machine up to a car or boat battery.
Cpap Wipes Are Your Best Friend
Your CPAP equipment is going to get dirty, and thats a bad thing, since youre going to wear it on your face. You dont want to waste your potable water cleaning it, and you definitely dont want to give it a dip in the nearest lake.
The solution? Toss a pack of inexpensive, lightweight CPAP wipes into your bag! These unscented cleaning wipes cut through dirt, grease, and grime like a camp knife, and the alcohol-free solution is safe for plastics and fabrics, so youll end up using them on more than just your CPAP.
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What Voltage Are Cpap Machines
a source of electrical power In the United States, 110 volts of electricity is used other nations use 220 or 240 volts of current, respectively. All of the devices supplied by CPAP.com are capable of operating with either voltage. If you are traveling to a different nation, the design of the wall socket and the form of the plug may be different.
Request A Campsite With A Power Source
This may seem like an obvious tip, but while many campgrounds offer electricity, not every campsite they offer will have power outlets. Calling ahead to request a site with its own power supply can save you a night without sleep.
Having a continuous source of AC power is especially helpful if you use a humidifier, which can drain battery life in a matter of hours. However, if you prefer something a little more off-the-grid you might like our next tip…
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Can You Suffocate With A Cpap
Having a CPAP mask covering your face is a new sensation which needs a small adjustment period. When you can see that the mask incorporates a valve that lets fresh air in from around you, not just from the machine, youll know that you cant suffocate with the mask on even if the machine somehow stops working.
How To Camp Anywhere With A Cpap Machine
Jeffrey
May 18, 2021
Several members of my family sleep with a CPAP machine. Most of the time, it is not overly burdensome as long as they are sleeping in their own bed where they have their system setup. However, our family loves to camp, and we needed to find a better solution for camping with a CPAP machine.
There are three easy solutions to camping with a CPAP machine:
Simply camp somewhere that there is power at the campsite such as many KOA campgrounds,
Use a , or
Buy a battery pack for your CPAP machine from the manufacturer of your CPAP.
In my opinion, the clear winner out of the three is to simply get a cheap battery station for your CPAP from Amazon, but Ill discuss all three options and some tips below.
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How Do You Go Camping With A Cpap Machine
How to Power Your CPAP Machine While Camping Visit a Campsite With Power. Take Your Therapy Off-Grid. 1: Using a Deep Cycle Car or Marine Battery. 2: Using a CPAP Battery Pack. Tip 1: Consider Using a Travel CPAP Machine. Tip 2: Avoid Using Power Inverters. Tip 3: Consider Charging Your Battery With Solar.
Apneamed Provides Autopap Machines For Sleep Apnea
Whether you suspect youre suffering from sleep apnea or youve been diagnosed and are looking for treatment, you may be considering AutoPAP therapy. AutoPAP is an innovative positive airway pressure machine that works by sensing the individuals upper airway vibrations to detect any disturbances in their breathing. Using your new AutoPAP device each night, even when traveling, will help you get a good nights sleep.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea, take a home sleep apnea test to confirm your diagnosis. Once diagnosed, can provide the breathing equipment that you need including portable options that you can comfortably take on your next overnight camping adventure. Contact ApneaMed with any questions.
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Visit A Campsite With Power
Powered campsites have the advantage of providing all the electricity you need for your therapy without as many equipment compromises. If you do a little digging, youll notice that there are campsites like KOA campgrounds and State Parks with electricity throughout. Being able to plug in is a huge advantage to anyone who needs CPAP humidification.
When powering your CPAP machine using battery power, youll find that doing so while using a heated humidifier will drain the battery at a much faster rate than it would otherwise, which dramatically reduces therapy runtime. By plugging in, you can avoid this issue and get your full therapy benefits.
Benefits: Many people like powered campsites because theyre usually clean and well-maintained. Many times they come with extra perks like bathrooms, showers, and WiFi.
Drawbacks: There are some drawbacks to powered campsites. Sometimes youll have to change your plans entirely because theyll be all booked on popular weekends. They also attract a lot of people, so you wont truly be far away from civilization and it can get noisy at certain times. If the joy of camping for you is getting far away from other people or spending the night in a rugged environment with beautiful scenery, then a campsite with electricity may not be for you. In that case, youll want to explore CPAP batteries.
Be A Happy Cpap Camper
Camping with sleep apnea is no challenge at all. With the right supplies, you will blissfully be on your way towards another relaxing camping adventure. There are multiple travel CPAPs, batteries, and charging options for you to choose from, so take the time to research your options to discover the best fit for your trip.
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How To Power A Cpap When Camping
When people think of going camping, most think of a fun, relaxing getaway. But while camping might seem like a fun and relaxing break, it can also be highly stressful when away from home. Many people dont realize how much stress theyre under at home, and once theyre out in nature, they relax even more.
This is why many people go camping to escape their everyday lives. While this is a great way to rejuvenate and re-energize, it can also be stressful as you have to follow so many different rules and routines that you arent used to. This can be especially difficult for those with breathing problems or whose condition is not well-known.
Many of these people have to wear masks or masks that help them breathe to get the rest they need.
This is why you may read about some people going camping with their CPAP machines and masks. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when doing this. Heres how to power a CPAP when camping.