From vaulted ceilings to starry skies, traveling can place you under a number of new roofs at night. No matter where you lay your head while away from home, follow these tips for a solid sleep with your CPAP:
Hotel
- If the phone, lamp, and clock on the nightstand leaves little room for your CPAP, pull out the drawer as a makeshift shelf. If nightstand space isn’t available, contact the front desk and ask to borrow a portable stand used for room service catering.
- Pack a power strip or an extension cord to accommodate for rooms with minimal power outlets.
- Before you leave for the day, pack up your CPAP and its accessories and store them in a drawer or on a closet shelf to protect from housekeeping’s cleaning sprays or accidental breaks.
RV or Camper
- Make use of your RV’s 12V outlet by connecting a small, 300W inverter into it and attaching it to your CPAP unit. Run an extension cord from your machine to the inverter to create a custom reach no matter where you’re sleeping.
- To prevent draining your vehicle’s battery, make sure all lights, appliances, and amenities are shut off while your CPAP runs overnight. Limit the use of your humidifier for the same reason.
- Recharge the battery during the day by firing up the RV’s generator or setting up portable solar panels.
Train
- Before your trip, secure a letter of medical necessity from your doctor and contact your train company to discuss regulations and accommodations.
- Pack an extension cord to help you reach an outlet if one isn’t directly in your aisle or you’re camped out on the top bunk of a private room.
- To prevent a swaying or shaky train from bumping your cord out a power socket, tape the cord down with a piece or two of duct tape.
- Refrain from using your humidifier, if possible. The back and forth motion of the cab may causing sloshing and liquid leaks.
Camping
- Look into the possibility of buying a CPAP unit designed for travel and portability fits easily into a tightly-packed backpack. These models are exceptionally small and operate with battery packs instead of plugins.
- Save space and keep bags light by packing lithium-based batteries. Weighing in at 2-4 pounds, they store enough power to last you up to three nights.
- Instead of carrying multiple battery replacements, pack a lightweight portable solar panel to recharge.
- To maximize battery life, skip the humidifier for a night when a fresh battery or power source isn’t readily available in the morning.
CPAP Central features a number of travel CPAP machines to ensure a well-rested night wherever your adventure leads.