CPAP/BiPAP Camping
As avid campers, one of the first questions we had was which steps to take to continue camping. Both of us have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea Disorder. Sleep Apnea is a potentially serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Here is a list of symptoms and causes of Sleep apnea - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. Make sure to Schedule an appointment with your doctor right away if you think you may have Sleep Apnea.
Here are some things to consider when camping with a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine or a BiPAP (Bilevel positive airway pressure) machine.
One thing to contemplate is how to safely and effectively run your machine while away from home. Will the camp area have electricity sufficient enough to run your machine continuously through the night? If not, then you will need to think about having a battery backup or portable power station in place. We view a battery to run our machines as essential camping equipment.
During a recent camping trip, we booked a site through an online app. The description stated there would be electricity to our site. Upon arrival, we began setting up camp only to find out the electrical was no longer in service. However, the camp area was beautifully scenic and we continued our stay using our portable power station.
We travel with two portable battery packs. The batteries will run one machine each. How long the battery will run is dependent upon the machine type, if it runs on the heated hose setting, or if the humidifier setting is turned on. For example, with all settings running the battery can run about 7 hours. With these settings off it will run much longer. This is where you will need to look into what is needed to run your individual machine and the settings you will need for your personal comfort and safety.
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Here is a CPAP battery backup power supply for camping to consider. *( https://amzn.to/3ZwTHJK ) If camping for several days, you will need to think about charging the backup battery when not in use. You will want one that can be charged using your vehicle's cigarette lighter port or other means for charging each day. This highly-rated pick from Amazon is similar to the one we personally use. However, this one has a solar charging option that isn't included on ours and is a nice feature to have. * ( https://amzn.to/3ZBq0HB )
Bluetti portable power station
Also, think about where to place your CPAP machine for use. Consider this indoor-outdoor camp table to hold your CPAP machine at night beside your bed or cot. It includes a tabletop with built-in storage * ( https://amzn.to/4er8M3M ) Also, check out this this low table if you will be tent camping while sleeping on the tent floor with a sleeping bag. *( https://amzn.to/3BeQX9M )
CPAP or BiPAP mask cleaning wipes are a must-have for on-the-go cleaning convienience. *( https://amzn.to/4deUSk5 )These will help to keep your mask clean and fresh while enjoying your camping adventure.
Another recommendation is to test your equipment at home before leaving for your trip. Test the time the battery will run your individual machine with the backup power supply you have chosen. Try running it with the settings you will be using on your camping trip. Be sure to check all the manufacturer instructions for both your machine and battery backup and then test everything together to maximize your safety and comfort.
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