Hello, fellow CPAP travelers, and welcome to my post on Alternatives to CPAP Machines for Camping. Summertime is upon us and if you’re like me, then you love to go camping. If you’re reading this post, then odds are you have sleep apnea and love camping like I do.
I know it can be difficult to enjoy a camping trip when worrying about your sleep therapy. A lot of CPAP users I know, find it hard to deal with their machines while camping out. Keeping it running with backup batteries and generators can be expensive. Also, a lot of CPAP users worry about maintaining their machines while out in the wilderness.
You may have the same concerns and issues. But don’t worry because in this post I’ll go over the best alternatives to CPAP machines to use while camping.
Access What You Do Have for Your Sleep Apnea Treatment
The first thing you should do is access what you do have for your sleep apnea treatment. Yes, most of you may have a CPAP machine. Think of treatments you may have used before your machine.
Some people have used oral appliances for their treatment. This would be a good option to use for a camping trip.
I have also heard many people say they used nasal strips to help with their apnea condition. This would also be another viable option.
Products You Can Use as Alternatives to CPAP Machines
If you don’t have any of the above products, there are still options available. Check Out Our Best Recommendations Below.
Positional Aide – Alternatives to CPAP Machines for Camping
These snug fitting products, are tailored to encourage sleeping on your side. This is mostly compatible with those who have mild cases of sleep apnea. Special pillows are strategically placed on the back to keep the user from sleeping in this position. This can help by positioning you so that your airway is not getting blocked from the back position.
Tongue Retainers – Alternatives to CPAP Machines for Camping
Like oral sleep apnea products, tongue retainers can be used to prevent blockage of your airway. This is done by positioning your tongue so that it does not move during sleep. They may be a bit uncomfortable but can be a temporary fix in a camping situation.
Nasal Devices – Alternatives to CPAP Machines for Camping
Using a Nasal Device can also be a quick fix for your sleep apnea treatment while camping. These small devices fit into your nose and apply pressure to tissue in your nostrils. This helps keep your airway open, making it easier to breathe while sleeping.
Micro CPAP Devices – Alternatives to CPAP Machines for Camping
These devices are fairly new for sleep apnea treatment. However, they have become a very popular solution. Like nasal devices, they are attached to the nose. When they are turned on, that act just like a regular CPAP Machine. The best part is they run off a rechargeable battery and no cords or hoses are needed.
These are all great options, but you should always consult with your doctor. Depending on the severity of your sleep apnea, some of these options may not be for you.
Other Ways to Fix Your Sleep Apnea Treatment Issues
As mentioned above, the severity of your sleep apnea can hinder your use of these alternatives. options for you. In this case, my best advice would be to look into these options before planning your camping trip.
Travel CPAP Machines
While regular CPAP Machines may be too bulky for a camping trip, Travel CPAP Machines are a perfect solution. They are lightweight and easy to pack for any vacation trip. They also can run off a rechargeable or backup battery. This is one I would highly recommend for any kind of travel venture.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery is one sleep apnea treatment that many have used to alleviate their symptoms. It is usually used as a last resort treatment but can also be considered a permanent fix to sleep apnea.
Consult with your doctor if you are interested in this option.
The Inspire Surgical Procedure
Inspire is also a surgical procedure that implants a device near your airway to keep it open. It may sound like a huge process but it is actually an easy procedure.
I have seen good reviews of this product but it seems to be for people who are unable to use CPAP machines. However, it may be something to look into if you are looking for alternatives to CPAP Devices.
>>Find Out If Inspire is Right for You Here<<
Have a Partner Sleep With You
There is one option that should probably be used as a last resort. That is to have a partner sleep in your area while camping. This gives you someone that can listen to or detect any symptoms you may have while sleeping.
Typically it should be someone who has heard you sleep before without your CPAP Machine. Someone who can detect if you stop breathing or are having breathing complications. This way they know exactly when to wake you in case of these episodes.
Again, this really should be a last resort.
Conclusion
Camping with sleep apnea doesn’t have to be difficult or impossible. There are several options if using your CPAP Machine is not working for you.
However, a CPAP Machine is still the best treatment you can get for sleep apnea. For some using one is absolutely imperative.
If you have severe sleep apnea symptoms, you should always consult with your doctor before trying any of these alternative options.
While camping with a regular home CPAP Machine can be a pain, it is recommended to look into travel CPAP Machines. They give you all the benefits of a home machine and are much easier to maintain while camping.
>>Check Out Our Post on Travel CPAP Machines<<
Thank you for reading this Post, and Happy Camping.