A Month Without Bi-Pap?

[pdeli]

Next year we have a trip to Europe planned. I have zero interest in hauling this thing through all that. I currently have both my new Bi-pap and my previous C-Pap.

One option I suppose is to remove the humidifier (and not have to run around looking for distilled water), and take just the main unit. I still have power conversion to worry about.

Just to further simplify things, we will be traveling by air, train, and boat.

I'm trying to determine any downside to a mask-free month.

Phil

[me50]

Next year we have a trip to Europe planned. I have zero interest in hauling this thing through all that. I currently have both my new Bi-pap and my previous C-Pap.

One option I suppose is to remove the humidifier (and not have to run around looking for distilled water), and take just the main unit. I still have power conversion to worry about.

Just to further simplify things, we will be traveling by air, train, and boat.

I'm trying to determine any downside to a mask-free month.

Phil

well, not that it would happen but it could happen. You could not wake up, without it, it can cause damage or more damage to your vital organs, you may not sleep well, feel rested, foggy brain, concentration issues among other things. It depends on you. Can you think back to how it was before you got your CPAP and/or BIPAP?

[zonk]

I still have power conversion to worry about.

Machines can use 100-240V, you only need a plug adapter

[pdeli]

Well before C-Pap/Bi-Pap started (10/2012) I was pretty tired most of the time. I also had a pretty severe bout with shingles that interfered with any attempts to figure out what was actually going on. Several times during the first 6 months, the shingles and the lingering Post herpetic Neuropthy caused me to suspend the use of the C-pap for perhaps a week.

Initially my AHI was around 38 or so and now it's around 1.

But there have been other changes. I've stopped drinking and exercise a bit more. The drinking cessation has been very good in several respects including better sleep. However, all of the Europe trip will be in Italy, so that will be challenging.

A number of years ago I had decided to not drink, and when my 1st wife (German) and I went back for a visit to Germany, all of her friends called me "The water apostle". So life can be challenging!

I'm guessing that I should run all ofthis by the sleep Doc (if I can get to him)and see what he says.

Thanks for your input.

Phil

Next year we have a trip to Europe planned. I have zero interest in hauling this thing through all that. I currently have both my new Bi-pap and my previous C-Pap.

...snip...I'm trying to determine any downside to a mask-free month.

Phil

well, not that it would happen but it could happen. You could not wake up, without it, it can cause damage or more damage to your vital organs, you may not sleep well, feel rested, foggy brain, concentration issues among other things. It depends on you. Can you think back to how it was before you got your CPAP and/or BIPAP?

[me50]

Hi Phil

Yes, talking with your sleep doc is a great idea. I just think that if you don't take your machine, you won't have as good of a trip and that is a long way to go and an expensive trip to not get to enjoy it or worse.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[TheDuke]

I have taken XPAP machines to Europe several times, and never found it to be any big problem. The modern machines function fine on the 240 V electric systems there without need for a step-down transformer. And you can buy a set of plug adaptors at a lot of places here in USA. There are several plug configurations depending on which countries you travel to. Distilled water is available in Europe, but for a trip I found that plain tap water worked fine and did not harm the humidifier chamber at all.

I suggest that you do take your machine, but never put in checked luggage-the baggage handlers toss things around to harshly to risk destroying the machine.

TheDuke

[pdeli]

This education never stops ...... XPAP?

Phil

I have taken XPAP machines to Europe several times, and never found it to be any big problem. The modern machines function fine on the 240 V electric systems there without need for a step-down transformer. And you can buy a set of plug adaptors at a lot of places here in USA. There are several plug configurations depending on which countries you travel to. Distilled water is available in Europe, but for a trip I found that plain tap water worked fine and did not harm the humidifier chamber at all.

I suggest that you do take your machine, but never put in checked luggage-the baggage handlers toss things around to harshly to risk destroying the machine.

TheDuke

[DrWho?]

Hi Phil

Yes, talking with your sleep doc is a great idea. I just think that if you don't take your machine, you won't have as good of a trip and that is a long way to go and an expensive trip to not get to enjoy it or worse.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Have to agree with this

Taken my cpap machine on a few trips and was glad I did.

[Sleepster]

Next year we have a trip to Europe planned. I have zero interest in hauling this thing through all that.

Yeah, but the thing is, it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

The risk you run is your trip could be ruined. Just pack the thing in a small carry on bag along with the humidifier, hose, and mask. And throw in a flashlight and maybe an eye mask and clothespins.

If you find yourself unable to sleep when you're travelling you'll be so glad you brought it along. And don't worry about the water in the tank. Use it when you have it, even tap water will do in a pinch.

I've been over there three times and had lots of trouble sleeping. But that was back when I didn't know I had sleep apnea.

The power supply is designed to work the world over, and will handle that wide range of voltages covering everything you might encounter. You may need adapters for plugs to fit, but all of the voltages are safe to use.