Looking for non-CPAP device for occassional use

[zonk]

if were me, I would put the money towards upgrade to data capable machine
the machine listed in your profile "Philips Respironics REMstar Plus C-Flex" is not data capable machine
no efficacy data, AHI, FL, snore, leak, etc.. just usage (hours)

[archangle]

I'm VERY skeptical about Provent. If you try it, try it at home before ending up stuck in the woods without CPAP. For that matter, try anything you plan to use away from home, including battery packs.

Dental devices sometimes work, but I think success rates are low. I'm very skeptical about non-custom devices as well. Even with a custom device, if your apnea isn't caused by your jaw position, it's not going to do any good.

You may find you do better if you sleep on your stomach or side. I do pretty good without CPAP if I get a body length pillow in addition to my regular pillow and sort hug it and grab it between my knees to keep me on my side.

AveoTSD is one of the "tongue grabbing" gadgets. It looks intriguing and makes sense, but I have no idea about success rates.

Be careful about going without CPAP and finding you ruined your vacation (and maybe some friendships) because of no sleep. Also don't forget you may be disturbing your buddies with your snoring.

By the way, we're all assuming you'll be without power. Is that true, or will you have AC or even DC power available on your trip?

[zimlich]

Stangman, I think posters have covered available subitutes for CPAP therapy- MMA appliance (dental device) and Provent.
Have fun! Enjoy your trip.
Mary

[Stangman]

Thank you all very much for the information. I think I will just stick with constant CPAP usage and get a battery. Don't want to add apnea episodes, heart strain, and terrible sleep to typically sleep deprived weekends.

[herefishy]

About the expense of provent - I've heard to use a new one every night, then heard of some who use one for 4-5 nights. Any thoughts about this?

[DocWils]

I cannot recommend Provent at this point for reasons stated elsewhere on this forum. But I am not familiar with one using the same strip for more than one night - the glue on the strip would normally not hold for a second application.

[Sleepster]

I've heard of people gluing them on to get an additional night or more. I guess if you spend enough time on the web you'll hear of people doing just about anything.

[DocWils]

I guess if you spend enough time on the web you'll hear of people doing just about anything.

Quite.

[u2canbuild]

Another option would be to get a 12volt to 120 volt inverter.

Run it off your car battery and you have instant 120 volt power!

Depending on the age and capacity of your car battery, You might want to take a extra battery along......... (Just in case)

A CPAP seems to use about the same (or less) power than a 100 watt light bulb.

I have used a 500 watt inverter for this application.

Avilable on e=bay or other places like harbor freight for about $25

Eric

[Sleepster]

Another option would be to get a 12volt to 120 volt inverter.

Run it off your car battery and you have instant 120 volt power!

That's certainly an option. That way you can run other stuff, too, like a TV.

Respironics machines, though, run natively on 12 volt DC electricity, so you can hook 'em up directly to the battery.

Depending on the age and capacity of your car battery, You might want to take a extra battery along......... (Just in case)

That's a good idea. If a hurricane heads this way I'm off to the parts store to buy an extra car battery. Just in case!