Oct 27th 2022
CPAP Alternatives for Travel
As a person who uses CPAP therapy, you probably know how challenging it can be to continue your treatment while you’re on the road. The machines are big and heavy and must be removed from baggage for X-ray scanning.
Getting a good night’s sleep is just as important while traveling — and sometimes even more important, especially if it’s essential that you remain awake and alert during your trip.
Even though it’s possible to pack (and unpack, clean, and re-pack) your regular CPAP machine and accessories for every trip you take, there are alternatives designed to make it easier to continue your therapy while away from home.
Here are a few suggestions for adapting your CPAP treatment to a jet-set lifestyle.
Travel CPAP Machines
Clearly the best option, travel CPAP machines provide all the benefits of your bulkier home device while you’re on the road. You can find various compact, portable CPAP machines from GoCPAP.com. If you’re a frequent traveler, it may be worth the investment to buy a travel-ready CPAP machine to take with you wherever you go.
The many benefits of buying a travel CPAP machine include:
Here’s a list of high-quality travel CPAP machines available for purchase from GoCPAP.com:
- Bread HDM Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine — A portable CPAP machine that’s built for travel and convenience.
- ResMed AirMini CPAP machine — One of the most popular travel CPAP devices, it’s ultraportable and compatible with the HumidX waterless humidifier system.
- Somnetics Transcend Micro Auto CPAP Machine — The smallest, lightest, and quietest CPAP machine on the market.
Oral Appliances and Nasal Valves
Many FDA-approved mouthpieces are designed to help with obstructive sleep apnea by moving the jaw forward or holding the tongue in place while you sleep. They’re usually custom-fitted for each patient, and most often treat milder forms of apnea.
Another simple treatment is the use of a nasal valve that fits in the nostrils and widens the air passage to the throat. These devices are small, portable, and disposable, making them ideal for traveling.
Ask your healthcare provider if an oral appliance or nasal valve might work for you. These CPAP alternatives aren’t for everyone.
BYOP: Bring Your Own Pillow
If you’re a seasoned traveler, you already know how soft and unsupportive hotel pillows can be, even without sleep apnea. By bringing your own pillow — especially the memory-foam styles designed to help with snoring and sleep apnea — you give your head a better angle for optimizing your breathing passages while you sleep.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Congestion is a frequent cause of poor airflow during sleep, so antihistamines or decongestants are a great temporary solution in lieu of your CPAP machine (at least for short trips). It is not recommended for the average patient to take medications for long periods of time, so consider this alternative only with the advice of your doctor or nurse.
Making Lifestyle Changes to Treat Sleep Apnea
While these are not alternatives to using your cpap, they will aid in better sleep when paired with your cpap device while at home or traveling:
- Lose Weight
- Exercise
- Cut the Caffeine and Alcohol
- Stop Smoking
Your Best Option: Invest in a Travel CPAP Machine
After considering all the possibilities, the most ideal option for ensuring optimum sleep apnea therapy while traveling is to purchase and use a travel CPAP machine. When you combine the on-the-go alternatives mentioned above with a high-quality travel CPAP machine, you give yourself the best chance at a great night’s sleep whenever you’re away from home.
Shop for CPAP Machines and Accessories with GoCPAP.com
GoCPAP.com offers a wide variety of supplies, accessories, and alternatives for all your CPAP needs. Check out this month’s special offers.
