We all need a little escape from time to time, and camping is a great way to do that. There are plenty of benefits, from fresh air and sunshine to relieving stress and resetting your sleep cycle. But how can you go camping with sleep apnea? While it might seem like a challenge, camping with your CPAP is easier than it sounds. In this guide, we’ll discuss the following:
Although it may be tempting to leave your CPAP at home for a few days, it’s not recommended. Practicing consistency in your therapy is the best way to treat sleep apnea, so it’s never a good idea to skip nights here and there. But in order to go camping with your CPAP, you’ll need power, and which power source you use will depend on where you want to go. There are two choices:
Which direction you go is completely up to you, but rest assured that there are great options to power your CPAP machine either way.
Using a battery is the best option if your trip takes you off the beaten path and the site you select doesn’t have electricity. Disconnecting from the hustle and bustle is the obvious choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for some peace and quiet, but it does require more preparation and planning. It’s important to find the best battery to use for your CPAP while camping, and this comes down to a couple of options.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the best battery to use for your CPAP on your camping trip. There are positives and negatives to both options, but either one can help you plan the trip you want.
Of course, the easiest option is just to stay at a campsite that provides power. If you’re looking for a camping experience with a side of air conditioning and Wi-Fi, this is the way to go. There are plenty of great choices, from KOA Campgrounds to National Parks, that offer power hookups. Access to power makes it a lot easier to go camping with your CPAP, especially if you use a humidifier. While helpful, using a humidifier will drain your battery a lot faster, so it’s recommended to have a source of electricity or to bring extra batteries if you plan to use your humidifier on your trip. Powered campsites are also more likely to have bathrooms and showers available, but they may be more crowded and feel less like a true camping experience, so keep all of this in mind as you’re deciding where you want to go.
While it’s perfectly fine to use your current CPAP machine for camping, you may also want to consider investing in a travel CPAP machine for long trips. Using a more portable CPAP for camping and other traveling offers a few advantages:
In addition, travel CPAP machines often have advanced features that allow you to track sleep trends and gain further insight into your sleep quality. These are great for anyone that struggles with sleep more when they’re on the road.
As you’re preparing to go camping with your CPAP, deciding where to stay, and figuring out how many and what type of batteries you need, don’t forget the rest of your essentials.
Above all else, have fun! Camping with sleep apnea doesn’t have to feel any different than normal camping. Make sure you’re prepared, then all you’ll have to worry about is the standard stuff like mosquitoes, poison ivy, and bears…Sweet dreams and happy camping!
Comments