CPAP Travel Bag
Your CPAP machine comes with a CPAP travel bag which for some people is a life saver. I just spoke to my neighbor about it. As it turns out he has a CPAP machine similar to the one that I have and he takes it everywhere with him.
Now there is no problem missing your machine for one night for many people. However that is one night you do not get a good nights sleep. That is why my neighbor travels with his CPAP machine all of the time.
CPAP Travel Bag
Depending on the system that you purchase, there will be various bags provided. I have the one on the left in the picture. It holds everything I need, including the machine , the power supply, the hoses and of course the mask. Some people will go with a full mask, however I am using a nasal pillow type of mask which fits over your nose with straps that go over your head to hold it in place. Every thing fits inside the bag and it has a handy carrying strap as well to fit over your shoulder for easy transport.
Sleeping Well While You Travel
Do you remember what you felt like prior to getting a CPAP machine. You may recall how tired you were all of the time and how tired your partner probably was. Personally I would fall asleep every afternoon because I was so tired. This really created a problem when I was traveling on a driving trip. I would have to pull over multiple times during the day to take a nap, because I was so tired. Now with my CPAP machine, I am getting a full eight hours of sleep every night and I am no longer needing that nap during the day!
Driving is much easier as well. I do not get that drowsy feeling settling over me at various times of the day due to fatigue. As a result, I always will be traveling with my CPAP travel bag and CPAP system. It only takes a few minutes to set up and presto, you are off to sleep. I cannot believe how well I now sleep with the CPAP machine.
CPAP Mask
Personally I use a nasal pillow type of mask. If you look at the previous post, CPAP Mask Nasal Pillows, you can see a picture of this type of mask. It is soft and fits comfortably to my nose and is held in place by the straps that go around your head. It is a very small unit and takes little room inside the travel bag.
For me, I much prefer this type of mask compared to the one that covers your nose and mouth. Personally I would find that too restrictive, but it really is a personal preference as to which one you use. A friend of mine is a mouth breather and he requires a full face mask to cover his mouth and nose when he is running the CPAP machine.
Why Should You Consider a CPAP Machine
If you snore loudly, if you stop breathing, or gasp for air, then you probably need a CPAP machine. I did all of those things and was very surprised to learn that my sleep was interrupted on average 39 times an hour. The only way to really tell if you need one of these machines is to arrange with your doctor for a sleep study assessment to determine if you need it and what pressure that you are required to set the machine at.
One night’s sleep test could significantly improve your quality of life and it could also save your life. Apparently people with sleep apnea suffer heart attacks and strokes much more often than people who do not have sleep apnea. If you also have asthma, then there is a a significant increase in those probabilities. My doctor did not hesitate at all to schedule a sleep apnea test once she correlated asthma with snoring and gasping.
Results of Using MY CPAP Machine
I have only used my CPAP machine for 2 weeks at the time of writing this post, however I can already say that it has made a huge difference in my quality of life. I am sleeping better and longer and my asthma has not bothered me at all. Still it is only 2 weeks, so will need to wait longer to really see all of the benefits, but I would say to anyone reading this post that you should see your doctor right away and get a CPAP machine immediately if you are diagnosed with Sleep Apnea.
The improvement in quality of life is phenomenal and I now feel a lot more rested. In fact I will make sure that I always carry my CPAP in my CPAP travel bag where ever I go. It is just too important in my life. I actually love to go to bed now for a good nights sleep! For more information about CPAP machines, masks and travel considerations, click here.
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September 16th, 2012 at 8:54 pm
[…] out other Dr.'s and health care Practitioners to better treat you. What do you think? Answer below! by A.Currell Question by D_Icon: How important is it to know your pressure setting for your CPAP ma…important is it to know your pressure setting for your CPAP machine? I want to get a CPAP, I've been […]
September 17th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
I know two friends of mind that now have a CPAP machine and they are doing really well, in fact they will not go anywhere without it. They sleep well and their wives are so happy that they do not snore at all. If you have sleep apnea, get a sleep test now!
September 21st, 2012 at 5:24 am
This article provide many tips. Very useful to me. Thanks a lot ?
October 24th, 2015 at 7:42 am
I would switch docorts. I find it highly unethical to tell you he will only permit you to try the CPAP for one night. Anyone that has used a CPAP machine will tell you that it takes a long time to get used to it and to feel the benefits. The first time I tried it I hated it. But, I now use it and while I don’t particulary like it I find it is just beginning to work. I have spoke to people that have had the surgery and they have told me that it is painful. It is painful in the recovery period. The surgery is also not guaranteed and does not have a high % rate of complete success. I would get a second opinion from a board certified sleep physician. Good Luck!