Are there any sleep apnea afflicted backpackers here?

[survivNca]

I have had sleep apnea for a while now and even though i have lost 65lbs i still have it. I cant carry my machine and i am not to sure of the mouth pieces. what do you think my best bet is? does sleeping on your stomach or side help? maybe i could pitch my tent on a smooth slope. lol

[TNDadx4]

We used to go camping with people from out church and several of them have sleep apnea.

Sleeping with your head elevated or on your side could help. I also know that certain campgrounds, unless you go "wilderness camping" have outlets for CPAP machines.

I hope this helps.

[doublehelix]

There are some battery operated portable CPAP machines out there, but would probably be good only for a couple of nights.


Talk to your MD about it for sure.

[SteveandTracyinKY]

I have been researching this for a while now. I have two issues, camping and then backpacking.

camping: The battery packs that you jump cars will work, as well as items like the Powerdome EX. You can use a marine battery, but they are very heavy. Most manufactures offer a battery pack that will go with your machine.

Backpacking: I have no freakin idea. The battery packs would work for a short trip, but that's still 4-6 pounds depending on your device.

A lot of it depends on your pressure as well. The lower the pressure, the less juice it needs. I have some charts and such for resmed machines, if you want to post it, or PM me, I'll send you the ones that cover your machine

[survivNca]

Thanks Steve. The car camping i have squared away. i have Battery and a power invert and im good to go. The backpacking is the tricky one, my doctor told me to get a mouth piece but i sleep full face mask mouth open. I am hoping the 60 pounds i lost will help elevate some of the symptoms till i get back home. Time will tell.

[mrsunshine]

I'm not a backpacker, but I do have sleep apnea.  My Dad also has sleep apnea... or did anyway.  He used a CPAP machine for a long while. So I have a few thoughts for you... not unique to backpacking though.  You may already be aware, but there are some alternatives to CPAP.  I'm not even remotely an apnea expert, and I was only recently diagnosed myself, so I haven't tried any of these yet -- still debating what to do, and trying to allocate the time to do it.  My information is based on my Dad's experience, talking to my doctor, and research on the internet.  So that's my disclaimer.

My Dad no longer has need of a CPAP machine after purchasing access to & utilizing a set of "stop snoring" exercises, located here: (WARNING in case you missed it the first time - this is a link to some introductory information that will ask you to pay for access to all the exercises) http://blueheronhealthnews.com/blog/health-guides/stop-snoring-program/

I haven't yet tried them, though it's going to be my first step, as it's actually a cure (if it works), not just treatment.

There are a variety of other devices for treatment -- most if not all of which are much more portable than a CPAP. Obviously results vary depending on the exact cause of your apnea.  Here's a few links that I have found that talk about the alternatives:

herbs: http://www.healthiertalk.com/managing-sleep-apnea-without-cpap-machine-2105
mouth devices and other: http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com/alternatives-to-cpap.html

And a few other specific ones:
http://www.getaveo.com/
http://www.glidewelldental.com/dentist/services/removables-silent-nite.aspx
http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com/thornton-adjustable-positioner.html

I will post here again if/when I manage to try some of these things myself.  Good luck!

[hillclimber]

Yeah, I have mild sleep apnea too. It doesn't bother me anywhere near as much as it used to. I never had to use a CPAP machine, but I probably should've. I can tell you that (with me) It's worse if I drink alot of beer. Other than that I have almost no issues with it anymore. Being healthier is a good start, but with some folks, it doesn't matter. I know a guy (one of the "hoodlums") who has a really rough time with sleep apnea, and he's not overweight.
With me, I just didn't feel very rested. I used to snore alot more than I do now too, and had allergy issues.
As time passed, it just got better. I'd also say my stress level dropped some too. I never had it bad enough to change my outdoor activities. Guess I got off lucky.

[survivNca]

Thanks again for the feedback. I just got back from a 4 day and a 2 day trip. I didnt notice any side effects from not having my  cpap, but it felt pretty awesome when i got home and put it back on. Sleep was deep and delightful.

[kenser321]

Check this out. The reviews seem to be good. http://www.cpap.com/cpap-machine/evo-AEIOMed-Everest-2-Travel-CPAP-Machine.html?tab=reviews#tab

[SteveandTracyinKY]

Looks pretty cool but that one is discontinued. Here is the current model:

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/transcend-II-travel-cpap-machine-somnetics.html