How to go camping with a CPAP machine?

A CPAP machine can make a stark difference to your sleep quality. Moreover, if your doctor has recommended it, it is not a good idea to skip it. It does not matter whether you’re on an outdoor trip or sleeping at home; it is always a good idea to stick to the CPAP machine if recommended by a doctor.

The CPAP machine’s necessity is not at all in doubt, but many consumers often get confused when they have to go on an outdoor excursion like a camping trip.

The question which arises is: how to take a CPAP machine on camping?

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways in which you can use the CPAP machine on a camping trip. We will detail the same below.

How to go camping with a CPAP machine?

You can go on a camping trip along with your CPAP machine. Using it need not be that difficult either. We will share with you a step-by-step guide below, which will help you understand how you can use the CPAP machine during your camping trip.

Step 1: Choose the right CPAP machine:

If you haven’t chosen a portable CPAP machine until now, then this step is for you.

When buying a CPAP machine, you have to keep portability in mind. It should be lightweight and preferably come along with a carrying case. When that is the case, you can carry it with you on your camping trip. You need not search for any temporary solutions to do so.

In case you already have a CPAP machine, it is better to buy a travel case so that you can carry the entire device with you. Once you do so, taking it on a camping trip with you shouldn’t be a problem.

Step 2: Pick a lightweight CPAP mask:

The CPAP mask is one of the essential elements of the entire setup. Like the CPAP machine, it is also a good idea to choose a lightweight mask. Also, it would help if you looked at its reliability to ensure that it works well, despite its lightweight size.

If you already have a CPAP mask, you might think about taking it with you so that you can rely on the machine as well as the mask. Once again, lightweight and portability should be your criteria to choose the CPAP mask.

Step 3: Determine the Power source:

Now that we have provided a solution for you to carry the machine with you on your trip, the next question which you might have is, how can you power that machine?

There are mainly three options for you to choose between. However, instead of choosing between these three options after reaching the camping site, it is better to think about them in advance. We will share with you these three options so that you can make an informed decision before embarking on your camping trip.

Choose the right campsite:

The first option which you have is to choose a campsite with an electricity source. It will ensure that you can power the CPAP machine easily. In that case, as well, you need to follow a couple of tips. These include:

1. You have to carry extension cords with you. When you do so, you can choose a site away from the generator and therefore sleep peacefully.
2. As a precautionary measure, it is better to carry earplugs as well so that the power source’s sound does not disturb you at all.

Following these two tips will ensure that you can take advantage of the power source at the campsite. It will help you in using the CPAP machine throughout the night without any obstruction.

Take a power generator with you:

Not able to find a campsite with a power source?

Worry not! You can take a power generator with you. You need not opt for a big power generator. It is better to go with the 150 W portable power generators. It can power the CPAP quite easily. However, it would help if you did not use it for other gadgets or powering any other appliances. In that case, it can last for 2+ days.

Also, to ensure that the CPAP machine remains in perfect condition, you have to choose an inverter generator that will protect the device. When you carry such a portable power generator with you, you will not need a power source at the site.

Pro tip: As a backup plan, you can carry a solar panel to charge the portable power generator.

Use CPAP battery packs:

If, due to some reason, both of these solutions are not feasible for you, there are dedicated CPAP battery packs available. You can carry multiple battery packs to power the CPAP machine throughout your trip. Many of them are chargeable with solar panels, which means you can charge them in the daytime.

These can be used as a backup even if the campsite has a power source. It will ensure that you can rely on your CPAP machine during your camping trip.

Thus, once you have taken care of the above two steps, you can choose between the three power source options highlighted above. It will help you in powering your CPAP machine and sleeping comfortably through the camping trip.

There are, however, a handful of additional tips that you need to follow when going for a camping trip along with your CPAP machine.

Additional tips for camping with a CPAP machine:

The other tips which you need to follow are:

Do not forget the accessories:

It is a good idea to carry additional accessories like a CPAP machine cleaning kit. It will ensure that you can maintain the CPAP machine in working condition without much of an effort.

Take the instruction manual with you:

Even if you have used a CPAP machine a hundred times in the past, it is still better to carry the instruction manual with you. Out there in the wilderness, you might not get network reception to check the instructions on the Internet. You never know what problem might crop up with the CPAP machine. Once you consider these factors, it is advisable to carry the instruction manual with you.

Test the machine before embarking on the camping trip:

It does not matter whether you use the CPAP machine regularly or occasionally. Before you start on your camping trip, you should test the CPAP machine at least one day in advance. It will allow you to detect the problems and get them repaired in time. If you do not have the time to fix it, you can buy a new one from a pharmacy near you. Nevertheless, it would be best to embark on a trip without testing the CPAP machine.

These three tips will ensure that the CPAP machine becomes a failsafe for you when heading onto your camping trip.

So, carrying your CPAP machine on the camping trip is quite easy. You can follow our guide above to do so in a reliable fashion. It is time that you enjoy a relaxed sleep with the help of this machine, even when you’re on your camping trip.

Happy Camping!

Sean's an avid camper, kayaker, and RVer. He loves spending time finding new trails and campsites to take his family and friends.