RV CPAP users?

[Dogman635UT]

My life with a C-PAP has changed a lot, now being retired and traveling.

I have been a C-PAP USER since 2005 and I'm not even overweight, which seems to be the stereotype most think when they hear about a C-PAP user.

My first three machines were all large and I broke down and obtained a cleaner for my machine when not in use. As you know cleaning daily can be a bear at times. Some of the new steps for myself has made life much easier. I also now use a much smaller C-PAP, less than 1/4 the size of the larger ones I've had.

I do not need to know or want to know your medical history or why you even use a C-PAP. I just got to thinking with many new changes in RVs today, they are making life for us C-PAP users much easier. The same is true with C-PAP equipment.

We travel a lot to sporting events, Camping, and hiking. Hiking is a new kick for me and the weight you carry is MOST IMPORTANT so you only want what you truly need. I have gone to a much smaller C-PAP which works well on battery pack and travels. Getting past TSA with a smaller C-PAP is much nicer than before, to say the least.

So any thoughts you would care to share? On your C-PAP in the RV world and what has made your C-PAP usage better for you outdoors or during your travels? SUGGESTIONS for fellow C-PAP users or Ideas?

[Hunger]

Me too! I'm a cpap user for the last few years. I have a resmed airsense. It is very compact and easy enough for RV travel. My Sunova 35j has a nice night stand that my cpap sits on and a plug near by. I wouldn't want to go without my cpap, so I'm glad mine fits in my RV.

[momdoc]

Following this thread as I will be getting my first Cpap in a few weeks.

We also fly a lot and I was wondering if any problems bringing your unit in your carry on bag.

[aether_one]

Originally Posted by momdoc

Following this thread as I will be getting my first Cpap in a few weeks.

We also fly a lot and I was wondering if any problems bringing your unit in your carry on bag.

I just flew to Saba in November: Six flight legs round trip and never removed my CPAP from the carry-on bag.

[aether_one]

The best thing I did for my CPAP in my RV was install a 12 VDC lighter plug on my side of the bed and use the DC cord for my CPAP. It stays in the RV as I use the AC block in the house.

Many RV models now come with CPAP stations in the bedroom with DC and AC power and slots for hoses in the cabinets over the head of the bed.

If your primary care Dr has referred you for a sleep study you are on the CPAP/BPAP/APAP train and very few people are able to get off. It's a huge medical industry now-a-days.

[Dogman635UT]

Originally Posted by momdoc

Following this thread as I will be getting my first Cpap in a few weeks.

We also fly a lot and I was wondering if any problems bringing your unit in your carry on bag.

NO, I have never had any issues with my large or now a small one. They all seem to know what they are and just run them through the Xray. YES, I always carry the CPAP and place it in the overhead without issue.

During the night as I use the humidifier which has water at home, or on the road. I will place my C-PAP in a servicing try should any waterfalls out onto the dresser. Doing this keeps the wife happy and a happy wife happy life. haha

[Dogman635UT]

Originally Posted by tfryman

The best thing I did for my CPAP in my RV was install a 12 VDC lighter plug on my side of the bed and use the DC cord for my CPAP. It stays in the RV as I use the AC block in the house.

Many RV models now come with CPAP stations in the bedroom with DC and AC power and slots for hoses in the cabinets over the head of the bed.

If your primary care Dr has referred you for a sleep study you are on the CPAP/BPAP/APAP train and very few people are able to get off. It's a huge medical industry now-a-days.

Thanks, some good information as I have never used a DC cord. I have always used the A/C 120 outlet, the same as in the home. As for a sleep study I did one back in 2005, but today I send the doctor a computer chip that has a port on the back of the CPAP. Everything works really good so I'm not up to changing anything. Your right about it being a growing business and growing. I just wish I had known about the thing (CPAP) back in my 30's.

Also, I'm not selling anything, just trying to trade some ideas with all fellow RV CPAP users.

[EJW]

I've been using a CPAP for 13 years since my early 30's. Wish I had know about sleep apnea in my 20's. What a difference a CPAP makes!

Like @Dogman635UT, I'm not overweight and do kickboxing 3-4x per week. That's me on the left.

My current machine rocks! I forgot mine during a cheer comp trip with my daughters to Orlando. Went to a local store the day we arrived because I really don't like to sleep without it. It's a Philips Respironics DreamStation. The cool part is adjusts the pressure to whatever you need. It starts for me at 5.5 and fluctuates all night depending on what I need (lighter, more). I hope to never go back to a single pressure machine. It has made the CPAP experience even that much better!!

I've never had a problem in the RV albeit we don't dry camp and have had some sort of 120v AC (generator or 30AMP).

Thanks very much for the DC cord idea!! It's super helpful!

[Alpine36]

Two thumbs up for the Phillips Respironics Dream Machine.
Having the cpap in the coach has been a complete game changer, just ask my DW! (25 year user)
Seems to have a very minimal draw on 110v inverter power, but I like the 12vdc idea for the bedroom. Hmmm, hey, another project.

[Dogman635UT]

Originally Posted by EJW

I've been using a CPAP for 13 years since my early 30's. Wish I had know about sleep apnea in my 20's. What a difference a CPAP makes!

Like @Dogman635UT, I'm not overweight and do kickboxing 3-4x per week. That's me on the left.

My current machine rocks! I forgot mine during a cheer comp trip with my daughters to Orlando. Went to a local store the day we arrived because I really don't like to sleep without it. It's a Philips Respironics DreamStation. The cool part is adjusts the pressure to whatever you need. It starts for me at 5.5 and fluctuates all night depending on what I need (lighter, more). I hope to never go back to a single pressure machine. It has made the CPAP experience even that much better!!

I've never had a problem in the RV albeit we don't dry camp and have had some sort of 120v AC (generator or 30AMP).

Thanks very much for the DC cord idea!! It's super helpful!

Like yourself I found myself without my CPAP and my wife would not let me hear the end. I returned after three days and was dying not having my CPAP. I use the DreamStation GO which is small. My only issue is I got a few years back a SoClean which I can not use with it. So once back home I clean up by hand and put away until next trip. My Larger HOME CPAP is nice and I just drop the mask and close the lead. Seems to automatically start cleaning two hours after the lid is closed. I was informed to run the CPAP for 30-sec to vent the cleaning gas, which I do and all is great. I also got a battery Pack for when I'm hiking as it gets me safely through the nights with no loss of power.

Thanks again for your feedback, and I did NOT know I could find a local shop to buy a replacement. MORE input on that would be helpful thanks. If I should only need an attachment. I did buy the case for my dream station Go but was not really happy with the case it came in.

[EJW]

Originally Posted by Dogman635UT

Like yourself I found myself without my CPAP and my wife would not let me hear the end. I returned after three days and was dying not having my CPAP. I use the DreamStation GO which is small. My only issue is I got a few years back a SoClean which I can not use with it. So once back home I clean up by hand and put away until next trip. My Larger HOME CPAP is nice and I just drop the mask and close the lead. Seems to automatically start cleaning two hours after the lid is closed. I was informed to run the CPAP for 30-sec to vent the cleaning gas, which I do and all is great. I also got a battery Pack for when I'm hiking as it gets me safely through the nights with no loss of power.

Thanks again for your feedback, and I did NOT know I could find a local shop to buy a replacement. MORE input on that would be helpful thanks. If I should only need an attachment. I did buy the case for my dream station Go but was not really happy with the case it came in.

My wife was in Guatemala on a medical mission while we were on this cheer trip. But I could just hear her when I realized my CPAP was still home.

It was dumb-luck and a Google Hail Mary I found a place nearby us in Orlando. The store is LocalCPAP. They have 4 other locations: https://www.localcpap.com/orlando.html

The owner was super nice and the woman who helped me was really knowledgeable. The whole process was incredibly quick and smooth.

Appreciate the tips about cleaning! I have to get better about cleaning my mask and hose. I do it so infrequently. Haven't had any issues yet, but I am sure I'm on borrowed time in that area.

I'm super intrigued by the 12V DC adapter. Not sure I have the expertise to install it. Will ask my mechanic, but after the dust settles from replacing our aged out 6 tires this week.

[Jeff and Cheryl]

I would like to know more about the battery pac. Have been using the Respironics Dream Station for the last three years. It would be great to have a battery back up for those time when we are dry camping. Specifically, who makes the battery and/or who sells them. Also how are they recharged? Currently using plugging in to AC. Plan on having a 12v plug installed, but battery would be a great idea as well.
Thanks for the help.

[Hunger]

Originally Posted by momdoc

Following this thread as I will be getting my first Cpap in a few weeks.

We also fly a lot and I was wondering if any problems bringing your unit in your carry on bag.

I have a separate bag specifically for my cpap. When I fly, I get a medical equipment tag to put on the bag so it doesn't count as my carry-on.

[Miniozzy3]

I've had my CPAP for a 10 tear period and I boondock with it.
I installed a 12vdc plug close to bed and run the resmed inverter/transformer.
It runs for the night without much trouble. I can not run the heat on in the water tank. I can get away on 1/2 of my charge in batteries for the night.
2 x TYPE 31 Lead acid batteries. they are deep cycle(according to tag).