Travel BiPAP?
Hi, I see a lot of new travel CPAP machines out there now but am currently on BiPAP therapy (after decades on CPAP) for OSA. I'm doing better with lower AHIs on BiPAP but when I'm on flights or even a passenger on a long road trip I fall asleep and wake up with a headache or just feel awful upon waking. I'm wondering if there's a BiPAP travel machine equivalent or if it's possible to use a CPAP for travel with adjusted settings and a BiPAP for routine use? I'm thinking that a CPAP would be better than nothing while traveling? Anyone on BiPAP have success with a travel option? I should note I've tried using a BiPAP with a battery on a flight without success.
Thanks in advance!
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I believe that you'll have to use an actual BiPAP machine. If you purchase a suitable power supply, one that the airline will allow, it may even last you six or seven hours, depending. The Medistrom https://www.medistrom.com/ are good batteries that, if you forego heat in the tube, and humidity setting, you can get about six hours worth of activity.
I actually do have this battery and it does work well, so thank you for this recommendation. Unfortunately, on my attempt to use it on the airline, they were really confused by it and ultimately insisted I store the BiPAP under my seat and I was worried that someone might kick or step on it (I wanted to hold it one my lap). I was also worried about it using it in the car and it sliding off my lap. I kind of view this as my lifeline and if this primary machine were to break I would be stuck as it has worked better than other machines and it is unfortunately no longer produced. I appreciate your advice!
I would place it on the floor between my feet, maybe better nested up against the curved fuselage at my feet. The only concern is crud on the floor that may result in your having to change the filter before the next evening's use (you never know how well the cleaners do their jobs....outta sight, outta mind). The hose is almost five feet long, so it will have lots of reach up to your face from the machine. But the floor of the cabin is stable and robust, and it is where your Medistrom should be, close by. If anything it can be propped up in front of your feet, also against the fuselage. That way, your feet can twitch and jerk while you are in blissful sleep. 😀