Posted on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 at 9:00 am
Traveling is an excellent way to relax, let loose, and broaden your horizons. Although travel is supposed to be fun and exciting, for individuals suffering from sleep apnea, it can be frustrating and anxiety-inducing. Why? Traveling with a cumbersome CPAP machine can be stressful, and a travel sleep apnea device is essential.
Thankfully, there are alternatives to CPAP machines that might make your next trip more relaxing.
Why You Need a Travel Sleep Apnea Device
While vital for helping sleep apnea sufferers get a good night’s rest, recognizing the common warning signs early can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes. Traditional CPAP machines can be challenging to travel with, making portable CPAP machines a convenient alternative. If you plan to fly, getting through the airport with your CPAP can be difficult. CPAP machines can be bulky, taking up valuable suitcase real estate. They can also be heavy, adding additional weight to your suitcase, making it more challenging to travel with and potentially more expensive if you have to pay extra charges because your luggage is overweight.
Please read more about the CPAP machine here: Phillips recalls CPAP machines over cancer risk
Flying with a CPAP can also be frustrating because it is an expensive medical device. Careless flight staff throwing bags around can damage CPAP machines, which deliver pressurized air, especially if improperly packed, leaving you without the vital device you need when you reach your destination. Often, putting these machines in a carry-on and keeping them with you at all times is the best way to keep them safe, but it can be impractical due to size and weight restrictions.
Setting up your CPAP power supply at your destination may also be challenging. You must ensure a clean water source, a stable surface to put your machine on, and outlets nearby. That is not always possible when camping in a National Park or traveling overseas, so portable travel CPAP machines are essential for managing sleep apnea.
The stress and hassle of lugging around a CPAP machine are enough to make someone want to stay home instead. However, there are ways to travel without a CPAP machine and still get relief from sleep apnea diagnosis symptoms. For some individuals, a sleep appliance may be the perfect solution.
Sleep Appliances: A Travel Alternative
A sleep appliance or oral appliance CPAP therapy is an alternative sleep apnea treatment specifically designed to help maintain a person’s airway during sleep. These oral devices are generally custom-made and fit the mouth like a mouthguard or retainer. They improve sleep apnea symptoms by keeping a person’s airway open while they sleep.
The benefit of investing in a sleep apnea device and knowing apnea causes, especially for travel, is that these oral devices are small and easily fit into a retainer or denture case. Slip one in your carry-on or purse, and you are ready to hit the road. Most oral appliances are made from tough acrylic, nylon, or silicone materials, so you aren’t going to set off a medical detector or answer questions about your device as you go through security.
Since an oral appliance doesn’t require electricity, you don’t need to worry about outlets or converter kits. The only water you’ll need at night is drinking water—no more jugs of distilled water to continuously maintain fluid levels in your CPAP machine.
Features to Look for in a Travel Sleep Apnea Device
An oral sleep apnea device may look like a retainer or mouthguard, but these devices are worlds apart from what you’d pick up off a store shelf. Oral appliances are specifically designed for your unique mouth shape and size. A patient’s needs and medical situation can also dictate which oral appliance style suits them.
Don’t take shortcuts regarding your health. Have a sleep professional help you find the sleep apnea appliance that fits your needs and lifestyle. If you know you will be traveling and want to try an oral sleep apnea appliance, talk to a sleep expert in advance. Measuring, fabricating, and receiving a sleep apnea appliance can take four to six weeks. Give you and your doctor ample time to find and customize the right device.
Please read more about apnea causes here: Can Sleep Apnea Cause Brain Damage?
Make alternative arrangements if you can’t get an oral device fabricated in time for your trip. It may be inconvenient to travel with a CPAP machine power source. But untreated sleep apnea can be potentially life-threatening. Don’t jeopardize your health. Take the proper precautions and bring your machine with you on your journey. While your vacation should be a fun and exciting getaway, don’t get away from good sleep habits. Try to stick to a healthy sleep routine, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and maintain a good diet. These tips will also help you maintain proper sleep quality.
Learn More from a Sleep Professional
If you are ready to try an oral appliance, a sleep professional at Silent Night Therapy is prepared to help. Contact our office at (631) 983-2463 for a complimentary sleep consultation.
Learn more about our team and mission, or contact Sleep Better NY today to schedule a free consultation and explore your sleep apnea treatment options.