When you travel, it’s important to get enough sleep. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you don’t want to be too tired to enjoy yourself. For some, a standard CPAP machine may not be the best option. It’s big, loud, and needs to be plugged in. A travel CPAP machine or an oral device may be a good back up that can also be used to treat sleep apnea while you are on the go.

WHAT IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU?

It’s up to you to decide which sleep apnea treatment is best for you. Talk to your healthcare provider about your situation, needs, and budget to find the most appropriate solution.

Oral Appliance

Oral appliances treat sleep apnea and snoring by stabilizing the jaw to keep the airway open. Many patients do well with oral appliances as their main treatment therapy and they use them nightly both at home and on the go.

A big draw for oral appliances is that they don’t need electricity and don’t take up much space. They are simple to clean and don’t make noise or require masks or replacement parts. They are a small and portable addition to any carry-on bag.

Even people who like to use a CPAP machine every day may choose to use an oral appliance for nothing else than when they travel or camp. This is a very popular kind of hybrid treatment where patients enjoy the benefits of both therapy options as their daily needs change.

An added bonus is that if a sleep apnea appliance is indicated by your doctor, oral appliances are covered by most major medical insurances including Medicare.

A Travel CPAP Machine

They do make travel versions of the CPAP kit which has a small size to make it easier to pack in your luggage. The machine is smaller, and most of them come with an adapter for a car charger or a battery. This option can be a more portable solution for the suitcase, however, it still does require a power source so it may not be effective if you are going off the grid.

While they are a more compact design, travel machines still take up more room in your luggage than oral devices. Even though some travel machines have features to make them quieter, they do still require a power source and will make noise that can be disruptive to travel companions.

It is important to check before you buy as most health insurance plans don’t cover these specialty machines.

BREATHE EASIER DURING TRAVEL

It might be tempting to skip treatment for sleep apnea when you’re on the road. But sleep apnea is a serious condition that can negatively impact your overall health and can lead to more problems than just tiredness. Don't skip a night of treatment just because you aren't at home. Good quality sleep is always important, especially on vacation!

To find out more about our Oral Appliance Therapy Program call us at 303-688-6630

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