Written by Nancy Kirk
September 20, 2024
Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life, reconnect with nature, and enjoy peaceful nights under the stars. However, using a CPAP while camping can present challenges—but it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your trip while maintaining your health. At Lofta, we’re here to help! Because yes, CPAP therapy and camping can definitely go hand-in-hand.
Let’s discuss some of the best practices for camping with a CPAP, from travel-friendly CPAP devices to power solutions for remote locations and more. CPAP therapy has an incredible effect on your energy levels, so it’s important to continue using it while on your vacation so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest.
Why a Travel CPAP Setup Is Essential for Outdoor Adventures
Traditional CPAP machines aren’t typically designed for traveling or the outdoors, as they’re heavy and require a power source. However, in recent years, travel-sized CPAP machines have made great strides, allowing people to enjoy camping with sleep apnea. These portable alternatives are smaller, lighter, and specially designed to meet users' needs on the go. Travel CPAPs are ideal for camping because they are:
- Compact: Travel CPAPs are much smaller and lightweight, making them easy to carry.
- Durable: They can often withstand various environmental conditions, including heat and cold, as well as high altitudes.
- Equipped with charging options: Travel CPAPs have built-in battery options, like solar charging or additional battery packs.
Powering Your CPAP in the Wilderness
You may be concerned about powering your CPAP while camping. Thankfully, there are several solutions for keeping your CPAP running without electricity:
Lofta Customers Share Their Global Camping CPAP Adventures
From Peru’s Machu Picchu to Africa’s Kilimanjaro, these Lofta customers prove there are no limits to what you can achieve while maintaining CPAP therapy. So, if you’re worried about maintaining CPAP therapy while camping—fear not; these adventurers prove just how capable travel-friendly CPAP solutions are.
Jim Rowson is a seasoned hiker from Washington and a Lofta customer with sleep apnea. In September 2023, he and his wife completed an 8-day trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Despite the high altitudes exceeding the recommendation limits of their ResMed AirMini, he successfully relied on this CPAP every night. He reached Stella Point at 18,885 feet in the early morning after hours of strenuous climbing. It proved to be a powerful and emotional moment! After months of prep, Jim felt the thrill of conquering Africa's highest peak while still maintaining his sleep health!
A couple of months later, Lofta customer Logan M. and his wife planned a trip to trek the Peruvian Andes to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They wanted to stay in unique “sky dome” accommodation with stunning views of the Humantay and Salkantay mountains. Initially, Logan had concerns about the performance of their ResMed AirMini CPAP in high altitudes.
Then they read the above story in a Lofta email about Jim Rowson’s successful CPAP camping adventure! Reading that story helped give Logan confidence that he’d be able to complete the trek with his AirMini in hand. And they were right! Logan and his wife were pleasantly surprised by how well it worked, even at high altitudes. Logan also used the Medistrom Pilot-23 Lite battery to recharge his device. The trek covered elevations over 15,000 feet, but his CPAP functioned well throughout the journey, allowing for restful nights and the adventure of a lifetime.
CPAP Therapy & Your Energy Levels
Maintaining CPAP therapy while camping is important for keeping your energy and focus levels up throughout the day. Research consistently shows that people with sleep apnea who use CPAP therapy experience significant improvements in daytime energy, mental alertness, and overall well-being.
A recent study published in the American Study of Sleep Medicine showed how CPAP therapy can significantly reduce fatigue and increase energy in patients with sleep apnea. Over the course of three weeks, trial participants saw their self-reported fatigue levels drop dramatically, with some no longer experiencing clinically significant fatigue at all. In particular, those who began the study feeling excessively tired saw the most substantial improvements, including a notable reduction in daytime sleepiness and brain fog.
Without CPAP therapy, you may experience increased fatigue and drowsiness, making it harder to enjoy your camping trip. Regular CPAP use helps you wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day’s adventures!
How to Optimize Your CPAP While Camping
Getting the most out of your CPAP while camping involves a few practical considerations:
- Proper Setup: Set up your CPAP in a well-ventilated area of your tent. Make sure the machine is placed on a stable surface to prevent it from tipping over during the night.
- Noise Reduction: While most travel CPAPs are designed to be quiet, camping in silent environments can amplify the sound of your machine. Consider using earplugs if you’re sensitive to noise, or position your CPAP machine farther away from your sleeping area.
- Adjusting to Altitude: Some camping locations, particularly those in mountainous areas, require altitude adjustments. Most CPAP machines have automatic altitude adjustment features.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Outdoor conditions can be less hygienic than at home, so keep your CPAP clean. Use a travel bag and pack travel-friendly CPAP wipes for quick cleaning, and consider bringing an extra filter if your trip is long.
Dealing with Lack of Power or Sun: Backup Plans for Remote Camping
Sometimes, even with lots of preparation, you can’t charge your CPAP machine, possibly due to a rainy day or a faulty cord. If you have no other options, this may help relieve your symptoms. Be aware that these are by no means replacements for CPAP therapy.
- Sleep with your head elevated or use nasal strips to help keep airways open.
- Practice mindful breathing techniques that help regulate your breathing during the night.
- Ensure you’re resting in a well-ventilated area to keep fresh air circulating.
Enjoy Camping with Your CPAP!
Camping with sleep apnea doesn’t have to be daunting. Instead, camping with a CPAP will likely make your trip more enjoyable. With the right travel CPAP equipment and a solid power plan, you can enjoy restful nights under the stars and fully participate in outdoor adventures. Remember, taking care of your health and ensuring quality sleep will allow you to make the most of your camping experience. You may also want to read 7 Tips for Traveling with Sleep Apnea. Enjoy your trip!
Featured Travel CPAP Products for Camping
Below are some of our best-selling products that make camping with sleep apnea easier than ever.
ResMed AirMini
This compact CPAP machine has nearly 2,000 5-star reviews on the Lofta site, making it our best-selling, best-reviewed travel CPAP device. Despite weighing less than a pound, the AirMini offers all the features of a full-sized machine, including pressure relief, automatic altitude adjustment, and quiet operation.
“This is an excellent CPAP and it travels like a dream! It is lightweight and takes up 1/3 the space of my regular one. Worth every dollar!” — Linda C.
Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP
The Transcend Micro is the smallest and lightest device on the market, and has adjustable settings which make it compatible with any CPAP mask.
“Best travel purchase ever! I have been packing up my full size CPAP for years when I travel. I wish I had known about the Transcend Micro sooner. It’s so light weight and small, if you are thinking about getting it.. buy it now!” — Mary D.
Lofta Explore 5500 CPAP Battery Power Station
At just 3 pounds, the travel-friendly Explore Battery is easy to carry with 14 to 24 hours of runtime, depending on your settings. It includes 2 AC & USB ports, and you can even extend its run time with solar panels, convenient for those weekends spent in the wilderness under the stars!
“I used the Explore 5500 for 3 nights camping. Great battery and well worth the amount I paid for it.” — James G.
AirMini Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite Battery Pack
This is an excellent battery pack designed for CPAP use, which Logan M. used in his trek to Machu Picchu. The Medistrom offers 1-3 nights of power on a single charge, depending on your machine and settings. For longer trips, you can recharge these batteries using a solar charger.
“Great product. I bought this for a trip overseas to use my CPAP on the plane with no issues. Excellent, and the battery lasts as long as advertised.” — Siobhan K.
Lofta SMART Solar Charger 60 Pro
The SMART Solar Charger 60 Pro features special light-absorbing technology that reduces reflection and boosts sunlight capture by 40%, allowing for faster charging. As a result, it can fully charge your battery in 4 to 8 hours, depending on the weather.
Lofta Explore Power Station 2 CPAP Battery Car Charger
Perfect for a road trip or camping, this car charger allows you to keep up with CPAP therapy on the go, as long as you have a vehicle with you!
Contact Lofta Today
If you're an outdoor enthusiast with sleep apnea, you might wonder how to maintain restful sleep while camping. At Lofta, we’re here to help you find the best products tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you need a travel-friendly CPAP machine or power solutions for off-grid camping, we’ve got you covered.
Our expert sleep coaches are dedicated to making your experience with sleep apnea treatment as seamless as possible. If you’re unsure which products will work best for your next camping adventure, feel free to reach out for guidance. We’re here to help you continue enjoying the great outdoors while getting the quality sleep you deserve!
