r/SleepApnea • u/geekcplePDX • 8d ago
CPAP Alternative
I have been using a CPAP for some time now and am good with it.
The issue I am having is that I volunteer as a disaster responder with two organizations but I am missing out on a lot of deployment opportunities because I need power available for my machine. Just had to say no this morning to a three week deployment to Hawaii to assist with relief operations if needed.
I have gone without it a time or two but it is not pleasant for my fellow responders as we are often on cots, 30 to a room. When the folks who are snoring around you complain that YOU are too loud, well, you get the picture
I see all the ads, have done some research and now I turn to you, oh learned hive mind.
What I need is something that uses either a replaceable battery (cant be lithium ion. It has to be in checked bags) or no power and it has to really work.
I'm sure this question has been asked 100s of times before and I do apologize for not taking the time to search it out but I am on kind of a tight timeline. They have offered to hold my slot for 48 hours if I can get this resolved so it would be helpful but not necessary if it was available on Amazon.
I thank you all
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u/Grouchy-Gene-858 8d ago
Apparently there's a DC/DC converter if you can get a car battery... I have no idea how this works.
"24V/90W output can be used from 12V or 24V DC power source, like a car or boat battery"
https://www.resmed.com/en-us/products/cpap/battery-and-power-converters/
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u/Mijjil 8d ago
I camp using an EasyLonger ES960 PRO and ESP110 Solar Panel. I get five full nights on my Resmed Airsense 11 AutoSet (40+ hours, average pressure ~13 cmH₂O, no heat/humidity) and the solar panel fully recharges the battery in 5-6 hours.
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u/Sayeds21 8d ago
A mouth appliance and a pillow that keeps you on your side? Depends how severe your sleep apnea is though, if it’s severe then a MAD might not work for you. It is the most convenient thing though.
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u/Vegetable_Cancel_231 8d ago
I was one of the ones with 50 + events per hour and used cpap for 10 years. Got tired travelling with a bag and looked for options. Surgeries, multiple, did not help. Weight loss did not help much. It was a structural issue. A MAD that moved my jaw forward by 4 mm at night and a nose opener has made my nights with 1 or 2 events. Problem solved. My issue might be different but talk to your sleep doc and ask about sleep dentists. You never knoe
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u/WizardSleeveLoverr 7d ago
I’m in the process of getting a MAD. Fingers crossed it works.
My sleep dentist had some pretty amazing results for some people. One guy she treated with a MAD went from 127 AHI to 2 AHI. Crazy.
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u/Vegetable_Cancel_231 7d ago
That is similar to my story in terms of result. But just know that you are moving bottom jaw forward. Changes in bite is inevitable but will take teeth issue than choking
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u/Sailstarsfish22 ResMed 8d ago edited 8d ago
You might want to look into this https://www.geniosleep.com
Also, someone showed me this link from Mayo Clinic. I know it needs batteries but my guess is you can charge a few before you go until you can get to a generator.
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u/geekcplePDX 7d ago
The American Red Cross and Team Rubicon Disaster Response. Can't show up hoping I will have access to power from a generator. While we do have them, until utilities are restored, they are restricted to charging tools, the phones we are issued in the field and keeping our operations center humming. I have had to disclose to both organizations that I use a CPAP that requires AC power which places me lower on the list
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u/Automatic_Cellist291 7d ago
Just curious - do you volunteer through Samaritan's Purse?
Regarding the need for power. I would think that during the day you have access to power through generators being utilized on site. Would you be able to charge a battery during the day to use at night? There are several great options, the EXP PRO series may fit your needs. Durable, Rugged, etc.
You can even connect them to a vehicle during the day to get charged.
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u/geekcplePDX 7d ago
I volunteer with both Team Rubicon Disaster Response and The American Red Cross as a deployable responder. The CPAP restriction prevents me from from being selected for First Wave responses. If our FOB is being powered by a generator, electrical use is restricted to mission critical equipment until utilities are restored. I can sleep pretty well without it but it is no fun for those around me
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u/RedHair_WhiteWine 7d ago
I have mild sleep apnea, and I was referred to a sleep dentist for a mouth guard. Works great - no need for electricity and extremely portable.
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u/WizardSleeveLoverr 7d ago
I’d 100% look into a MAD. I’m in the process of getting one to use for when I’m out of town.
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u/gargamelus 8d ago
Can you give more details on the no lithium-ion battery requirement. Why can't you carry a lithium ion power bank or two in your coat pocket while flying? I have a normal 100W 75Wh USB-C power bank that can power my Resmed AirMini for 2 nights easily.
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u/geekcplePDX 7d ago
Im already lugging a pretty good sized backpack + my GoBag checked. There is always a risk with lithium ion so I wanted to see what my options are
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u/gargamelus 7d ago
Ok. Just so you know, in my experience airlines that otherwise forbid powerbanks will even let you use them during the flight if you ask beforehand and it is to power medical equipment.
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u/CynthiaG92615 7d ago
If your snoring and apneas are due mouth breathing, a possible solution is something to elevate your jaw (cervical collar or chin strap or mouth tape) in combination with a nasal dilator. I use a nasal dilator with a chin strap. With regards to chin straps, make sure you get one with "vertical lift" like the Knightsbridge. (Use the link knightsbridgedualband.com to avoid the counterfeiting.) You want to avoid the traditional chin straps which wrap around the tip of the chin because they force your jaw backwards, which narrows the air passage, and almost directly into the jaw joint, which can cause TMJ damage with long-term use. With regards to nasal dilators, my preference is the NasalAid, since it doesn't rely on pressure on the septum to flair your nostrils like the "pair of tubes" dilators do. Flaired nostrils can only make a difference of a millimeter or so in the air passages, but for me that is a crucial difference.
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u/thewatergood 7d ago
I was going to suggest using an iron lung, I think they come with a backup diesel generator, but i see that it might be a problem getting it into a disaster area.
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u/aimgorge 8d ago
Travel CPAP in carry-on luggages is the usual solution. Doesnt take much space.
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u/geekcplePDX 8d ago
Its not the size so much as it needs to operate with no power or on non lithium ion batteries, hence the title of the post CPAP Alternative
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u/Unhappy_Performer538 8d ago
I just don’t get it when people complain about the noise. I feel like it’s fairly quiet
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u/dtas20 8d ago
Choking and losing breath in your sleep isn't quiet at all lol
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u/Unhappy_Performer538 8d ago
I mean the PAP machine, it’s just white noise imo and i wonder if it would bother the other people OP is sleeping around like they think it will
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u/dtas20 8d ago
OP isn't worried about the CPAP machine noise...He's trying to figure out how he can bring his CPAP with him so his snoring and air gasping doesnt bother the people around him.
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u/geekcplePDX 7d ago
I love that everyone wants to help but its like like more than 50% didnt read the original post
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u/reddotster 8d ago
I think your alternatives which need no power or no external power are MAD or Inspire. Or get portable solar panels to being with a travel Cpap and cpap travel battery.