Cruising with a CPAP?

[copnlpn2]

Anieeee - This link will take you to the reference page for Dr. Epstein's study...

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00409045?order=21

My doctor contacted Dr. Epstein directly regarding his study which has not yet been released.

 

There are many reputable websites available for reading about sleep apnea and its effects. Being a nurse and newly diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (I stop breathing an average of 46 times an hour), I wanted to know all I possibly could about it. Here are but two of the hundreds of sites for you to review...

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/Sleep-Apnea/news/20050323/sleep-apnea-makes-wee-hours-sudden-death-time

 

http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_serious_sleep_apnea_000065_5.htm

 

Until I read some of the information about sleep apnea, I had a tendency to remove my mask 3/4ths of the way through the night because it began bothering me. Now, I know that the last portion of sleep is the most dangerous for someone with sleep apnea so I don't remove my mask until I'm ready to get out of bed.

 

Just for informational purposes, I was told I developed multiple pulmonary emboli because the length of time I quit breathing produced a substantial pressure change in my lungs, which in turn ruptured blood vessels, resulting in clots.

 

If you want more info, you can email me using my screen name at (@) comcast.net.

 

Cindy

[zephyr17]

I have a question for those using the CPAP machine. Has anybody had problems with their eyes from the air released from the vent? I had cornea abrasions and then cornea abruptions(sp) I have been trying for over a year to get used to it, but seem to run into so many problems. I have tried the full face mask, since I am a mouth breather...then tried nasal pillows, etc.

 

Any helpful suggestions appreciated...

 

Sounds like your mask was leaking, since all the vents I've seen either direct the exhaust back down the same direction as the hose, or vent straight away from the face. Leaking is a problem in other ways, because you are not getting the prescribed pressure. My MD always told me if your eyes are red in the morning, the mask needs to be adjusted (and kept clean -- if it gets oily it doesn't seal well -- been there, done that).

 

I wear a nose mask know that has gel cushions, and is made of malleable plastic that is meant to be adjustable in its shape. If it leaking for some reason, I can ususally fiddle the mask until it seals well. I don't think that kind of material is an option in full face masks, though.

[MercedMike]

The reason for using distilled water in the humidifier is to avoid a mineral buildup. Of course, the water that enters the air and into your nose is "distilled" by the evaporation process, so that is not the problem. It just leaves a mineral film behind.

 

I use the ship's tap water, which is pretty pure anyhow, and usually just need to rinse my humidifier chamber in vinegar when we return home to get rid of that slight film. Easier than fussing with distilled water while traveling.

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[kcb]

The reason for using distilled water in the humidifier is to avoid a mineral buildup. Of course, the water that enters the air and into your nose is "distilled" by the evaporation process, so that is not the problem. It just leaves a mineral film behind.

 

I use the ship's tap water, which is pretty pure anyhow, and usually just need to rinse my humidifier chamber in vinegar when we return home to get rid of that slight film. Easier than fussing with distilled water while traveling.

 

Excellent suggestion / thought. Thank you!!!

[Jeanie821]

Just returned from a 6-night on the Radiance. All went well with the CPAP - the extension cord and distilled water showed up in my stateroom shortly after I did. And I had a wonderful time! But there are two things I wish RCCL would have told me (one good, one bad):

 

1. They put a sign on my stateroom door saying, "No smoking - oxygen in use". There's no oxygen concentrator on the machine. However, our stateroom attendant told me that RCCL mandates such a sign because they've found CPAP users to be highly sensitive to cigarette smoke.

 

2. :mad: If you request an extension cord, a $25 deposit is applied to your SeaPass card, labeled as "business services". On debarkation day, the cord has to be brought to the Guest Relations desk.

 

See my review of the Radiance for more details!

[pcur]

DH always carries his CPAP in his backpack, so it's not at the mercy of any baggage handler. Doing so, he's able to take his own extension cord, and he went to Home Depot and got a 3-prong to 2-prong adaptor, just in case he ended up somewhere with a 2-prong outlet. He used these in Europe with a converter (also from Home Depot) with no problems.

 

Now that you know it works OK on a cruise ship, you can bypass involving RCCL, and also the irritating door sign!!!

[bubbie617]

Just returned from a 6-night on the Radiance. All went well with the CPAP - the extension cord and distilled water showed up in my stateroom shortly after I did. And I had a wonderful time! But there are two things I wish RCCL would have told me (one good, one bad):

 

1. They put a sign on my stateroom door saying, "No smoking - oxygen in use". There's no oxygen concentrator on the machine. However, our stateroom attendant told me that RCCL mandates such a sign because they've found CPAP users to be highly sensitive to cigarette smoke.

 

2. :mad: If you request an extension cord, a $25 deposit is applied to your SeaPass card, labeled as "business services". On debarkation day, the cord has to be brought to the Guest Relations desk.

 

See my review of the Radiance for more details!

 

Only once (quite a few cruises ago) did a cabin steward put a sign on the cabin door about oxygen in use. He explained that it would keep people from smoking near the room - which we were very pleased about. The $25 deposit for the extension cord must be very new or only on Radiance. We were on Jewel of the Seas in January and there was no deposit required for the cord. Perhaps they have had problems on Radiance with people walking off with the cords.

[thecruisers723]

I use a ResMed Mirage Activa mask with my CPAP. It is a nose only mask that suctions to your face as soon as it turns on. It is very flexible and moves with your face movement. I have very few leaks at all, ever. It has a swivel hose that moves with you as you move and there's no way the vent air can really get to your eyes. The first mask I tried was just like tubes in my nose and it was the worst for leaking and vent air gone wild. My Neurologist and Respiratory Therapist swear by the mask I'm using now as being the most comfortable mask out there. The Neurologist has Sleep Apnea himself and uses this mask. And as a new CPAP user (about 10 weeks now), I'm doing very well with it and my adjustment issues basically went away as soon as I started using this new mask.

 

We were just on the Sovereign of the Seas on 2/15-2/18/08. They delivered a gallon of distilled water to our room as well as a long "orange" extension cord. It wasn't in the room when we got there as we had been told it would be in the email they responded to. But we asked the room steward once and it was there within an hour. They did not collect a deposit for the extension cord and we didn't have to return it anywhere. We just left it in the room. There was also no sign on our door about oxygen.

 

Interesting to hear that the last part of the night is the most dangerous as I usually take my mask off for about the last hour. I'll try to stop doing that. I mentioned that I do that to my Neurologist's assistant earlier this week and she didn't tell me not too. Better safe than sorry.

[mandaleigh]

The reason for using distilled water in the humidifier is to avoid a mineral buildup. Of course, the water that enters the air and into your nose is "distilled" by the evaporation process, so that is not the problem. It just leaves a mineral film behind.

 

I use the ship's tap water, which is pretty pure anyhow, and usually just need to rinse my humidifier chamber in vinegar when we return home to get rid of that slight film. Easier than fussing with distilled water while traveling.

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

 

 

 

Please do not believe this post. A persons nose can not distill water. The reason for using distilled water is so you don't get that mineral build up in your lungs after years of using tap water in your humidifier.

 

Unless, some one can come up with a vinegar rinse for your lungs... please use distilled water.

 

I am a Home Care Respiratory Therapist and set up CPAP's daily. Hope this helps. :D

[hoop4321]

is there a slight humming noise when the cpap is in use? Either breathing or exhaling?

[Quampapetet]

is there a slight humming noise when the cpap is in use? Either breathing or exhaling?

 

If you're asking because you are worried about being disturbed while somebody else in your room is using a CPAP, you have nothing to be worried about. I shared a hotel room with somebody who used a CPAP and the machine was right between our two beds (though I slept on the opposite side of the bed, the side next to the window/door instead of next to the other person's bed). I have very sensitive hearing/sensory issues and many noises bother/are painful to me, but I was not bothered by the CPAP at all. Before the trip, she had told me that the machine was incredibly quiet and all, but I thought it would be at least a little noisier than it actually was (I was surprised).

 

Have fun!

[hoop4321]

actually hubby has one and the humming drives me crazy!! Stupid mommy ears:mad:

[FLASHINGLIGHTS83]

actually hubby has one and the humming drives me crazy!! Stupid mommy ears:mad:

 

by chance....is your hubbys machine on a table or on the floor?? i tried mine for a few nights on the tbl and it was too noisy....so i moved it to the floor and no problem at all.....

 

hope this helps.....

 

greg

[Sue L]

by chance....is your hubbys machine on a table or on the floor?? i tried mine for a few nights on the tbl and it was too noisy....so i moved it to the floor and no problem at all.....

 

hope this helps.....

 

greg

 

Just put a towel under it on the table and it lessens any humming.

[phantom728]

My DH keeps a towel under his and we have no trouble. On our cruises, he usually puts on the floor by his side of the bed - again, no trouble.

 

The only thing that drives me crazy is when he has it on and opens his month. Sounds like Darth Vader :eek: sleeping next to me until I bump him and he closes his mouth.:)

[hoop4321]

it is on the table! That may be it! It is not nearly as bad as the snoring, BUT, I am a little agrivated as the room is quiet for him, but not quiet for me. He falls to sleep long before i do. Thanks for the info, we are trying it tonight.

[hoop4321]

he put it under the bed and on the floor and it was wonderful, actually very rested today. Thanks for the advice:)

[suezyq50]

I hate the cool air on my neck. A king size bed solved that problem.

[snausman]

I am a new cpap user, started Monday the 3/17. I have a couple of questions maybe someone here can answer. Cruise critic is always the first place I look for any type of answer.

 

While traveling I want to be able to keep my nose cushions clean so what does everyone use to clean it while on the cruise? I was thing maybe baby wipes??? Just not sure, and really not sure what to use at home either. Right now I am using just soap and water.

 

Any help would be great help.

 

Thanks

 

Laura

[snausman]

Sorry about that double post.

 

Laura

[Char]

I am a new cpap user, started Monday the 3/17. I have a couple of questions maybe someone here can answer. Cruise critic is always the first place I look for any type of answer.

 

While traveling I want to be able to keep my nose cushions clean so what does everyone use to clean it while on the cruise? I was thing maybe baby wipes??? Just not sure, and really not sure what to use at home either. Right now I am using just soap and water.

 

Any help would be great help.

 

Thanks

 

Laura

Soap and water is the best thing to use. We have used only soap & water for 10 years. The wipes might accelerate the breakdown of the cushion material, so I would ask whoever supplied you with the equipment about that before using.

[My2Kitties]

I clean mine in Palmolive dishwashing liquid & water every day and once a week I soak everything for 15 mins. in 1 part white vinegar and 10 parts water...when we cruise I take a small bottle of dishwashing soap (haven't done more than 8 nights yet) but next cruise I will also take a small bottle of vinegar...I also take clorox wipes with me so I can clean the sink out with the wipes and I use the sink to wash everything out just like I would do at home...I have not had any problems yet but the 12-night will be the test...

Also my husband put a really long extension cord in my CPAP carry bag (that stays there for travelling) and tape (I think electrical) in case...but I will take extra everything for a 12-night...

I put mine on the night stand next to the bed and again I wipe the nightstand down with my wipes since mine does take the air in from the room...and I have been using the water in the tap but I may ask for distilled for the 12-night since I read on a thread that the water being distilled is also important because it goes in your lungs...I will check on that next month when I see my specialist again...

I hope this is useful and enjoy your cruise...

[mandaleigh]

Our CPAP representatives have recently notified us that they are no longer recommending vinegar or other methods of cleaning for the cpap mask and cushion other than plain ole soap and water. Do not use antibacterial soap and you should be fine.

[snausman]

Wow, thank you! Its so nice to know that you can come to cruise critic and get an answer so fast with many ideas.

 

I will continue to use just good old soap and water. I will put some in a some bottle to travel with in my cpap bag.

 

I did already get ahold of Ceberity to make sure that there will be a extra long cord and distilled water in my cabin. They got back with me within a day to say it is a done deal. Thanks for that info everyone!

 

Laura

[rickhurley]

Hi Jeanne; Piece of Cake-have been using one for over 10 years on cruises: the only caution I would give is try to find out(call the cruise line)ask if there is an electrical outlet near your bed, they can find out, be insistent. If not, go to a good hardware store and try to find a very compact electrical extension cord to carry with you; also, several years ago when i started to use the cpap, i asked the room steward to have an extenson cord delivered to my room-that way you hook it up in the bathroom. One piece of good news is that the newer machines a voltage convertable-they self adjust to 110-to 220-240- but check with the macine first./