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Yes.Bottom line, you’ll sleep better, and those around you likely
On Via Francigena, I walked with a pilgrim who used CPAP machine. I never heard the machine, nor did I hear anyone complain about it. Make sure you have an extension, you won't always be close to an outlet.Hi, there. I know this topic has shown up in some threads, but as most of the comments I've seen seem to come from other CPAP users, I'd be interested in hearing from those who aren't. Most likely, I'll get a range of responses, but I'm curious to hear from those who would care to indulge the question.
In recent years, I've taken to using a CPAP machine, and it's improved my sleep considerably. I now have a portable machine, and whenever I go afoot next (quite likely in a few months), I'd be tempted to take it with me (my sleep apnea is mild, so it wouldn't be essential). I hate to inconvenience others, though, and am wondering whether it would be a great annoyance in the auberges. For some, it might represent white noise, but I sure don't want to leave others unrested because I'm rested
For those who can be bothered, if you go to 1:00 of the video below, it does a good job of capturing the noise:
Thanks,
LorneB
Firstly congratulations on actually being able to sleep with a CPAP machine - in nearly a year of trying I've never managed a decent night's sleep with mine.
Have you considered a MAD (mandibular advancment device)? Easier to transport, no need for a mains hook-up. Of course they may not work for you but I sleep like a sedated baby with mine.
Hi,
Last spring, an Italian peregrino climbed into a top bunk in Mercadoiro and plugged his CPAP in. I was surprised that there was little to no noise, and I was also surprised that the machine did not prevent a dramatic episode of apnea during the night.
Sleep is a beautiful thing. If a CPAP machine helps give you a consistent sleep, it sure beats snoring. It’s quieter too.
My only concern is that it might be necessary to carry an extension cord to reach an outlet in some of the massive old stone albergues that have been retrofitted with electricity, unless there’s a portable, or battery, power source for your CPAP.
Bottom line, you’ll sleep better, and those around you likely will too.
All the best,
Paul
Hi PaulHi,
Last spring, an Italian peregrino climbed into a top bunk in Mercadoiro and plugged his CPAP in. I was surprised that there was little to no noise, and I was also surprised that the machine did not prevent a dramatic episode of apnea during the night.
Sleep is a beautiful thing. If a CPAP machine helps give you a consistent sleep, it sure beats snoring. It’s quieter too.
My only concern is that it might be necessary to carry an extension cord to reach an outlet in some of the massive old stone albergues that have been retrofitted with electricity, unless there’s a portable, or battery, power source for your CPAP.
Bottom line, you’ll sleep better, and those around you likely will too.
All the best,
Paul
Take a poweboard or something similar as well. You will be very unpopular if you take up one of the few sockets all night when there are phones and headlamps to be charged.Hi, there. I know this topic has shown up in some threads, but as most of the comments I've seen seem to come from other CPAP users, I'd be interested in hearing from those who aren't. Most likely, I'll get a range of responses, but I'm curious to hear from those who would care to indulge the question.
In recent years, I've taken to using a CPAP machine, and it's improved my sleep considerably. I now have a portable machine, and whenever I go afoot next (quite likely in a few months), I'd be tempted to take it with me (my sleep apnea is mild, so it wouldn't be essential). I hate to inconvenience others, though, and am wondering whether it would be a great annoyance in the auberges. For some, it might represent white noise, but I sure don't want to leave others unrested because I'm rested
For those who can be bothered, if you go to 1:00 of the video below, it does a good job of capturing the noise:
Thanks,
LorneB
I have previously expressed my opinion about people who think snorers should be the ones to book a private room. I see this as both intolerant and unjustified. I take the view that albergues are for all pilgrims, and if you are intolerant of what is relatively natural and almost normal behaviour like snoring, it is up to you to resolve the issue by seeking out more private accommodation.YES, PLEASE...bring your CPAP! I shared rooms with those who did and it was heaven compared to those who think that in this day and age there is any excuse for snoring, the likes of which could crack walls! At the very least it would be great if they would book a private room. So thank you for your consideration of others. There were dozens of people I encountered on my last Camino who I hope when they got home, ran, not walked,to their doctor, because their sleep apnea was such that at any moment they could die in their sleep!
I have previously expressed my opinion about people who think snorers should be the ones to book a private room. I see this as both intolerant and unjustified. I take the view that albergues are for all pilgrims, and if you are intolerant of what is relatively natural and almost normal behaviour like snoring, it is up to you to resolve the issue by seeking out more private accommodation.
I wonder if your casual observations of people who snore are actually suffering from sleep apnoea are based on any particular medical qualifications. Snorers might also be apnoea sufferers, but ongoing snoring is not, of itself, sufficient evidence of apnoea. It is the cessation of breathing that is the issue, when a snorer actually stops breathing, and stops snoring. This is quite different from, for example, stopping because the snorer has changed position and cleared their airway.
Further, sleep apnoea sufferers are unlikely to ever die in their sleep, unless perhaps they have so anesthetized themselves with alcohol before retiring to bed that their natural reactions to stopping breathing don't kick in. Normally, if they stop breathing, they will start to wake and start breathing again. My understanding, as an apnoea sufferer, is that the major deleterious effects are long term, and nothing so dramatically sudden as you are suggesting.
I have extracted only part of your response, because I do think that the issue of apnoea sufferers, snorers and CPAP use needs more than a glib response with what appears to be a sense of entitlement on your part that others should have to pay more to stay in private rooms to ensure your comfort.Thank you for your opinion. I’m merely expressing my own, suggesting that if I were a high-decibel snorer, I would feel it was more considerate for me to get a private room, than expect everyone else to be happily accommodate my nighttime symphony.
I have extracted only part of your response, because I do think that the issue of apnoea sufferers, snorers and CPAP use needs more than a glib response with what appears to be a sense of entitlement on your part that others should have to pay more to stay in private rooms to ensure your comfort.
It seems that the relative rate of regular snoring in men and women is about 40% and 25% respectively. In a room of four couples, there would be a less than 1 in 20 chance, about 4.3%, that there will be no regular snorer in the groups. In a group of two couples, the chance is still less than 1 in 10 there will be no snorer. There would be an infinitesimal chance of having a snore free night over even the shortest of camino routes if you are using communal rooms.
The second part of my observation was that albergues are for all pilgrims. I think this is a relatively non-controversial position to take. This egalitarianism seems not just axiomatic, but a fundamental proposition of the operation of the albergue movement. The mere fact that you would take a position clearly contrary to this fundamental in seeking to pressure pilgrims who snore to find private accommodation really does worry me.
If such an action were without additional cost, I might object less, but it is not. To take your position, you are saying that is the responsibility of someone else to pay extra so you can have a good night's sleep in communal accommodation. What entitles you to expect others to pay for your comfort? Let me suggest that it is your responsibility, and yours alone, if you are uncomfortable with a particular level of noise in the albergue dormitory, to pay for getting a good sleep in a private room.
As for the rest of you response, it seems that what you originally posted, and what you now say you posted are sufficiently different that it would just be too difficult to respond.
I can certainly understand and empathize. My experience was awful for the first 2 months. I hated it and didn't have decent sleep the entire time. Then my doctor changed a couple of settings and, more importantly, changed my mask. After that all was good, I got good sleep and it has worked out well.Firstly congratulations on actually being able to sleep with a CPAP machine - in nearly a year of trying I've never managed a decent night's sleep with mine.
Have you considered a MAD (mandibular advancment device)? Easier to transport, no need for a mains hook-up. Of course they may not work for you but I sleep like a sedated baby with mine.
Many tweaks and have changed masks twice - glad it worked for you, but after 10 months of trying I've given up as the MAD works brilliantly for me.I can certainly understand and empathize. My experience was awful for the first 2 months. I hated it and didn't have decent sleep the entire time. Then my doctor changed a couple of settings and, more importantly, changed my mask. After that all was good, I got good sleep and it has worked out well.
Keep working on it and hopefully you will find the combination that works.
Snorers, farters, equipment strewn about, packs on the bunks, thieves, smelly, loud talkers, others that expect complete silence, drunks, naked, electric outlet hogs, selfish long showers, slow clothes washers, tightwads that do not pay up at donativos, crappy mattress or pillow, eccentric hospitalero, pilgrims eating on the beds, doors and windows shut on hot nights etc....
Hi, I shared a room with 6 other people in Leon. 2 of them had those machines and honestly, the sound is not intrusive. I slept just fine and I am a light sleeper.Hi, there. I know this topic has shown up in some threads, but as most of the comments I've seen seem to come from other CPAP users, I'd be interested in hearing from those who aren't. Most likely, I'll get a range of responses, but I'm curious to hear from those who would care to indulge the question.
In recent years, I've taken to using a CPAP machine, and it's improved my sleep considerably. I now have a portable machine, and whenever I go afoot next (quite likely in a few months), I'd be tempted to take it with me (my sleep apnea is mild, so it wouldn't be essential). I hate to inconvenience others, though, and am wondering whether it would be a great annoyance in the albergues. For some, it might represent white noise, but I sure don't want to leave others unrested because I'm rested
For those who can be bothered, if you go to 1:00 of the video below, it does a good job of capturing the noise:
Thanks,
LorneB
All cell phones have handy flashlights, which should not be intrusive on sleepers if one of you shades it with a hand while the other packs. Just a thought...My husband also has a travel sized CPAP and carries an extra plug that allows for cell phone charging while the plug is in use. The only issue we ever encountered was that he needed more light to ensure he had everything in the stuff sack the next day so we could not leave early unless we were in a private room where he could turn on an overhead light.
When we serve as hospitaleros, we always had an extension cord in reserve (and a lot of other stuff like a hair dryer, giant electric wok, and other seldom used stuff). When you check in show the hospitaleros a card that says you have a CPAP and would like to be near an outlet. You will be accommodated.
Other pilgrims who recognize that a CPAP will keep the snoring to a minimum will be grateful and probably want to sleep near you to have a little white noise from your machine lull them to sleep.
Do you know the weight of both?Hi, there. I know this topic has shown up in some threads, but as most of the comments I've seen seem to come from other CPAP users, I'd be interested in hearing from those who aren't. Most likely, I'll get a range of responses, but I'm curious to hear from those who would care to indulge the question.
In recent years, I've taken to using a CPAP machine, and it's improved my sleep considerably. I now have a portable machine, and whenever I go afoot next (quite likely in a few months), I'd be tempted to take it with me (my sleep apnea is mild, so it wouldn't be essential). I hate to inconvenience others, though, and am wondering whether it would be a great annoyance in the albergues. For some, it might represent white noise, but I sure don't want to leave others unrested because I'm rested
For those who can be bothered, if you go to 1:00 of the video below, it does a good job of capturing the noise:
Thanks,
LorneB
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