pilothoward
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2022
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Yes, carrying a card with the request in Spanish is very helpful! And just to clarify - yes, some albergues do not have electrictity and it is easy to avoid them. But I did run into several rooms with only 1-2 plugs for everyone and I stayed at one place with no plugs in the room at all. They had all charging stations in the hall (was that Orisson perhaps?). I didn't know which places didn't have enough plugs until I was in the dorm room. Of course, someone who is fluent in Spanish can discuss with albergue hosts in advance of making reservations or checking inMy husband carries a card in Spanish that notes his need for a plug. In all cases the hospitaleros have gone out of their way to make sure he is accomodated. One even called another facility and secured a bed for him when they could not accommodate him. We know which albergues don't have electricity and just don't stay there despite their hospitality and ambiance.
The first thing my husband does when we arrive anywhere is plug in his CPAP to make sure the outlet is hot. At least one time it was not and the hospitalero moved him to a different room. Usually they will drag out an extension cord for you to use and tape it to the floor to prevent trip hazards. In one place with no electricity in the bunk room, the hospitalero called over to the hotel owned by the same family and got him a discounted room. Usually hospitaleros are very resourceful if they know you need a plug. Plus the CPAP almost guarantees that the others won't be stuck listening to your snore. I recall one night in Viana when we on wall-to-wall mats in a room at the paroquial when he got stuck between me and another pilgrim. We were both snoring and keeping him awake!!!Yes, carrying a card with the request in Spanish is very helpful! And just to clarify - yes, some albergues do not have electrictity and it is easy to avoid them. But I did run into several rooms with only 1-2 plugs for everyone and I stayed at one place with no plugs in the room at all. They had all charging stations in the hall (was that Orisson perhaps?). I didn't know which places didn't have enough plugs until I was in the dorm room. Of course, someone who is fluent in Spanish can discuss with albergue hosts in advance of making reservations or checking inAlways need to be aware that this is a possibility. But the majority of albergues it was not an issue at all.
I used the Z2 on my Camino last Fall. I never had a problem finding an outlet, but I also brought a 10 foot extension cord which I needed to use several times. The Z2 worked great for me.My husband has used both the Transcend and the Z2. He wore out the Transcend model out after 5 years of travel using tape to hold it together eventually. He bought the Z2 last summer. It is a little lighter and did not come with the interchangeable plug. He does have the battery, but does not recommend it for the Camino as it is heavy.
Yeah, I couldn't recall if it was Orisson for sure - I do remember it being somewhere early in my Camino though.When I stayed in Orisson in 2016, there were plugs in our room. For those places where the charging stations where in the hall, hospitaleros have taped an extension cord to the floor to get electricity to those of us using cpaps. I found that I was not the only pilgrim using one.
If you purchase a small travel cpap, expect a little bit of awe from those pilgrims carrying a full size one.
Phil
Thank you so much for your feedback. I like only having to carry one power point.I have the Transcend Auto. It was the only travel CPAP available locally when I bought it, so I don't have a view on which of the two might be better.
Unless you plan to camp or stay somewhere like San Anton, where there is no electricity, you should be able to rely on using mains power. Tell the hospitalero you are using a CPAP when you arrive and ask for a bed near a power point.
The Transcend comes with a selection of different plug types - UK, UK, Europe and AS/NZ, but I also carry a universal travel adaptor with four USB ports. This means I can use just one power point, and then I carry just the one plug type for my CPAP.
If you do plan to take a battery, I would suggest something that might claim to be multi-night. I was talking to someone using the Transcend with the smaller of the battery options available at the time, and he said he never got a full night from the battery.
I think my wife is used to my snoring ... but we may bring our own ext cord just in case.The first thing my husband does when we arrive anywhere is plug in his CPAP to make sure the outlet is hot. At least one time it was not and the hospitalero moved him to a different room. Usually they will drag out an extension cord for you to use and tape it to the floor to prevent trip hazards. In one place with no electricity in the bunk room, the hospitalero called over to the hotel owned by the same family and got him a discounted room. Usually hospitaleros are very resourceful if they know you need a plug. Plus the CPAP almost guarantees that the others won't be stuck listening to your snore. I recall one night in Viana when we on wall-to-wall mats in a room at the paroquial when he got stuck between me and another pilgrim. We were both snoring and keeping him awake!!!
Kindly don't use cord for garrotting offenders! I keep a beady eye open for all anti-snoring tips for my next trip in April, hopefully if pandemics and megalomaniacs permitI think my wife is used to my snoring ... but we may bring our own ext cord just in case.
Did you have any problem with dryness with the Resmed Mini since it doesn't use water?Hello,
I highly recommend the Resmed Air Mini CPAP machine. It was the lightest/smallest CPAP machine I could find. It is super quiet, although to the person wearing the mask the sound of breathing through a straw is a bit louder than my regular machine. I did ask others in the room if my CPAP was disruptive, and everyone said it was very quiet and many who didn't see my machine had no idea I was using one. I can't comment on the other CPAP machines because I haven't used them. That said - while a battery pack can be beneficial to have while traveling, they tend to be heavier than the machine itself. I brought one with on a backpacking Europe trip (you know - the kind where you go city to city via train). Just walking from train stations to the hotels/hostels I found that the extra weight of the battery was not worth the back pain caused by any extra weight in my pack. Because of that - I refused to bring my battery last summer when walking the Camino. On the Camino - most albergues, hostels, and hotels will have a plug you can access for your CPAP machine. However, at some albergues/hostels you will NOT have access to the plug (there may be only a couple plugs for an entire dorm room or no plugs in the room at all - I only had 1 place with no plugs in the room). Most nights, I DID have access to a plug. So most nights I was able to plug in my CPAP machine. But for me, while my sleep apnea was severe - I wasn't worried that I would die in my sleep due to the apnea - so the nights I could not plug in didn't worry me (other than wondering if I snored too loud - thankfully others said my snore was very quiet). Please assess whether or not your wife can go occasional nights without her CPAP machine if she choses not to carry a battery and stay in dorm rooms which may or may not have access to plugs, she should speak with her apnea doctor regarding this. If not, either bringing the battery would be a must - or getting private rooms where you can guarantee a plug would be a must, at least in some towns. Also, many with CPAP machines bring an extension cord. I found that I was fine with the long plug and long tubing most nights and did NOT carry an extension cord. Again - I knew I would be OK skipping a night or two without my CPAP. Others may not be alright without it.
No, there are humidification disks that you can use with the tubing. It works great! That is a definite perk for me - humidification without having to worry about good water for my CPAP.Did you have any problem with dryness with the Resmed Mini since it doesn't use water?
Kindly don't use cord for garrotting offenders! I keep a beady eye open for all anti-snoring tips for my next trip in April, hopefully if pandemics and megalomaniacs permitThank god for getting old and indulging in private rooms
Buen camino
Samarkand.
As other have mentioned here, the Resmed Air Mini is the best option. Yesterday I bought mine here in Australia. I am not considering taking the battery. However, someone here mentioned the 10 foot extension cord, which it is important. I also bought a Australia-Europe travel adaptor with two ports for USB. This will allow other users to charge their phones if I am using the electricity plug.My wife and I are planning the CF in May. She'd like any recommendation or comment on travel CPAP machines.
She's looking at 2 models right now: Transcend Transcend 3 miniCPAP Auto or BREAS Z2 CPAP (either auto or fixed pressure). And would you recommend the multi-night battery or should she plan on being able to use the wall plugs.
Thanks a bunch!
There are humidifying filters available for the Resmed mini, Transcend, and HDM Z2. You can use the same brand for both the Transcend and the Z2. They are called heat moisture exchangers or HME's. For the Resmed mini moisture is added by use of HumidX or HumidX Plus devices that can only be used with the Resmed Air Fit N20 or P10 masks. So we don't have to get really dry when using a cpap.Did you have any problem with dryness with the Resmed Mini since it doesn't use water?
There are very few good sources that compare travel CPAP machines. The article here from the Sleep Foundation is one more recent one, which supports your view, if you can afford the higher price of the Resmed device and are prepared to accept the extra noise it makes. It suggests a Transcend machine offers better value for money.As other have mentioned here, the Resmed Air Mini is the best option.
Just a comment on this statement: The Resmed Air Mini itself is pretty close to silent. But the "noise" it does make is you can hear the "breathing through a straw" sound louder than other machines. I think it is because the tubing is skinnier (smaller diameter) than most CPAP tubing. So - the machine is quieter that most machines, but the tubing is a little louder. That said - when I wear my Air Mini, "I" notice the breathing through a straw sound is louder, but others around me always tell me they didn't notice it. I am willing to trade the little bit of noise "I" hear for the super small and super light CPAP and the tubing that takes up less space. It is of course, one of the more expensive options. I want my HOME CPAP machine to be as quiet as possible. I want my TRAVEL CPAP to be quiet too, but size space and weight are more important for travel, as long as the "noise" doesn't disrupt others. And it doesn't. At least - not according anyone who has shared a bedroom or dorm room with me! Oh - and the lack of need for water for humidification is a huge travel bonus. The humidX disks are also super small and super light and 1-2 disks are good for the entire length of a Camino (unless adding multiple countries to walk through)if you can afford the higher price of the Resmed device and are prepared to accept the extra noise it makes.
I am not sure what methodology was used by cpap.com, but its tests indicate that the Resmed Air Mini noise level is 4dB higher than the two other travel machines tested. It might be over a low base, but it indicates that the Resmed is over twice as loud as the other machines tested. That would be a noticeable difference. The link to the evaluation report is in my earlier post.Just a comment on this statement: The Resmed Air Mini itself is pretty close to silent. But the "noise" it does make is you can hear the "breathing through a straw" sound louder than other machines. I think it is because the tubing is skinnier (smaller diameter) than most CPAP tubing. So - the machine is quieter that most machines, but the tubing is a little louder. That said - when I wear my Air Mini, "I" notice the breathing through a straw sound is louder, but others around me always tell me they didn't notice it. I am willing to trade the little bit of noise "I" hear for the super small and super light CPAP and the tubing that takes up less space. It is of course, one of the more expensive options. I want my HOME CPAP machine to be as quiet as possible. I want my TRAVEL CPAP to be quiet too, but size space and weight are more important for travel, as long as the "noise" doesn't disrupt others. And it doesn't. At least - not according anyone who has shared a bedroom or dorm room with me! Oh - and the lack of need for water for humidification is a huge travel bonus. The humidX disks are also super small and super light and 1-2 disks are good for the entire length of a Camino (unless adding multiple countries to walk through)
May I ask, do you also use the Z2 at home or a regular CPAP machine?I used the Z2 on my Camino last Fall. I never had a problem finding an outlet, but I also brought a 10 foot extension cord which I needed to use several times. The Z2 worked great for me.
I understand where you are getting your info... but I am just relaying first hand experience. I described the noises I do hear, so those deciding on a machine have a little feedback from someone who has the Resmed Air Mini, and can make a more informed decision. Not all noise is equal. Most people can tolerate the breathing through a straw sound whereas a more mechanical sound is more likely to be noticeable and bothersome to the user and others. It helps to know what kind of noise the user might hear, not just what some rating company reports it's dB level to be.I am not sure what methodology was used by cpap.com, but its tests indicate that the Resmed Air Mini noise level is 4dB higher than the two other travel machines tested. It might be over a low base, but it indicates that the Resmed is over twice as loud as the other machines tested. That would be a noticeable difference. The link to the evaluation report is in my earlier post.
Hi, I was planning to buy the BREAS Z2 but was told it is discontinued so on further search I found an BMC M1 auto CPAP machine, worth a look, not used mine yet but is small and lightweight at 30db noise which is pretty quiet, cost me £640, much quieter than snoring and quick delivery.My wife and I are planning the CF in May. She'd like any recommendation or comment on travel CPAP machines.
She's looking at 2 models right now: Transcend Transcend 3 miniCPAP Auto or BREAS Z2 CPAP (either auto or fixed pressure). And would you recommend the multi-night battery or should she plan on being able to use the wall plugs.
Thanks a bunch!
Hi Peter,I found an BMC M1 auto CPAP machine, worth a look, not used mine yet but is small and lightweight at 30db noise which is pretty quiet, cost me £640, much quieter than snoring and quick delivery.
Hi , I have not tried my BMC M1 as yet, I have been waiting for some inline humidifier filters which came today so will be setting up my machine in the next couple of days and will post again.Hi Peter,
I am also considering buying the BMC M1. I returned the Air Mini because it was too noisy for me (and my wife next to me).
Have you tested the BMC M1? how noisy is it?
Thanks.
It is, bought mine from them and had it shipped to Ireland. No problem in itself.We are not affiliated with this company, but use Second Wind CPAP as an online source to find factory refurbished machines. Phil got his first travel machine there in 2015 at about half the new price. They don't always have exactly what you want in stock, but if you have time and are looking for a backup travel machine they are worth a look from time to time. We are in the US so I'm not sure if their stock is available to those in other countries.
I have now tried the BMC M1 mini CPAP machine whist doing the Santiago Camino, I was informed by my mate that the machine did its job in stopping me snoring or prevented me from stop breathing so the machine does do what it is designed to do, but now the negatives, I was informed that there was a low noise of the air flowing down the pipe to the mask, not loud and not annoying, I understand it is called a white noise, not an annoying noise, also, it took some getting used to as the air pressure seamed more powerful than my ResMed 10 I use at home, after two weeks I was getting used to it.Hi , I have not tried my BMC M1 as yet, I have been waiting for some inline humidifier filters which came today so will be setting up my machine in the next couple of days and will post again.
I am walking the Santiago/ Finisterre/Muxia/Santiago circuit starting 10th April and will be using my M1 there.
Last January, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. It made me realise that I had to start walking to reduce my weight. I have lost the equivalent of 12 Kgs and plan to lose another 2 or 3 and maintaining that weight with frequent hikes. I am actually planning to hike from Auch (Gers, France) to Santiago probably through Saint Jean Pieds de Port.Hello,
I highly recommend the Resmed Air Mini CPAP machine. It was the lightest/smallest CPAP machine I could find. It is super quiet, although to the person wearing the mask the sound of breathing through a straw is a bit louder than my regular machine. I did ask others in the room if my CPAP was disruptive, and everyone said it was very quiet and many who didn't see my machine had no idea I was using one. I can't comment on the other CPAP machines because I haven't used them. That said - while a battery pack can be beneficial to have while traveling, they tend to be heavier than the machine itself. I brought one with on a backpacking Europe trip (you know - the kind where you go city to city via train). Just walking from train stations to the hotels/hostels I found that the extra weight of the battery was not worth the back pain caused by any extra weight in my pack. Because of that - I refused to bring my battery last summer when walking the Camino. On the Camino - most albergues, hostels, and hotels will have a plug you can access for your CPAP machine. However, at some albergues/hostels you will NOT have access to the plug (there may be only a couple plugs for an entire dorm room or no plugs in the room at all - I only had 1 place with no plugs in the room). Most nights, I DID have access to a plug. So most nights I was able to plug in my CPAP machine. But for me, while my sleep apnea was severe - I wasn't worried that I would die in my sleep due to the apnea - so the nights I could not plug in didn't worry me (other than wondering if I snored too loud - thankfully others said my snore was very quiet). Please assess whether or not your wife can go occasional nights without her CPAP machine if she choses not to carry a battery and stay in dorm rooms which may or may not have access to plugs, she should speak with her apnea doctor regarding this. If not, either bringing the battery would be a must - or getting private rooms where you can guarantee a plug would be a must, at least in some towns. Also, many with CPAP machines bring an extension cord. I found that I was fine with the long plug and long tubing most nights and did NOT carry an extension cord. Again - I knew I would be OK skipping a night or two without my CPAP. Others may not be alright without it.
I cannot speak to the reliability of that particular machine, but having used a CPAP on the Camino for my two most recent pilgrimages on the Iberian peninsula, I can assure you that you are unlikely to find any major difficulties.I will probably have the Resmed Air Mini CPAP machine with me. Have you found problems with the machine itself and using it in albergues in Spain?
I walked last September camino frances (34 days) and used the Resmed Air mini. Fantastic little machine. First I bought the BMC M1 and used it for a week before the trip. I didn't like it. The Resmed Air mini was 10 times better.Last January, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. It made me realise that I had to start walking to reduce my weight. I have lost the equivalent of 12 Kgs and plan to lose another 2 or 3 and maintaining that weight with frequent hikes. I am actually planning to hike from Auch (Gers, France) to Santiago probably through Saint Jean Pieds de Port.
I will probably have the Resmed Air Mini CPAP machine with me. Have you found problems with the machine itself and using it in albergues in Spain?
No problems whatsoever! You just need an EU outlet adapter if you are from outside the EU. Only real issue you may encounter is location of plugs. But you can work around that. The only pilgrims that knew I was using one where pilgrims that I mentioned it to. Usually - I didn't say anything until morning when I asked if the machine disturbed their sleep. Their response was they didn't even know I was using it. After my first Camino - I found that at night I started removing it in my sleep, something I had never done before. I went back for another sleep study and they confirmed what I suspected - I no longer needed it! Keep getting more fit and losing more weight - and your problem just might go away. If you are lucky, anyway!Last January, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea. It made me realise that I had to start walking to reduce my weight. I have lost the equivalent of 12 Kgs and plan to lose another 2 or 3 and maintaining that weight with frequent hikes. I am actually planning to hike from Auch (Gers, France) to Santiago probably through Saint Jean Pieds de Port.
I will probably have the Resmed Air Mini CPAP machine with me. Have you found problems with the machine itself and using it in albergues in Spain?
This is one reason I love the Resmed Air Mini - it doesn't use water - it has the discs.We just carry our travel CPAP's in a stuff sack. We don't use water, but use HME filters and discard and get a new one each week. For that reason, my CPAP dose not need to dry as Doug's might.
I am hoping....thanks for the added detail.No problems whatsoever! You just need an EU outlet adapter if you are from outside the EU. Only real issue you may encounter is location of plugs. But you can work around that. The only pilgrims that knew I was using one where pilgrims that I mentioned it to. Usually - I didn't say anything until morning when I asked if the machine disturbed their sleep. Their response was they didn't even know I was using it. After my first Camino - I found that at night I started removing it in my sleep, something I had never done before. I went back for another sleep study and they confirmed what I suspected - I no longer needed it! Keep getting more fit and losing more weight - and your problem just might go away. If you are lucky, anyway!
I did not know that the Resmed Air Mini existed until I talked yesterday to my Sleep Apnea specialist about doing the Camino. He thought that it was an excellent idea in order to decompress from work related issues. Next time that I fly back to the US, instead of taking the normal cumbersome machine, I'll take the Resmed Air Mini and follow your modus operandi when flying.. Thanks a lot...a load off my mind..This is one reason I love the Resmed Air Mini - it doesn't use water - it has the discs.
And I have a hardshell case that fits snug to my Resmed Air Mini to protect the actual machine in case it falls or something when not in use - it doesn't weight much and doesn't take up any more room since it is so tiny. Then I put the Resmed Air Mini which is in it's snug fitting case - and put it and the tubing and other supplies in a ziplock baggie. Why a ziplock baggie and not a stuff sack? Because I can easily put it through the scanning machines at the airport and they can see exactly what is in the bag. Of course - I don't put the machine in it's hardshell case until after airport security because they need to see it.
We take our travel CPAP 'S on every trip overnight, not only the Camino. Originally bought them for camping and we have batteries that we don't take on the Camino, but that will last 7 nights when we are camping.I did not know that the Resmed Air Mini existed until I talked yesterday to my Sleep Apnea specialist about doing the Camino. He thought that it was an excellent idea in order to decompress from work related issues. Next time that I fly back to the US, instead of taking the normal cumbersome machine, I'll take the Resmed Air Mini and follow your modus operandi when flying.. Thanks a lot...a load off my mind..
To tell you the truth, while this Forum concerning sleep apnea issue has greatly comforted me, I can only wonder at this time ,how hostels or albergues treat people with the machine. The Forum seems to indicate that there is no problem except for a power source.We take our travel CPAP 'S on every trip overnight, not only the Camino. Originally bought them for camping and we have batteries that we don't take on the Camino, but that will last 7 nights when we are camping.
Don't need a battery on the Camino. They are heavy and there are ample electrical outlets available. Only a few places don't have electricity.To tell you the truth, while this Forum concerning sleep apnea issue has greatly comforted me, I can only wonder at this time ,how hostels or albergues treat people with the machine. The Forum seems to indicate that there is no problem except for a power source.
Why don't you take batteries on the Camino?
You only need to take the battery when there are limited powersources on your trip. Think camping. Camping you need a battery quite often. Long distance backpacking you definitely need your battery if you can't go without your machine. You DON'T need a battery on the Camino. Plus - the battery weighs more than the machine. I backpacked across Spain with my Resmed Air Mini in my backpack and I did NOT ship it forward with luggage service. I had my battery in the beginning -but I mailed it home in Pamplona. And really -for me - I knew that would be fine because I CAN go a few nights without my CPAP if necessary. But really - it shouldn't be necessary to go without your CPAP. If concerned - make sure you have that extension cord. If you are VERY concerned - then go ahead and take your battery. But like I said - it shouldn't be a problem accessing plugs.To tell you the truth, while this Forum concerning sleep apnea issue has greatly comforted me, I can only wonder at this time ,how hostels or albergues treat people with the machine. The Forum seems to indicate that there is no problem except for a power source.
Why don't you take batteries on the Camino?
And now I have to find the darn machine, rent or purchase…thanks for the post.You only need to take the battery when there are limited powersources on your trip. Think camping. Camping you need a battery quite often. Long distance backpacking you definitely need your battery if you can't go without your machine. You DON'T need a battery on the Camino. Plus - the battery weighs more than the machine. I backpacked across Spain with my Resmed Air Mini in my backpack and I did NOT ship it forward with luggage service. I had my battery in the beginning -but I mailed it home in Pamplona. And really -for me - I knew that would be fine because I CAN go a few nights without my CPAP if necessary. But really - it shouldn't be necessary to go without your CPAP. If concerned - make sure you have that extension cord. If you are VERY concerned - then go ahead and take your battery. But like I said - it shouldn't be a problem accessing plugs.
Albergue hosts and other pilgrims will understand for the most part - that you need the machine - and they will happily place you near a plug of trade beds with you. If you run across a Pilgrim who is concerned - you can simply reply "Well, my machine is very quiet and most people don't even notice the gentle 'white noise' it makes... but if it makes you happy I will leave it off tonight and and will snore really loud because I don't have the CPAP on if you prefer". That should make them reconsider any rudeness. Yes - you will possibly come across an occasional pilgrim who is rude - but my experience is the rude people are rude with everyone. And most people on the Camino understand. As long as you have a QUIET machine. People on forums who are scared of the noise of a CPAP have probably only ever heard the old machines which are really loud. The new machines are all pretty quiet. Seriously - the people with CPAP machines are NOT the disruption - loud snorers are.
Thanks for the recommendation on the refurbished machines. I'll check them out.@Gregbart ,
You don't need a battery. We carry a card to show the hospitalero that explains we have a cpap and need electricity.
Try Second window CPAP. They carry refurbished machines. That's where we bought my husband's first one. He's gone through 2 machines now since 2016. I have a travel machine now too. We take them whenever we travel and not just on the Camino.
It's worth it not to snore and annoy others and also to wake up feeling rested to have the travel machine in my opinion.
For me - having a travel sized machine is totally worth it's weight for a long distance hike. That said - some of the newer/smaller full size machines can also fit in backpacks - although with those you are more likely to want to ship your bag forward each day. I personally would not do that because I wouldn't want to worry about what if my bag gets lost with my expensive CPAP machine in it. I am sure lost bags don't happen often - but just like lost mail - I have had mine disappear more than once.Hi all,
I did a quick search and didn't find exactly what I had a question about. Sorry if I missed it.
I need to use a CPAP machine. Buying a travel machine would be a pretty big cost for me. And, I don't really need one, other than for this trip. My pack is a 48l Osprey, so I am not hurting for room.
For those who have a done the CF with a CPAP... Is it worth buying a travel machine just for The Camino? Also, I have a battery pack for my machine that weighs less than 1kg and gives me two nights use. Would you bring it also?
I have over a year until I go. So, if I really need the new machine, I can buckle down and save for one.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Greg
Good suggestions,For me - having a travel sized machine is totally worth it's weight for a long distance hike. That said - some of the newer/smaller full size machines can also fit in backpacks - although with those you are more likely to want to ship your bag forward each day. I personally would not do that because I wouldn't want to worry about what if my bag gets lost with my expensive CPAP machine in it. I am sure lost bags don't happen often - but just like lost mail - I have had mine disappear more than once.
Battery is totally not necessary to bring. Bring an extension cord if you can't go a night without your machine. But you can also tell the albergue host that you need to be near a plug and if a bed near the plug is already unavailable - you can ask other pilgrims if one is willing to trade beds with you. If you explain that you need to be close to the outlet so you can use your QUIET sleeping machine - they will usually understand and accommodate. Especially since CPAP users usually snore very loud without their machine.
Pack your bag with your gear and your machine and go on some hikes to see how carrying it feels! My full size machine is pretty small and light - but I prefer to hike with my travel Resmed Air Mini. I do NOT carry the battery for the Camino (I did - but mailed it home).
Yeah - unfortunately insurance rarely covers the cost of a travel size machine and yes - they are expensive! Definitely check other brands too - I wanted the smallest/lightest, but there are a couple others that are comparable.Good suggestions,
The air mini is the one I was looking at. Unfortunately, my insurance won't cover any of the cost. I'll load everything up and check the weight. I have plenty of opportunities to go on longer (10+ miles) hikes. Really glad to hear I don't need a battery.
Thanks
What CPAP machine did you both carry? I currently have a heavy stationary ResMed at the side of my bed, and cannot see carrying that with mask and transformer for the entire journey.We use a smaller bag than 65L and both carry CPAP machines. My new pack is 10L larger than my 32L for that reason. It is still cavernous and temps me to add more stuff so be careful with larger size packs.
What is the weight of that machine? Any idea? Just wondering. I had to look up what a "stuff sack" was..have been over in Europe too long and am losing my notions of American English. LOL.We have Z2 travel machines. My husband had a refurbished Transcend travel machine for several years, but he wore it out and the case was held together with tape.
We just carry them in a regular stuff sack. No water, we just use HME filters which last 7 days each.
I am currently having problems obtaining a traveling CPAP machine here in Europe. I have a full ResMed at home, and frankly spending 1500 either in Euros, Dollars or even Swiss Francs is too much for a travel machine. Any ideas would be helpful.This summer will be my 6th time somewhere on the Camino. I have never had to do without my Cpap at night. As @J Willhaus mentioned, I carry a 3x5 card in Spanish that says I have a medical device and need access to an electrical outlet. It is amazing how much help I received from hospitaleros and fellow pilgrims to access an electrical outlet. I also had pilgrims move closer to where I was sleeping as they said the Cpap would keep me from snoring. Yes there are a few albergues without outlets. As much as I would like to, I just don't stay there.
I originally purchased a used, factory refurbished Transcend back in late 2015 or early 2016. It has traveled all over the United States and to Europe. It has been on the Camino 4 times. It served me well. Unfortunately, hard use, being tossed in a backpack, falling off of the side of the bed, and so on resulted in it being held together with packing tape. I purchased a HDM Z2 last summer (2021) and carried it fall of 2021. I didn't get the Resmed Mini Cpap due to cost. I did not carry a battery on any of my trips to Spain or other travels except when camping in a national forest or wilderness area.
Hope this helps.
Buen Camino!
Phil
That seems high. Locally travel machines appear to be 25% or more less expensive, but much depends on the packaging of accessories, so it is difficult to know how much of a premium the prices you are seeing represent. I don't have anything to add to the suggestions by @J Willhaus, and just hope you find a solution that you can afford.I am currently having problems obtaining a traveling CPAP machine here in Europe. I have a full ResMed at home, and frankly spending 1500 either in Euros, Dollars or even Swiss Francs is too much for a travel machine. Any ideas would be helpful.
The trouble is that I live in Europe and the purchase is over 1500.00 euros/dolllars.I did also see the other day that you can rent a travel machine here in the states for a reasonable rate.
Get one from the US. The supplier will need a prescription from your GP.The trouble is that I live in Europe and the purchase is over 1500.00 euros/dolllars.
Thanks. I am currently looking at a company in Bulgaria that exports « similar product». Bringing refurbished products from the US with 110 volts versus 220, transformer and little guarantee if it goes wrong..makes me wonder how you imported 3 working machines.Get one from the US. The supplier will need a prescription from your GP.
Just remember to add the VAT rate and a couple of % for import duties and you're good to go. You should, depending on your country, be able to do claim the total cost as a health related expense in your tax return. Make sure you get a model for which you can get parts in France. Be aware that in case of warranty claims it's a bit of a headache with customs but it's possible.
I imported 3 machines from the US to date, no problems. There's a company that sells refurbished machines, www.Secondwindcpap.com I think at a considerable discount. Have used them in the past.
Voltage is not an issue: travel cpap have a 110V-240V power supply and often come with 3 different plug adapters.Thanks. I am currently looking at a company in Bulgaria that exports « similar product». Bringing refurbished products from the US with 110 volts versus 220, transformer and little guarantee if it goes wrong..makes me wonder how you imported 3 working machines.
I have about 45 days to make a decision on this. Thanks for the input.Voltage is not an issue: travel cpap have a 110V-240V power supply and often come with 3 different plug adapters.
You still have the manufacturer's or the refurbisher's warranty, typically 1 or 2 years. However, it does involve shipping the defective device back and modesr customs costs. It needs a pro forma invoice at $1 clearly stating "defective device for repair" when shipped for repair, and "warranty replacement" for the new device.
To me, the price differential makes it worth the risk.
Will you be hospitaleros this year on any camions?Glad to hear it!
Looks like I will miss meeting you.Yes, we are going to be at Arrés on the Camino Aragones the first half of June as hospitaleros. Looking forward to it as it is a lovely and simple albergue. We stayed there last year on the walking part of our Camino before we went back and served at Canfranc Pueblo.
i will have to see how things work out after hiking many kilometres per day. My doctor encouraged me to walk without any machine..Given the better sleep activity, and needing to sleep after a day full of excitement, I will hike with the machine on the first two week sprint from France to Spain. That test hike will probably tell me to continue traveling with it or not. Losing more weight may help to eradicate the apnea and the dependence on medications against diabetes. interestingly enough, apparently, but not in all cases, the two problems are often linked.I did not think I needed a CPAP but about 12 months ago, my doctor screened me for sleep apnea. I thought I was having trouble staying asleep due to other life events. I started wearing a CPAP with nasal pillows and I began to sleep and feel better right away. It is worth it to me to have my machine on the Camino. I leave the big machine with me at home and take my small one with me wherever I travel.
There are a couple of things you might want to check:If you have read this far, you may be able pick holes in my strategy. If so, please go ahead. That’s why I am posting the idea.
Those are very good points Doug. Let me look into it further. I will post here again if I find any good informationThere are a couple of things you might want to check:
Let me assume that the average power requirement is 20 W and you sleep for 7 hours, that looks like 140 Wh, about twice what might be available from this power bank at a much lower delivery voltage than you need. I think you need someone who can do an accurate power budget calculation to help you with this.
- the power delivery curve of the power bank you are proposing to use at the higher discharge voltage you are proposing to use. The device you discuss is 20,000 mAh at 3.85 V, which drops to 13,500 mAh at 5 V. Does it drop further at a higher delivery voltage?
- Do you know if the pressure you need requires more than the typical power consumption for your CPAP.
- How long you normally sleep with the CPAP running.
I will see if I can find it and take a picture for you when I get home tonight.Can anybody help out with the text of this oft-mentioned card. Now that I'm getting prepared to print and laminate a card for this purpose, I can't locate the text I captured elsewhere. Thanks in advance, everybody.
You might want to share that text here so we can all benefit. Do you have it also in French? If not, I can volunteer to submit something adequate.I will see if I can find it and take a picture for you when I get home tonight.
Yes, maybe. The lady who did this for us in 2016 was from South America and we have never changed it. People still managed to understand what was needed. Now I can actually ask for it in Spanish, but Phil still always carries this card in the bag with his CPAP stuff.Would it not better to use « enchufe electrico » (electric plug) than electrical outlet?
Concerning the CPAP machine…the travel kind, as mentioned earlier..am hoping to receive it this week (national general strike in France permitting) and am curious to see how it will work, how it will fit in my rucksack and the noise it makes. Finally found a company that rents this equipment.Yes, maybe. The lady who did this for us in 2016 was from South America and we have never changed it. People still managed to understand what was needed. Now I can actually ask for it in Spanish, but Phil still always carries this card in the bag with his CPAP stuff.
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