Sleep Apnea

[Moyahope]

Any pilgrims out there using a sleep apnea machine during Camino?

 

[mspath]

Moyahope,

Write CPAP in the blue search box at the top left of this page and you will see many posts re sleep apnea machines and the camino.

Happy research and Buen camino!

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes, there are several of us on the forum who use CPAP machine. My husband and I both have travel machines that are smaller. We use the BreasZ2 model. It fits in a small drybag or stuff sack and is relatively light. There are several threads on this forum about CPAP's and you will see that people use a variety of brands.

 

[Joe C]

Yes.

Definitely check the thread. In addition to the machine (I'm a big fan of the ResMed Air Mini), consider whether you need a battery pack (which can be heavier than the machine), and the requirement by most airlines to pre-clear your equipment for use on your flight.

 

[dougfitz]

Yes. I have used my CPAP on the camino and other travels, including on long flights. There are already several good threads on this that have distilled quite a lot of member's experiences. That should help you, but if you find after reading them you still have questions, we are always willing to help with this. (It is the one time I feel confident speaking for others. The community of CPAP users here isn't all that large and has always been quick to respond when others reach out for help.)

 

[J Willhaus]

We never take the battery pack. Only use those for camping in the US. There are only a few albergues without electricity and while they are quaint and wonderful, we choose not to stay at those. That said, check the airplane regulations if you want to use a CPAP on a flight. We find its not worth it to try to sleep with a CPAP on the plane and just stay an extra night on arrival in Paris or Madrid to get a good start on overcoming the jet lag.

 

[TheBigT]

I am on the way now with CPAP + other medical stuff. I just use the Jacotrans bag service for an extra bay with the medical stuff, backpack for everything else. Great way to go IMO. Works super well so far - from SJPP to Obanos.

 

[J Willhaus]

We always keep our CPAP and any medical stuff (medications, etc.) with us. It is a personal choice, but it is difficult to replace items like this on pilgrimage should they be damaged or lost.

 

[FireDragon]

Yes, there are several of us on the forum who use CPAP machine. My husband and I both have travel machines that are smaller. We use the BreasZ2 model. It fits in a small drybag or stuff sack and is relatively light. There are several threads on this forum about CPAP's and you will see that people use a variety of brands.

I like the words, « relatively light »…received my CPAC ResMed machine this morning and it weighs 1kg400 (about 3 lbs), and Inam developing goose pimples or goose bumps thinking about the total backpack load.

 

[J Willhaus]

I like the words, « relatively light »…received my CPAC ResMed machine this morning and it weighs 1kg400 (about 3 lbs), and Inam developing goose pimples or goose bumps thinking about the total backpack load.

That is more than ours weighs with all cords, etc. Did you get he ResMed mini that others have recommended or is this a different model?

 

[FireDragon]

That is more than ours weighs with all cords, etc. Did you get he ResMed mini that others have recommended or is this a different model?

That is the ResMed mini travel CPAC and it includes the mask, the tube, the electrical transformer, and the covering. I plan to test it out in the coming days or should I say, nights. My partner reminded me that the medico in December told me that he thought I could walk the entire Camino without any CPAC machine BUT I am doubtful given the bad nights without.
Since I will start out 6 stages on the Toulouse Camino by remaining at home and sleeping, I will also be able to test that hypothesis out.

 

[J Willhaus]

We are going on a camping trip for the next week. I will weigh mine with the accessories and power cord and report back the total weight.

 

[FireDragon]

We are going on a camping trip for the next week. I will weigh mine with the accessories and power cord and report back the total weight.

Enjoy camping…

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

Yes, my first Camino I brought mine and it was just fine. I have a Resmed Air Mini and carried it in my backpack every day. Most people bring an extension cord - I didn't bother because I could go a night without my machine occasionally. But if you can't go a night without it - bring one. And make sure you are an EU adapter.

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

We never take the battery pack. Only use those for camping in the US. There are only a few albergues without electricity and while they are quaint and wonderful, we choose not to stay at those. That said, check the airplane regulations if you want to use a CPAP on a flight. We find its not worth it to try to sleep with a CPAP on the plane and just stay an extra night on arrival in Paris or Madrid to get a good start on overcoming the jet lag.

My battery pack weighed more than the machine. I did bring in on another "backpacking Europe" kind of trip (where we had everything packed in backpacks but took the train city to city) and it was too heavy for that even. I brought it on my first Camino too - but mailed it home in Pamplona. Wasn't worth the weight.

And yes about checking with airlines if you want to use it on the flight!

 

[FireDragon]

Yes, my first Camino I brought mine and it was just fine. I have a Resmed Air Mini and carried it in my backpack every day. Most people bring an extension cord - I didn't bother because I could go a night without my machine occasionally. But if you can't go a night without it - bring one. And make sure you are an EU adapter.

Let’s hope that the fatigue accumulated during the hiking will place me in a deep sleep pattern without the sudden awakening. What a viscous circle to be diagnosed with sleep apnea, then diabetes.

 

[FireDragon]

Just weighed the whole boondoggle of the rucksack, items inside it, with the CPAC machine: it weighs 9 kgs (19,841 lbs). It is the protective cover that doesn’t fit in the bag. I have time, (until April 11), to figure out how to manage that.
I just want to get on the road….

 

[J Willhaus]

We don't use the protective cover, just put the machine, hoses, power source in stuff sack or sil-nylon drybag.

 

[FireDragon]

We don't use the protective cover, just put the machine, hoses, power source in stuff sack or sil-nylon drybag.

There are intelligent people and there are others. thanks for your input.m

 

[TheBigT]

Just weighed the whole boondoggle of the rucksack, items inside it, with the CPAC machine: it weighs 9 kgs (19,841 lbs). It is the protective cover that doesn’t fit in the bag. I have time, (until April 11), to figure out how to manage that.
I just want to get on the road….

I made custom foam "sacs" for the main unit and water reservoir out of 3/8" dense sheet styrofoam and masking tape. Holding up well, weigh nothing.

 

[dougfitz]

It is the protective cover that doesn’t fit in the bag.

I found a replacement bag that is about 2/3 the size of the OEM bag for my Trancend Mini. It weighs about 150 gm, about 70 gm less than the OEM bag. The power supply comes with a range of plug adaptors, and I shave another 60 gm by only taking one of these with me. Finally, I have a mesh bag just big enough to hold the hose that keeps it from uncoiling in my pack or suitcase.

This arrangement also suits my regular CPAP, which fits into the same bag with the mask and power cord, but that is not the combination that I take when I am walking.

 

[dougfitz]

Holding up well, weigh nothing.

Really!! I have contemplated using bubble wrap just for the CPAP unit and a mesh bag for the hose, but that weighs about 30 gm, and I would still want to add some protection for the mask. Perhaps a minimal solution under 50 gm would still work for me, but with much less protection than is provided by the arrangement that I am using.

 

[FireDragon]

I found a replacement bag that is about 2/3 the size of the OEM bag for my Trancend Mini. It weighs about 150 gm, about 70 gm less than the OEM bag. The power supply comes with a range of plug adaptors, and I shave another 60 gm by only taking one of these with me. Finally, I have a mesh bag just big enough to hold the hose that keeps it from uncoiling in my pack or suitcase.

This arrangement also suits my regular CPAP, which fits into the same bag with the mask and power cord, but that is not the combination that I take when I am walking.

Sorry, mesh bag? you mean a reinforced laundry bag?..

 

[dougfitz]

Sorry, mesh bag? you mean a reinforced laundry bag?..

No. It is a smaller mesh and fabric bag with a zipper measuring about 20 x 18 cm. It only needed to be large enough to hold the coiled up hose. I had several of these bags that had been used as packaging for items like travel towels that could be re-purposed.

 

[J Willhaus]

We use one of these and just throw everything in. It worked for my husband for 6 years of Caminos and now a similar bag works for me. We put a rubber band on the coiled hose to help control it a little in the bag. These are small bags like 8 or 9 liters.

 

[jeanineonthecamino]

We don't use the protective cover, just put the machine, hoses, power source in stuff sack or sil-nylon drybag.

Yes, this is similar to what I do. I actually used a heavy duty/durable zip-lock style bag for my CPAP and hoses so that when it goes through airport security everything can stay in the ziplock (and not come in contact with the bins and such) and the security agents can still see exactly what is in the bag. Then I put the ziplock baggie in the middle of some cushioning - for example my sleeping bag and clothes etc protecting it.

 

[J Willhaus]

We have TSA pre so they don't take our stuff out of the bag. Here is travel CPAP and bag. I carry the prescription and the operating instructions in the ziplock bag. We use HME filters so no water. They last 7 days. I could not weigh it accurately as I apparently did not move my cooking scale to this house. But probably 2 pounds as I look at the weights of the power source and the machine.

 

[Katykay]

Any pilgrims out there using a sleep apnea machine during Camino?

Hey there, I have moderate OSA and used a mandibular advancement splint recommended by the British Snoring people. You can buy this online or have a more expensive version fitted by your dentist. It is not suitable for people with severe OSA. It requires no power but a little getting used to. Talk to your medical person about whether it is right for you if you decide to try. Buen Camino!

 

[natefaith]

I don't have apnea nor use a CPAP but since questions about CPAP machines come up pretty often, I'll be referring people to this thread as well. Thanks for all the helpful info and details on gear, I read it all with rapt attention!

 

[Gringazolana]

Am I the only one with a full-size CPAP? Yeah, it takes up almost the whole backpack… renting one of those sweet travel-size models is expensive, plus I don’t think my mask is compatible.

 

[FireDragon]

Am I the only one with a full-size CPAP? Yeah, it takes up almost the whole backpack… renting one of those sweet travel-size models is expensive, plus I don’t think my mask is compatible.

Just received my mini ResMed CPAC machine..the system is completely different than the regular machine, mask and tube.

 

[OziinNZ]

Planning my 3rd Camino with a full size Resimed in tow. Yes it's extra weight, but I've never had an issue with power or anything. Worth the effort to be able to walk the Camino.

 

[Gringazolana]

Planning my 3rd Camino with a full size Resimed in tow. Yes it's extra weight, but I've never had an issue with power or anything. Worth the effort to be able to walk the Camino.

How do you carry it? In the little suitcase thing? I bought a camera bag to carry my ResMed around because that takes up less space.

 

[OziinNZ]

How do you carry it? In the little suitcase thing? I bought a camera bag to carry my ResMed around because that takes up less space.

Similar idea, I cut up a yoga mat (2-3mm) and hot glued it into a box with a flappy lid. Used a dry sack for the cable and hose. Added about 3kg to the total but who cares, I was walking the Camino!

 

[Moyahope]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE INFORMATION RE:CPAP.

 

[J.Patrick]

Absolutely invaluable information!
Thanks for taking the time and providing the information!!

 

[Nicki2009]

I’ve seen other posts where someone mentions they carried some written words to request an electrical outlet for their CPAP (medical equipment). Can someone please provide me with some examples of the wording used?

 

[J Willhaus]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/cpap-machine-for-sleep-apnea.49910/post-543123

See this post for the written example.

 

[Nicki2009]

Thank you! I'll likely simplify that version.

 

[dougfitz]

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/cpap-machine-for-sleep-apnea.49910/post-543123

See this post for the written example.

I had a similar text to this in Google Translate, so I could show it in either Portuguese or Spanish. The only other thing that I was asked, and I would address pre-emptively, would be how noisy it might be.

 

[Nicki2009]

Here's my revised CPAP blurb in English, which I then ran through Google Translate into Spanish and Portuguese to print the text in 3 languages on a single page. We don't have an extension cord, so I could not use the 12 meters (36 feet!) as in the original text from another post. Plus, I simplified a little for quick reading by a busy hospitalero.

"Please, I have a breathing machine that needs access to an electrical outlet at night.
The amount of electricity used is minimal, and it is not noisy, but is essential for health and comfort.
The outlet should be within 2 meters of my bed.

Many thanks for your help!"

Any suggestions for improvement?

 

[J Willhaus]

Here's my revised CPAP blurb in English, which I then ran through Google Translate into Spanish and Portuguese to print the text in 3 languages on a single page. We don't have an extension cord, so I could not use the 12 meters (36 feet!) as in the original text from another post. Plus, I simplified a little for quick reading by a busy hospitalero.

"Please, I have a breathing machine that needs access to an electrical outlet at night.
The amount of electricity used is minimal, and it is not noisy, but is essential for health and comfort.
The outlet should be within 2 meters of my bed.

Many thanks for your help!"

Any suggestions for improvement?

Looks good.

 

[Gringazolana]

Want to post what Google translate told you? The multilingual among us might give it a peek.

 

[FireDragon]

Here's my revised CPAP blurb in English, which I then ran through Google Translate into Spanish and Portuguese to print the text in 3 languages on a single page. We don't have an extension cord, so I could not use the 12 meters (36 feet!) as in the original text from another post. Plus, I simplified a little for quick reading by a busy hospitalero.

"Please, I have a breathing machine that needs access to an electrical outlet at night.
The amount of electricity used is minimal, and it is not noisy, but is essential for health and comfort.
The outlet should be within 2 meters of my bed.

Many thanks for your help!"

Any suggestions for improvement?

No French?

 

[FireDragon]

I finally was able to locate a mini ResMed Travel CPAC machine, and rented it here in France, however that weighs 1kg400 and it is weighing me down considerably. Add the Miam Miam Dodo and you’ve got more than two additional kilos not including water! Yesterday, I walked from Montesquiou to Marciac and could not make it to town my back having refused to help me in my quest. Hitched from Monlezun to Marciac.

I wonder what happens without a CPAC machine when you have sleep apnea.

 

[dougfitz]

I wonder what happens without a CPAC machine when you have sleep apnea.

Your apnea will remain untreated. How significant that is for you and whether there are useful alternatives to CPAP is something you might want to discuss with your sleep specialist. I wouldn't be taking that sort of specialist medical advice from a forum like this, no matter how well intentioned those of us who understand the problem might be.

 

[FireDragon]

Your apnea will remain untreated. How significant that is for you and whether there are useful alternatives to CPAP is something you might want to discuss with your sleep specialist. I wouldn't be taking that sort of specialist medical advice from a forum like this, no matter how well intentioned those of us who understand the problem might be.

I understand that and to be quite honest, don’t really trust my specialist..

 

[dougfitz]

I understand that and to be quite honest, don’t really trust my specialist..

Then why would you trust any of us? None of us here know anything about the details of your apnea, and while there might be someone who has the specialist skills, not knowing these details they would be working blind.

 

[FireDragon]

Then why would you trust any of us? None of us here know anything about the details of your apnea, and while there might be someone who has the specialist skills, not knowing these details they would be working blind.

Just wanted to know what others experienced…my decision to decide what I expect and what I throw out, what I consider okay, rightfully or wrongly.

 

[J Willhaus]

I just don't sleep well without my machine and neither does my husband. I am overly tired the next day. Since I started using one, I just feel better overall. My husband has used one now for about 15 years and I have been using one for about 18 months.

 

[FireDragon]

I know that feeling…of tiredness….and the idea of hiking 20 km or more after several nights like that is far from pleasant. After new arrangement with the CPAC machine, have managed to reduce the weight down to 10.5 kgs. So it’s a go for Tuesday
I was listening to Bach and « Jesus is my friend » in German..so beautiful.

 

[J Willhaus]

I know that feeling…of tiredness….and the idea of hiking 20 km or more after several nights like that is far from pleasant. After new arrangement with the CPAC machine, have managed to reduce the weight down to 10.5 kgs. So it’s a go for Tuesday
I was listening to Bach and « Jesus is my friend » in German..so beautiful.

Still seems like your pack is a bit heavy. Normally mine is about 6 kg at the most and my husband's about 7 kg. Maybe as the weather warms you can send clothing items home?

 

[FireDragon]

Still seems like your pack is a bit heavy. Normally mine is about 6 kg at the most and my husband's about 7 kg. Maybe as the weather warms you can send clothing items home?

There are other constraints that make it that heavy including meds for other health issues. I wish I could reduce more. One or two more tries and perhaps I’ll find a way.

 

[dougfitz]

Just wanted to know what others experienced…my decision to decide what I expect and what I throw out, what I consider okay, rightfully or wrongly.

Let me qualify my remarks by stating that I am not a qualified medical practitioner, but a long term sufferer from sleep apnoe and ideopathic hypersomnolence. A horrible combination, but both treatable. I will also add that I consulted several sleep specialists about various treatments, and CPAP was the only effective medical solution. I was also told that my sleep apnoe was mild, and that I would suffer no long term damage if I weren't able to treat it for a few weeks.

If I don't, I snore, at least in the first couple of weeks of a multi-week pilgrimage walk. I normally don't wake myself by snoring, so I will start to wake when an apnoe occurs, and then return to sleep when my mind knows that my throat has opened up again. This might occur up to sixty times an hour. So I am far from well rested the next day. I can tell that I have been snoring because the vibration bruises my tonsils, causing them to swell. They hurt, and make it difficult for me to swallow. I have no idea exactly how many apnoes I have each hour, but when I was tested, it was about that rate.

Again, these are my individual experiences, and you might have somewhat or completely different outcomes.

 

[FireDragon]

Let me qualify my remarks by stating that I am not a qualified medical practitioner, but a long term sufferer from sleep apnoe and ideopathic hypersomnolence. A horrible combination, but both treatable. I will also add that I consulted several sleep specialists about various treatments, and CPAP was the only effective medical solution. I was also told that my sleep apnoe was mild, and that I would suffer no long term damage if I weren't able to treat it for a few weeks.

If I don't, I snore, at least in the first couple of weeks of a multi-week pilgrimage walk. I normally don't wake myself by snoring, so I will start to wake when an apnoe occurs, and then return to sleep when my mind knows that my throat has opened up again. This might occur up to sixty times an hour. So I am far from well rested the next day. I can tell that I have been snoring because the vibration bruises my tonsils, causing them to swell. They hurt, and make it difficult for me to swallow. I have no idea exactly how many apnoes I have each hour, but when I was tested, it was about that rate.

Again, these are my individual experiences, and you might have somewhat or completely different outcomes.

I have been thinking whether to open up or not. Beside sleep apnea, I have a mixture of diabetes and epilepsy which makes this trip through the Pyrenees more of a challenge as I have just turned 70 years. The CPAC helps me with reducing nervous leg syndrome as well.
@dougfitz : thanks for your input, highly appreciated.

 

[KLM72]

Am I the only one with a full-size CPAP? Yeah, it takes up almost the whole backpack… renting one of those sweet travel-size models is expensive, plus I don’t think my mask is compatible.

Planning my 3rd Camino with a full size Resimed in tow. Yes it's extra weight, but I've never had an issue with power or anything. Worth the effort to be able to walk the Camino.

I know this is like a month old, but wanted to chime in and say thank you both for mentioning you use a full size successfully! I have been really stressing over this. I didn't bring it last time and I think my sleep did suffer as a result. I can't really afford to buy a travel one right now though, and renting seems cost prohibitive since I'm planning to travel quite a bit after my camino. I'm thinking I may bring my full sized model (which is actually fairly light at 2.5 lbs not counting hose/strap) I can cram it into my backpack without the travel case, but I might just opt to transfer my bag this time since I'll also have a few extra "post camino travel" garments... Anyway, you've given me hope!

 

[Gringazolana]

I know this is like a month old, but wanted to chime in and say thank you both for mentioning you use a full size successfully! I have been really stressing over this. I didn't bring it last time and I think my sleep did suffer as a result. I can't really afford to buy a travel one right now though, and renting seems cost prohibitive since I'm planning to travel quite a bit after my camino. I'm thinking I may bring my full sized model (which is actually fairly light at 2.5 lbs not counting hose/strap) I can cram it into my backpack without the travel case, but I might just opt to transfer my bag this time since I'll also have a few extra "post camino travel" garments... Anyway, you've given me hope!

You can probably find or make some type of lightweight protective case for it. Some of us just need more stuff than others, so what? At least we won’t be snoring!!

 

[FireDragon]

I know this is like a month old, but wanted to chime in and say thank you both for mentioning you use a full size successfully! I have been really stressing over this. I didn't bring it last time and I think my sleep did suffer as a result. I can't really afford to buy a travel one right now though, and renting seems cost prohibitive since I'm planning to travel quite a bit after my camino. I'm thinking I may bring my full sized model (which is actually fairly light at 2.5 lbs not counting hose/strap) I can cram it into my backpack without the travel case, but I might just opt to transfer my bag this time since I'll also have a few extra "post camino travel" garments... Anyway, you've given me hope!

I am walking with a mini ResMed that I use each night. Add food, lots of water and the stuff needed to walk, that could become very heavy.

 

[J Willhaus]

We travel a lot and I take my travel machine with me camping and everywhere I go, not just on the Camino. It has made it worth the cost and we figured it into our budget. Both my husband and I have machines. He bought his first travel machine in 2015 from "Second Wind CPAP" which sells refurbished machines and it was about half price. He carried it with him so much and bashed it around so that it was finally held together with duct tape and he bought a new travel machine last year.

If you are forwarding your bag daily, you want to figure in the extra cost of that as well. You really may be able to rent a travel machine for a reasonable amount or purchase a refurbished one.

 

[Joe C]

I know this is like a month old, but wanted to chime in and say thank you both for mentioning you use a full size successfully! I have been really stressing over this. I didn't bring it last time and I think my sleep did suffer as a result. I can't really afford to buy a travel one right now though, and renting seems cost prohibitive since I'm planning to travel quite a bit after my camino. I'm thinking I may bring my full sized model (which is actually fairly light at 2.5 lbs not counting hose/strap) I can cram it into my backpack without the travel case, but I might just opt to transfer my bag this time since I'll also have a few extra "post camino travel" garments... Anyway, you've given me hope!

You can buy a relatively inexpensive "cap" for the end of the machine, so you don't have to lug the water reservoir.

 

[KLM72]

You can buy a relatively inexpensive "cap" for the end of the machine, so you don't have to lug the water reservoir.

Oh wow, brilliant!! Had no idea... off to research....

 

[SBurgess]

I, too, require a CPAP machine. But only at home. About 8-10 years ago, when I realized I could no longer do long-distance backpacking (US) unless I carried a machine with me, I researched and found a dentist (Los Angeles, California) who specialized in making mouthpieces that you insert in your mouth and onto your lower set of teeth as a replacement for a CPAP machine. It allows you to breathe through your mouth while you sleep. It's about the size of a lower part of false teeth and as light. But....it was expensive--and worth it.
Whenever I travel away from home (backpacking or other reasons) I take the mouthpiece with me. Not my machine.
I have never had trouble getting proper sleep at night while using it.

 

[Katykay]

Ch

I, too, require a CPAP machine. But only at home. About 8-10 years ago, when I realized I could no longer do long-distance backpacking (US) unless I carried a machine with me, I researched and found a dentist (Los Angeles, California) who specialized in making mouthpieces that you insert in your mouth and onto your lower set of teeth as a replacement for a CPAP machine. It allows you to breathe through your mouth while you sleep. It's about the size of a lower part of false teeth and as light. But....it was expensive--and worth it.
Whenever I travel away from home (backpacking or other reasons) I take the mouthpiece with me. Not my machine.
I have never had trouble getting proper sleep at night while using it.

eck out the British Snoring site. They talk about and offer alternatives to machines for suitable candidates

 

[FireDragon]

Ch

eck out the British Snoring site. They talk about and offer alternatives to machines for suitable candidates

The operating word there is « suitable candidates ». I have the mini ResMed and am on the Aragonese Camino. I have noticed sleep improvement as well as much fewer leg spasms. That’s a relief.

 

[FireDragon]

The operating word there is « suitable candidates ». I have the mini ResMed and am on the Aragonese Camino. I have noticed sleep improvement as well as much fewer leg spasms. That’s a relief.

I just completed the Aragonese Camino and expect to continue walking from Pamplona in September, am thinking of purchasing the ResMed AirMini, however, will wait until then.
It is SO VERY Important to sleep well so that the body is able to cope. One thing that I found difficult is also food management.

 

[Mobilemejen]

Yes, 6 Caminos with another planned this fall---all with AirRes mini and my sooooo trusty and convenient Zopec battery . The Zopec 4000 is lightweight (2lbs---yes, I use a bag transport service on the Caminos), available through Walmart and others, has a place for a regular US plug (where I plug in the CPAP), and a USB port and a USB type C (new iPhone plug). It fits easily into the mini carrying bag with the CPAP, and it allows me to just need one plug in the wall--I plug my CPAP into it, as well as my day backup battery that I keep in my backpack, a usb plug for my mini fan-- for noise, airflow and keeping flies off me, and still has a plug available for my iPhone. It does not need a currency converter, just a plug adaptor to work in the Spanish/Portuguese/French wall plugs. It has to be in your carry-on bag as it is a lithium battery---but you want it to be able to use your CPAP on the flight. Yes, do have your CPAP registered on your flight on your ticket record---especially if you are not flying a US carrier. I have used mine on 20+ flights--almost always on Air France/Delta/KLM without incident. I missed a connection due to weather and was put on a British Air flight and they awakened me and told me to not use it as it was not British Air approved, only FAA and TSA approved!!! For the record---insurance will likely not cover the mini---but they will cover your replacement filters/masks/etc., I just rotate my regular supplies and the air mini ones on my covered supplies.

 

[FireDragon]

I rented a ResMed Air Mini here in France: the cost was NOT prohibitive. I used a hard case that came with the CPAP machine, used a waterproof bag for the transformer, and placed the mask in another bag. It worked perfectly and because I plan to start up on one of the Caminos, (not necessarily the Camino Frances, btw) in September, decided to purchase a complete set. The distributor reduced the cost of the purchase by subtracting the entire rental. NO Battery
needed.

An added edit: I am able to sleep correctly with fewer apneas, no nervous leg sydrome, and a controlled diabetes count.

 

[Paul McAmino]

For what it’s worth, I’m on the Ingles with my full-size ResMed CPAP machine. My pack (Gregory 30L) weighs about 13.5 lbs (6.12 kg), and the various pieces are (as @J Willhaus suggests) packed in dry bags. It’s not an ordeal to walk with nor to use the machine. My pack in the past has weighed about 12 lbs without the CPAP, so this arrangement has promoted economy on the other stuff I carry, and my approach to sleeping arrangements.
All the best,
Paul