Use of CPap

[Molly Kettler]

My partner will need to use a CPap machine for sleep apnea. Does anyone have experience with this, and will it be possible to use an electric outlet for it in albergues? Planning to do Porto to Santiago in the Spring of 2018. Thanks in advance.

 

[Martha Jansen]

My partner will need to use a CPap machine for sleep apnea. Does anyone have experience with this, and will it be possible to use an electric outlet for it in albergues? Planning to do Porto to Santiago in the Spring of 2018. Thanks in advance.

I have not personally used one but on my camino in 2015 I did meet a man who was using a CPap machine and sleeping in albergues. He said that if a bunk was not open next to an outlet he asked those who had one and explained why he needed to be near to an outlet. He said that he was always able to get someone to switch rather than their listening to him snore at night. Also...it's rare that if you arrive early you would ever have a problem finding an outlet. I did travel with a 6 foot extension cord that helped a few times as I needed to charge my electrical things at night. The extra cord would usually allow me to keep my phone on my bunk while it was charging. Buen Camino

 

[Jay Campbell]

I carried my cpap on the CF In 2015. No issues at all, I did tell them about it immediately upon arrival , and found that calling it a breathing machine was a lot easier than calling it a cpap. . Usually they just said no problem , outlets are everywhere. Once or twice they put me in a private room for fear that the machine was noisy. Most fellow pilgrims appreciated the white noise. Just remember to bring an extension cord just in case the outlet is too far away.

 

[dougfitz]

My experience is similar to those who have already posted. While I cannot tell whether every albergue will have sufficient outlets, I found most people tolerated the noise well. There was one unfortunate exception in over 40 nights.

I only had to ask to change beds once, and it wasn't a problem. I was moved to a bed next to a wall outlet when I explained that I needed to use the CPAP.

As a technical point, just make sure that your partner's CPAP works on 250V if you are coming from the US, Canada or other country where 110V is standard.

 

[jmcarp]

...As a technical point, just make sure that your partner's CPAP works on 250V if you are coming from the US, Canada or other country where 110V is standard.

Good point, Doug. This is an example of a case where a voltage conversion transformer may be needed, not just a plug adapter for us native 110v denizens.

 

[Molly Kettler]

Thank you so much. That is a relief to know!

 

[Molly Kettler]

I carried my cpap on the CF In 2015. No issues at all, I did tell them about it immediately upon arrival , and found that calling it a breathing machine was a lot easier than calling it a cpap. . Usually they just said no problem , outlets are everywhere. Once or twice they put me in a private room for fear that the machine was noisy. Most fellow pilgrims appreciated the white noise. Just remember to bring an extension cord just in case the outlet is too far away.

Thanks so much! Great to know

 

[Molly Kettler]

I have not personally used one but on my camino in 2015 I did meet a man who was using a CPap machine and sleeping in albergues. He said that if a bunk was not open next to an outlet he asked those who had one and explained why he needed to be near to an outlet. He said that he was always able to get someone to switch rather than their listening to him snore at night. Also...it's rare that if you arrive early you would ever have a problem finding an outlet. I did travel with a 6 foot extension cord that helped a few times as I needed to charge my electrical things at night. The extra cord would usually allow me to keep my phone on my bunk while it was charging. Buen Camino

Thank you!

 

[Molly Kettler]

I carried my cpap on the CF In 2015. No issues at all, I did tell them about it immediately upon arrival , and found that calling it a breathing machine was a lot easier than calling it a cpap. . Usually they just said no problem , outlets are everywhere. Once or twice they put me in a private room for fear that the machine was noisy. Most fellow pilgrims appreciated the white noise. Just remember to bring an extension cord just in case the outlet is too far away.

 

[Molly Kettler]

Thank you!

 

[Risky]

Hi,

I used my CPAP machine on the Portuguese in 2015 with no issues.

We stayed in Albergues and there wasn't any issues with access to power points as I take an extension lead and sleep on the bottom bunk. I have had my machine for about 5 years and is pretty heavy (about 4 kgs with lead) but there are some lighter machines available these days if weight is an issue.

Enjoy your Camino

 

[Molly Kettler]

Thanks, Risky. He is planning to purchase one of the new super light weight models.

 

[wayne smith]

Hi,
I used my cpap on the CF last year. I had no issues with finding an outlet for the power, although if I had a top bunk I usually ended up with the pump next to me. I did carry a card translated into Spanish to explain my need to be near a power point. I to was looking at buying one of the new light weight versions but was put off after reading a few negative comments. My trusted resmed 9 came with me, not too much more weight to carry but I needed a larger rucksack to carry it in.
Some pilgrims use the baggage transport to ship medical equipment to their next destination
Been Camino

 

[Molly Kettler]

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Mark Barnes]

I carried my cpap on the CF In 2015. No issues at all, I did tell them about it immediately upon arrival , and found that calling it a breathing machine was a lot easier than calling it a cpap. . Usually they just said no problem , outlets are everywhere. Once or twice they put me in a private room for fear that the machine was noisy. Most fellow pilgrims appreciated the white noise. Just remember to bring an extension cord just in case the outlet is too far away.

Where did you get the extension cord you took and how long was it? I will be walking the Camino Frances starting this September and will use a CPAP.

 

[wayne smith]

Hi Mark,
I used the cable supplied with the cpap, it is approximately two metres long. I found this to be adequate in all but one Alberque, they kindly supplied me with a longer cable.
Just make sure your cpap works on 250v if not, you will need a voltage converter adaptor

 

[t2andreo]

I came across this advert this morning and thought it might help those of you who use CPAP devices and who also either do Caminos, or are planning to do so.

https://www.easybreathe.com/ResMed-AirMini-114.html

I have no commercial interests in this product and do not use one myself.

I hope this helps...