Did you head out of town and pack everything but your CPAP machine? Is tomorrow’s early morning meeting looking more daunting than you thought? Are you dreading a few days of poor sleep and the physical and emotional conditions that occur as a result? Without your best CPAP mask, you may feel like this trip is already heading south.
While it is best to bring it with you, there are a few ways to cope. Take some deep breaths, and look for resources that alleviate your worries and create a temporary slumber solution.
What Do I Do If I Forgot My CPAP Mask & Machine?
Sleep apnea forces the lungs to work harder at night, overcoming some form of obstruction to the airway. With too little oxygen consistently entering the lungs, the body signals the brain to wake up and force a breath. When this frequently occurs, blood pressure could increase and cause concern for long-term conditions such as heart disease or stroke.
A few nights away from your CPAP machines is unlikely to cause a significant health condition. However, it will prove hard on the body because it may not sleep well. There are some short-term alternatives to assist with this situation. The following five tips could bring you some peace.
1. Choose a Cozy Position
How you sleep impacts the pressure on the lungs, so position the body so that the system works more efficiently. Prop up extra pillows behind your head, neck, and back to create an incline. If this is uncomfortable, consider lying on your side. Studies indicate the right side of the body lends itself to better blood flow. Remain straight, avoiding curling up.
2. Ship Your Machine to You
If you know you can’t go without it, then reach out to someone back home. Ask that your machine get mailed to you as quickly as possible. While you may not have it for a day, you could have it the rest of the time away.
3. Use a Nasal Spray
Open the airway as much as possible by using a saline spray. The saltwater helps to clear out the mucus, allowing for improved breathing. A local drug store tends to carry several varieties at a reasonable cost. Use it right before you head to bed. Nasal strips could also prove helpful.
4. Invest in a Travel Size Device
You can get almost anything online anymore, including a CPAP machine. If you go out of town often, begin searching for a portable small CPAP machine. Something like the Resmed Travel CPAP is easy to pack in a carry-on. Plus, it’s ready to go with you anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about your main machine.
5. Try a Mouthguard
A temporary mouth guard props your jaw up for a better position. These items are sold at the grocery or convenience store, near the toothpaste and brushes. This device molds to your teeth. When worn at night, it helps keep your mouth open so you can breathe a bit better.
Sleep apnea shouldn’t keep you from being your best and enjoying your trip. Try some short-term solutions or consider having your machine sent to you.
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