Summer is the season for family vacations and weekend getaways with friends. Whether you are going camping in a national park or exploring a new city, it’s important to plan before you go. This is especially true if you are impacted by sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder affecting roughly 20 million Americans. You don’t want your sleep apnea symptoms getting in the way of having a good time! Keep reading to discover four essential tips for traveling with sleep apnea.
1. When Flying, Check the Airline Guidelines
In general, both CPAP machines and oral appliances can be packed in either checked luggage or carry-on items. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm what you can and cannot include in your luggage when you travel by plane. The standards might be different depending on the airline you choose and whether you’re traveling outside the country. Check the airport and airline-specific guidelines at least two weeks before your flight so you’re not left scrambling at that last minute.
2. Keep Your Prescription with You
Summer is often one of the busiest times of year for air travel and many airports around the country are currently understaffed. This could mean that your suitcase is more likely to be lost or delayed in transit. To play it safe, keep your sleep apnea prescription with you at all times. An oral appliance can easily be stored in a purse, backpack, or carry-on bag. Just be sure to keep it in its protective case while you’re on the move.
3. For CPAP Machines, Check the Power Supply
If you rely on a CPAP machine for a good night’s sleep, keep in mind that many foreign countries use different outlet shapes and voltage standards. If you’re traveling with sleep apnea internationally, you likely won’t be able to use your CPAP machine at your destination without a universal power adapter. You may also want to take an extension cord so that you can use your CPAP machine even if there isn’t an outlet close to the hotel bed.
4. For Oral Appliance, Pack Your Cleaning Products
It can be hard to keep up with healthy habits and routines when you’re on vacation. However, it’s important to still regularly clean your oral appliance to prevent bacteria buildup. Make sure you pack all of the necessary cleaning products. Airlines have strict restrictions on the size of liquid containers that can be brought on board, so be sure to double-check the rules before packing your suitcase.
With the proper preparations, it’s easy to have a fun, relaxing trip that isn’t adversely affected by sleep apnea. For more travel tips, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced sleep dentist near you.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Hutto has over 25 years of experience helping Baytown area residents overcome sleep apnea. An active member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, he offers several different types of high-quality oral appliances at his private practice. To learn more about traveling with sleep apnea, visit the Sleep Better Baytown website or call 281-422-8249.