CPAP On CP

[dfunghi]

Hi All,
I currently use a CPAP (a night time breathing machine for those who do not know) and was wondering how difficult finding a plug near a bed will be? I can carry a lightweight (10') extension cord but need the machine itself right next to bed. In shared accommodations will this be nearly impossible?

I prefer to have a mix of stays along the way and do not want to be limited to hotels and guest houses since it sounds pretty clear the best experiences are at the pilgrim stops like the Albergues? I will be walking the CP Coastal / inland (a mix I think).

I do plan to take advantage of a luggage transfer ( https://caminofacil.net/en/ ) so not to carry my CPAP all day.

There are after market batteries and portable CPAP on the market but they are quite expensive options. Dragging my CPAP seems the only real answer and not allowing my need for a CPAP to dissuade me form walking the Camino is paramount.

I would think most electrical outlets (what few may be available) are gobbled up quickly by phone /camera chargers? How competitive is it for the few plugs that may be available?

Worst case perhaps there are more pilgrim friendly types of private accommodations (this will assure a plug by the bed) that still have a communal atmosphere. I really do not want to use hotels and such the whole way as reading here (and talking to a couple CF vets) the experience of staying in hotels every night and having each day fully planned in advance is not really the best way to do this.

I am going in early Spring and imagine calling in AM for that night will work at moist places. My hope is the replies I receive here will be along the lines of having a plug within 3 meters of the bed is likely a good bet. Better to know now though and if a $300 battery and a $500 portable is what I need so be it.

 

[Deleted member 12253]

Use private albergus and you still get albergue experience
Enjoy expe

Hi All,
I currently use a CPAP (a night time breathing machine for those who do not know) and was wondering how difficult finding a plug near a bed will be? I can carry a lightweight (10') extension cord but need the machine itself right next to bed. In shared accommodations will this be nearly impossible?

I prefer to have a mix of stays along the way and do not want to be limited to hotels and guest houses since it sounds pretty clear the best experiences are at the pilgrim stops like the Albergues? I will be walking the CP Coastal / inland (a mix I think).

I do plan to take advantage of a luggage transfer ( https://caminofacil.net/en/ ) so not to carry my CPAP all day.

There are after market batteries and portable CPAP on the market but they are quite expensive options. Dragging my CPAP seems the only real answer and not allowing my need for a CPAP to dissuade me form walking the Camino is paramount.

I would think most electrical outlets (what few may be available) are gobbled up quickly by phone /camera chargers? How competitive is it for the few plugs that may be available?

Worst case perhaps there are more pilgrim friendly types of private accommodations (this will assure a plug by the bed) that still have a communal atmosphere. I really do not want to use hotels and such the whole way as reading here (and talking to a couple CF vets) the experience of staying in hotels every night and having each day fully planned in advance is not really the best way to do this.

I am going in early Spring and imagine calling in AM for that night will work at moist places. My hope is the replies I receive here will be along the lines of having a plug within 3 meters of the bed is likely a good bet. Better to know now though and if a $300 battery and a $500 portable is what I need so be it.

You have answered all your own questions. Private albergues and you get pilgrim experience enjoy. I saw numerous people down the years with same

 

[dfunghi]

Use private albergus and you still get albergue experience
Enjoy expe



You have answered all your own questions. Private albergues and you get pilgrim experience enjoy. I saw numerous people down the years with same

Thank you, I do fear outlets are scarce and popular (like at airports). I would hope a medical device may take some priority over a phone charge but you never know. I read a thread here about how some travelers are more respectful of others and some are not (the noise and light complaints). My other thought (as I research this) is to bring a portable power pack for phones and such and if the plug is taken by a charger I can offer to charge the phone on my portable power and use plug for my CPAP.

 

[Chaz351]

Hi,
I was actually just about to write a question about the same topic. The cpap machine I use at home is too heavy to carry, so I am investigating a travel-size machine with a battery. I know this option is expensive, but I really do need a cpap machine to sleep properly. I figured that I might be able to sell it when I am finished. Is there anyone else in this community that has had a similar experience?
Thanks.
Chaz

 

[stratophile]

Many private albergues now have bunks that have individual plugs (for that bunk). One suggestion: consider carrying a plug extender (such as 'two plugs in one') since often the bunk-specific plugs have just one plug. If your CPAP is using the available plug the extender gives you another for your phone.

Some municipal albergues also have lots of plugs available (relative to the number of bunks). For those, though, you'll need to contact them to get exact details. And, of course, there will still be some risk of not getting a plug available.

Good luck with your planning – the Portugués is a wonderful walk (despite the somewhat large amount of road walking).

 

[stratophile]

Oh - forgot to add that having a plug extender has the benefit that even if all plugs are taken, you can ask someone if you can plug in the extender. They then plug their device into the extender leaving a spot still available for you.

 

[dfunghi]

Oh - forgot to add that having a plug extender has the benefit that even if all plugs are taken, you can ask someone if you can plug in the extender. They then plug their device into the extender leaving a spot still available for you.

I do plan that option but I wondered how it would be received by the house owner / operator having too many things in one outlet also if someone was to decide to unplug me in the middle of the night it would be a problem. The more I think about it, plus hearing first hand that plugs are not as scarce as I feared, the answer will be the portable power pack to charge devices (I already own one in fact) and ask whomever has their device charging to plug into my power pack instead and allow me use of the electricity. These portable packs are quite fast and can easily fully charge a device or two between recharging the pack itself.

 

[Ekelund]

I have shared bunkbeds in albergue municipal a couple of times with people who used CPAP during the night. The noise and light from the machine did not bother me and I havn't heard complaints about the CPAP's from other people. My experience is that people show consideration and let the user of CPAP have the lower bunk bed as they need to have the CPAP on a chair or on the floor next to the bed. And first priority to the plug closest to the bunkbed during the night.

 

[stratophile]

Luckily, modern CPAPs are surprisingly quiet compared to the old beasts. In my opinion, people should actually be appreciative of CPAP users since most CPAP users who aren't using their machine are among the worst snorers! Win-win!

 

[dfunghi]

Luckily, modern CPAPs are surprisingly quiet compared to the old beasts. In my opinion, people should actually be appreciative of CPAP users since most CPAP users who aren't using their machine are among the worst snorers! Win-win!

Yeah, for sure my CPAP is pretty quiet and does not disturb my wife. Of course she is used to it I suppose. Compared to snoring and waking up gasping for air, CPAP is much easier on everyone. The noisiest part of the CPAP is where the mask meets the face and that noise is pretty localized to the CPAP user. I have planned on earplugs and nightshades in general, don't most use them? Between late arrivals, early departures and fellow snoring room mates I imagine they are a must?

 

[Daddyfrog]

I walked the Norte in May/June with a Transcend portable CPAP and battery. I used a note garnered from the forum, which I presented to the hospitalero, explaining my need for power. (Do a search of the forum on CPAP - there's a lot of information.) There was only one night when I needed to use the battery, and hospitaleros were incredibly accomodating and understanding - one was even a CPAP user himself, and wanted to see my machine and discuss the pros and cons of walking with the machine! I never had any complaints from other peregrinos, some saying the white noise was soothing and helped them sleep. Do it!

 

[happymarkos]

I do plan that option but I wondered how it would be received by the house owner / operator having too many things in one outlet also if someone was to decide to unplug me in the middle of the night it would be a problem. The more I think about it, plus hearing first hand that plugs are not as scarce as I feared, the answer will be the portable power pack to charge devices (I already own one in fact) and ask whomever has their device charging to plug into my power pack instead and allow me use of the electricity. These portable packs are quite fast and can easily fully charge a device or two between recharging the pack itself.

Hi
I am a cpap user also.
On first CF took my heavy ResMed and used transfers. Plugs no problem it is a matter of asking.
Since then often use a small portable one with no battery pack and carry in my backpack. Total weight less than 1kg but no humidifier. Take Long lead and charging plug with two USB ports. Have also used a mouth splint that is so so but doesn’t stop all snoring. Make sure you have good ear plugs!
All part of the experience.
Happymark

 

[dfunghi]

On first CF took my heavy ResMed and used transfers.

Sounds like what I will do this time (no humidifier anyway for me) since I plan to utilize transfer service anyway. I do have a dual USB adapter for a plug so I can avoid displacing anyone charging a device.

Thanks,
D

 

[Phil W]

I walked the CF summer of 2016 with my CPAP. Like happymarkos, I found a a travel CPAP through a company that sells factory refurbished machines. That made the machine much more affordable. As for finding a plug, it was not a problem. I prepared a card in Spanish that said that I have a medical device that needs a plug and showed it to the hospitalero's when registering. After about a week, I stopped using the card and just mentioned it to the hospitalero. Like happymarkos, I did not use a water reservoir. I used a filter called an HME (heat moisture exchanger) that returns warm moisture from my breath back to me. Worked just fine. I also carried my CPAP and accessories in my backpack without a problem. The CPAP weighs just under a pound. Not sure of the total weight for the machine and all accessories.

I have used the factory refurbished travel CPAP beginning the winter of 2016 and still use it while traveling. I carry it in a lightweight stuff sack with my mask, tubing, and plug in. I am able to change the CPAP plug to the country where I am going-it came with several different ones. My travel CPAP has been all over the United States, to Canada, and two times to Spain. I will take it back with me to Spain this winter.

Hope this helps out. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Phil