:P B) Hi - I am new to this forum. I am 54, 6'0",270pounds and have always wanted to go to Peru and take an adventure trip. I had big plans but have had to scale back because my Doctor had said 10 days (7 at 11000-12000)ft would be dangerous since my Oxygen level goes to 78 at night without my bipap. I did not ask him about a less time. I am considering just staying in hotels so that I can use my Bipap but that would defeat my purpose of an adventure trip. I still would really like to go for the 10 days and spend seven on the machine but camp on the Inca trail for three nights at 11,000 + ft. I do not have battery power, have to carry most equipment , and understand that bipaps do not do well on batteries anyway. I do not like being a prisoner to this machine and condition. I really want to do this but I must also be responsible to my wife and children. Has anyone faced this problem or anyone have any suggestions or comments.
,

Welcome to Apnea Board, Gino.

Yours is an excellent question. Often folks camp or even hike with PAPs, but sounds like your situation requires a little more creativity.

I've never heard that BiPAPs pose any special challenges when running with DC power. I think the problem comes in when you try to run with heated humidificaton...I don't know of anyone who's gotten a respectable run time out of anything smaller than a DieHard when it comes to a humidifier.

In your situation, I think I'd consider a small machine like the GoodKnight 425. It weighs less than 2 pounds and measures measures 3” high, 5.5” wide, and 8” deep. You can purchase the manufacturer's battery pack, build your own out of hobby-type gel cells, or just use a cheap, readily available motorcycle battery.

Whatever option you choose, you'll need some way to recharge the battery during the day. I doubt you'd get nearly enough from a passive solution like solar, you'd probably have to recharge from a vehicle or an AC power source.

Personally, if I couldn't work out a PAP solution, I wouldn't go. Untreated OSA is dangerous at sea level...I shudder to think what my nadir O2 desat would be like at altitudes over 10,000 feet.

You could ask your doctor about supplemental oxygen. Absent PAP therapy, he or she might be willing to prescribe a simple oxygen bleed setup to take the edge off of your desaturation. I've never tried it, but it might be better than nothing. Can't hurt to ask!

Good luck whatever you decide!

Carl

This is sort of the same type of problem that I'm probably going to have soon. I just purchased a touring bicycle and I hope to eventually lose enough weight that I will be able to go on a five day, 300 mile, self-supported bike tour sometime this summer using a tent at various campgrounds at night (some with electricity, some without), then go on the RAGBRAI (ride across Iowa) in the following year , and then do a 2-week, 1,000 mile self-supported trip after that.

I imagine that the weight loss will help my Sleep Apnea, but I'm not sure if it will go away completely, even when I get down to my target weight. Sure wish it would, though! <_< I'm at a pressure setting of 14 right now.

Like your Peru adventure, with loaded bike touring, overall equipment weight is a huge issue. Each extra pound you tote on a bike or pack in your backpack makes it harder to walk or pedal. So I might have to check out small, lightweight CPAPs for that purpose (but cost is also a factor), I may just end up carrying my existing Remstar Pro.

Fortunately for me, most of my touring will be in the U.S., where proper planning for electrical needs will pay off, since a lot of campgrounds offer electrical hookups. For remote areas in Peru, you won't have that luxury.

Hi Gino,
Well, I'm new to this too, but since you asked. My friend, you are playing with SO much fire. As Carl said, the pressure difference can be a huge factor. Also, you're going to be doing MAJOR activity, be exhausted, etc. I personally notice that I need the machine MORE after something like this than not. Also, if you're going to the expense of the Peru trip, then 'budget in' a machine that will travel and work with and for you. I hope you DO go...what a rush... but in my opinion, have the adventure in a GOOD way, not respiratory roulette. Bon Voyage Gino!
Vinnie