My sister and brother-in-law are going on the Best of England tour this year on my recommendation as a veteran of several tours. She asked a question I had never encountered and hope all of my CPAP experts out there can help. As a couple, did you have trouble finding rooms with a bedside table at each side of the bed (or room for a chair by the bed) for both your CPAPs? My brother in law is tall and they have asked for twin beds, but because the rooms tend to be small she is worried they won't each have a way to put their CPAPs at bed level to use them.
Posted by
Kent, WA, United States
22 posts
We have been on three RS tours and will be taking our 4th in April. So far we have never had a problem, if there is no table we put our CPAP machines on a towel next to the bed (they're supposed to be below mattress level anyway). We make sure to bring extension cords with us, as the main problem we have found is no outlet near the head of the bed (make sure to have plenty adapters). The only other problem we have when travelling in Europe and Asia is finding distilled water for the CPAP humidifiers, in some countries we can purchase the water in pharmacies, although it is much more expensive than in the US. If we can't find distilled water, we run the machines with the humidifiers turned off. Good luck and have fun!
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Bring an extension cord and your CPAP worries are over.
Posted by
3439 posts
My husband uses a CPAP machine. I email our hotels to request a room with an electrical outlet close to the bed or, in the alternative, ask to borrow an extension cord. They have always replied that our rooms will have an outlet at bedside and we have never had a problem. Since they're going on a tour, I would contact the RS office and give them a heads up. They may tell them to take it up with the guide.
We gave up on finding distilled water early on and have used bottled water with no issues.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2660 posts
I've done 5 RS tours with a CPAP. I always bring an extension cord and have always managed to make things work--often without the extension cord--with 2 CPAPs I think the extension cord would be essential. I've never bothered to call ahead.
I usually put my machine on the floor as the bedside table is often too high.
Posted by
OP
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2000 posts
To clarify, they are already planning on bringing extension cords. She told me her worry was not having a bedside table or room for a chair in order to have the machines high enough. Their machines are not supposed to be too much higher or lower than the beds.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2660 posts
Maybe something like this?
Some European hotel rooms are pretty small. Have not heard that it must be at bed height, though.
Posted by
OP
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2000 posts
Liz, what a great idea. I will show her your suggestion Thanks
Posted by
11569 posts
England was the one country where we could not easily find distilled water so used bottled water. We were told that to buy distilled water you have to go to an auto repair shop as it is used in batteries.we have found it easily in other countries, even in rural areas.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
Many of the CPAPs work on both 110 and 220. I already have a voltage converter, but an extension cord can get the unit on the floor next to the bed if there's no end table. It works okay that way.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
And I thought voltage converters were virtually a thing of the past.
Posted by
OP
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2000 posts
She has already verified the CPAPs are dual voltage and will not require a converter.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11875 posts
A typical 20-22" roller bag could be used as a table, no?
Bringing some other item to drag along seems unnecessary
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2660 posts
I've been in rooms where there would not have been room for a chair or a suitcase by the bed.
Posted by
Pensacola, Fl, USA
18 posts
Get rid of the CAPS and get fitted for an oral device (similar what a football player uses)
It pulls your jaw forward thereby opening your airways. Very comfortable.
It fits in your shirt pocket. My sleep study showed I had better oxygen levels with the oral device than the CAPS.
Posted by
OP
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2000 posts
Vincent, your advice does not apply unfortunately. The oral device was already tried unsuccessfully.
Posted by
Conroe, TX, USA
59 posts
Hey I just wanted to add some personal and professional experience here. I worked as a clinical specialist for the CPAP company ResMed.
All CPAPs and Bilevel devices should convert between voltages, as long as you have the proper plug in. There are travel CPAPs too which as very small! Worth a look if you are concerned about size. They also convert voltages.
I have travelled a lot in Great Britain and encountered some smaller places without a bedside table. Turning over a trash can, setting it on a suitcase or chair work too. I have actually had to do this in newer hotels in the US!
the other thing I encountered is in a very old B&B I stayed in their adaptor was NOT the standard adaptor used in London but an older version. So if anyone has encountered this in previous RS tour it would be great to pass along.
Last thing...it you worry about distilled water, DON'T! use any good commercial bottled water and give the humidifier a good wash when you get home!
Nice to see people travelling with CPAP!
Nancy
Posted by
OP
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2000 posts
Thanks, Nancy and fellow San Diego county travelear. The garbage can is a great suggestion and I have passed your reply on to my sister.
Posted by
Conroe, TX, USA
59 posts
Hi Laurie...
I am actually an ex- San Diegan, we recently moved to the Houston Texas area in late 2017. Glad to see others wanting to help people with CPAP questions....
Anything to make it less frightening and to take their CPAPs with them!
Nancy