BiPAP Machine: How to Choose Your Portable Travel Machine

If you suffer from any sleep disorder, travelling could be challenging. To improve your breathing and sleep, your doctor might advise bringing your Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, or BiPAP, equipment on the road.

Unfortunately, your regular BiPAP machine could be too large to take when you travel. Invest in a small travel BiPAP device to simplify your journey. Travel-friendly BiPAP equipment is lightweight, small, and equipped with extra functions. It also facilitates air or ground travel.

This article will assist you in knowing the things to watch out for while looking for travel BiPAP machines or for personal use, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Is the BiPAP Machine Required for Your Travel?

To put it simply, a BiPAP device is essential for your travel. If you have obstructive sleep apnea or any sleep disorder characterised by breathing issues, such as an asthma attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or congestive heart failure, you must use a BiPAP machine when travelling. By forcing compressed air into your lungs, the machine assists in widening your airways so you can breathe in the oxygen you need for sleep.

Therefore, unless your sleep doctor advises differently, bringing your BiPAP equipment with you when you travel is recommended.

How to Choose a BiPAP Device: Important Considerations

In addition to the weight, size, and power choices of a BiPAP machine, here are some more variables to consider while purchasing your travel BiPAP machine.

Air Travel Use

Make sure you purchase an authorised machine if you want to use it while flying. Call the airline before your flight to find out if there are any additional restrictions you need to follow while flying with your equipment. For instance, certain airlines could need a note from your doctor stating your medical necessity.

Compatibility

The best thing to do would be to think about whether the equipment you want would work with additional BiPAP attachments. You must ensure the device you purchase is consistent with the mask type, for example, if your sleep specialist has advised using a specific nasal mask. Utilising the machine, check the comfort and fit of your nasal mask. To avoid shopping for additional attachments, you should pick a device compatible with an extensive range of accessories.

Humidifier

Your throat and mouth may dry up or itch after using a BiPAP machine for a long time. That is why you must consider a device that includes a heated humidifier. Thanks to the humidifier, it will moisten the pressured air you breathe while you sleep. Some devices include built-in humidifiers, while others have them as an external function or waterless humidifiers.

Choose a machine with a large water tank if you want a humidifier so you won't have to replenish it continually. A device with a waterless humidifier is efficient for travel since it maintains the warmth and moisture of the air you breathe while you sleep without using water.

Manufacturer

If your conventional BiPAP machine functions well, there is a strong probability that the travel model from the same company will also be. Furthermore, reputable medical supply companies sell high-quality BiPAP devices.

Sound Level

Consider buying a quiet travel BiPAP device while making your selection. A device that prevents you from obtaining quality sleep is not something you want to have. Modern BiPAP machines are considerably quieter, but it's always a good idea to test the machine's noise level before purchasing it.

Price

The price is a crucial consideration while looking for a portable BiPAP machine. Notably, health insurance does not provide coverage for BiPAP equipment. Therefore, be careful to choose one that meets your demands. Additionally, travel-friendly BiPAP equipment might be more expensive than those used at home.

Machine Type

Positive pressure is used by a BiPAP, a sleep treatment device, to make breathing easier. The changeable pressure settings of BiPAP devices set them apart. A device with changeable IPAP or EPAP pressure rates is available. Compared to the IPAP machine for inhalation, the EPAP provides more exhalation pressure and is lighter.

However, individuals with breathing issues don't only utilise BiPAP equipment. The CPAP machine is another popular sleep treatment tool. In contrast to the CPAP machine, the BiPAP produces increased pressure when you inhale. The air pressure remains constant when you breathe in and out while using this gadget. Although portable CPAP devices are readily available, changing from a BiPAP to a CPAP machine should only be done as directed by your sleep doctor.

Warranty

BiPAP equipment should always come with a repair and replacement guarantee if something goes wrong. Thankfully, most travel BiPAP equipment comes with a 2–3 year guarantee.

Conclusion

Travel shouldn't be hampered by sleep disorders like sleep apnea. Regarding travelling while having sleep apnea, a portable travel BiPAP machine is your best bet. Now that you've read this information, perhaps you're ready to choose the finest vacation BiPAP.