Beginner’s Guide to CPAP Financing

A travel CPAP machine works the same as a home CPAP does by delivering pressurized air to a user to keep their airways open at night, designed to treat sleep apnea. However, travel CPAPs are made more compact in size for treatment while traveling or on the go. Travel CPAPs are FAA-approved, and allowed to be used on flights, cruises, or other modes of transportation.

Travel CPAP machines are smaller and lighter than standard home machines, and designed for use while traveling. Although they are effective enough for regular use, that may result in a shorter lifespan of the machine than if it were only used during certain occasions. We recommend reading your manufacturer’s guide for more information.

Your CPAP machine should’ve come in a carry bag when you first purchased it. We recommend using that bag when traveling as it will fit your machine and all of its accessories (like tubing and power cord). Travel bags are also available for purchase on our website.

No, your portable CPAP machine does not count as a carry-on as the FAA does not allow airlines to count it as one. For more information, we recommend calling your airline.

Yes, travel CPAP machines can be used while camping if it is plugged into an external power source, such as a generator or a battery. Learn more about camping on CPAP therapy.

Most portable CPAP machines can run on battery power for approximately 1-2 nights, depending on the machine’s settings and your prescribed pressure settings. Shop high-quality batteries here.

This is one of the most common questions we hear. New users often worry about claustrophobia and discomfort and whether they will be able to move around while sleeping. To combat these feelings, make sure the mask you choose fits properly to you, as that is crucial to successful CPAP therapy. If you can’t tolerate your mask, you won’t use the machine.

It’s very normal to want to know how long it’ll take to start seeing symptom and overall health improvements to make sure the time and effort of CPAP therapy is paying off. The good news is CPAP therapy can start working almost immediately, with some patients noticing improvements after only one night of treatment. However, it may also take up to 1-2 weeks to fully adjust and see the benefits of treatment. Managing those expectations and understanding the benefits of therapy (increased energy, mood, health, and much more!) can motivate you to stick with therapy. As with many things, consistency is key!

Dry mouth, nasal congestion, skin irritation, and swallowing air are all potential side effects that can worry new users. Addressing these concerns upfront allows you to learn about solutions and preventative measures, like using a humidifier (used to add moisture to the air for more comfortable therapy) and adjusting your CPAP mask to fit correctly on your face.

CPAP machines and masks require regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of germs an bacteria (that can cause infections) and ensure proper function. This can feel overwhelming at first having to stick to a new routine, but patients will quickly learn that proper cleaning is essential for your health and the longevity of your equipment. A clear understanding of the process will make it less daunting.

CPAP therapy is a long-term commitment, and you will need to figure out how to integrate it into your daily life and social situations to see optimal results. Thankfully, CPAP products vary in size, noise level, and design to accommodate users whether they are traveling, sharing a bed with their partner, and more. Addressing your specific lifestyle habits and concerns can help you develop strategies for managing CPAP use in various situations, leading to greater adherence and overall success.