Camping is a classic pastime, but it can be a difficult one to enjoy in if you need to use a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea. If you're wondering how you can go about it, here's what you need to know.

Never Go Without Treatment

The first thing that must be said is that you should never skip using your sleep apnea treatment. It's too dangerous. When sleep apnea isn't treated, the airway can close off completely. This can deprive you of oxygen in your sleep. This is not only bad for the entire body, but it also increases stress on the heart, which can lead to cardiovascular issues. It can also starve the brain of necessary oxygen, which in severe cases, can cause brain damage. Needless to say, just leaving your CPAP machine behind without an alternative is a no-go.

Alternatives to CPAP

The good news is, there is an alternative to a CPAP machine, and it actually would come from your local dentist's office.

Dentists can create dental prosthetics that help you to maintain an open airway while you're asleep. These are typically called sleep apnea appliances, or in some cases, mandibular advancement devices. They don't require electricity and can easily be used in a camping environment.

These devices are designed to gently pull forward your lower jaw. Doing this keeps strain on the airway, keeping it open even when your muscles relax after you lose consciousness. This should be completely comfortable and may actually help you to have a deeper and more pleasant sleep, as you won't be putting up with the noise that a CPAP can produce.

What To Expect

Getting a sleep apnea appliance is no big deal. You'll go in to your dentist's office to have one made. Your dentist will pull your basic information from your doctor regarding your sleep apnea and will perform a quick physical examination to determine if you're a good candidate for one of the appliances. If you are, then you'll proceed to the next step.

Your dentist will make a dental mold of your teeth to make a custom-made mandibular advancement device for you. This is painless. Once the mold is taken, it will be sent to a specialist manufacturer that will make a device just for you. When it's ready, your dentist will call you back in to fit it and to ensure that it's having the intended effect. If it is, then you're ready to go and can start using it immediately.

Camping with a CPAP machine would be extremely difficult, typically requiring you to set up a power generator or at least hooking your machine to a car battery. Skip all that and go with a noiseless, convenient alternative from your dentist's office. For more information, contact dentist offices like Jerry C Hu DDS Family Dentistry LLC.

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