Backpacking With a CPAP

Last August I spent 10 days in Croatia with only my backpack and my CPAP case. I planned out my itinerary to include 3 different cities, with ferry and bus trips connecting me throughout the country. To save on accommodations I decided to stay in hostels for the majority of the trip. I haven’t stayed in a hostel since I studied abroad when I was 20 years old, before I knew about my sleep apnea. Now, I am traveling and backpacking with my CPAP.

Traveling and backpacking with my CPAP

The plan was that I would stay at a hotel on my final night. I found a beautiful hotel with an infinity pool overlooking the old city of Dubrovnik. I had 1 more night booked in a 6-person hostel room in Split when I decided that I was ready for privacy and booked a hotel. There was nothing wrong with the hostel; however, it was nice to not have to keep locking up my belongings since I was in my own hotel room.

Planning for sharing hostel spaces with my CPAP

Staying in shared hostel rooms with a CPAP took some planning. I requested bottom bunks in each hostel, figuring that would provide the best chance for an outlet nearby my bed. Most of the time there was only 1 outlet. I planned out charging my phone earlier in the day to ensure that the outlet would be available when I was ready to sleep.

Before I booked anything I researched reviews of the hostels that mentioned the size of the locker. That way, I knew that I would be able to store my CPAP safely during the day. One of the hostels that I stayed in had a small table that folded out from the wall that would hover over the bed. I laughed to myself that it was a perfect CPAP stand!

I arrived very early in the morning on my first day and I was not able to check into the first hostel. They allowed me to store my belongings among a pile of other people’s backpacks lining the hallway.

I decided not to leave my CPAP. Even though I doubt anyone would have stolen it, it is still expensive medical equipment. Also, I didn’t want to go through the trip without it and risk my sleep quality! Still jetlagged, I spent a few hours exploring the city with the bag on my shoulder. That included taking it on the Dubrovnik Cable Car to the top of Mount Srd for beautiful panoramic views of the city.

Since I was traveling solo on my trip through Croatia I went to bed early most nights. I quickly got over worrying about what my bunkmates thought when they saw me with a mask on my face. Who cares what they think?!

Flying with my CPAP

My only issue with CPAP compliance was on my overnight flight from Boston. My seat had a power outlet but I was honestly unsure how using my CPAP would work without any water in the chamber. Plus, I wasn't sure how to position myself and my CPAP so that I could sleep in the airplane seat. I will research this before my next overnight trip so I don’t allow that to be a barrier to my usage.

I never want my sleep apnea or my CPAP equipment to get in the way of my travels. So far it hasn't.

Backpacking through Croatia with my CPAP machine

I had an incredible trip through Croatia, traveling and backpacking with my CPAP. During my days I swam in the sea off the docks of old town Dubrovnik, walked the 1,000 steps of the old city walls, and took multiple trips up and down the 180 steps it took to get to my hostel. I took ferries up the Croatian coast and sunbathed on the island of Hvar. I saw the waterfalls of Krka National Park and hiked through Plitvice Lakes National Park. In the city of Zadar, I watched what Alfred Hitchcock famously declared the “most beautiful sunset in the world”. And yes, I saw a lot of Game of Thrones memorabilia despite never watching the show (I know!).

Travels with my CPAP

My backpacking trip through Croatia was enhanced by my ability to get through my days with energy and a clear mind. Planning to travel with a CPAP just takes some extra preparation. Luckily, I love researching for trips. It didn’t bother me to look into my destinations and the hostels with a higher level of detail than I would’ve before I started using my CPAP. Here’s to more travels!

Do you ever backpack or travel with your CPAP? If so, what preparations do you take? Please share in the comments.