Items That Make My Life With Sleep Apnea Easier!

Since I started using my continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine in 2020, I have slowly found additional products that make the management of my obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) a little easier. The downside is that I am not aware that these products are covered by health insurance or eligible for a flexible spending account or health savings account (FSA/HSA). Comment on this article if you know differently!

What items make life easier?

Besides my CPAP machine, here are items that make my OSA easier:

Water distiller

The first time I had to buy distilled water for my CPAP it was in the summer. I easily found gallon jugs in the outdoor section of Target. I thought it would be easy to keep buying them, but once the summer was over, I could not find distilled water anywhere in my area. Plus, I found that I was going through a gallon every few weeks so it was a chore to continue to look for bottled distilled water.

Eventually, I invested in a water distiller. These can range in price, from $75 to several hundred dollars. I chose a middle-of-the-road option, and I think the purchase has already earned its value in my home. Now I can easily make gallon jugs of distilled water at home. The process takes 5 to 6 hours but it is easy to set up and use.

CPAP mask liners

I started buying these on the recommendation of my sleep doctor. I have sensitive skin and I was experiencing redness on my face that would not go away after I took off my mask. I could only cover it with makeup, which I did not want to do every day! These liners are soft fabric that easily goes between your skin and your CPAP mask. You can find versions made specifically for your brand of CPAP mask.

TSA-compliant bottles of distilled water

These are vital if you enjoy traveling but do not always want to check a bag. These water bottles are typically enough for a 2 to 3 night supply of distilled water. I buy bottles that are labeled as “medically necessary for CPAP” and I only travel with sealed, unopened bottles.

Each time I go through airport security, I put the bottle in 1 of the separate, small containers they have for items like keys, watches, etc. I always get pulled aside but once they test the bottle, I am on my way.

Backup battery power

Whether you are worried about having access to a power outlet when traveling or do not want to go without your CPAP in a power outage, backup battery power is a must! I have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides 2 to 3 nights of battery power for my CPAP. Some versions of a backup power source can be recharged with a solar panel, which would be ideal for people who enjoy camping (that is not me!).

I have used my backup battery on overnight flights so that I wake up rested and ready for the first morning of my international trip. If you want to bring it on a flight, make sure that you buy a battery that is TSA-compliant. I always pack the informational packet that comes with the battery in my backpack. This is helpful in case I get questioned while going through security at the airport. These are pricey investments at a few hundred dollars each.

Patches for my CPAP bag

Ok, these do not make my life easier, but they make it more fun! I buy an iron-on patch from every destination that I travel to with my CPAP. Now, my boring grey CPAP case is starting to fill up with travel memories!

Have you purchased any of these products? Or, is there something that this list is missing?

Tell us what items make sleep apnea easier. Please share your sleep apnea story or comment below.