Do you have a big vacation coming up that you’ve been looking forward to all year? Maybe it’s a business trip that has you leaving home for a week. No matter what the circumstances are, globetrotting while dealing with sleep apnea can be a nuisance if you’re not properly prepared. To avoid poor rest while on your trip, here are 4 comfort-focused tips to follow if you want to stay on track with your sleep apnea treatment.
Don’t Check Your Oral Appliance
If traveling by plane, do not make the mistake of packing your oral appliance in your suitcase. Since you’ll likely be checking your luggage, you could end up being without it while in the air. Instead, keep it in your carry-on or personal item (i.e., purse) so that you can access it easily should you decide to take a nap.
Don’t Disregard Normal Sleep Times
Whether you’re on vacation or out of town for business, sticking to a normal sleep schedule will yield the best results. It can be tempting to stay up late with family playing games and having fun, but waking up the next day fatigued because of minimal rest will only make it harder to function when everyone else is ready to seize the day.
Make sure the room you’re sleeping in is conducive to your sleep needs and set an alarm at the normal time you wake up. This will help your body’s circadian rhythm stay in sync so that you can feel well-rested and eager for the next day’s activities.
Bring Your Cleaning Essentials
If you are traveling with an oral appliance or CPAP, make sure to bring all the necessary cleaning products. This will reduce the potential for germs, ensuring you get the highest-quality sleep while also feeling more confident in your oral hygiene.
Staying on top of your daily routine of brushing, flossing, and rinsing will reduce bad bacteria that can transfer from your mouth and onto your mouthpiece, and vice versa. Just be sure to also clean out the protective case you keep your appliance in so that it remains a safe and clean environment for your oral device.
See Your Sleep Dentist Before You Leave
No matter which type of sleep apnea treatment you use (i.e., CPAP or oral appliance), meeting with your sleep dentist before you leave will ensure everything is in the best shape possible. Going out of town with an uncomfortable oral appliance or damaged CPAP mask will sabotage your treatment, making sleep seem impossible.
However, by scheduling an appointment and having all adjustments made and replacements provided, you can travel with confidence knowing there is nothing to hinder your sleep quality.
Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from traveling and enjoying life outside your home. By keeping these helpful tips in mind, you can see the world more comfortably and get the rest you need.
About the Practice
Our team at Star Sleep & Wellness in McKinney is here to make living with sleep apnea a breeze. Using various treatment options and methods to help patients breathe better and rest more soundly, our team of elite experts can provide tips to making daily life easier and less cumbersome. If you are planning a trip and want to make sure your sleep apnea doesn’t get in the way, contact us to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help.