Can you suffocate sleeping in your vehicle? Well, that depends on the cause, but in most cases, it is Carbon Monoxide that causes suffocation. To avoid this, fold down the rear seats, make sure the engine is off, and do not sleep with the windows open. Listed below are some tips to avoid suffocation while sleeping in a vehicle.

Carbon monoxide poisoning causes suffocation

CO gas poisoning is a deadly condition. People who suffer from it often have pale, pink skin and bright red lips. If you suspect you have been sleeping in your car and are now experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning, you should get medical attention immediately. You should call 911 and start CPR. You should keep doing this until you can see a change in your condition or breathe on your own. Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment based on your symptoms.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary from person to person. Low levels can cause dizziness, headaches, and fatigue. High concentrations can cause throbbing headaches, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness. The signs and symptoms of CO poisoning depend on the amount and duration of exposure. Everyone is at risk, but certain groups are more vulnerable. Children and pregnant women are more likely to experience the effects of CO poisoning than others.

Fold down the rear seats

Many cars today feature fold down rear seats to provide easy access to the trunk. The trunk-mounted release may not work if your car has Mafia heavies in the back seat. If you use the new button-style remote, which pops open a latch using a solenoid, the cable may not work. If you have an older model, it may be easier to unlatch the trunk using a physical cable.

Keep the engine turned off

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the biggest risk to your life while sleeping in your car. The fumes from your vehicle’s exhaust will mix with the surrounding air and can lead to fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. To avoid the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning, turn off your engine while sleeping. If you must sleep in your car, always keep the engine turned off to maintain proper ventilation.

Another hazard of sleeping inside your car is carbon monoxide. The exhaust gas from your car will deplete your oxygen levels very rapidly. It is even more dangerous if you keep the AC on. The same air will stay inside the car for an extended period of time, which can be dangerous for you. Furthermore, if your car’s air conditioning is on, the risk of suffocation increases.

Avoid sleeping with the windows up

The most obvious way to sleep safely in a car is to keep the windows open, but if you’re uncomfortable sleeping in the car, try to keep them partially closed. The best way to sleep in your car without suffocating is to sleep with your head towards the front and the windows closed. If you sleep with your windows closed, you might be subject to mosquitoes. In that case, consider wearing a mosquito repellant bracelet. In addition, consider using a mesh window cover, or invest in an auto sunshade that will keep out the bugs.

The first thing to keep in mind when sleeping in a car is the temperature. While you can’t always control the temperature inside your car, you can use window screens to keep the bugs out and battery-operated fans to regulate the temperature. You’ll want to wear several layers and stuff your sleeping bag with extra blankets. Make sure you wear wool socks and gloves. Always avoid sleeping in extreme temperatures.