Travel with a CPAP machine

Travel with a CPAP machine

Before Air travel with a CPAP machine

Make Sure Your CPAP Equipment Is Dry Before You Pack.
Empty your humidifier water chamber and make sure your CPAP device and supplies are completely dry before packing them to prevent mold and mildew.
Pack Backup CPAP Supplies.
Even for a short trip, make sure to pack extra supplies like mask cushions, headgear, and filters. These supplies have a way of breaking when you need them most, and nobody wants to play MacGyver just to get a good night’s sleep.
Keep A Copy of Your Prescription With You.
You probably won’t need it, but if you had to replace your CPAP mask or machine while on vacation you’d be glad to have it!
Bottled Water Is Your Friend.
Even if you’re headed to a five-star hotel, it’s a good idea to bring some bottled water, because you don’t know when or where you’ll find distilled water. It’s important to only use distilled water in your CPAP, because tap water (and even spring water) contains minerals that can build up in your machine and cause it to break down in time.
This is especially important if you’re traveling to a location where you’re advised to not drink the local water. If the tap water isn’t safe to drink, you probably shouldn’t inhale it either.

Stock Up On CPAP Wipes.
You don’t want to waste your bottled water on cleaning your CPAP supplies. CPAP wipes are a fast and easy way to make sure your mask and machine stay clean. Plus, the alcohol-free formula is good for more than just CPAP equipment!
Make Sure You Have the Right Power Supply
If you’ll be traveling internationally, you may find that your power cord isn’t compatible with the local power outlets. Most modern CPAPs will automatically correct for the difference in voltage (110v in America vs 220v in most of Europe), but you’ll likely need an adapter to fit the outlet.
Get A Second Battery Pack.
Even if you’re heading to a location with ample power, you never know what might happen along the way. Maybe your flight gets delayed. Maybe your campsite doesn’t have an outlet. Maybe your hotel experiences a power outage. No matter what, having a battery or two can help protect your sleep health from unforeseen problems.
Invest in a DC Converter.
A DC converter is an inexpensive way to multiply your power supply options. DC adaptors allow you to power your CPAP (or charge your battery) from solar panels, USB ports, cigarette lighter style outlets, and even car batteries.
Extra tips
Pick a seat that has access to power if you need to use your CPAP machine on a long flight. Also, bring your airline’s phone number and website with you to check their assisted device policy. The airline has the final approval for in-flight usage.
FAA Compliance Letter: Download and keep with your CPAP machine.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Review the airport security page for medical conditions to confirm the process for CPAP machines.
Review airline policies for using CPAP machine for in-flight use and restrictions for carry ons.
Review a checklist of documents to take with you.

Make sure your CPAP isn’t damaged in transit. If it is your holiday may be difficult and unhappy. Even if you won’t use your CPAP on the flight, take it on board as part of your hand baggage. Make sure that it is in a sturdy, protective bag. Airlines are used to people with medical equipment. Explain things to them. They will probably let you have this as another piece of cabin baggage. To be even safer, you might want to get a letter explaining things. It is best if this is from a specialist doctor. You can use this if you run into any problems with customs or airlines. A lot of countries use languages other than English. If you are going to one of these, you should get these translated.

Some manufacturers supply batteries made specifically for their machines. These batteries are sealed Lithium-ion batteries and are certified for use on planes. These batteries usually last an average 12-13 hours on CPAP only, about 6 hrs using CPAP and humidifier and about 3-4 hrs using CPAP, humidifier, and heated tubing. The battery will be used up quicker at higher pressures or if the mask leaks. Mask leaks result in the machine working harder as it tries to compensate for the leak.

The batteries are charged from mains power and take around 4 hrs to be charged from completely flat to fully charged.

Use of CPAP with other than normal mains voltage may pose special problems or risks. It may void your warranty. The supplier of your CPAP machine should always be consulted before using non-mains power supplies unless an approved battery and inverter.

Air travel and airport security for CPAP users
• Bring your CPAP machine as a carry-on so it won’t be lost, damaged or misplaced
by baggage handlers.
• Contact your individual airline about its CPAP travel policy at least two weeks prior to your flight.
• Allow yourself extra time for security. Be prepared to remove your CPAP machine from
your bags so it can be X-rayed or inspected by security agents.
• The x-ray scanners will not harm your device. However, security may need to see the
medical statement from your physician verifying that you’re carrying medical equipment.