Mission Trip/Roughing it/TSA

Greetings!

As the title says, I'm getting ready to rough it a bit with a crew of high school kids on our annual mission trip/work camp. This is the first time I'll be on my CPAP. I'll have access to AC power so that's not a problem, the quality of said power might be in doubt though.

I have two questions.

First, what do ya'll recommend when it comes time to roughing it a bit? I'm already planning on bringing plenty of extension cords and buying distilled water on the way to the site. I'm going to be running around after HS kids so what shortcuts do you recommend for cleaning, etc. Do those wipes work/help?

Second. I'm going to have to take a flight for one leg of the trip so any advice getting though the TSA? This'll be my first time trying to get my CPAP through security. Any recommendations on that?

THANKS!

No problem with TSA....Use regular water if necessary....Baby wipes are fine for cleaning...If you have an older, back-up machine, bring it in place of your regular one.

Do not under any circumstances check your machine/mask... do bring it on board because it's not counted as carry-on luggage anyway and you get to watch over it.

Julie wrote:Do not under any circumstances check your machine/mask...

I highly recommend that.

Julie wrote:do bring it on board because it's not counted as carry-on luggage anyway and you get to watch over it.

If you are flying overseas, you have to be careful here with the "it's not counted as carry-on luggage".

That is a US FAA regulation that is in affect for all flights that originate or terminate in the US. If the flight lands in one country and you take another flight to another country (non-US) that rule may not follow.

Had this happen just a couple weeks ago for a relative that went to Italy. They few into a London airport, debarked the flight, went to another gate and took their pre-paid flight to go onto Italy and were charged for carry on for their CPAP machines (they both use one). They mentioned the rule and were told it didn't apply since the flight they were on didn't originate or terminate in the US.

It is best to ask in advance if you are traveling overseas.

Even if it costs more, DO NOT LET IT OUT OF YOUR SIGHT!

Yay!

Luckily for me it's just to Kentucky so domestic flight. Should I get one of those little "Hello medical equipment!" tags for the bag or is that more of an international thing? Some websites seem to recommend putting it in a clear plastic bag to X-Ray it. Are people just being paranoid? I know I'm allowed to ask the TSA person to use new gloves/new swab to at least attempt to keep it clean if it gets pulled for explosives testing.

Should I bring a powerstrip with a surge protector? We're going to be sleeping on the floor of a middle school closed for the summer (weee, bring on the air mattress) it's my only machine so I'm SOL if it gets fried.

Will baby wipes work? What about those citrus 'special' cleaners. Is that just bunk?

TSA are trained to be paranoid. Humor is a big no-no.
Most are familiar with cpap and other medical equipment.
Power strip--YES! Also an extension cord, just in case.
Baby wipes work fine. The citrus are hardly worth the extra $.
Enjoy your mission!

Lol, of course I wouldn't put that on the tag. That was for us.

Good. I'm feeling much better about tho whole thing already.

Power strip is okay, but I find an extension cord with several outlets better. Unless your machine has a grounded plug you can just use a two prong extension cord with a few outlets on the end. It's more compact, can power more than one thing and can reach from the outlet to where you sleep. I've found that much more useful than a power strip.

I never bring my humidifier when I travel. Just easier. But I've been using a CPAP/BiPAP/ASV unit for almost 25 years at this point.

TSA is pretty nonchalant about CPAP type devices these days. When they as my what I have, I just say CPAP. They often just pass it through with my baggage. Of course, since I use an insulin pump, they always swab my hands, so they aren't worried about the CPAP unit.

While humor is a "No, no!", a cheerful and friendly face is always welcome. I suspect they get to see WAY too many people, who should take some serious chill pills!! You would be amazed at how easy going through security can be if you present a happy smile. Not insincere. Just an honest, happy smile. Helps you feel good and helps someone else facing another boring shift.

While humor is a "No, no!", a cheerful and friendly face is always welcome. I suspect they get to see WAY too many people, who should take some serious chill pills!! You would be amazed at how easy going through security can be if you present a happy smile. Not insincere. Just an honest, happy smile. Helps you feel good and helps someone else facing another boring shift

.

John, it is great to see you posting by the way. Missed you.

Excellent advice. When I last traveled, I remember the shocked look on the TSA's agent's face that was a pleasant surprise when I said good morning to her. I will definitely be doing that when I fly next month.

49er