Traveling with BiPap

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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49er
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Joined: Mon Jan 16, 2012 8:18 am

Traveling with BiPap

Post by 49er » Wed May 27, 2015 6:00 am

According to this site, I can take my BiPap on the plane in addition to carry on luggage and a bag that has personal items like a newspaper and snacks as long as they meet the required measurements, right? Just making sure I am not missing anything since this will be the first time I have flown since starting pap therapy in 2012. As an FYI, I am flying in the US.

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/ ... ry-On.aspx

Thanks!

49er

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LSAT
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Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by LSAT » Wed May 27, 2015 7:13 am

49er wrote:According to this site, I can take my BiPap on the plane in addition to carry on luggage and a bag that has personal items like a newspaper and snacks as long as they meet the required measurements, right? Just making sure I am not missing anything since this will be the first time I have flown since starting pap therapy in 2012. As an FYI, I am flying in the US.

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/ ... ry-On.aspx

Thanks!

49er
Just some hints that have been posted in the past...Put your mask in a plastic bag inside your CPAP case. Don't forget the CPAP cord and power brick, Always carry an extension cord. Carry a copy of your prescription in case something breaks and you need to make a purchase.

_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion)
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49er
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by 49er » Wed May 27, 2015 9:35 am

LSAT wrote:
49er wrote:According to this site, I can take my BiPap on the plane in addition to carry on luggage and a bag that has personal items like a newspaper and snacks as long as they meet the required measurements, right? Just making sure I am not missing anything since this will be the first time I have flown since starting pap therapy in 2012. As an FYI, I am flying in the US.

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/travel/ ... ry-On.aspx

Thanks!

49er
Just some hints that have been posted in the past...Put your mask in a plastic bag inside your CPAP case. Don't forget the CPAP cord and power brick, Always carry an extension cord. Carry a copy of your prescription in case something breaks and you need to make a purchase.
Thanks LSAT, those are great reminders. Just copied them into Outlook Notes so I don't forget.

49er

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Krelvin
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by Krelvin » Wed May 27, 2015 1:20 pm

Something I posted somewhere else recently...
Airlines don't make the rules related to medical devices... The FAA does. If you are staying within the US you should have no problems. FAA rules will apply to any flight that originates or terminates in the US.

My travel bag includes a extension cord with multiple connectors on the end. Most common issue is that there is an available plug, but it isn't where you need it.

For short trips I would use my backup CPAP which is already packed, has everything (including the power brick), extension cord, hose, mask etc... easier not to forget something.

Water should be no issue, you can get that at the hotel. Wouldn't bother trying to bring your own. Just check the Concierge desk at the hotel. Bottled water will be fine for the trip.

FAA documents
Philips Respironics: http://media.50below.com//organizations/...evices.pdf
Resmed: http://www.resmed.com/assets/documents/s...r_eng1.pdf

But, In all cases, the bottom of the CPAP device should already have marking for approval anyways.

I carry a copy of my RX with me. Helps if I need something where I am going.

TSA makes the rules on what they inspect and how.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/...-and-apaps

Like any situation where you deal with stuff that is a hassle, a smile and compliance is the easy way to get through it. If you are grumpy, they will be too.
Current Settings PS 4.0 over 10.6-18.0 (cmH2O) - Resmed S9 VPAP Auto w/h5i Humidifier - Quattro Air FFM
TNET Sleep Resource Pages - CPAP Machine Database
Put your equip in your Signature - SleepyHead v1.0.0-beta-1
Kevin... alias Krelvin

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49er
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by 49er » Thu May 28, 2015 11:33 am

Thanks Krelvin, great information. Sorry for not responding earlier as for some reason I thought I had and realized I was mistaken.

49er
Krelvin wrote:Something I posted somewhere else recently...
Airlines don't make the rules related to medical devices... The FAA does. If you are staying within the US you should have no problems. FAA rules will apply to any flight that originates or terminates in the US.

My travel bag includes a extension cord with multiple connectors on the end. Most common issue is that there is an available plug, but it isn't where you need it.

For short trips I would use my backup CPAP which is already packed, has everything (including the power brick), extension cord, hose, mask etc... easier not to forget something.

Water should be no issue, you can get that at the hotel. Wouldn't bother trying to bring your own. Just check the Concierge desk at the hotel. Bottled water will be fine for the trip.

FAA documents
Philips Respironics: http://media.50below.com//organizations/...evices.pdf
Resmed: http://www.resmed.com/assets/documents/s...r_eng1.pdf

But, In all cases, the bottom of the CPAP device should already have marking for approval anyways.

I carry a copy of my RX with me. Helps if I need something where I am going.

TSA makes the rules on what they inspect and how.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/...-and-apaps

Like any situation where you deal with stuff that is a hassle, a smile and compliance is the easy way to get through it. If you are grumpy, they will be too.

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EveOett
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Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca

Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by EveOett » Thu May 28, 2015 2:02 pm

Hi 49er:

I've had six airplane trips in the last six weeks and can tell you that TSA security is very familiar with CPAP machines and (in my case) recognized it right away. I had to unpack the back with my machine just once.

I did have the prescription with me if needed, but no one raised the question.

On the planes, I found the overhead bins to be a pain - they are always full and everyone likes to "rearrange" things. I had to ask people to please not move my bag around or turn it upside down and in a couple of cases people got a little testy. Air travel makes everyone kind of testy these days.

That's my two cents.

Good luck with your travel.
Eve
Best, Eve

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49er
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by 49er » Fri May 29, 2015 2:30 am

EveOett wrote:Hi 49er:

I've had six airplane trips in the last six weeks and can tell you that TSA security is very familiar with CPAP machines and (in my case) recognized it right away. I had to unpack the back with my machine just once.

I did have the prescription with me if needed, but no one raised the question.

On the planes, I found the overhead bins to be a pain - they are always full and everyone likes to "rearrange" things. I had to ask people to please not move my bag around or turn it upside down and in a couple of cases people got a little testy. Air travel makes everyone kind of testy these days.

That's my two cents.

Good luck with your travel.
Eve
Thanks Eve, I am glad to know my odds of being asked the unpack the machine are low. Yeah, I don't look foward to making sure my machine stays safe in the overhead bin but the case may be too big to get under the seat. Can't remember since it has been awhile since I have been on a plane.

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Jay Aitchsee
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by Jay Aitchsee » Fri May 29, 2015 8:33 am

Judging by my experiences, you won't have any problems. As mentioned above, the TSA recognizes the branded carrying cases, at least in my travels they always have. Do put your equipment in plastic zip locks inside the carrying case. Gallon sizes should work for the blower, humidifier, and hose, quart sizes for everything else. A couple of times, I have been asked to open the case, but the TSA has never asked that anything be removed from the zip locks, YMMV of course. I found my S9 case fit easily under the seat in front of me on all flights.
All in all, easy peasy!

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: S9 Auto, P10 mask, P=7.0, EPR3, ResScan 5.3, SleepyHead V1.B2, Windows 10, ZEO, CMS50F, Infrared Video

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49er
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by 49er » Fri May 29, 2015 9:11 am

Jay Aitchsee wrote:Judging by my experiences, you won't have any problems. As mentioned above, the TSA recognizes the branded carrying cases, at least in my travels they always have. Do put your equipment in plastic zip locks inside the carrying case. Gallon sizes should work for the blower, humidifier, and hose, quart sizes for everything else. A couple of times, I have been asked to open the case, but the TSA has never asked that anything be removed from the zip locks, YMMV of course. I found my S9 case fit easily under the seat in front of me on all flights.
All in all, easy peasy!
Thanks Jay and I will definitely use zip lock bags. That is great advice.

Good to know the S9 case will easily fit under the seat. Big relief to know that.

Thanks to the great replies, I am starting to relax about this.

49er

sptrout
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Location: Spring, TX

Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by sptrout » Fri May 29, 2015 9:36 am

Jay Aitchsee wrote:Judging by my experiences, you won't have any problems. As mentioned above, the TSA recognizes the branded carrying cases, at least in my travels they always have. Do put your equipment in plastic zip locks inside the carrying case. Gallon sizes should work for the blower, humidifier, and hose, quart sizes for everything else. A couple of times, I have been asked to open the case, but the TSA has never asked that anything be removed from the zip locks, YMMV of course. I found my S9 case fit easily under the seat in front of me on all flights.
All in all, easy peasy!
Jay, why do you recommend putting the machine in zip lock bags? In my case, with a large CPAP machine, it would require a trash bag size zip lock - LOL. The travel bag that came with the unit may not even fit under the seat. I have no travel plans until 1/11/16 so by then I why probably buy a second, much smaller and more capable, CPAP machine.

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Additional Comments: OSCAR & Spleepyhead
Machine: ResMed AirSense 10 w/Humidifier
Mask Make & Model: ResMed, AirFit P10
CPAP Pressure: 6-9
CPAP Reporting Software: OSCAR/Sleepyhead & SleepHQ

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Jay Aitchsee
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Re: Traveling with BiPap

Post by Jay Aitchsee » Fri May 29, 2015 9:59 am

sptrout wrote:Jay, why do you recommend putting the machine in zip lock bags?
Purely for cleanliness and organization. Makes me feel better. Probably not needed at all (but it does seem to help keep TSA hands off of the machine itself)

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: S9 Auto, P10 mask, P=7.0, EPR3, ResScan 5.3, SleepyHead V1.B2, Windows 10, ZEO, CMS50F, Infrared Video