2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
the block
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2013 1:23 pm
Location: New York

2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by the block » Tue Sep 02, 2014 7:40 am

I've been searching around and I can't really find a current, up-to-date policy on flying with distilled water.

I'm going to Vegas soon for 4 nights and won't have a car, nor do I know if there will be a grocery store near my hotel on the strip (I doubt it), so I want to travel with my distilled water. I found the PAP Flask (http://pur-sleep.com/shop/pap-flask-64.html) which looks like what I need to get the distilled water through TSA, but the disclaimer on the bottle does not cite any TSA law or policy that you could refer the TSA agent to if they give you trouble about it. Also, how do they know you didn't put something you shouldn't have in a bottle labeled medically necessary distilled water? It's not like it is a sealed bottle. I highly doubt they are allowed to just take your word for it. It seems like something that would depend more on how nice the TSA agent is you are dealing with. I'd much prefer to be able to cite TSA policy if given a hard time.

So does anyone know the current policy on distilled water? Do I need to get a prescription from my doctor stating it is medically necessary and I can carry more than 3.4 ounces of it? Any recent experiences with this anyone would like to share?

Thanks

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: Swift™ FX Nano Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Started using CPAP 1/13/14

User avatar
Jeff241
Posts: 49
Joined: Thu Jul 17, 2014 6:58 am
Location: MN

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by Jeff241 » Tue Sep 02, 2014 7:44 am

If you are doing carry-on, TSA might not allow it on without a prescription and it being sealed. Even with a prescription or Dr's note they might not allow it. Depends on the person you get at the TSA checkpoint.
If you are checking luggage, just toss it in there.

You can use bottled or tap water. Distilled is just recommended. I'd do bottled over tap, but then again most bottled water is just tap

_________________
Mask: Pilairo Q Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Straight CPAP @ 12 cmH2O, EPR 2, Sleepyhead Software v0.9.8-1

User avatar
englandsf
Posts: 1016
Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2014 6:17 pm
Location: Austin TX

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by englandsf » Tue Sep 02, 2014 8:06 am

For four nights I'd risk bottled water but check google maps for a pharmacy near your hotel, there are lots in Vegas. Even get your cab to stop at one on the way from the airport.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead SW. NeilMed and Alkalol Nasal rinses. Veramyst. AutoPAP 11-20 cms. Started June '14, untreated AHI 31-38, with PAP around 1.

library lady
Posts: 1116
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2014 11:10 am
Location: Rochester, MN

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by library lady » Tue Sep 02, 2014 8:13 am

I agree with Jeff. Just buy a bottle of water once you are through security... it's not going to hurt to use it for a few days. It's not worth the risk of taking it through.

I have a friend who bought an antique telescoping walking stick at a silent auction and recently took it with her on a trip. TSA agents were huddled around her.... there was a knife concealed in the stick that she knew nothing about. She lost the stick, and is still waiting to hear from Homeland Security about what the consequences will be.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments:  Sleepyhead
Now using AirFit F10 mask; Quattro Air is backup mask. RemZzzz mask liners with both.

the block
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2013 1:23 pm
Location: New York

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by the block » Tue Sep 02, 2014 8:19 am

What about my other accessories? Should I check those instead of carry on? I'll leave my mask and tube in the carry-on, but I have a surge protector that is in my CPAP bag, as well as this thing (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034CHMRU). I think maybe I should try and check as much as I can as I don't want to get in a pissing contest with TSA about what is/isn't part of my CPAP supplies and what can/cannot go on the plane. Thanks for the ideas.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: Swift™ FX Nano Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Started using CPAP 1/13/14

User avatar
RicaLynn
Posts: 526
Joined: Fri Aug 15, 2014 4:23 pm
Location: Western MT

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by RicaLynn » Tue Sep 02, 2014 8:23 am

I too am a frugal traveler, and as much as it galls me to pay premium for packaged tap water, I would rather that than hassle with the TSA (tho the suggestion of finding a pharmacy or grocery on the way TO the hotel is an excellent and likely economically sound one). As others have said distilled is a recommendation, not a hard and fast rule, and four days is not long enough to do damage to the machine. Relax and enjoy your trip!

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Backup/travel unit is an identical S9 AutoSet for Her w/Eson nasal mask

library lady
Posts: 1116
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2014 11:10 am
Location: Rochester, MN

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by library lady » Tue Sep 02, 2014 8:42 am

Do not check your equipment; if your bag is lost or delayed you will be spending a night or more without it! Take it through security; it's allowed as medical equipment if labeled as such, but you can't fill extra space with anything else. Look on the carry case for a medical equipment tag... mine came with such a tag that my DME had put on it, it has a space for your personal ID as well. All you have to do is open the bag; you might have to take it out of the bag like you do with a laptop. If you don't have a medical equipment tag on your bag, I have a template for one that you can print out. It's not in a form that I can post here, but if you can't find one, PM me and I will send it to you.

Oh... it's allowed as an extra carryon bag beyond the airline's carryon allowance.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments:  Sleepyhead
Now using AirFit F10 mask; Quattro Air is backup mask. RemZzzz mask liners with both.

User avatar
Pugsy
Posts: 63941
Joined: Thu May 14, 2009 9:31 am
Location: Missouri, USA

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by Pugsy » Tue Sep 02, 2014 8:59 am

Call the hotel and ask if they will provide a bottle of distilled water for you. Never hurts to ask.
It's easily found though both on and off the strip though.

_________________
Machine: AirCurve™ 10 VAuto BiLevel Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier
Additional Comments: Mask Bleep Eclipse https://bleepsleep.com/the-eclipse/
I may have to RISE but I refuse to SHINE.

If you want to try the Eclipse mask and want a special promo code to get a little off the price...send me a private message.

Luthie2006
Posts: 363
Joined: Thu May 29, 2014 6:32 am

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by Luthie2006 » Tue Sep 02, 2014 9:49 am

Thank you for your answers to our member. As far as Vegas, YES, there are both CVS Pharmacy and a Walgreen's right on the strip, so you can buy the distilled water there.

I am going to Scottsdale, AZ in November for 1 week and was not going to bother bringing my machine at all. Does this medical equipment count as a
carry-on if I have another carry-on? I am not sure if it came with a Medical Tag. Can I find a Tag online?

User avatar
englandsf
Posts: 1016
Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2014 6:17 pm
Location: Austin TX

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by englandsf » Tue Sep 02, 2014 9:56 am

Resmed have a letter you can use on their site

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control
Additional Comments: Sleepyhead SW. NeilMed and Alkalol Nasal rinses. Veramyst. AutoPAP 11-20 cms. Started June '14, untreated AHI 31-38, with PAP around 1.

Luthie2006
Posts: 363
Joined: Thu May 29, 2014 6:32 am

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by Luthie2006 » Tue Sep 02, 2014 10:16 am

Thanks, I will look on the ResMed website.

Guest

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by Guest » Tue Sep 02, 2014 12:06 pm

First,never ever check medical equipment - that includes prescriptions - always carry-on w/you. Does NOT count against your carry-on AND - AND NO Medical Tag is required, period.

Tho you should always have a name tag on every bag. There are paper name tags are normally available at the check-in counter.

As for where distilled is covered it is covered under "liquids" but there are exceptions for medical use. Those interpretations will vary by airport location, threat level of the day, and the mood of the TSA screener.

You have many many choices - here is an excellent one...
Pugsy wrote:Call the hotel and ask if they will provide a bottle of distilled water for you. Never hurts to ask.
It's easily found though both on and off the strip though.
You can put distilled water in a soda bottle if you choose. Sure label it somehow - they can/will test it with litmus paper if it is more than 3 oz. I use a 16oz. bottle.
I would put some in my carry on - too much and TSA will raise questions. IF you need more and don't trust the hotel put more in your checked luggage but always have some in carry-on in case your luggage doesn't go where you are going.

Some have already recommended going without or using tap or bottled water. A 16 oz bottle should last 3 days or so.
the block wrote:What about my other accessories? Should I check those instead of carry on? I'll leave my mask and tube in the carry-on, but I have a surge protector that is in my CPAP bag, as well as this thing
Anything needed to use your medical equipment can be put in your exempt carry-on. Just do not try to put in toothpaste, socks, underwear, or anything that is not used for this equipment or they just might say it is no longer "exempt". You are allowed another carry-on for those items.

You should check with your airline if you have specific questions as they are the ones who can limit or charge for carry-ons; those rules can/do change over time.

But distilled water is considered a liquid.

User avatar
chunkyfrog
Posts: 34377
Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:10 pm
Location: Nebraska--I am sworn to keep the secret of this paradise.

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by chunkyfrog » Tue Sep 02, 2014 12:12 pm

When traveling, a duplicate tag should be on the inside of each bag.
Some of those baggage handlers act like garbage haulers.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Airsense 10 Autoset for Her

HoseCrusher
Posts: 2744
Joined: Tue Oct 12, 2010 6:42 pm

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by HoseCrusher » Tue Sep 02, 2014 12:28 pm

Here is another idea...

When I travel I put a 500 ml bottle of distilled water in my checked baggage, inside a gallon zip loc bag. This gives me something to start with and is a small enough amount to not raise concerns.

I fill my humidifier tank with about 150 ml each night. In the morning I dump the water to avoid any accidents from the cleaning staff.

On a short trip I can go for 3 days just on what I have brought with me. On a longer trip I mix something like half distilled and half bottled or tap water. This gives me 6 days to find another source of distilled water. If I only plan to be gone a couple of days past my 6 days I can cut the mix back to 1/3 distilled and 2/3 other and end up not needing any additional distilled water.

_________________
Mask: Brevida™ Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Machine is an AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her with Heated Humidifier.
SpO2 96+% and holding...

library lady
Posts: 1116
Joined: Wed Feb 05, 2014 11:10 am
Location: Rochester, MN

Re: 2014 policy on flying with distilled water?

Post by library lady » Tue Sep 02, 2014 2:29 pm

Luthie2006 wrote: I am going to Scottsdale, AZ in November for 1 week and was not going to bother bringing my machine at all. Does this medical equipment count as a
carry-on if I have another carry-on? I am not sure if it came with a Medical Tag. Can I find a Tag online?
Luthie, it can be carried on as an addition to your carryon allowance...look at your bag to see if it has a Medical Tag; if not go here and print one out: http://www.medids.com/free-id.php#.U7S-rTwg9jo

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: AirFit™ F10 Full Face Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments:  Sleepyhead
Now using AirFit F10 mask; Quattro Air is backup mask. RemZzzz mask liners with both.