Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Ogeo
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Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2014 5:12 pm
Location: Idaho

Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Ogeo » Mon Sep 15, 2014 11:58 am

I searched the forums for things that I should pack when traveling and in different posts saw different things mentioned but did not find a topic that gave everything in one post.

Of course you would pack the xPAP, humidifier, power cord, mask, hose hanger of some type but what else? I am still new at xPAP - only 10 days in.

Extension cord - what length should I include in my pack to reach outlets in motel rooms, others homes?

So far, I've only seen the distilled water in gallon size containers in our area. Do you carry a whole gallon with you for the whole trip or do you put the distilled water in a smaller container and take just what you will need for the time you will be gone? I know there will be different answers for flying vs. driving vs. camping in the woods. We travel each of these ways so I just wanted to get an idea how others do it.

What else do you suggest I keep in my travel bag?

Please keep this as "this is what I do" instead of "no you shouldn't do it that person's way" response. I'd appreciate it. This could be a easy place to find all the answers in one place instead of searching multi forum topics to get answers. Thanks for your help.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments:  Max PS - 11; Max EPAP - 18; min PS - 7; Min EPAP - 14; rate auto; rise x2; pressure averages between 21 and 24.9
Hubby's equipment: PR System One REMstar Auto A-Flex model 560P. Doctor's orders left it open 5-20. We changed it to 8-20 after a couple nights. Start Date was 1/30/15. Oh, mask is the new nasal pico.

Discovering the world one geocache at a time!

Guest

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Guest » Mon Sep 15, 2014 12:32 pm

I use a cleaned out plastic soda bottle to carry enuff distilled to last at least 3 days, depending on the trip you can always carry more using a liter bottle. If you use distilled at home you want it when you travel also. I do not inconvenience myself just cuz I am away from home even when camping.

I always, always carry a power strip, ext cord, and several different styles of multi-outlet adapters, they will come in handy in different situations. You can get most of those items at a dollar store. Don't forget you will need to charge other electronic toys also, so count them.

Length of an ext cord can/will vary on the need but 6ft should be adequate for most situations considering you can plug it in the power strip or vice versa (don't forget the 3to2 prong adapter <wink>).

I also carry an LED nite lite, enuff filters and replacement mask parts for the trip. And a hand crank flashlite (keep on top or within easy reach when bag is packed).

I have a spare machine that stays packed up for short notice things plus that makes it nice when you come home tired and want to sleep - you don't have to unpack and setup your machine. Not to mention if the machine or mask got damaged while traveling.

I keep my machine in a carry-on size suitcase like the flight attendants use. In there I can also put my medicines and anything for use of the cpap machine will be exempt for carry-on luggage. Do not put things like toothpaste, socks, or underwear that will void your exempt carry-on.

Leave the hose hangar at home - I use a Command Strip hook and hair scrunchie - painters tape also works too. Speaking of tape always, always carry some kind of tape for those emergency repairs, even instant glue can come in handy (small sizes only).

About all I can think of right now. Safe travels

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LSAT
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Location: SE Wisconsin

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by LSAT » Mon Sep 15, 2014 2:46 pm

Ogeo wrote:I searched the forums for things that I should pack when traveling and in different posts saw different things mentioned but did not find a topic that gave everything in one post.

Of course you would pack the xPAP, humidifier, power cord, mask, hose hanger of some type but what else? I am still new at xPAP - only 10 days in.

Extension cord - what length should I include in my pack to reach outlets in motel rooms, others homes?

So far, I've only seen the distilled water in gallon size containers in our area. Do you carry a whole gallon with you for the whole trip or do you put the distilled water in a smaller container and take just what you will need for the time you will be gone? I know there will be different answers for flying vs. driving vs. camping in the woods. We travel each of these ways so I just wanted to get an idea how others do it.

What else do you suggest I keep in my travel bag?

Please keep this as "this is what I do" instead of "no you shouldn't do it that person's way" response. I'd appreciate it. This could be a easy place to find all the answers in one place instead of searching multi forum topics to get answers. Thanks for your help.
I

If I am going away for a few days, I use regular bottled water...I then clean out my tub when I get home. If I am going for a longer period I buy distilled water when I get to my destination...You can get distilled water almost anywhere. Use what you need and then dump it. Most places about $1 gal. Regular water will not hurt your machine!

_________________
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)
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... Buckwheat hull pillow

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Ogeo
Posts: 186
Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2014 5:12 pm
Location: Idaho

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Ogeo » Mon Sep 15, 2014 3:42 pm

Thanks Guest & LSAT.

I am trying to put together a bag with things I need. Got to buy a bag first though. The one the machine came with is flimsy. They no longer supply the nice bag with the machine.

_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 For Her Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments:  Max PS - 11; Max EPAP - 18; min PS - 7; Min EPAP - 14; rate auto; rise x2; pressure averages between 21 and 24.9
Hubby's equipment: PR System One REMstar Auto A-Flex model 560P. Doctor's orders left it open 5-20. We changed it to 8-20 after a couple nights. Start Date was 1/30/15. Oh, mask is the new nasal pico.

Discovering the world one geocache at a time!

Sal_In_Ga
Posts: 60
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2007 7:49 am
Location: Georgia, USA

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Sal_In_Ga » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:20 pm

I always keep these in my bag: Current Rx for CPAP, mask and supplies (laminated), 6 ft. power strip with surge protector, extra filters, mask parts, extra hose (fits in side or flap pocket), wipes to clean mask each day - I use non-alcohol, unscented baby wipes cut in half and sealed in a pint size freezer bag (a few drops of distilled water will refresh them should they dry out), a mini clamp attached with a safety pin to a small pony tail scrunchie - to clip the hose to the sheet so it doesn't pull on my mask, plumbers tape to tighten connectors, and manuals for CPAP and for the mask I am using.
Happy Travels.
-Shirley in GA
Life's too short to spend it worrying about the small stuff - after all, it's just small stuff.

aznh
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Joined: Mon Sep 15, 2014 11:06 am

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by aznh » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:38 pm

I guess I lean to the other extreme. I only pack my machine with one mask and the powercord. No extras. So far, no matter where I have gone, and I have travelled a bit, I have always been able to use the machine. There are times ive needed to unplug a lamp to plug in the machine or sleep with my head near the feet of the bed. Between the length of the cord and the length of the tubing I can always manage. There are times when the machine is on the floor and times when it is on a nice endtable. I pack my machine in its bag and then pack it in one side of my rolling carry -on when flying. I used to just carry it seperately, but it really digs into my shoulder. I always use tap water and just clean the container occasionally with vinegar. One thing to know is that you need to take your machine out when you go through the airport. If you are staying at hotels they seem to always have at least one plug near the head of the bed. Private houses usually do too.

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Drowsy Dancer
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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Drowsy Dancer » Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:04 pm

Spare grey filter
Spare white filter
Spare SD card for data
Copy of the relevant regs implementing the Air Carrier Access Act as regards xPAP machines on airplanes
Large plastic bag to send xPAP through xray machine (Roasting bags work nicely)
Clinicians' manuals for machine and humidifier
Plug adapters to plug machine in overseas
Cigarette-style adapters to plug machine in on airplane
"Medical Equipment" tag attached to bag (assists in procuring "priority stowage" on airplanes)
Silicone mat (to set machine on in hotel rooms)
F4/rescue tape (for emergency hose repairs)

CHECKLIST OF EVERYTHING THAT IS IN THE BAG--to be double-checked every time the machine is moved from one location to another.

_________________
Machine: PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto CPAP Machine
Mask: Swift™ FX Bella Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgears
Additional Comments: Software: SleepyHead. Pressure: APAP 9.5 min/11 max, A-Flex x2
How we squander our hours of pain. -- Rilke

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M'ohms
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Location: Georgetown, Indiana

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by M'ohms » Mon Sep 15, 2014 6:25 pm

Don' forget copies of your prescriptions, both machine and mask, in case of some unforeseen catastrophe. Also, your sleep doctor's contact information as well as your RT/DME's info.

_________________
Mask: Quattro™ FX Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: Supplemental oxygen at 2.5 lpm
AutoSV 960 with heated hose. Settings: EPAP Min-12, EPAP Max-17, PS Min-5.5, PS Max-13, Max Pressure-25, Rate-Auto, Rise Time 1. Use Sleepyhead and Encore Pro.

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RogerSC
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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by RogerSC » Mon Sep 15, 2014 6:38 pm

I traveled through Europe with a power strip for surge protection, that was also useful for our various chargers (phones, tablets, cameras, iPod, and so on). That one had only a 6 foot cord, but was set up for European surge protection (240V). The one that I use in the US has a 15' cord and surge protection. After having these when I travel, I wouldn't travel without them. It's so much more convenient to have one place to plug in several things than having things plugged into several outlets around a room (if there are several outlets).

What I did miss traveling in Europe was my cpap pillow. Turns out I did have room for it in my suitcase, but took a heavier jacket that I didn't use instead. I find it easier to sleep if I have all the comforts of home *smile*.

Definitely ear plugs, too, but I use ear plugs at home. First started using them traveling before cpap, and find them for using cpap where ever I am.

Have fun traveling!

Davidwnc
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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Davidwnc » Tue Sep 16, 2014 12:53 am

I guess I err on th e minimalist side. The only extra thing (beyond the machine, cord, hose and mask) I pack is an extension cord. If I will have the opportunity/necessity to use my battery or DC Adaptor I bring those as well as a plug adaptor (depending on where I am travelling.)
If I am going on a long trip (over 2 weeks) I will pack an extra mask, 'just in case'.
I got my first CPAP in 1990 and I've never run into a problem yet.

_________________
Mask
Additional Comments: Usually an S9 Autoset, but that does depend upon which house I am in. Could be an S8 Autoset oi r perhaps an Airmini. No humity...ever.
On CPAP therapy since 1992 - first machine: Sullivan III

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webbie73
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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by webbie73 » Tue Sep 16, 2014 10:19 am

At this moment I am sitting in an airport on my way home. I make it very easy on myself. I pack my cpap machine, Humidifier, hose, mask and exyention cord. That is it. I either pick up distilled water or use bottle water , depends were I am going.
I do wrap the motor part of the machine in bubble wrap and then place it in a gallon size plastic bag, just in case I don't get pre TSA approval. Don't want my machine in those dirty gray bins.

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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by kevin.may.186 » Tue Sep 16, 2014 6:40 pm

I'm also a minimalist. I take an extension cord and a Belkin plug that allows me to plug in my CPAP, laptop and a couple of USB things. I buy a bottle of drinking water when I get there.

Guest

Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Guest » Tue Sep 16, 2014 7:08 pm

I wonder why people register only to make a post 5 min later?
kevin may 186 wrote:I'm also a minimalist. I take an extension cord and a Belkin plug that allows me to plug in my CPAP, laptop and a couple of USB things. I buy a bottle of drinking water when I get there.

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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by kevin.may.186 » Tue Sep 16, 2014 8:15 pm

Guest wrote:I wonder why people register only to make a post 5 min later?
kevin may 186 wrote:I'm also a minimalist. I take an extension cord and a Belkin plug that allows me to plug in my CPAP, laptop and a couple of USB things. I buy a bottle of drinking water when I get there.
Spammers most likely. You can usually tell them if they post a link to a product or service. They're also unlikely to use their IRL name.

Davidwnc
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Re: Traveling with xPAP - What do I need to pack?

Post by Davidwnc » Wed Sep 17, 2014 12:52 am

Guest wrote:I wonder why people register only to make a post 5 min later?
Perhaps they lurked for years but didn't register until they had something to say....

_________________
Mask
Additional Comments: Usually an S9 Autoset, but that does depend upon which house I am in. Could be an S8 Autoset oi r perhaps an Airmini. No humity...ever.
On CPAP therapy since 1992 - first machine: Sullivan III

#MRWA. Make racism wrong again.
#MFWA. Make fascism wrong again.
Remainer/Revoker/Rejoiner