Travel with CPAP

TurboHonda · Post by **TurboHonda** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 7:42 am

I’m new to CPAP and newer to this board. The information that I’ve picked up here has been an education of tremendous value. The difficulty I’ve had in adjusting to this new machine has been shortened and made easier because of the experiences shared by all of you. So, I thought I’d share something from my personal experience.

I travel on the airlines every week and have to deal with the TSA, airlines, and motels. So, this is how I pack.

I never check baggage and I have the standard roller bag and a “personal item” computer bag. In addition, I carry the PB carrying case that my CPAP came in. It’s a free carry-on and does not count toward my carry-on limit. The ADA says so.

In the bag is a six outlet power sentry. Motels seem to want to use all the available outlets for their stuff. I usually unplug their clock and plug in the power sentry. Then I can power the CPAP, the humidifier, and charge my cell phone and Blackberry.

In the bag are bottles of distilled water. The bottles are 16 oz. brown plastic medicine bottles. Each bottle has a prescription label that says “Distilled Water – Use as directed with CPAP machine”. My family doctor called the prescription in to Wal Mart. The total cost for 8 refillable bottles was less than $3.00. Because they are prescription, the 4 oz limit does not apply to the current TSA restrictions.

Hope this info is useful. Regards to all.

sloizeaux · Post by **sloizeaux** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:10 am

Great Information
Q: Are the bottles sealed ? and did you get a letter from your doctor regarding the machine.

TurboHonda · Post by **TurboHonda** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:44 am

The bottles are not sealed. They never were. The prescription label is the standard label that is found on any prescribed medicine. My name, the Doctor's name, phone number, etc. I just called the Doctor and he phoned the prescription in to the pharmacy.

The only prescription I carry is for the machine itself. It's a copy that is folded up in the bag.

backupguy · Post by **backupguy** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 11:56 am

I have traveled to Brazil, Paris, Australia, Canada and the UK with my CPAP. I have never needed to keep a copy of my prescription with me. Airport security doesn't seem to have any issues.

I use a "catalog case" which holds my laptop, CPAP, Power Cables, International power adapters, etc. Big carry case but it fits in all overhead storage expect for on the top floor of the 747.

greyhound · Post by **greyhound** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 12:05 pm

TurboHonda, so you actually got a perscription for distilled water and had it filled at a pharmacy? I didn't know you could do that.

In the past, I've never had a problem carrying my cpap on board planes - both domestic and international - but I've always carried distilled water in my checked luggage. It would be great to be able to carry it, along with my cpap.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:07 pm

I've never bothered to take distilled water with me. I just use either tap water or bottled water at my destination. I might be a bit more concerned overseas but for a few days here and there in the states I don't see a big reason to worry about distilled water.
Just my opinion!

TurboHonda · Post by **TurboHonda** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:19 pm

Anonymous wrote:I've never bothered to take distilled water with me. I just use either tap water or bottled water at my destination. I might be a bit more concerned overseas but for a few days here and there in the states I don't see a big reason to worry about distilled water.
Just my opinion!

Agreed. But, I spend 170 nights a year on the road. Eventually mineral deposits from tap water will take it's toll.

justsharon · Post by **justsharon** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 7:19 pm

I didn't trust the soft sided lap top looking case that came with my machine, so I bought a Pelican 1510 Case with the foam insert. After cutting the foam to fit around all the equipment, NOTHING but NOTHING can harm my machine. It holds my machine, humidifier, headgear, 2 different masks, hose, extension cord and a surge protector.

It's on wheels for easy transport and it is still carry on size. Case is guaranteed for life. I can take that thing anywhere.

Sleep well all,
Sharon

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 8:03 pm

justsharon wrote:I didn't trust the soft sided lap top looking case that came with my machine (snip).

You are so right about that. Having the same machine, it was a shock that the soft-sided case was not more sturdy. It has worked well for the occasional domestic trip, but certainly would not instill confidence in me that my CPAP would arrive safely if travelling by plane.

Even though I would carry it onto the plane myself and stow it away, there are so many bumps and bangs along the way that the poor little flow generator might not be able to blow! Then again, the bag is VERY lightweight!

Mask