Pending rules to allow CPAP on flights

[KHENAULT]

Looks like we might have a new rule in a couple of months:
http://regs.dot.gov/rulemakings/200803/ ... pe=html#58

There's an older full text of the proposed regulation at:
http://www.federalregistersearch.com/20 ... -17605.asp

This draft seems to have more questions than answers on CPAP. I'd like to see what the latest draft looks like.

[Guest]

So, I do not see anything specific about CPAP on this. Am I missing something? It would be a godsend if airlines would allow CPAP on board as I will soon be moving overseas and will be flying back and forth frequently.

[billbolton]

There's an older full text of the proposed regulation at:
http://www.federalregistersearch.com/20 ... -17605.asp

This bit on a current regulatory position is interesting.....

• The Department recognizes that the FAA final rule on use of certain portable oxygen concentrator devices onboard aircraft issued on July 12, 2005, states that the user of a portable oxygen concentrator must carry on the flight a sufficient number of batteries to power the device for the duration of the oxygen use specified in the user's physician statement, including a conservative estimate of any unanticipated delays.

I wonder what the "certain" devices are?

Cheers,

Bill

[KHENAULT]

So, I do not see anything specific about CPAP on this. Am I missing something?

Look in the full text (that's why included the second link.

[Moby]

I flew a lot last year and found I didn't snore in the air. I think the increased pressure in the cabin simulated the pressure of cpap and kept my airway open. maybe

[KHENAULT]

The cabin pressure in an airplane is lower than the air pressure on the ground. It's usually equivalent to the pressure at 8000 ft.

[roster]

Some good things might come out of this (well it is the Feds so the probability is low). I like this comment:

Seating accommodations: We believe that a passenger who uses
electronic respiratory assistive devices (e.g., ventilator, respirator,
CPAP machine, or portable oxygen concentrator) should be given priority
over users of other types of electronic equipment that are not
assistive devices (e.g., laptops) to plug the device into the
aircraft's power supply consistent with FAA and foreign safety
requirements. As such, we are seeking comment on whether to require
that, if an electrical outlet is available on the aircraft and can
safely be used, carriers must provide a seat, in the same class of
service, closest to the electrical outlet to a passenger who self-
identifies as using the electronic respiratory assistive device and
requests such a seat. The Department also seeks comment on whether
there are any practical problems to implementing the proposed seating
accommodation. If there are problems, we seek comment on how to avoid
them while still accommodating passengers in this situation.

Or in other words, when it comes to electrical outlets, my cpap has priority over your laptop. .

[Guest]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that the Airlines will allow the use of CPAP's in the future. However I fully expect that it will be limited to the use of battery operation, and only batteries approved by the Airlines. Just a hunch, I don't know anything, honest.

[Goofproof]

I flew a lot last year and found I didn't snore in the air. I think the increased pressure in the cabin simulated the pressure of cpap and kept my airway open. maybe

Not part of the equasion. The body has the same pressure inside and out without XPAP.

With XPAP, pressure is higher in the airway than cabin or room air pressure, this is what keeps the airway open. Jim

[billbolton]

I flew a lot last year and found I didn't snore in the air. I think the increased pressure in the cabin simulated the pressure of cpap and kept my airway open. maybe

There is no "increased pressure" per se.

At normal crusing altitudes (4000+ metres) the cabin is pressurised to an equivalent altitude of ~2400 metres, which is is significantly lower than "seal level" air pressue.

Cheers,

Bill

[billbolton]

However I fully expect that it will be limited to the use of battery operation, and only batteries approved by the Airlines. Just a hunch, I don't know anything, honest.

That's my "hunch" too!

Cheers,

Bill

[sbloombaum]

I tried to get to United's Medical Desk but was assured that Reservations could answer all my questions. I'm considering an overnight flight, and of course CPAP use is essential. I last tried in 2005 with partial success on Lufthansa.

After checking, United Reservations assured me I could use my Respironics C-Flex Plus based on availability of a seat near a power source - what a surprise! (2005 was battery operation only)

Can anyone confirm this?

[paloa]

Could it be due to your position forced by your seat? Unless you are flying in first in a seat that fully reclines it is likely that your head is in an elevated position.


[quote="Moby"]I flew a lot last year and found I didn't snore in the air. I think the increased pressure in the cabin simulated the pressure of cpap and kept my airway open. maybe