Short Trip -not taking CPAP

[Geminidream]

After reading this post and the firestorm it touched off with some people, I am glad you decided to take your lovely little life saving machine (my name for it). I know I would have a second thought or two if I were traveling on a plane too, but in the long run it may save your life and it sounds like your spouse may need you to be in good shape too. Good luck!

[CollegeGirl]

Glad you're taking it. If it helps you any to know, TSA sees CPAPs alllll the time. They'll take it to an area near the bag scanners and swab it down and give it back to you. Takes maybe two minutes extra. It's really not a big deal at all. I've flown with it more times than I can count.

[drj130]

I just finished my trip to Russia from Germany this past Saturday. I had my normal carry on and my machine. When I checked in at the counter, they asked me about the machine. When I told them it was medical equipment, they didn't give it a second thought. When I went through security here in Germany, they asked me about the water I had with me. As far as the machine went, they didn't even give it a second thought nor did they swab it. They did swab the water bottle though. The only reason I had the water with me was because I wasn't sure how easy it would be for me to get water in Russia.

When I left Vladivostok, they asked me what the machine was for and that was it. It went through the x-ray machine with no problems at all. At no time did any of the cabin crew give me any problems bringing two bags on the plane. The one thing I did have on the bag was a medical equipment ID tag. So that might have made a difference. I also had my humidifier with me as well.

David

[Cosette]

I just finished my trip to Russia from Germany this past Saturday. I had my normal carry on and my machine. When I checked in at the counter, they asked me about the machine. When I told them it was medical equipment, they didn't give it a second thought. When I went through security here in Germany, they asked me about the water I had with me. As far as the machine went, they didn't even give it a second thought nor did they swab it. They did swab the water bottle though. The only reason I had the water with me was because I wasn't sure how easy it would be for me to get water in Russia.

When I left Vladivostok, they asked me what the machine was for and that was it. It went through the x-ray machine with no problems at all. At no time did any of the cabin crew give me any problems bringing two bags on the plane. The one thing I did have on the bag was a medical equipment ID tag. So that might have made a difference. I also had my humidifier with me as well.

David

David, how did you make out sleeping on the plane? Dumb question I guess, but do people ever use the CPAP on trans Atlantic flights?

[SleeplessInSpokane]

Contrary to public opinion... I dont take or use mine all the time. But then maybe my Apena is not as bad as most. My diagnosis was "mild to moderate". Sometimes I just dont want to deal with it! Of course I have a love-hate relationship with the damn thing. But, if I am out and active (playing golf, working in the yard) I don't seem to feel sleepy and tired. If I have to be in a meeting or seminar, I dont dare go without it the night before. Sooo, sometimes I take a vacation from the face-monster.

[kteague]

diboja - Glad you figured out your plan of action in advance. When I read your first post, I just took it as you wanted to hear real life accounts of the consequences (or lack thereof) to consider as you made your decision. At any rate, now you have your own personal experience to go on. Just want to wish you and your wife well as you take this trip, and that she gets the information she needs to proceed in the best health possible.
Kathy

[montana user]

Thanks to all of you for your replies -
Last night I tried sleeping without using CPAP. I quickly found out that my body has climatized to the use of the therapy and to not use it is like a Crack cocaine addict stopping crack ! After about 3 hours of not using the unit I slapped my mask on and cranked up the machine....Oh boy what relief...fell asleep like a baby.....

Your suggestion JohnBFisher, is the one that I will use - disconnect the humidifier from the machine to make it more compact on my M series and stick it into my carryon.

I suppose that one of my fears was that with the increased air security I would be hassled by the security agents at the airport, but I noticed that imprinted on the bottom of the machine it specifically indicates that this is a medical device .

I want to be in top notch shape as I am escorting my spouse to Toronto for a heart assessment and a possible heart operation in the near future......and because of your help on this forum and my "test" I am going to "suck it up" and take the CPAP unit with me...

Reading this forum over the last 3 months has been an education and I do want to extend my thanks to all of you hosers.....

When I flew with my CPAP I took it as a carry on. I did not read all the instructions ( take the CPAP out of the case and place on the belt to be X-rayed). So I put it on the belt with my other bag and walked through the metal detector. Next thing I hear is an TSA officer say "Who's CPAP machine is this?" oops. They were very nice about it, but they knew exactley what is was. Kinda goes to show that there are allot of CPAPs being brought through security! On the flight home, I just threw it in my suitcase so I didn't have to take it out and put it back in and hold up the line.

[drj130]

David, how did you make out sleeping on the plane? Dumb question I guess, but do people ever use the CPAP on trans Atlantic flights?

My flight wasn't trans-Atlantic. The second plane I took had a flight time of 8 1/2 hours. During that time, I just made sure I stayed awake. I've never noticed anyplace in the economy class where I'd be able to plug in. I haven't gotten the portable batter for my machine yet. I hope to in the near future. I wonder what kinds of issues I'd run into with the battery. Not to mention the strange looks, and the person in the seat next to me trying to visit the bathroom (I always get an walk way seat, I can't stand being stuck by the window).

David

[bearded_two]

I have used my CPAP a couple of times while flying. I always carry my CPAP battery with me when I travel. I just plugged my machine into my battery. On one flight I was able to set my case with the machine and battery in it on the center seat and on another flight I put the battery in the seat pocket and put my machine on my lap. One seat mate's husband uses a CPAP and was interested in the battery, another seat mate had seen one on TV and wanted me to show it to him. I haven't ever been hassled about using it.

I hadn't noticed any weird looks from people, but that would be their problem, not mine.

If you have to use aircraft power, then that can be a whole 'nother situation.

[Ruby Vee]

[/quote]
I didn't want a "confirming" response I just don't want lectures from the avid hosers who have not travelled without their equipment. I simply wanted to know if any members have travelled without a CPAP and how it effected them - a few have responded with info and I appreciate that.[/quote]

I fail to understand why traveling without CPAP would be any different from spending a night at home without it because you forgot, the power went out or the dog ate your hose.

Yes, traveling with CPAP means dealing with security issues. But if your concern is really "dragging more stuff," perhaps you could leave a change of clothes at home instead.

[dtsm]

David, how did you make out sleeping on the plane? Dumb question I guess, but do people ever use the CPAP on trans Atlantic flights?

Excellent question and not dumb (IMHO)....I had exactly the same thought and this is what I found:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=46934
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=45678
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47138

I plan on trying it on-board during my next 17 hr flight to Asia!

[GumbyCT]

Taking the humidifier is really no more trouble. I have been to Toronto in the winter. Do NOT forget the heat has been on up there since about Oct. ALL moisture is removed from any hotel rooms by now. I would not travel without it.

If you have ever lost your luggage you would NEVER check your cpap machine - coming OR going. Loss or damage is another reason to have two machines.

[bearded_two]

I have been on flights where I ended up making an unplanned overnight stop and had to make do without my checked luggage. I would have been in a bad situation if I had checked my CPAP. My CPAP and medications never go into checked luggage; I also keep a change of skivvies and socks in my carry-on.

[ZeeMan]

After 4 or 5 months of gradual improvement on CPAP, I was unsure how much the thing was really helping. Then I went without CPAP for several days due to an equipment problem. It was a great learning experience. I've been much more committed to CPAP since then. I'm glad I had that experience.

[montana]

I carried mine to and all over New Zealand and Australia. It was same size machine at that time. They make you take out of it's bag and put in one of the tubs to go thru xray. They cleaned the table before they sat it on it to swab. They were always polite and yes I think they see a bunch of them. I can also see why they give them extra attention. I carry a regular carry on bag and the cpap bag... Not a big deal.