Heading off to Europe as a newbie

[bill4bikn]

Have been on CPAP for about a month and I am off to Europe on vacation . I will be taking my Remstar Auto A Flex and all the goodies. Have electrical adaptors and the AC power supply can accept 240V. Anyone have experience with travelling abroad ? Any recommendations . We will be in Madrid , Israel, Jordan and Egypt .

[ozij]

I used my machine in Israel, Switzerland and the US without any problems.

The water in Israel is hard all over the country, more so in mountain regions. You can obtain distilled water in drug stores and pharmacies, they will fill a empty bottle if you bring it along.

Enjoy your vacation!
O.

[billbolton]

Anyone have experience with travelling abroad ? Any recommendations .

Take a 230V rated power extension cord with you.... power outlets in hotels and other accommodation may not be in the same places that you are used to finding them.

Cheers,

Bill

[Jay K]

I had no problem using my APAP in Madrid. No problem getting distilled water for my humidifier at a pharmacy either.

[dave21]

That's a very good point Bill. In all the traveling that I do staying in hotels (I stay in about 60 hotels a year), about 1 in 30 have a power socket next to or close to the bed. Most are on the opposite side of the room to where the bed is, near the dressing table. For most UK/EU small single bed hotel rooms (matchbox size) you can still do without an extension cord. However for most of the average to large size rooms that have a double bed or two single beds or even a couch, a 2m extension lead won't be long enough.

I usually pack an 8m extension reel that packs away nicely into my luggage. In my experience I've asked numerous hotels when I've forgotten my extension lead and most don't have any spare extension reels, only a 4-way 1m-2m extension lead if you're really lucky. Countless times in the early days I had to pull the bed over to the other side of the room to ensure I could get it close to a power socket.

I know a lot of people tend not to like the power bricks, like the ResMed S9 has, but that can help in this situation because you can get up to another couple of meters of chord and that all helps.

Thanks
Dave

[dtsm]

Two musts:

1. Good power adapter - get a few different models, they're not expensive -
a. http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Interna ... 78&sr=8-13
b. http://www.amazon.com/All-One-Travel-Po ... 278&sr=8-1

2. Get a good extension cord - 10-15 ft should do.

Make sure to bring extra hose, filters, power surge protector - Belkin makes a nice small travel size: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... elkin+mini

[montana]

Find out what 'distilled' water is called in each country. We landed in NZ and first night we went out to find some 'distilled' water. Found out it is called 'PURE' there .

[dtsm]

Find out what 'distilled' water is called in each country. We landed in NZ and first night we went out to find some 'distilled' water. Found out it is called 'PURE' there .

It's a 'hobbit' thing....

[billbolton]

We landed in NZ and first night we went out to find some 'distilled' water. Found out it is called 'PURE' there .

Let me guess... you tried to buy distilled water at a supermarket or convenience store (etc)?

Pure Water is a term generally used in both New Zealand and Australia for spring water or similar, which may contain high levels of minerals, but it is generally what supermarkets carry if you want "bottled water".

Distillled water is a term that is readily understood in New Zealand in my (extensive) experience there, but its not a household usage product that you will generally find in common retail outlets. Same for Australia.

Cheers,

Bill

[plr66]

Make sure to bring extra hose, filters, power surge protector - Belkin makes a nice small travel size: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... elkin+mini

Be careful here. I agree that it is a good idea to carry a small surge protector, but I believe these Belkin models are for 110v rather than the 220 you'll find in most other countries, and the ones you list. Here's one that I use:
http://www.magellans.com/store/Adaptor_ ... tion?Args=

[hobbs]

Going to Jordan BEFORE Israel right? Was in Egypt & Jordan last year. Sometimes you have to call building maintenance for a LONG extension cord, plug placement not as many places as we are used to. Also be ready for the room that when you turn out the lights to sleep, it kills the wall plugs too! If this happens there is usually one near a desk that stays on, thus the need for a long cord. Just use bottled drinking water in the humidifier, never had a problem doing that. Enjoy, Egypt was one of the best trips I have taken in 50+ years of world travel. Jordan? If going to Petra & Jeresh, well worth it, otherwise why bother. Jordan is REALLY expensive compared to Egypt. Have fun. Travel is good for the soul!