General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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PST
- Posts: 986
- Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 9:56 pm
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by PST » Wed Feb 16, 2011 4:23 pm
katcw wrote:Is all of this also true with international travel? What abut customs?
It's a big world. All my experience is with western European countries, but travel there was similar to travel in the U.S. I have never had an issue in customs. I suppose in theory a customs official might question whether you bought the CPAP machine abroad and were trying to import it without paying a duty, but that is equally true of everything you carry. By now, my S8 has a sufficiently scuffed and weathered appearance that no would would question it.
The biggest consideration abroad is power. The recent Resmeds all work with either 110 volt, 60 Hz North American power or 220 volt, 50 Hz European power. I presume that is true of other brands, but I would check to make sure. That means you only have to worry about an inexpensive converter plug for whatever country you are visiting. There are compact kits that essentially cover the world. I have had worse luck in European hotels -- even quite nice ones -- than in U.S. hotels finding enough electrical outlets near the head of the bed. I hate to lug an extension cord around the world, but the odds of needing one go up with foreign travel.
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WA guest
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by WA guest » Wed Feb 16, 2011 4:56 pm
Just a couple more hints for traveling with cpap. It is good to place your machine and humidifier into clear plastic bags. That way the machine does not touch the bin where someone's shoes have been. It is good to get a copy of the TSA regs about medical equipment so that your CPAP will not count as a carry on.
Have a great trip.
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NancyAZ
- Posts: 59
- Joined: Wed Jan 26, 2011 11:25 pm
- Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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by NancyAZ » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:40 pm
Thanks for all of the great information. Now I won't have to lose sleep tonight worrying about all of this. You gave me advice on things I hadn't even thought of.
This forum is the best!
Nancy
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KAZ
- Posts: 177
- Joined: Fri Jun 22, 2007 10:19 am
- Location: TEXAS
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by KAZ » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:42 pm
The "No Extension Cord" thing is because some consumers will use lamp cord size cords that are barely big enough Gage to run a table lamp, and hook up everything they have. Rather than attempt to explain the wire Gage/amp rules they protect themselves. I have been saved many times by having a nice 6' on a surge protector. Most important is some way to remember to empty the humi tank before moving
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bayourest
- Posts: 389
- Joined: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:16 am
- Location: Connecticut
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by bayourest » Wed Feb 16, 2011 5:53 pm
I traveled with cpap on Southwest Airline in Nov. it was about 4 days after I started cpap and I was so nervous!! I went to the TSA website and printed out all their stuff about accepted medical devices. I also had my Rx info with me. I called SWA and told them I would be carrying a cpap. I was ready!! When you go into security tell them right away that you have a cpap machine. they make you open the bag and sometimes make you take out the parts. No problems whatsoever. It is not counted as one of your carry-ons so you can still have a carry-on , a personal item, and a cpap. I kept it under the seat in front of me as I did not want to put it overhead. I was staying with friends and I stopped and bought some distilled water on the way from the airport at my destination. I was so nervous about using it but I told my friend and she said "oh my brother in law has one of those" no big deal!!
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fastwingguy
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2010 5:59 pm
- Location: the 'burbs of Detroit
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by fastwingguy » Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:23 pm
If it brings you peace of mind traveling to international destinations, you can bring a copy of your prescription and any misc documents you have for your cpap. I bring it and have never used it, Mexico and the Caribbean. As you probably know, CPAP devices do not count against your carry-on limit with US airlines.
