Flying with CPAP

[Meowser]

Are there any special tags that I need to put on my case when flying with it?

Also, can I fly with distilled water for it? or a specialized container for the water?

Anyone run into issues with flying with your machine?

I will be flying in July from VA to Denver.

[happy6063]

I have flown several times with my CPAP machine, I always check it as a carry on & have not had any problems. My take is the CPAP machine would not survive the rigors of the bag handlers in addition to it is a very important piece of equipment that aids in maintaining my helath. The airports are familiar with CPAP machines as a common carry on item. I am not sure about the distilled water as I have not done that. I hope this helps, have a great vacation.

[msradar65]

I do not take distilled water with me. If its a short trip I use bottle or tap water and wash the tank when I get back home. I do have a medical tag on my CPAP bag. I also hand carry my CPAP and it does not count against the carry on limit.

[RomeinDNVR]

Do not bring distilled water with you as a carry-on, they will throw it out.

Make sure that you have NOTHING but your CPAP machine and its supplies in the case or they will make you take everything out and run it all separately.

I just flew back from Milwaukee to Denver two weeks ago, the TSA (Toilet Saftey Administration) took my CPAP machine and masks out of the bag and scanned them separately with gloves they had used on God knows how many people. When I started to yell about it they went even slower and brought over a supervisor. Needless to say when I got home I had to sanatize everything (this was at 11pm) before I could go to bed. Not fun.

That being said I have been on at least 8 flights with my CPAP and this is the very first time I went through all that $hit. I have a tag on my case that explains it is a medically necessary device and is not to be separated from me, it even quotes the TSA's regulation... guess that didn't matter in Milwaukee.

Sorry for the rant... just very bitter over the whole situation.

[xenablue]

Forget about taking distilled water with you - at that time of year, you probably won't need your humidifier unless necessary all year long (for you). You can buy distilled at your destination, or just use bottled or tap water for a short duration.

I've flown with my CPAP several times and never had an issue, although one airline tried to deny me the additional bag as carry-on, but I stood my ground, and that was not on a more recent flight.

I would advise you to pack all your XPAP equipment in separate ziplock bags, in case you are asked to remove it for inspection (and ask them to use clean gloves to do so - you have that right). Also, make sure you take back up supplies of mask cushions/nasal pillows, tubing and don't forget an extension cord. I also add wipes, Lansinoh, silicone tape and whatever else I would need for my machine/equipment. I've never been asked to open the bag, nor have they questioned what I have inside - it goes through the x-ray machine so they can see what's in there anyway.

HOWEVER, do not include anything that is not XPAP related into that bag.

Cheers,
xena

[SleepingUgly]

If it fits, can you put a Hozer in your CPAP bag?

[xenablue]

If it fits, can you put a Hozer in your CPAP bag?

Heck, I don't see why not!

[billbolton]

I have a tag on my case that explains it is a medically necessary device and is not to be separated from me, it even quotes the TSA's regulation... guess that didn't matter in Milwaukee.

That tag doesn't actually mean anything much. Their primary role is stop other passengers complaing if they see you with an extra carry on.

Claiming medical necessity with "officials" for a device that you are not actually using at the time (nor would be able to use in flight without carrying a battery pack etc) is always going to a difficult call to sustain. Its up to you what you do, but my advice is not to try and stand too tall on that one, especially if it is only for TSA Scanning

Cheers,

Bill

[msradar65]

I will add to this I also pack a copy of my prescription as well as all meds in my CPAP bag. I have never been questioned nor have then even looked. Just told me put it in the bin to be scanned in the bag. When I asked I was told they would open it if they needed a better look. Never happened.

I did get picked for patdown on the return flight. No biggie. TSA lady was very nice. I have worked in secure buildings all my work career so use to searches, patdowns, scans and metal detectors. Her only response when I told her I was not even phased by the rules...was I wish more people were nice like you.

[Meowser]

Thanks guys!!!

I will take all of your advice with me.

someone mentioned the one thing I'm kinda paranoid about and thats them touching my stuff without changing their gloves.
Just gives me the willies thinking about them touch my mask, etc with nasty germy gloves that have touched peoples shoes and whatever else.

YUCK!!!!

no water for the short part of the trip but I'll purchase a jug when i get to my final destination in Idaho Falls.