What do I need for trip to Europe?

[Hose_Head]

Randy.....

I respectfully disagree with your position on "distilled water". At home, I do use distilled water....but on a trip I don't want the hassle of trying to find some while I'm on the move.

I realize that the manufacturers suggest the use of distilled water....but they don't give a reason "why" they do so.

So why is distilled water recommended? Why is it better than drinking water for use in a CPAP humidifier? What principles of Physics are involved here? What can go wrong when drinking water is used? What damage will drinking water do to Hose-Head's humidifier?

if I'm missing something, I'm eager to learn. Please let us know why you believe distilled water to be imperative while Hose-Head is on his trip.

G

Distilled water will slow / prevent the build up of minerals in your equipment. There is also other 'stuff' than minerals in tap water. All the stuff gives bacteria building blocks with which to grow. Bacteria can't grow on water alone. Also distilled water is actually like an antiseptic or disinfectant to some bacteria since they can't live in a pure water enviroment ("diffusion through a semi-permeable membrane" I believe keeps pumping water into the bacteria until they explode in some cases).

All good points. However, I'm only going to be gone for 9 nights. That doesn't give bacteria much opportunity build up.

As a seasoned traveller (but never before to Europe), my practice has been to use bottled water when traveling (NOT mineral water). Bottled water is potable and it's readily available. I discard leftovers each morning, and rinse and dry the humidifier reservoir (necessary when packing up for the day's travels). No need to carry distilled water from one day to the next because I can always find another bottle of water at the next hotel. Once home from the trip, everything is thoroughly cleaned and the humidifier is decalcified with a vinegar bath. With this regimen, I've yet to see any kind of mineral build up or growth of mold or bacteria. I've seen nothing posted in this thread (to date) to indicate that it won't work for me in Europe, too.

Thanks for you post!

[RandyJ]

As a seasoned traveller (but neveefore to Europe), my practice has been to use bottled water when traveling (NOT mineral water). Bottled water is potable and it's readily available. I discard leftovers each morning, and rinse and dry the humidifier reservoir (necessary when packing up for the day's travels). No need to carry distilled water from one day to the next because I can always find another bottle of water at the next hotel.

Thanks for you post!

Just be aware that in Europe, bottled water IS mineral water, so you have to read the label. I have not seen the bottled municipal water in Europe that we have here (Nestle, etc).

Good luck and have a nice trip!

[Gerald]

Hose-Head I totally agree with your reasoned travel water procedures for your humidifier.

[DanNSand]

I travel several times to Europe sometime twice in a year. Have taken my REMSTAR every time. It stays with me on the plane, and all other times. I even get a little testy with TSA and the way they handle it. Oh and if you have a dog, make sure she doesn't chew matches while you pack. Your machine will light up the CIA, FBI and about everyone else. Trust me on that one. Who knew??? I will be leaving again this Christmas to Germany and Italy. I just pack the little adapter and try when I can to use Distill water. Have a safe trip!!

[JW320]

I am planning a trip to Italy and would like to pack my CPAP in checked (not carry-on) luggage. Is it safe to do so, or are these items that are likely to be stolen by luggage handlers for resale?

[msla]

NO! Broken, mishandled, lost leaving you with out treatment on your trip and making for a miserable time as a vacationer or business person. You would have a very difficult time replacing the equipment, if it was possible at all. Always take it as a carry-on. Most domestic, I do not know about Spirit or Allegiant and other low cost carriers, and many foreign airlines let you carry this as a a necessary piece of medical equipment and not as added hand baggage.

[squid13]

Your Cap machine does not count as carry on luggage. As misa says keep it with you.

[chunkyfrog]

BEWARE! Murphy LOOKS for you be careless with your machine!
Like checking it instead of carrying on, or forgetting to empty the humidifier.
It is an invitation to disaster, or at least a ruined vacation.
You can't have fun if you can't get sleep. Leave nothing to chance.

[cqfd93]

I am planning a trip to Italy and would like to pack my CPAP in checked (not carry-on) luggage. Is it safe to do so, or are these items that are likely to be stolen by luggage handlers for resale?

NEVER check your CPAP!!! Like your Rx meds (and electronics), it has to travel with you.

[wilsonintexas]

One final note, I found out the hard way. ($400 baggage fees for a return fligt, for the same bads that went for free out..... ) If you can, buy a ticket from the US Carrier instead of the foreign carrier. This makes it so the US Baggage rules apply, this can mean you get 2 free checked bags on international flights, and the US TSA rules for carry on should also apply. (especially on the return flight, flying out from the US the US rules will apply.)

I would take a copy of your prescription......


I would print and have the TSA guidelines on CPAP machines. It may not help with in country flights, but may help avoid additional baggage fees.


The following are guidelines for inspecting CPAP machines from the TSA web site.


http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... /cpap.shtm


Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines

CPAPs are allowed through security checkpoints once they have undergone screening.

Passengers will be required to take their CPAP machine out of its carrying case and place the device in a bin for x-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing can remain in the carrying case.

In addition to x-ray inspection of your CPAP machine, a visual and physical inspection, and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) sampling will be required.

To facilitate CPAP machine hygiene and cleanliness:

Once out of the carrying case, you can place your CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag before placing the device in the bin. You will need to provide/bring your own plastic bag.

Upon request, TSOs will change their gloves prior to performing the visual and physical inspection, and ETD sampling of your CPAP machine. The CPAP will need to be removed from the plastic bag by the TSO to conduct the ETD sampling.

Upon request, TSOs will clean the table where the ETD sampling will be conducted.

Upon request, TSOs will change the ETD sampling media before conducting the ETD sampling.

[nanwilson]

I have used bottled water in my humidifier while traveling, all I did was make sure I gave it a good soak and clean when I got home. I didn't want to waste time trying to find distilled water, so just used bottled drinking water......no problems.

[DannyPh]

An Airplane or Cruise ship would be my First Choice.

[marybarnes]

I just returned from a 3 week trip to Ireland and I found it ridiculously expensive to buy distilled water so used bottled water and found a hard water buildup on my humidifier after 4 days of usage. I soaked the humidifier in white vinegar for 20 minutes every 4th day and it dissolved easily. My machine worked fine on 220 Voltage with adapter and I had to use my extension cord in most places so was very glad to have it with me.I was thinking of getting a travel Cpap machine and have a spare..Any suggestions? I would definitely need Humidified air.

[Julie]

Mary you can use tap water for short visits... and then look for anything that needs cleaning when you return. You can use tap water at home too, but then you'd probably need to clean a lot more often. There's nothing special about distilled water otherwise re therapy.