can you use cpap on a plane

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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fordjx4000
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can you use cpap on a plane

Post by fordjx4000 » Sun Jun 03, 2012 1:13 am

hey everyone can you use a cpap on a plane i have ordered a ups battery backup the battery backup is a
APC Back-UPS ES 550 BE550R Battery Backups 550va 8-Outlet can i take this on the plane with me and use it for my cpap
kind regards chantilly

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user from Singapore
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by user from Singapore » Sun Jun 03, 2012 5:23 am

The best and sure way to check is to call your airline. There are some guidelines but the airline has the last word.

papster1
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by papster1 » Sun Jun 03, 2012 6:16 am

You do know UPS's beep constantly when they are turned on and not plugged in right? The purpose of the APC is to keep your PC/network hardware running for a few minutes during a power bump not run a cpap for hours.

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Breathing
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by Breathing » Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:09 am

Yes you can use your CPAP machine on a plane. There is a federal law that says you can use medical devices on a plane.
I got a letter from my provider when I got my machine. I believe it cited this law: (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel – May 13, 2009).
Here is info from the TSA about their policies: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... /cpap.shtm Also, when you book a seat, make sure that your seat is near an electrical outlet and you can just plug in without worrying about a battery.

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I have sleep apnea, but I don't snore. Never have. (I am also not male, obese or hypertensive)
I believe the screening criteria for sleep apnea is missing a LOT of people, who have a lot of unnecessary OSA related disease.

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BlackSpinner
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by BlackSpinner » Sun Jun 03, 2012 10:18 am

However federal law only applies in the US and flights leaving the US.
There is also no guarantee that the outlet will actually work. Many airlines will insist you use a battery. And don't even think about using the humidifier.

The flight crew is also within their right to tell you to pack it up if they believe it is a safety hazard. They have the last say regardless of what they ADA says.

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dvejr
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by dvejr » Mon Jun 04, 2012 6:46 pm

I fly a lot, and on long flights I have used my battery operated Everest 2. Just last month I flew 14 hours non-stop New Delhi, India - Newark, NJ, and slept with my machine running a large part of the flight.

Airlines are NOT, repeat NOT, required to let you use in flight any such machine not previously tested and certified. No manufacturer I know of has spent the money to get their machine certified.

So, unless I'm misinformed, I can use my machine only if the airline tolerates it. They always have. I usually slouch against the window and pull a blanket over my head - I don't like people staring at me....

Doug

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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by chunkyfrog » Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:16 pm

I believe Resmed S9 series have been approved by the FAA for use on U.S flights.
Still no guarantee you will be able to use it.
If I ever fly again, my announcement to my fellow passengers will be:
"If I am unable to use my CPAP on this flight, I am apologizing in advance for my extremely loud snoring, choking and gasping.
Would you be so kind as to notify the flight attendant as quickly as possible if I stop breathing."

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JohnBFisher
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by JohnBFisher » Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:24 pm

As others have noted, it depends on the equipment and airline. I've checked with some who absolutely forbade the use of xPAP devices in the power outlets on the airline. I checked with some who forbade the use of xPAP devices, even with battery backup.

Since I use an ASV unit, which can be rough on battery power, I just don't worry about it for one night. Going without sleep is not the worst thing that I've done. But if you have a unit that is gentle on a battery, you may be able to use it. Check with your airline. Also, a more portable battery (than a UPS) might be a better option. See:

https://www.cpap.com/cpap-battery-power ... attery.php

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billbolton
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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by billbolton » Tue Jun 05, 2012 7:13 am

Breathing wrote:Yes you can use your CPAP machine on a plane. There is a federal law that says you can use medical devices on a plane.
Its clear you haven't actually read the US federal law

Its nowhere near as absolute as you seem to think it is
Breathing wrote:Also, when you book a seat, make sure that your seat is near an electrical outlet and you can just plug in without worrying about a battery.
The US federal law specifically says that it applies only for devices that are running off battery power, and that the battey must able to sustain operation for 1.5 times the duration of the flight.

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Re: can you use cpap on a plane

Post by dtsm » Tue Jun 05, 2012 12:28 pm

Every airline has their own set of rules. Best to check with each of them - first by reviewing their policies via website, second by calling their CS center.

I have used cpap for long transPacific flights on the following airlines:

ANA - needed to make request/permission. Painless, and very polite in-flight when using.
Cathay Pacific - never asked for permission, never had a problem. Caveat - haven't flown them in past year and have read they are now requiring advance notice/approval.
EVA Airlines - website says no, but I've flown them 4 times this past 16 months, used cpap everytime, and never had a problem!

Note, none of airlines permit or have enough power for humidifier.