Flying with CPAP Machine

[DebboL]

Hi everyone,

Just a question for those of you who travel with your CPAP. I will be flying to Miami in January for a workshop and I know that I need to take my CPAP machine on the airplane as part of my carryon luggage. I'm wondering though if I will need anything else like a copy of the prescription to show it is for me? Any suggestions from seasoned travellers would be greatly appreciated. I will probably be flying Delta when I go if that helps.

Deb

[Pugsy]

I have never had anyone at the airlines request anything that points to verification of RX. I don't think they care one bit who has it and who is supposed to use it.

Pretty much when they spot the bag "Is that a cpap machine?" when eyeballing the number of carryons..."yes it is"..."oh, okay, no problem" and off I go.

Security check is pretty much of a non issue also. They see them all the time.
I had more problems flying with a cast on my broken wrist then I have ever had with the cpap machine.
I guess they were worried I might have a bomb in the cast.

[BlackSpinner]

The reason too bring your Rx is just in case something gets broken or forgotten. You will need it to replace or buy you power cord, your connection for that hose or the ripped hose, crushed humidifier.....

Also bring an extension cord/ power bar. There is never a plug where you need it!

[DebboL]

Thanks everyone for the advice, especially the power bar BlackSpinner as I would have never thought about that and would have had to go buy one down there.

Deb

[archangle]

Make a checklist. Blower unit, humidifier, hose, mask, power supply, detachable power supply cord, water tank, empty the water tank, voltage converters, etc.

Label everything with your name and cell phone number.

I think our host has some "medical equipment" tags you can attach to the bag. Someone had a file to print your own, too.

You might want to put your owner's manual in the bag as well. If you do run into some dumb security guard who doesn't know CPAP, it might help.

Take the water tank out when you leave the room to keep the staff from drowning your CPAP machine.

[chunkyfrog]

Last, but not least, make sure you empty the tank before packing!

[ChrisD]

Hello DebboL,

Having flown with my CPAP many times, I wouldn't worry too much about it. I've had some TSA checkpoints want the CPAP removed from the bag, others only wanted the bag unzipped, and some didn't even say 'boo" when I ran it through the x-ray fully zipped up. I put my CPAP machine into a large zip-loc bag before putting it into the carrying case. That way if I have to take it out of the case for the TSA, it stays clean.

Check out: http://blog.tsa.gov/2011/02/traveling-w ... chine.html and search this forum for "travel", "flying", "TSA", etc. I know this topic has been discussed many times.

As other have said, it would be a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription with you, "just-in-case.

You might want to consider the following items for travel with CPAP:
Medical Equipment tag: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/medica ... pment.html
TSA approved distilled water jug: http://www.amazon.com/PAP-FLASK/dp/B007FV92QU
Hose Lift System: https://www.cpap.com/productpage/flexib ... -lift.html

Enjoy your trip,
Chris

[eeckel]

I'm going to Equador and Columbia in June. I'm worried about goimg through customs with a CPAP in those countries. Any advise on what to do and expect?

[Cindy Lou Who]

United wanted the blower in a tray all by itself to go through xray. I thought that was funny! If I'd wanted to carry contraband it would've fit nicely in the chamber. Or in the hose, or nasal pillow! Could've paid for the ticket with a little coke smuggled in there to sell on the street at destination.
*sigh*.... I'm sure it's been done!

[-tim]

Take a zip log bag for the humidfer... as a reminder to make sure it is empty and to contain any extra water if you have to put it in a bag in a hurry.

Put "Empty the Tank" on the check list.

Also empty the water in the morning before leaving a hotel so a cleaner doesn't try to clean around it and dump water into the blower.

(I've fixed a few with water damage... its no fun and the S9 doesn't use screws so there is a chance to break the plastic)

[tonyc79]

I've never had any problems flying with mine. TSA sees enough of them that its nothing new, although everytime I've had to take it out of the bag for the xray. I do keep a few things in my carrying case though: spare power cord, nose pillow, air filters and the like just because I know I'll forget something the next morning.

[pullin]

I'd like to ask an additional question, assuming the OP doesn't mind.

Does anyone put their machine in checked baggage? I don't have a travel version and occasionally I lose the fight with our company accountants and am forced onto an airline*. I typically pack my laptop deep within my larger checked luggage and have had no problems yet (I hate sherpa-ing stuff thru terminals). Looks as though the CPAP could be packed as well. I know there's the danger of lost luggage, but all my experiences are that lost bags generally show up within 24 hours. I figure the risk is fairly low.

*I routinely cause our accountants' hide-bound little heads to explode with my expense sheets, as I prefer to drive myself even cross-country. My hatred of airline flying is legendary. When they see 4000 miles on my mileage reimbursement and no airline ticket, hilarity ensues.

[eeckel]

What about going through customs ito and out of other countries? Will there be problems?

[xenablue]

I just got back from Las Vegas - they didn't want to look/check my little cooler with refrigerated meds, or my ziplock with meds. They did ask (both times) me to take my CPAP machine out of the bag, but not the humidifier or anything else.

I always put my CPAP components in individual ziplocks when travelling by air.

Cheers,
xena

[Pugsy]

Does anyone put their machine in checked baggage?

I have put my machine in my checked baggage on occasion. Only on a direct flight though. I wrap the machine in bubble wrap and put it in its travel case and then wrap clothing around it. I have been lucky and no problems.
Sometimes my neck and back hurt and I just don't want something else to have to carry.