New need help on a question about travel/dealing with a cold

[nosleeptonight]

I got the CPAP about 3 weeks ago-was diagnosed a month ago. Used about 1/2 a dozen times and couldn't get thru more than 2 hours of sleep before waking up. Went to the doc. He recommended I wait until a Friday night and take an ambien both Friday and Saturday and see if it helped me get thru the night. Of course a few days before i was going to do this I came down with a cold that went into a chest cold. I've had the cold 2 weeks now and still have a lingering cough and a little congestion.

So next Monday I am leaving on vacation for 10 days. Last year was a long year - battle with cancer. This year I'm well except the for the apnea and no energy (been going on about 4 years). This is making me worried as I am almost 56 and am getting no exercise (worried about bones). Need advice should take the CPAP with me (the vacation is nothing but to relax) and try to get used to it then? or wait until i get home again.

How much trouble is going thru the airport with the CPAC?

How soon after a cold is it ok to begin using the CPAP? If you are already used to a CPAP machine do you stop use during a cold?

I really appreciate all the help. I am off to a very rough start here.

[ughwhatname]

How much trouble is going thru the airport with the CPAC?

How soon after a cold is it ok to begin using the CPAP? If you are already used to a CPAP machine do you stop use during a cold?

I really appreciate all the help. I am off to a very rough start here.

I have found that I do better with congestion when I increase my humidity and up the temperature by a few degrees. With little exception, I can sleep through the night hosed up even with a cold.

As for the airport, I've traveled a half dozen times since diagnosis six months ago. No problems at all yet with TSA. They haven't even spent extra time looking at it with xray. I do put my mask and hose in a gallon ziploc in case they ever do open it. I carry a copy of my prescription in the side pocket just in case. Even when they announce at the gate, "This flight is full. Only one carryon with be allowed" don't stress. I just had that happen, and no one said anything. Only time I've had someone challenge me has been United flights and the gate agents. When they told me I had too many carryons, I told them that I didn't, and one was a medical device. They said nothing more.

[nosleeptonight]

Thank you that info helps a lot

[Chikorita]

I powered through and kept using my CPAP with the congestion. I found it actually helped me breath better. I use nasal pillows so ident know how a mask would go. I would recommend taking the machine on your holiday for sure. Nice relaxing time to adjust up your new life.

Contact your airline about taking it onboard. From threads I've read here there are different requirements for different airlines. I've only flown domestically in Australia which was fine as carry on luggage.

[iglehart]

no WAY I would trust and airline with my machine as checked baggage. CARRY it on ALWAYS!!!!!!

[Chikorita]

Yes. Carry on because then you're guaranteed it will arrive safely at the other end and you can use it even if your other luggage doesn't arrive.