Travel Question

[RobertS975]

Been sleeping with my ResMed S9 Elite since mid-February, and even though I travel frequently, I have not taken a trip with it yet. That is about to change with an upcoming 12 day trip to eastern Europe. I did buy a smaller 30W power supply, but will probably try to take the humidifier along with the regular 90W power brick. Will make sure I take along an extension cord as others have pointed out. Most hotels I stay at have a plethora of outlets at the desk, not at the bedside.

Couple of questions: The little cellular device attached to the rear end seems to seek out an ATT GSM cellular signal here in MA. What happens when overseas? Should I simply take the cellular modem or device off the machine and leave it home?

Also, the logistics of taking the machine and tubing etc...I could pack it in the case that it all came in, but that would end up being a third carry-on... my roller bag, computer bag, and then the ResMed case. I am assuming that this would be a no-no from the air carrier POV. Not so much worried about Delta in biz class over the ocean, but we connect to a KLM flight and during the trip will have an adventure on Air Serbia and Austrian Airlines. Do most folks travel with the stuff divided into their carry-on and their electronics bag?

[msla]

You will only need a plug converter that fits the outlets and will allow you to plug-in the resmed brick. The machine detects the source power, 110-220 volts/50-60 hertz, and adjusts itself to deliver current to the machine. You do not want to put your CPAP in checked baggage! Carry-on only. I would go with a 12-15 foot extension cord. That should be long enough to reach across most European hotel rooms. Take a copy of your prescription. That will make replacing something easier if the worst happens and the blower is broken. I pack a spare hose and mask in the checked bag. I have the smallest roll on suitcase that the machine fits in. There would be room for a laptop in it and it fits in the overhead.

[RobertS975]

Yup, know about outlet adapters etc. Very experienced traveler, but zero experience traveling with a CPAP machine. Anyone know whether I should just detach the little "cell phone" attached to the back of the S9?

[HoseCrusher]

While I don't think there would be any problems it may be wise to detach the wireless device at home and make sure the unit functions properly without it. If it works fine leave it at home. Hope you have a very enjoyable trip.

[Rustsmith]

The fact that the modem is using GSM is a good first step if you want the machine to be able to call home while away. However, be aware that there are different bands of frequencies used for GSM around the world. If the unit was not built with a quad band modem (comparable to better smart phones intended for international use), then there is chance that it will not be able to connect to the local GSM system even though your smart phone works.

Also be aware that international calling rates are much more expensive and are not always covered by the cell phone contract for your machine. If it is able to call home, someone is going to get stuck with the bill and that bill could be quite significant. I had a wrong number call that I received in Beijing a few years back that cost me $8 on my ATT phone.

[houndlover]

My DME told me I could leave my modem attached. If it is somewhere it can call, it will...otherwise it just waits until it gets a signal it can use.


For the US flights you can have the CPAP bag as a third carry on if it is just medical equipment. You'll have to check the other airlines' policies for your out of country travel. Never check your CPAP.

[pbriggs]

When I had the modem on mine I traveled to Germany. The DME pays the bill and they were fine with leaving it on. My DME was using sleepmapper software so I could see my "data" (not much to look at in sleepmapper for sure) -But, I did notice that even when I was in Germany it was sending data.

On Delta flights in business class I have used my machine. I just made sure that my humidified was turned off before I packed, then I just took it out after dinner and setup and went to sleep. No questions, no problems, worked very well. Never tried it in the back of the plane. I plan to have my doctor fill out the ADA forms (America with Disabilities Act) for my employer stating that if I fly overnight that I must have the ability to run my machine (so business class on most overnight flights). I am not sure how they will react as I fly to Germany 3 or 4 times a year. But hey - my life is worth more that the ticket cost difference. Then with the ADA forms signed from the doctor they have no choice in the matter - well they do - they can send someone else.

[Drowsy Dancer]

Never check your CPAP.

If you are flying on a US carrier, or a foreign flight that touches US soil, the airline cannot count your CPAP bag as a carry on if it only has CPAP stuff in it, and that bag has priority for stowage over everything but folding wheelchairs IIRC. This per the Air Carrier Access Act (not the ADA; need for a CPAP is considered a "disability under the ACAA but not necessarily under the ADA for reasons that are way beyond the scope of this thread).

Flying on Delta: http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/ ... ities.html

If you want to use the machine inflight, check seatguru.com to see if you are seated with a row that has electrical outlets. Some seats have Empower outlets that need a cigarette lighter adapter. Make sure you have one of those. Also be aware that the airline is not required to supply you with electricity to run your CPAP, although some will (I've always been able to coax airlines into letting me use at-seat power). You can transport a lithium ion battery to run the machine (but not the humidifier). FYI the Delta website above says "Delta does not provide any onboard power sources for assistive devices. The customer is responsible for providing batteries with enough life to support the trip they are on. Empower, available on certain aircrafts, is for charging laptops only."

Boy voyage.

[chunkyfrog]

If you can afford it, here is a cpap battery that might fit in a laptop case.
http://www.thebatterygeeks.com/CPAP-Bat ... c20000.htm
Another, from our hosts:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... hines.html