question on CPAP on planes

[th]

I will be flying soon and I'm curious about how to handle my Cpap machine Can I carry it on with me? Also is it a problem going through security?

[RedThunder94]

as far as i know there is a medical device tag or label on the bottom of the machine, it should help you get it on there as carry on luggage,

[Linda3032]

Always use carry-on. Never check it. Also, you can print out this FAA info if you are worried. I've never had a problem. And it doesn't count as a carry on piece. It's a freebie.

viewtopic.php?t=3142&highlight=faa

[bluesky]

I fly often and have never had a problem with my going through security. Occasionally (maybe 20% of the time) they will actually check it after it's scanned. The medical equipment label means nothing, as they still check it, which I have no problem with them doing.

[littlebaddow]

Has anyone used their machine to sleep whilst flying?

I've made several short flights but will be doing a 10 hour night flight later this year and I expect I will want to doze off during the flight.

I guess the main problem will be power supply. Do any airlines have a suitable power supply available to passengers on their planes?

[Sleepy-in-AL]

Has anyone used their machine to sleep whilst flying?

I've made several short flights but will be doing a 10 hour night flight later this year and I expect I will want to doze off during the flight.

I guess the main problem will be power supply. Do any airlines have a suitable power supply available to passengers on their planes?

There have been some discussions about this. You might try doing a search. However, as I recall, support for this is VERY dependent on the particular airline. I believe that the airlines require prior arrangements and most will not allow you to power the xPAP from the aircraft power system. I recall reading posts from someone that the airline responded to his request by denying xPAP usage and instructing the flight crew to make sure that he did not sleep during the flight. But others have posted that they have been successful with certain airlines.

I wonder about the breathex? Won't work for me because I have to have a BiPAP, but might be an option for the frequent flyer. I suspect it would still require prior arrangement with the airline since it is not one of the approved electronic devices for in flight use. But it would probably be much less of a battle than trying to power something from the aircraft.

[puffing billy]

Regarding the use of XPAP on aircraft if you contact the airline company they will tell you which appliances have been cleared for use. I believe that only those having been cleared for flight use (unlikely as its mega expensive for the clearance) and with its own battery packs can be used. Aircraft power cannot be used. So laptops are OK but not medical equipment!
When you take your equipment, take the manual and a prescription. I have not encountered problems.
Also tell the Airline you are taking the equipment, in my experience they suddenly become very helpfull.

Billy

[apneaicinisrael]

Hi,
Happy Flying!

I recently flew El Al airlines who are notoriously security conscious, and I thought I would have to do a lot of explaining. They knew exactly what the CPAP was and didn't hesitate during the x-ray process. I wrapped it in an extra fleece scarf just for padding, and carried it on. No problems. The CPAP bag should not count as a carry on, as it is medical equipment. Try the link mentioned above - somewhere recently the official FAA clause was referenced and I, personally, keep a copy of it in my CPAP bag "just in case".

Make sure you have a plug adapter if you are going to a place with a different electric current. And think through how to deal with your hose in a bed other than your own, i.e. if you suspend/hang it, need a gizmo to do that on vacation.

Enjoy!
AII

[ozij]

http://www.seatguru.com is where you'll find info about which airplanes have power sockets and in which seast they are.

O.

[littlebaddow]

www.seatguru.com is where you'll find info about which airplanes have power sockets and in which seast they are.

O.

Great link Ozij, many thanks

[925]

I have carried various CPAP machines onto airplanes hundreds of times. Never a problem. Recently, TSA security has been sniffing it at search time, but everyone recognizes them, and never a problem. There is no reason to carry a prescription or a sign or a manual.

I always carryon instead of checking them, both to keep it in a pressurized cabin, to keep the sensitive mask parts safer, and to make sure my machine doesn't get lost along the way. I wouldn't like that at all!

I have used my machine onboard long flights. Use SeatGuru.com to find out about power. I have ignored asking permission. Asking for permission is like asking to be told "no". Even on an airline that explicitly says "No CPAP use onboard" on their website, I have never been stopped. I try to be discreet, and even use a different mask to use onboard so I don't look like a Martian. Be careful with long cords and hoses. On the flights where I intend to use it onboard, I toss the whole thing in a cloth zipper bag that opens at the top. I make sure there is plenty of room for airflow around the inlet of the machine, and I leave everything inside the bag, zipped up, except for the power cord and the mask. I set the bag on the floor under my seat where it can't get tripped over by other people.

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Power

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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP, Power, Prescription

[Sleepy-in-AL]

I have used my machine onboard long flights. Use SeatGuru.com to find out about power.

925,

How do you power your unit? I know there are a few planes that offer 110, but the vast majority offer either 12V or empower 15V. Do you use an inverter?

Just curious. I think I may be doing some long flights in the near future.

Thanks

[Guest]

I have done both 12V and inverter. With my GoodKnight 420G, it is built to run directly off of a cigarette lighter or car battery. American Airlines has the cigarette lighter at some seats (see SeatGuru.com). On British Airways, all it takes is a $10 adapter to turn their funny little plug into a cigarette lighter adapter, which I can then hook to my CPAP. Otherwise, I have also used an inverter that produces 110VAC, and then used my regular power plug to change that back into 12VDC that my machine needs.