Your experiences renting a mini travel CPAP?

[Charlie6067]

Going to Ireland for two weeks this fall and would rather not take my ResMed 10 along. Have you had any problems renting a mini travel CPAP on the Internet? Any recommendations on rental companies?

Also, the ResMed is totally silent but I've heard that the travel minis are not. How loud are the machines?

I read to take an extension cord due to some outlets not being close to the bed in the UK. Any other tips you could share?

Thanks
Charlie

[D.H.]

I visited Ireland in 2000. At that time there was no such thing as a "travel CPAP." I had to bring my F&P HC-201. That machine was considerably larger than the one you have. My suggestion is that you take the one you have; it's fairly small. Also, the travel machines generally don't have humidifiers, so you would need to make sure you're good without one.

Note that you will need an adapter, as the sockets in Ireland are different than the US/Canada sockets (which they call "power points"). They are the same as the U.K. sockets. The voltage and frequency are also different, but your machine can handle that.

Also, in my first first hotel the socket was so far from the bed that it took three extension cords (which they call "extension leads") to reach.

[Goofproof]

I visited Ireland in 2000. At that time there was no such thing as a "travel CPAP." I had to bring my F&P HC-201. That machine was considerably larger than the one you have. My suggestion is that you take the one you have; it's fairly small. Also, the travel machines generally don't have humidifiers, so you would need to make sure you're good without one.

Note that you will need an adapter, as the sockets in Ireland are different that the US/Canada sockets (which they call "power points"). They are the same as the U.K. sockets. The voltage and frequency are also different, but your machine can handle that.

Also, in my first first hotel the socket was so far from the bed that it took three extension cords (which they call "extension leads") to reach.

Now how about you answer his question,tell us about your renting a mini travel cpap, don't be brief! Jim

[Charlie6067]

Thank you! I hope to limp by with 1 extension cord. I am a bit scared the device may be stolen while over there.

[chunkyfrog]

Stuff gets stolen from travelers all the time.
If you can't afford the risk--don't go.

[Jas_williams]

Thank you! I hope to limp by with 1 extension cord. I am a bit scared the device may be stolen while over there.

There is no more risk getting stuff stolen in Ireland than at home obviously a bit harder getting a replacement device. I would take my full-size machine rather than rent.

[D.H.]

I've taken a CPAP to countless countries, many much higher risk than Ireland.

Note that in some (all?) U.S. States and many non-U.S. jurisdictions, depriving a person of a needed medical device is a more serious crime than theft.

[Charlie6067]

Thanks for the replies. I'll take my full size. Have you ever been asked by airlines or customs for a note from your doctor that you're authorized to have the CPAP?
Thanks

[joelrk35]

Thanks for the replies. I'll take my full size. Have you ever been asked by airlines or customs for a note from your doctor that you're authorized to have the CPAP?
Thanks

I've done a lot of overseas travel and never once have I been asked for a note for authorization. I do have a medical device tag on my cpap carry bag so it is not counted as carry on luggage. TSA has become so familiar with cpap's that they seldom open the travel bag. However if they do, request nicely that they put new gloves on before they touch your cpap. Also as stated above carry a set of adapters/converter for foreign electric plugs and an extension cord (mine is about 16 feet.

[D.H.]

Thanks for the replies. I'll take my full size. Have you ever been asked by airlines or customs for a note from your doctor that you're authorized to have the CPAP?
Thanks

I've never been asked, However, I always carry it "just in case."

In the U.S., you really can't get it without a prescription (you really can, but that's besides the point). In some other countries, it might be acceptable to decide that you need one and simply purchase one.