Caution when taking CPAP on airplane

[drobindo]

Hello

I thought this might be of interest to you. I have had 2 Rispironics Auto BIPAPS quit working after packing them in checked luggage in in backpack, inside a hardback suitcase. Both times when I arrived the machine would turn inselft on and off by itself and was stuck in EPAP mode, it did say SERVICE REQUIRED after a few minutes. I returned it and it was replaced, I have sent it back again. I was sure the humidifer was not inserted. I did see a Rispironics rep at a sleep medicine class and he said that it should be ok to travel in a suitcase and that it should not have happened, but he said I could take it on as a carry on. ( which I will do in the future as I had a very sleepy trip and I am sure the people in the next room can attest to)
not sure if anyone else has had trouble or if it is just limited to this machine.

D Robinson

[jasper]

I would never ever ever ever check my machine, either alone or packed in something. I haven't heard of the problem of it not working after being checked , but I never intend to find out. This is my lifeline, and it goes where I go.

[tinaw]

cpap machines do not count against your carry-on luggage limit. I usually carry on all my luggage if possible, so I have one rolling carry-on, my purse, and my cpap stuff. When I got my machine it came with a bag that has compartments for the machine, humidifier, hose, masks and headgear etc. I've never had a problem bringing it as a carry on, and as I can't be without it I never check it in my baggage. I've had too many lost suitcases to leave it up to chance!

[Craig-Tx]

I think you will find a general majority of people will say NEVER check your CPAP. As you have experienced, baggage handlers are NOT exactly careful with your stuff.

But, the other, and in my case primary, reason to NEVER check your CPAP is that your luggage can be lost, or at least delayed. Let's say your bag is delayed for just 1 day. You can do without your toothbrush, and clean clothes... (or they can be replaced fairly cheaply and quickly in just about any town.)

But go a night without your CPAP? How about a week? Remember how you were before CPAP? Want to spend your vacation that way? How about representing your company on a business trip... dozing off in a meeting.

Always carry on your CPAP.