trip overseas

[sleepfull]

hi everyone. i have been using cpap since july. it has really changed my life. i kept having my thyroid checked because i was so tired. well, i now sleep very soundly i am going to italy in a few months and was wondering if anyone had any tips for traveling with a cpap machine

[PST]

I travel frequently, and while TSA is not 100 percent consistent about this, most of the time they want to inspect my CPAP machine by hand. Since I don't want to check it, I carry it in its original case where it is easy to get out. American Airlines, which I fly regularly, always allows me to carry this in addition to the usual one suitcase plus one purse/briefcase/backpack. I would inquire about the rules for your airline, however, and make sure it applies to international flights. As for power, many appliances are happy with both North American 110 v 60 hertz and European 220 v 50 hertz. If your machine says it can use either, then all you need is a cheap plug adapter. I wouldn't try to carry distilled water. Maybe you can buy some in Italy easily, but any clean, sanitary water source is fine for temporary use. That's just one man's opinion, I suppose, but it hasn't hurt me yet. There are probably lots more things to think about, but fortunately you will get many replies.

[KengEsq]

hi everyone. i have been using cpap since july. it has really changed my life. i kept having my thyroid checked because i was so tired. well, i now sleep very soundly i am going to italy in a few months and was wondering if anyone had any tips for traveling with a cpap machine

PST has some sound advice. Just so you know, your CPAP or whatever machine you have is a medical device and can be carried onboard in addition to any other hand carried luggage. An adapter plug is all you need if your machine can use European electrical service. When I travel, TSA hand checks my APAP and they are understanding and careful. I always go with my machine for checking and ask the TSA person to use new gloves (sanitary reasons) - they have always cheerfully complied with my request. I also just use bottled drinking water to fill my humidifier and that works great although it is expensive it is easy to transport and obtain.
Have fun in Italy. I had planned to go there too earlier this month but had to postpone my trip for business reasons.

[sleepfull]

thanks for the info. has anyone actually used their cpap machine while flying. i will be flying overnight and not sure if i should try and use it. its not battery operated. i guess i could get a battery operated one. dont people stare

[sanju121]

I travel frequently, and while TSA is not 100 percent consistent about this, most of the time they want to inspect my CPAP machine by hand. Since I don't want to check it, I carry it in its original case where it is easy to get out. American Airlines, which I fly regularly, always allows me to carry this in addition to the usual one suitcase plus one purse/briefcase/backpack. I would inquire about the rules for your airline, however, and make sure it applies to international flights. As for power, many appliances are happy with both North American 110 v 60 hertz and European 220 v 50 hertz. If your machine says it can use either, then all you need is a cheap plug adapter. I wouldn't try to carry distilled water. Maybe you can buy some in Italy easily, but any clean, sanitary water source is fine for temporary use. That's just one man's opinion, I suppose, but it hasn't hurt me yet. There are probably lots more things to think about, but fortunately you will get many replies.

A point to note if you’re checking in luggage is that many of the travel accessories that are sold as luggage security items (locks, cable ties, security seals, etc) do not actually work to protect your luggage. You’d think for the money spent on these things it would take time to break into a bag, but it’s as simple as several seconds with a paperclip or even a pen. And people wonder why there is a problem with luggage theft during air travel.

[Tcamillemars]

I flew to Europe last summer on Delta, and they do not allow the use of cpap machines during flight, even if you have a battery. I got nasty with the corporate office and they told me the issue is "under review." I then said something to the effect of, "I guess the CEO would rather deal with a dead body over the Atlantic than somebody who sleeps." I had trouble finding distilled water so I just used tap water. It did leave mineral deposits in the tank, but I was able to remove them. I bought a spare humidifier tank from cpap.com so I use one for traveling and one for everyday. In the Paris airport, I didn't even have to take the machine out of the travel case- they knew what it was and there was absolutely no hassle. I had real problems with TSA in Atlanta, where the agent decided that it wasn't sitting just right (I had it out of the case and in its own bin) so she picked it up and tossed it into another bin. I filed a report with TSA over that incident but of course heard nothing. I have also had problems with TSA in Las Vegas. I fly out of Denver quite a bit- they always hand inspect it, but it's not a problem at all. All I needed in Europe was an adapter plug as my machine can go from 110 to 240. It's not hard to travel with a cpap, you just need to plan ahead, and never allow it to be separated from you. I ordered a medical equipment tag, and no flight attendant has ever given me any problem. It's just harder to carry everything through the airport. Have a great trip.

[BlackSpinner]

Just so you know, your CPAP or whatever machine you have is a medical device and can be carried onboard in addition to any other hand carried luggage.

This is true only in the US and at the discretion of the attendants. In other words you can't count on it. There are many nightmare stories on this board!

Pack as light as you can for carry on luggage and go up to the counter as ask for pre boarding because you have medical equipment so there will always be space for your carry on.

NEVER EVER put the machine in the luggage because it might not arrive or it might arrive crushed and the amount they give you (maybe) as replacement won't cover your cpap.