Traveling with CPAP

[NancyAZ]

I'm pretty new to all of this (3 weeks today). On Friday I will be making my first trip since starting CPAP. We will be traveling on Southwest Airlines and will be staying at a private home. Could you please give me some tips you've found helpful when traveling. I do not have any idea what to expect. Is CPAP equipment treated pretty much like a laptop? Do you have to take it out of its case when you go through security? Do I need to have my Rx handy to show anyone or anything?
As you can see, I pretty much do not have a clue how to do this.
Please help.
Nancy

[LSAT]

You shouldn't have any problems with the airlines or the inspectors...they are familiar with CPAP. It will need to be inspected.
Whenever you travel, be sure to bring an extension cord...you never know where the outlets are.

[nanwilson]

Yup, what LSAT said, plus, I don't worry about carrying distilled water, I just use what I can until I get home and then thoroughly wash my humidifier chamber and hose with vinegar and distilled water.
Have a great trip.
N

[sleepingatlast]

When you go thru security, the TSA clerks may want to inspect the machine. If they do, insist that they change their gloves, use a new swab and thoroughly clean the exam table. You don't want to eliminate as much of a possibility of a false positive as you can.

[LSAT]

When you go thru security, the TSA clerks may want to inspect the machine. If they do, insist that they change their gloves, use a new swab and thoroughly clean the exam table. You don't want to eliminate as much of a possibility of a false positive as you can.

Confused...What does this mean?

[sleepingatlast]

When you go thru security, the TSA clerks may want to inspect the machine. If they do, insist that they change their gloves, use a new swab and thoroughly clean the exam table. You don't want to eliminate as much of a possibility of a false positive as you can.

Confused...What does this mean?

If there are contaminants on the table, gloves or swab and causes some sort of alarms/ bells and whistles to go off in the clerks head, you will be wisked away for secondary screening (i.e., patdown).

[Guest]

I also have just started with the CPAP and trying to find the correct mask etc. I was told by the APRIA and it read in the direction book DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD! You want to protect your expensive machine, so I suggest taking that advice!! Susan

[StevenXXXX]

I also have just started with the CPAP and trying to find the correct mask etc. I was told by the APRIA and it read in the direction book DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD! You want to protect your expensive machine, so I suggest taking that advice!! Susan

I would NOT use an extension cord at home for permanent use, but for short periods it has never been a problem for me in 12 years.

When you do use an extension, use the shortest one possible AND use one of sufficient gauge to carry the load.

I personally use a surge protector with a short cord AND a couple of extra outlets (just in case).

[LSAT]

I also have just started with the CPAP and trying to find the correct mask etc. I was told by the APRIA and it read in the direction book DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD! You want to protect your expensive machine, so I suggest taking that advice!! Susan

Of course you shouldn't use an extension cord on a regular basis, but, if you are in a hotel or at a friends home and there is no reachable outlet...WHAT WOULD YOU DO? The title of this post is...TRAVELING with CPAP.

[Hose_Head]

I also have just started with the CPAP and trying to find the correct mask etc. I was told by the APRIA and it read in the direction book DO NOT USE AN EXTENSION CORD! You want to protect your expensive machine, so I suggest taking that advice!! Susan

I suspect that this advice from Apria is more about protecting Apria then it is about protecting you or your xpap. These things are written by lawyers!

Go ahead, use an extension cord if you need to. Just make sure that it's adequate to the job your are asking of it, and don't run it where it will be damaged, or where someone can trip over it.

[PST]

In the last few months, TSA has reduced the scrutiny it gives CPAP machines. While security personnel in the U.S. formerly inspected them by hand every time, using a special swab to check for chemical residue that might indicate explosives, this seems to have ended several months ago. I believe that you still have to pull it out and send it through the x-ray machine in a tray like a laptop computer.

I don't hesitate to use tap or bottled water in the humidifier when traveling. I don't bother with an extension cord either, although I admit it is a good idea to have one. I have yet to stay in a hotel in the U.S. with no electrical outlet near the head of the bed. Frequently there is only one, and it has a clock or telephone plugged in, but I just unplug that and plug in my CPAP. If hotels don't want to reset their clocks every day they should provide more power where people need it.

[Slartybartfast]

That's been my experience. I travel every month. Just got back last night.

Last three months, no inspection. Just put it on the belt and pick it up on the other side. There's absolutley no reason to travel with distilled water. Use whatever is available. Water right out of the tap is fine. Only if it smells bad, you might not want to use it. Then use bottled water. It''s not like you'll be gone 3 months.

[HoseCrusher]

Nancy, I think others have addressed the actual traveling issues, so I will move on to your actual arrival.

When you travel outside your immediate "environment" you expose yourself to new stuff. There is always some stress involved with travel and staying at a new location, and all of this can have an effect on your immune system. It is very disappointing when a wonderful trip is interrupted by feelings of being under the weather.

Plan on cleaning your mask and the little hose that goes to it daily, and also empty and rinse your humidifier tank daily. Until you know the status of pets, children, grandchildren, curious "others," and so on, pack your equipment (don't forget to empty the humidifier tank before moving the machine) every morning and unpack it every evening. Just be sure not to kink the small hose that goes with the Swift FX mask. Those hoses are very easy to "destroy." I usually carry an extra hose because of that. The big hose seems to be indestructible, so don't worry about that.

I also carry an extra set of pillows, but have never needed to use them.

I carry a 15' extension chord that is UL listed and rated at 13 amps. It has 3 places to plug into and has a handy slide that will block 2 of them if they are not needed. Frequently, the outlets in the room are not where you need them, or the close ones are being used by lamps, clocks, etc. My machine plus humidifier draw under 4 amps so using it with a 13 amp extension chord is not a problem.

I might also say that I don't think it pays to get fancy when setting your machine up at your destination. Frequently I simply place it on the floor. If there is some concern about dust or dirt, put a towel down first and put the machine on top of that. If there is a sturdy table handy, that is great, but if there is doubt, just put it on the floor.

These few steps will go a long way to providing you with the best sleep you can get while traveling.

[LinkC]

Of course you shouldn't use an extension cord on a regular basis

Really? Why??

I don't use one, but there is no practical reason NOT to, if necessary. This isn't an arc welder. Your machine's current requirements are well within safely using an extension of a reasonable length. My Respironics manual makes no mention of such a restriction.

Why do you think "a regular basis" makes it any less safe?

[katcw]

Is all of this also true with international travel? What abut customs?