Anyone use CPAP on an oversea trip?

[CPAP Lady]

I am wondering if my CPAP machine will work with an adapter thingy overseas in France and Spain and elsewhere in Europe? Anyone have experience with using it overseas and taking the CPAP on international flights? What do I need to do?

I appreciate any info

[JointPain]

I took mine to Italy. Once I got it there it worked fine with a simple adapter (not a voltage transformer). Any modern CPAP should work, but always best to double check. The voltage it accepts should be listed in the user manual somewhere, otherwise check the manufacturer's web site.

Getting it there was okay, except for one truly minor inconvenience. I don't think the Europeans have anything similar to the American Disabilities Act, so your CPAP will probably count as one piece. For my flight from Frankfurt to Venice, we were only supposed to have one piece of carry one. Fortunately, I only had my CPAP and a laptop bag, and they let that through because it was pretty small all together. I wouldn't push the carry on limits like many do on domestic flights (and who wants to lug all that stuff anyway). Also, the security checkpoint coming into Europe spent ages gawking at my machine and drowning it detector fluid, so be prepared with some wipes.

In the end it was definitely worth having it. I was dead tired some nights, and I don't want to think about what "sleeping" would have been like without it.

Have a good trip.

[Bluecat]

I live in France and the power transformer that comes with my machine works on European (220V in France) and US voltages. You just need the plug adapter. Check on the power transformer on the power cord of your machine. It should give the range of voltages it can accept.

About the carry on limits, there is no european law on medical equipment as carry on. You will have to check with the airlines directly.
I know for sure that Easyjet and Ryanair don't count it as part of your carry on allowance (it's in their terms and conditions). Airfrance has never bothered me about taking my CPAP as well as a cabin sized suitcase. Other airlines I wouldn't know.

Bluecat

[CPAP Lady]

Also, the security checkpoint coming into Europe spent ages gawking at my machine and drowning it detector fluid, so be prepared with some wipes.

Is the detector fluid harmful to you or the machine? Is it unsanitary? Does anyone know what it is made of?


I appreciate any info

[Bluecat]

I fly very regularly in Europe, mostly in France, only once did I have to take my machine out of its travelling bag (and it was only to put the different parts - machine, humidifier, hose, mask- separately in the white plastic tray), I have NEVER had it swabbed. Most security agents seem to know what it is.
I suppose it must depend on different airports or how they train their staff, but we mustn't forget that CPAP machines are getting more and more common so they must see quite a few.

[sheldons65]

Travel all over the world and never a problem with airlines, security, or customs. Thankfully. No need to bring a power adpapter but you will need a European plug adapter. Might get one of those multi versions if you plan on traveling. Also get one of those simple white or brown extension cords about 8' preferably 12' long...the type of cord you find all over around Christmas time. Yeah it's not rated for 220 but the current your pulling with cpap even with humidifier is not all that high.

[dtsm]

Do a search for 'travel with cpap', 'flying with cpap'....there's over dozen threads that go into details. If you're lazy, read on:
1. Luggage tag for your cpap carry-on. You can buy on
cpap.comhttps://www.cpap.com/productpage/medical-identi ... pment.html

2. Print out copy of TSA guidelines as backup proof that it doesn't count as extra luggage
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... index.shtm

3. Bring a copy of your Rx - to show TSA or in case you need to purchase equipment while away
See also
TSA treatment
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43363&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... tsa+letter

4. Gear to take along include extra hose, filters, mask and power gear (see below - including extension cord, adapters)
http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Interna ... 78&sr=8-13
http://www.amazon.com/All-One-Travel-Po ... 278&sr=8-1

Belkin makes a nice small travel size surge protector if you decide to bring one: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... elkin+mini

220v surge protector http://www.walkabouttravelgear.com/surge.htm

Related Threads
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=47138&p=454369&hili ... ne#p454369
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49232&p=451500&hili ... ne#p451500
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=49104&p=449243&hili ... ne#p449243
viewtopic/t46934/ever-use-machine-DURING-flight.html
viewtopic/t45678/A-CPAP-that-will-work- ... ights.html

[Bluecat]

2. Print out copy of TSA guidelines as backup proof that it doesn't count as extra luggage
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... index.shtm

This is not applicable in Europe.

[Alsacienne]

Another French resident here ... you will have absolutely no problem using your machine here as long as you have the right plug. Most machines can cope with our voltage without having to do anything to them.

I travel all over Europe and have never had any problem travelling by air. The swabbing does no harm to the machine nor to the user. Better safe than sorry in today's world. Security staff will not bat an eyelid at your CPAP.

Make sure you have an extension lead as hotels often put their plug sockets on the wall OPPOSITE the bed and don't forget your adaptor. I travel with a spare seal and filters, but you might want to ask to take other components with you as spares as well.

Note that OSA is SOAS (SYNDROME D'APNÉES OBSTRUCTIVES DU SOMMEIL) in French and a CPAP machine is an PPC (POSITIVE PRESSION CONTINUE). A CPAP user is an UPPC (UTILISATEUR DE POSITIVE PRESSION CONTINUE).

ResMed, Respironics and co all have offices in France and suppliers of equipment. You will be able to get help from them if you need it and in France third parties provide machinery and consumables. You could ask any PNEUMONOLOGUE - lung doc - for help in getting in touch with a supplier ... and I am sure that even a secretary or receptionist could help with this.

Enjoy your travels and don't worry too much! We Europeans also suffer from OSA ... and all the problems connected with its diagnosis and its treatment just like happens in your home country!