Using CPAP on Airlines

[seamares]

I have a very unique problem. I have used my cpap machine for 3 years and have no problems. My problem is that over the last two years I have become very reactive to the low humidity that is on the airlines. It has caused me to experience a chronic cough that last for months. The first time I coughed for 3 months until I had my thyroid removed and I was "cured" until I got on an airplane 3 months later and it came back. I was so bad the second time that I ended up at Mayos where they did treat me for the cough but did not give me answers on how to advoid it happening.

I have since been seeing a pulmonary doctor who says that it is triggered by low humidity on the airplane. Airplane humidity can be as low as 10%. I was somewhat unsure of his diagnosis until this winter came and our home humidity was low (30%) and the cough started coming back. My dr says to just drink a lot of water but I am not sure that would be enough. During my time that I was really bad, I did get relief from using my cpap machine with a heated humidifier. I feel that this is my answer to being able to fly. I really don't care what people sitting next to me think but I want to be attached to my cpap during the flight. I feel that would give me the humidified air that my body needs. My flight is during the day so I know that using the machine might cause an issue.

We do have a trip booked for Hawaii the last part of February and I sure don't want my trip to paradise turn in to another nightmare for me. Sorry this is so long but hope someone can help me with this. What kind of machine should I purchase - I have been looking at the ones with the battery pack. Should I request special seating? Any advice is welcomed.

[xenablue]

A lot will depend on which airline you're using. Whichever one it is, go to their website and search for special needs and whether they allow necessary medical equipment as a non-carry-on item. Some airlines DO NOT allow you that as an extra and will make you check anything additional, despite what the TSA says is allowable.

If the airline's website doesn't give enough information, then call the number they suggest for special needs and they'll be able to help you.

Some airlines will give you special seating which has access to an outlet.

Hope this helps some.

Cheers, and hope you have a wonderful vacation in Hawaii!

xenablue

[dtsm]

Depending on your type/model of cpap unit, check cpap.com for battery paks that will work with a humidifier. I've flown internationally [business class] and never had a problem plugging in my cpap [but without humidifier].

I would also call the airline and tell them your problem/request. They might have a solution for you.

[Muse-Inc]

Do the nasal moisturizing gels not work for you? There are several on the market, Ayr and Grossan are 2 that come to mind.

[rad3766]

Welcome to the site.
I would contact your carrier regarding using the machine during the entire flight, I would suspect that you wouldnt be allowed to use it during take-off /landing, but being that it is a medical device, there may be exceptions.
You should not have any problems bringing your machine onboard, but do bring a copy of your prescription that details that your machine must stay with you and not be checked.
I would also verify availability of AC power unless you are planning on getting a battery powered machine.

Enjoy your trip.

[woodg]

You might also talk to your Dr. about the possibility of getting a portable nebulizer. I have a friend with a small child that had an overseas trip several years ago, that needed nebulizer treatment for asthma. They're very small and will run for quite some time on batteries.

[avi123]

You might also talk to your Dr. about the possibility of getting a portable nebulizer. I have a friend with a small child that had an overseas trip several years ago, that needed nebulizer treatment for asthma. They're very small and will run for quite some time on batteries.

I second the nebulizer approach. If you can't do it on a plain then try the bus or a train. As to your home location, many people move to a better climate zone b/c of such conditions.

[rad3766]

........ If you can't do it on a plain then try the bus or a train......

Um, you did note the OP is going to Hawaii?

[LinkC]

I would try to avoid using your machine as a humidifier on the plane. The hassle is barely worth using CPAP even when sleeping on overnight flights. Surely you can find a humidification solution short of using your CPAP. That's like swatting flies with a hammer!

[billbolton]

I feel that this is my answer to being able to fly.

The current FAA rules about use of xPAP machines in flight mandate battery operation. In general, while it is possible to consider using a xPAP machine without a heated humidifier in flight, its pretty much unworkable to use a CPAP with a heated humidifier in-flight, as the power drain by the humidifier is too high for practical battery operation.

You need to look at other solutions, as suggested by other posters above.

Cheers,

Bill

[seamares]

You might also talk to your Dr. about the possibility of getting a portable nebulizer. I have a friend with a small child that had an overseas trip several years ago, that needed nebulizer treatment for asthma. They're very small and will run for quite some time on batteries.

I do have a portable battery nebulizer which I use for the treatment of my cough. I can bring that along but I would love to figure out a way other than drinking a gallon of water to not be so reactive on airplanes.

[seamares]

Do the nasal moisturizing gels not work for you? There are several on the market, Ayr and Grossan are 2 that come to mind.

I have used so many nasal sprays - you wouldn't believe the regimen that I am on!

[seamares]

I feel that this is my answer to being able to fly.

The current FAA rules about use of xPAP machines in flight mandate battery operation. In general, while it is possible to consider using a xPAP machine without a heated humidifier in flight, its pretty much unworkable to use a CPAP with a heated humidifier in-flight, as the power drain by the humidifier is too high for practical battery operation.

You need to look at other solutions, as suggested by other posters above.

Cheers,

Bill

OK - that is the advice that I am searching for as I thought I had read that the heated humidifier does drain the power.

[dtsm]

OK - that is the advice that I am searching for as I thought I had read that the heated humidifier does drain the power.

Humidifier [at least S8 autoset II] works in 'pass-over' mode. So no power drain.....maybe it's better than nothing?