Traveling with CPAP

[sl33py]

I travel quite a bit for work and this evening, I am on my first flight with my CPAP machine. Any tips on going through security? I'm told that it does not count as one of the carry ons since it is a medical device. I'm hoping that I don't have any problems. Also, since I can't carry liquids, I'll be using tap water in it. Anything that I should be concerned about?

Thanks for your help and tips! You are all so knowledgeable and helpful!!

[Uncle_Bob]

The TSA are very familiar with the CPAP machines. If they decide to swab it you can request that they change their gloves first.

The CPAP bag does not count as carry on. But don't put anything that is not CPAP related in the same bag or it will count as carry on.

[xenablue]

You shouldn't have any issues with TSA or getting your equipment on board a plane. Correct, it's not counted towards carry-on. NEVER check your XPAP and carry EVERYTHING you need in the one bag, but NOTHING except XPAP equipment - otherwise, if you try to add say, toiletries, or a novel, you'll probably get stopped.

I include CPAP wipes, Lansinoh and an extension cord to my CPAP bag, and I store each item separately in ziplock bags, in the off-chance TSA may want to inspect the bag.

I also carry spare tubing and nasal pillows.

Travelled on several airlines from different airports and never been questioned or had my CPAP bag inspected.

Tap water is fine for a few days, but for an extended time it might be worth the $0.89/gallon for distilled even if you have to toss most of it away.

Cheers,
xena

[sl33py]

Tap water is fine for a few days, but for an extended time it might be worth the $0.89/gallon for distilled even if you have to toss most of it away.

Cheers,
xena

Thank you both very much.

As for the distilled water, I use that at home. I just don't check bags and won't have a car with me so no easy way to get access to buy distilled water. I will ctually start checking a bag so that I can carry distilled water if I'm going to be away for more than a couple of days overnight. From what I've read, a day or two of tap water won't hurt, if it's dumped everyday and the container cleaned through the dishwasher once a week.

[LinkC]

Ditto to all the above. One other good habit: carry a copy of your prescription with you when traveling in case something breaks/gets lost. I keep my script in the case all the time.

[sl33py]

Thank you for that reminder, Linkc! I had forgotten that!

[Bobby269]

My Apap/Cpap is two units. I placed each in a one gallon plastic freezer bag. They took them from one inspection point to where they swap things. But they didn't take them out of the bag. I put distilled water in a pap flask going one way and was told never again. They didn't take it away but made it clear to put it in my check in baggage. With one exception, if you have to sleep on the flight it's allowed.

[ZeeMan]

I carry my gear & personal things in an ordinary back pack but always remove the machine and run it through the xray machine separately. Its probably been 4 or 5 flights since TSA took any interest it it at all.

I pack the machine inside one of those U shaped pillows they sell for putting around your neck. The U pillow goes in the main section of the back pack with the opening facing up. The U protects the machine below and on the sides, while allowing me to easily slide it in or out of the back pack. The U pillow is also useful for side sleeping with a full mask. The remaining sections of the back pack have ample space for medications, reading materials, a light jacket, etc.

Sure, I could carry the equipment by itself in its original case and not have it count as my carry-on, but that would be one more bag to have to carry. I only do that if I have to bring a laptop.

I do recommend gallon sized zip-locks for everything, of course.

I hope this helps.

[NCHawk]

Tap water is fine for a few days, but for an extended time it might be worth the $0.89/gallon for distilled even if you have to toss most of it away.

Instead of tap water I use bottled water, which I can usually find more easily than distilled. Just be sure not to get one of the flavored waters.

[Sheriff Buford]

I like the "u" shape pillow idea. I have a list taped to my bedroom mirror for my wife to bring to the hospital in case I get there. You never know... last week I was looking for a guy and ended up in a bar and a fight started. I got wacked twice upside the head... almost went out... the wifey brought all the "stuff", but I did not stay in the hospital. My list (I normally don't use my humidifier... so it's not on the list):

• Cpap machine (on bedstand)
• Cpap mask
• Orange extension cord
• Wipes
• Cpap pillow

Sheriff

[sl33py]

I mostly had no problems on my flight. One of the security people that check IDs and tickets in San Francisco questioned me about 3 bags, so I had to stop and explain that it was a medical device. I was also very surprised to see that someone else on the plane had the same cpap as me. That made me realize that I should probably mark mine so it's easily identified. I hadn't thought of how common this may be and that there could be others with the same bag as me.

I survived the trip and I really appreciate all of you sharing and giving me your tips.