what do you take when YOU travel?

[fredboy]

Aside from an extension cord and foreign adapters if applicable:

Spare mask? Spare hose?
Spare_______??

[xenablue]

Spare mask, spare pillows, roll of silicone tape, spare tubing, 3M Command cord minder to attach tubing over my head, wipes, earplugs, ziplock bags, non-vaseline lip balm. Each item in its own ziplock bag if travelling on a plane.
That's about it... I think..

Cheers,
xena

[nanwilson]

I never go anywhere without a copies of my rx for my machine, my glasses, plus any meds. Whatever I use at home I take with me along with a spare mask and hose......and extension cord and roll of duct tape...never know when you need to fix something. There are a couple of threads on this subject, just do a search.

[Gerryk]

When I travel inside the US, I take the following with me.
A surge supressor that I use with my machine all the time
A spare mask
spare hose (sometimes)
spare humidifier chamber
a paper copy of my script for the machine, a letter from my doc stating medical necessity of the machine and replacement parts and such, and a copy of my sleep studies.
I also have a pdf copy of the above on the sd card in my machine and also on drop box.
If I am going to be camping, I also take my Respironics battery pack with me.

The spare maks and humidifier chamber fit into the box that the humidifier chamber came in. The mask I will be using fits into the carry case for the machine along with the hose and spare hose if I take one with.


Gerry

[user from Singapore]

Looks like I am going to need to create an account here...

Of course I take the machine with me when I travel. And I just carry extension cord and foreign adapters as they can be useful.

Now talking about traveling, I was wondering if anybody has been using his/her machine on long haul flights? Any tips or advice (I don't have a battery but understand that you cannot use certain models in the aircraft if they have a capacity above 150 WH) My wife told me I will scare other passengers but I am still willing to try as there is nothing worse than reaching the destination without being able to sleep.

As for other passengers, either they are scared or they have to enjoy my loud snoring that can easily cover the aircraft's engine sound. I guess they prefer the first option

[MidnightOwl]

Duct tape! With that I can fix most other problems.

Also spare large zip lock bags and the extension cord. If feasible (traveling by car) a pillow since some pillows seem to push my mask off my face. I've never needed a spare anything. I have gotten in trouble leaving home key basic parts such as the humidifier tank and part of the power adaptor so I think simpler is better.

[AndyCelt]

I go with simpler as well. Just the machine, the mask the tubing and the adapter. I do keep a copy of my prescription in the carry case. But I even leave the humidifier at home. It's just lighter and less stuff to keep up with on the road.

If camping, the battery comes also.

[zoocrewphoto]

I haven't traveled yet with my machine as I just got it last week, but I usually have 1-2 weekends a month in a hotel.

I have learned to have a checklist that includes detailed items such as laptop, power cord, and mouse. Otherwise, I may arrived at the hotel and find that I do not have a power cord. I also have a hotel bag that is partially packed at all times. For example, I always take a 6 foot long surge protector as I never know how convenient the power plugs will be, and I need to charge batteries as well as run my laptop. I will know add a longer extension cord as sometimes it is really far from the bed. I keep that surge protector and my special annoying alarm clock in the hotel bag. They are never used at home, so I cannot accidentally unpack them.

I do have a question. How do you all get spares of everything such as masks and tubing? Do you simply wait until insurance will give you a new one, and then save the old set as a backup. How soon is that typically? I just started a week ago, so I only have one set of everything. I will ask my doctor when I go back, for a copy of the prescription. I only have one travel event before then. And it is a one nighter. I wouldn't expect anything to break by then. And it would be no different than me having something break now at home, since I would still have to wait until the next day.

Do you look up DMEs in the area you are traveling? Do you just use the yellow pages? Most of my overnight travel is to 2 main locations. Of course, my travel is on weekends, so it probably wouldn't be useful anyway. I go on Friday and return Sunday night. So, any problems on Friday night or Saturday night would means a weekend day to try to solve it. I would definitely be better with a backup set of supplies, and the internet.

[Sheriff Buford]

I do have a question. How do you all get spares of everything such as masks and tubing?

Zoo: I have "spares" in two ways. When my insurance renews my mask... I look at the mask and decide if it was a good mask or not. If it was "good" then I put it in a gallon zip lock bag with the other 2 or 3 "good" masks. That way they are my spares. My insurance will renew my mask and hose every 3 months. The mask head gear is the weak part of my mask. Sometimes I'll keep my mask, but purchase a new head gear if I want to wear the mask longer than 3 months. Right know I have 2 new masks and 3 used (but good) back up masks. I am about to have another knee replacement (dang it!). So I'll probably break in a new mask in a week before going into the hospital. Same with the hoses. Since I don't use my humidifier, a hose lasts me longer than one would with daily humidifier usage. I have several new hoses as back up.

Hope this helps....

Sheriff

[tooter]

I only travel twice a year and only for a couple of days. In addition to my normal equipment I bring a spare cushion and an extension cord. Anything else that breaks can be fixed with tape that is available anywhere. I also carry my prescription in my CPAP bag.

[dtsm]

Now talking about traveling, I was wondering if anybody has been using his/her machine on long haul flights?

I have done multiple trips - all on biz class with Cathay Pacific, EVA and ANA - transpacific routes to/from USA for past 2++ years. I needed to get prior approval from ANA, painless. I believe CX now wants prior approval but can't confirm from personal experience. All three airlines was easy - plug in power and sleep. Only caveat, don't use the humidifier in flight.

I usually get 6-8 solid hours of sleep. No problems with flight crews, fellow passengers, etc. Enjoy your flight and safe travels!

[Gerryk]

I forgot to list one thing I take with most places I travel.

I usually take a travel hose lift with on trips. https://www.cpap.com/productpage/flexib ... -lift.html

[SleepingDVader]

These are great ideas and I'd like to add a couple that have helped me out more than once. I've folded up an old metal coat hanger and stuck it in my bipap travel bag as well. I can shape it however I'd like in case the headboard on the bed won't accommodate draping my hose over it. The coat hanger works great as an impromptu hose holder. I also wrap a few feet of 2" masking tape and 2" duct tape around a pencil to use for emergencies like a leaking hose or even taping my mouth...works great and doesn't take hardly any space in the travel bag.

[chunkyfrog]

Hotel bag--what a great idea!
Sort of parallels my 'movie purse'.

[psechrist]

What can you tell me about using a battery for my CPAP on a plane, I will be travelling frequently trans-Pacific (and trans-equator) and want to use it on the flight. Do I need to get pre-approval from the airlines (United, Air New Zealand)? What type and power limit on the batttery (I think I saw a comment about 150 watt-hours maximum)? Unfortunately at least some of the times I won't be flying Business class so I don't expect that I will have access to a power outlet, any suggestions?

Thanks!