traveling with cpap

Hello All - I will be traveling for business in the near future, and I wanted to know if a note is required stating that the cpap bag with hose and mask is a medical device and should be treated as a carry on?

I think I remember somebody stating that since it is a medical device that it will not be counted against your alloted one carry on items. Is that true?

Any help would be appreciated.

thanks

craig

Greetings, Craig. If you are traveling within the USA you should have no problem, TSA is familiar with CPAP. Many machines actually have an imprint on the bottom stating that they are a medical device as well. Having said that, there will always be a bad experience for someone, somewhere. Good practice is to keep a copy of your RX in the machine bag, if you need assistance with a strange DME away from home it will help you anyway. I travel extensively in the CONUS and have never had any difficulty. The machine gets a residue test each time and takes about a minute. Good luck!

cman.

I too recently traveled with my pap, I sued the original travel bag and told the screener I had a Cpap, He yelled "We have a breathing machine here" swabbed, tested and away I went.

My connecting airport they didn't care, no swab just an x-ray anf off to the plane.

I did have everything humidifier, mask and prescription copy all in one bag.

carried on two bags when the limit was one. no troubles.....

Sleep well....

I have travled with my cpap for over 3 years, a few key points of interest.
My cpap is always a carry on - I place all the pieces in ziplock baggies, so when the TSA agent inspects the goods, they are easy to see and I do not worry about loosing anything. I tell the agent sitting at the screening machine it is a CPAP, so they can know right away.
Interesting that some airports have different approaches to CPAPs.
I fly out of John Wayne- Santa Anna several times a month - they inspect the CPAP every time, whereas some airports back east, only view it, then allow you to move on. I guess it depends on the location.

I travel with a laptop also, so it pays to have a system down when you go through security so you do not get confused and loose focus, then something get lost. First the shoes, I unpack the laptop - send the case first, the the laptop then the CPAP. That way I get my case, load laptop, then if they grab the CPAP, I am ready to roll with the agent, and not waiting for the rest of my stuff. Ok I am a little anal. But (knock on wood) to date I have not left anything behind.

FYI - it is a good practice to bring a 10-12 foot extension cord and an adaptor with you - as some hotels only have one or two sockets in the rooms,and the one by the bed usually is for the light and the clock.

You will get your own system, and after a few trips things will settle in. Ifind it interesting how many people now travel with CPAP. Makes for interesting conversation while waiting in line - Happy Travels.
BB

Most TSA staff are very much aware of CPAPs. I fly often and have never had a problem with taking it as a carryon. Of course, thogh, I follow the rules and don;t attempt to claim a motorcycle, VW, shopping cart, etc. as allowable carry on items (has to do with consideration for others).

Great advice, BillyBob and others.

I really appreciate the information, as I have not flown recently and would like to do so soon.

I also live very near to Canada and occasionally spend a night or two. I've not done so since getting my CPAP.

Thank you for your suggestions.