Traveling, to Japan with a DreamStation GO

Firstly, my apologies if this has been asked or seems too simplistic. I have mostly central sleep Apnea (live at 7000 ft in the Front Range of Colorado) and have been using a Phillips Respironics System One, Bipap Auto SV unit for the past two years or so. When we travel by car I take it with me but not when I travel overseas, one to two months a year. Then, we travel as small as we can, generally an overnight bag each. On an upcoming trip I thought I should get a travel CPAP like a DreamStation Go. Is this logical, going from a ASV unit to the DreamStation. To buy one I need to send in my prescription but I think the current prescription I have should work. I do plan on seeing my sleep doctor prior to the trip but my appointment is only two weeks before our departure. So, I thought I would ask here as well - Perhaps someone else has done this too, or others may have suggestions. Do you think it will take much getting used to?

The machine that you already have has automatic altitude adjustment, so no worry there. The voltage is a bit lower that U.S. voltage, but that is not an issue, as you have a universal power supply. The electric sockets in Japan are the same shape as the US ones (assuming that you have a two-prong plug), so even that's not an issue in Japan (it is in some other countries). Pack an extension cord in case the power supply is far from the bed.

I assume that you don't want to take that unit, as it's a VERY expensive piece of equipment. Just make sure that you can comfortably use such a unit (which is not bi-level and does not have a humidifier).

Note that whichever piece of equipment you take, it is a medical device, and does not count against your carry-on limit!

The DreamStation Go cpap machine isn't likely going to help a person with central apnea.
It's for obstructive sleep apnea. Won't be able to breathe for you like your ASV machine can. It simply can't do what the ASV can do and what you need for your central apnea.
Waste of money IMHO.

I have a Resmed S9 ASV, which can operate in straight CPAP mode. I wanted to know if I could get away with just a straight CPAP for travel so I set it to CPAP for a couple of nights. An absolutely horrible experience, I felt far worse than I ever did before I started XPAP therapy. I'll never do that to myself again.

Don't know about the Respironics, but maybe someone here knows if that can be set to CPAP mode so you can try it before you buy a travel CPAP.

It might be time to look for a used machine of the right type.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 29, 2018 5:12 pm

It might be time to look for a used machine of the right type.

That's a good idea if you really don't want to take your regular machine.

I also like the idea of just using the bi-level as straight CPAP (without the humidifier) and see if you can tolerate it. If you can't, then see if the problem is that you really need bi-level or if you really need humidification (you might find that it's both). Then you can make your decision.

Did you have any problems with Japanese Airport Staff when you bring in your CPAP machine?

I've read reports that Japan has strict laws regarding the transportation of CPAP machines which they regard as a medical device and subject to tax.

Was just in Japan (Kansai airport) -- went through security without any issues whatsoever. In fact they were more interested in looking at my laptop which I left in my other bag.

Was in Hong Kong, and there was a final bag check right before boarding the plane at the gate. Guy said he knew what the CPAP was already by the Resmed gray bag and I didn't need to show him.

I think CPAP's are pretty par for the course at busier airports these days.

I have travelled in/out of Japan any times with my Dreamstation. No problems ever.
However, if you want to use it during your long flight to Japan as carry on baggage the airline counter
will ask to examine your CPAP machine. Otherwise it can go in check-in luggage.
I have taken it through security within Japan on domestic flights and only had to explain that it was
a CPAP/Medical machine. Never a problem as the use of CPAP machines is fast growing in Japan as well
and airport security are becoming familiar with them.