CPAP Travel Tips?

Any CPAP Travel Tips???

I am going to be on the road for about four days in two cities... I am a noob (having only been on this CPAP for a month, and struggling)...so in some ways, I am thinking about just not taking the dang machine with me... But I know that the right answer, is to take it...

Any travel tips?

• Water/Humidifier - I have read that it's fine to use tap water or bottled water when on travel...and then just rinse and clean it really well when returning... Is it also an option to bring you own distilled water and check your luggage? Does anyone do that?
  
  Carry On Luggage - The ResMed 11 has a nice carrying case that makes it easy to strap to the handle of a rollaway carryon luggage... That that would count as my "personal item"...right? And because this is a work related trip, I will need my computer bag as my "personal item"... What do most people do in these situations? Put the CPAP machine (de-bagged) inside of the rollaway and wrap the fragile items in clothing for protection?
  Any other tips?

MikeekiM wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 08, 2022 9:55 am

The ResMed 11 has a nice carrying case that makes it easy to strap to the handle of a rollaway carryon luggage... That that would count as my "personal item"...right?

Actually the ResMed carrying case with the machine is "free" as in it simply doesn't count as long as it is separate carryon.
So you can carry the cpap AND your free "personal item" as well.

You could bring your own distilled water in your checked baggage but why bother when you can use tap water or bottled water? It's really not that big of a deal to not use distilled. Certainly not the big deal that it is made out to be.
Heck back in the midst of Covid when all water was in short supply even ResMed put out a statement that is wasn't the end of the world to have to use tap water. In fact the manuals in other parts of the world just say "water" and never mention distilled.
Suit yourself but I wouldn't put water in my luggage....to much of a risk for leaking and a mess when arriving at destination.
Especially when it really isn't that critical of an issue.

MikeekiM wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 08, 2022 9:55 am

Any travel tips?

In addition to Pugsy's tips, I always carry a spare hose and mask. That's going to be up to your personal preference.

MikeekiM wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 08, 2022 9:55 am

I am thinking about just not taking the dang machine with me... But I know that the right answer, is to take it...

If you ever get a strong urge to leave the CPAP at home, first try sleeping without it at home for four nights. You might lose the urge.

Don't forget to bring your power cord. A guy posted here a couple of days ago about leaving the power cord behind.

NEVER, NEVER ever put the CPAP in checked luggage, to go under the plane. ALWAYS CARRY IT ON WITH YOU.
Baggage handlers toss the luggage around without regard for what is inside, as they do not care about anything other than getting it off the plane.
You can get luggage tags that identifies it as a MEDICAL DEVICE and the TSA is not allowed to separate it from the passenger.

Some good advice above...
But first and foremost always remember to empty your water chamber when packing - empty the water out first.

As for the distilled water... those who don't travel don't understand that water quality is not the same everywhere in the same state never mind throughout the country or the world. I put enuff distilled in my carry-on for 3 days until I can locate some at my destination. If I have room I put more in my checked bag.

Go to the TSA web site and read up on what is allowed. The agent may test (question) you on the water but when its for medical use more than 3.5oz. is allowed. It just means they have to do something - yea they have to test it with Litmus paper (so what).

But guess what - then you won't have to pay $5 for drinking water while waiting at the air terminal. Or if you are delayed or re-directed (and that seems to happen more often lately) you can use your cpap wherever you end up waiting.

Put a tag on ALL your luggage including the cpap and include your cell number. I also include contact info inside each piece of luggage.

The bottom of the cpap is clearly stamped that it is Medical Equipment.

Iamstumped wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 08, 2022 10:44 am

NEVER, NEVER ever put the CPAP in checked luggage, to go under the plane. ALWAYS CARRY IT ON WITH YOU.

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Fri Jul 08, 2022 10:30 am

first try sleeping without it at home for four nights. You might lose the urge.

Don't forget to bring your power cord.

And finally...
It is helpful to bring a copy of your equipment order if you have it and you should if you don't, some refer to it as a prescription but its a Dr's order for the equipment that you will need if you need to buy more equipment from getting lost or damaged while traveling. Even if you find a branch of the DME you used at home they won't have access to your records and it can take several days or more for them to get access or the Dr.s order from your home place. Remember they are not loosing any sleep over your problem and a broken or damaged cpap is not considered an emergency.
Tho these days there may be places to get some supplies w/o the equipment order. ie. Truck Stops and pharmacies, Craigslist, etc.

In my experience, TSA will happily examine your pap and gear wearing the same gloves they handled other's stuff with. They will, however, change gloves if you ask.
I carry a power splitter, since there are not always free receptacles near the bed. I leave the humidifier at home.

The case for the Airsense 10 is designed to hold the empty, dry tank
separate from the blower unit--I always do this.
I store my p10 mask inside the empty tank parking port, ready to go.

Aside from a small power splitter, I always bring a 6 foot extension cord. Sometimes there is just no convenient/easily accessible outlet near the night stand where you want your CPAP.

Regarding water, good thing this past several years, decent hotels in almost any part of the world always provide you with complimentary bottled water in your room. I use that instead of distilled. At least I know it is water that’s filtered and safe enough to drink.

Have a dedicated packing list for your CPAP. Make sure all components are listed. Keep it in your CPAP bag at all times.

You'll need it not only for planned travel, but for unplanned events like an emergency hospitalization (where somebody else might need to pack it), and an evacuation such as in case of a hurricane.

I see questions about carry-on and water were already answered, so I won't address those.

Nice tips! I am glad I posted here... Thanks all!

MikeekiM wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 10, 2022 12:16 pm

Nice tips! I am glad I posted here... Thanks all!

Come back soon, sit down, put your feet up and relax.

A light weight electrical extension cord - never know when traveling where the power will be in relation to the bed.
If International, a plug adapter, and verify the CPAP machine is 110/220 - most are.
My best travel experience - I forgot my machine in the overhead once and deplaned. Airline employee grabbed it and RAN to car rental counters to find me.

Quick update...

I ended up with this custom blue metal tag... Reviewers indicate that TSA and Airport Staff have a glance at this tag, and no one challenges that this is medical equipment exempt from the carry-on policies...

Looks great!

Looks really nice and useful! May I ask where you purchased the tags?
Thanks,
Dorene

SilverD wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 19, 2022 3:37 pm

Looks really nice and useful! May I ask where you purchased the tags?

https://www.bespoketags.com/