Continental won't let me use CPAP on plane

Having said that, I had a miserable night before last with nasal congestion which prevented using my CPAP.

Full-face mask solves this problem completely and permanently; you just take nice deep, full breaths through your mouth all night. That is, if you can use one without claustrophobia. You may want to check one out if you're congested often, to see if you're compatible with using one. Perhaps your DME can let you try one.

I'm congested a lot, and a full-face mask was like a silver bullet that eliminated all my nasal-congestion-related CPAP problems... and it let me toss my chinstraps and tape, too.

Hope that helps!

Continental would not even let me carry my C-pap on board unless I checked it or my carry on containing necessary medications, jewelry, camera, & underwear in case they lost my bag. Some choice!! My purse and C-Pap together were smaller than other people's personal carry on's. Furthermore, it was not a problem when I checked-in at the desk and went through security. The clerk at the departure gate would not let me board, was loud and rude, throughly embarrassing me in front of the other passengers. She reduced me to tears. Nest time I will take a BIG bag and stuff all inside it-thus having only 2 pieces of luggage. It is just hard for a small, 68 year old woman to handle by herself. Maybe it is best to not fly Continental.

I'm not sure what all the hubbub is about. According to Continental's website, CPAP machines are allowed. They do have some conditions but those don't seem that unreasonable to me.

• Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be carried and used on board Continental and Continental Micronesia flights if it can be verified by a manufacturers’ label or otherwise that it meets applicable FAA requirements.
  
  A forty-eight (48) hour minimum advance notification to reservations (1-800-228-2744) is required for customers using a ventilator, respirator or CPAP machine onboard. Reservations will ensure the device you are planning to use is on the list of current, approved devices and will provide guidance on the number of batteries you will need for your flight. Customers can help by providing Continental at the time of booking information from the manufacturer about the device meeting FAA regulations.
  
  Some seating restrictions may be necessary to comply with certain FAA safety rules.
  
  Please note that aircraft in-seat electrical power is available on a limited number of aircraft, and there is no guarantee that the in-seat power will be operative. Flights operated by Continental Express and Continental Connection will have no in-seat power. Therefore, customers must have an ample supply of fully charged batteries plus 3 hours of extra battery time for the flight. Continental also recommends that customers travel with backup manually-operated supplies in case of failure of electronic equipment or unforeseen delays.
  
  Ventilators, respirators and CPAP machines are considered assistive devices. They must be stowed and used in the passenger cabin consistent with applicable TSA, FAA and other regulations governing carry-on luggage.

In short, they are saying:

1) You can use CPAP
2) The CPAP machine must be FAA-approved
3) You must notify them at least 48 hours in advance
4) You must use/stow the machine as per regulations

Guest wrote:I am going to ask this question again since no one has addressed it. Do you think that since I will be sitting in an upright position that my apneas will not be as bad?

One of the reasons I knew that I need a sleep study was that when I took my afternoon nap in my recliner (not very reclined), I kept waking up needing to breathe. Could be that I have more incidents lying down, but I do indeed experience some while sitting.

Shari

It's hard to know that for sure as everyone is different. I know, for me, it does not matter whether I am sitting up in a recliner or laying in bed, I still snore and have apneas without my machine. If you were having apneas when sitting in your recliner before you had your sleep study and used xpap, I would say you would have them again when not using your machine and most likely just as bad. Some people are lucky and can sit in a recliner and not need their machine.

rosie

Elder wrote:Continental would not even let me carry my C-pap on board unless I checked it or my carry on ..... is just hard for a small, 68 year old woman to handle by herself.

Clearly Continental was wrong and you were mistreated. TSA rules clearly indicate that cpap bag is NOT considered an extra carry-on and EVERY domestic carrier must comply. Here are some things to help for future flights:

1. Luggage tag for your cpap carry-on. You can buy on
cpap.comhttps://www.cpap.com/productpage/medical-identi ... pment.html

2. Print out copy of TSA guidelines as backup proof that it doesn't count as extra luggage
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/ ... index.shtm

3. Bring a copy of your Rx - to show TSA or in case you need to purchase equipment while away

See also
TSA treatment
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43363&st=0&sk=t&sd= ... tsa+letter

Most domestic airlines have a policy that is spelled out on their website, usually under 'disabilities or medical needs'. Print a copy of their policy to bring along as additional back-up. Here is one example: http://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformatio ... evices.jsp

If you are refused again, politely ask to speak to a supervisor.

TooGroggy wrote:

• Portable electronic personal ventilators, respirators, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines may be carried and used on board Continental and Continental Micronesia flights if it can be verified by a manufacturers’ label or otherwise that it meets applicable FAA requirements.

Does anyone have a machine that has such a manufacturer's label??