current travel tips?

I rarely fly, and haven't in about 6 years. I've read the TSA rules, but not everything seems to be covered, or is not really clear. What are some of you recent experiences for travel and taking CPAP machines?

It seems my CPAP can be an extra carry-on item (though I'd rather put it in my carry-on bag for ease and convenience) and does not count toward my carry-on limit. Is that correct?

I'm sure none of this is new to the security people, but I'd like to do it right and avoid any hassles. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Here's a link that's helpful in finding the pertinent documentation (which you may want to print and keep with your CPAP, just in case):
viewtopic.php?t=3142&highlight=faa There are quite a few threads on travel with CPAP which can be found by using the search function and the word "carry-on".

Otherwise, in a nutshell: In the US, your CPAP should not be counted toward your carry-on limit; if you're traveling internationally, it depends on the airline whether they'll count it or not.

At the airport you're now supposed to take your CPAP out and place it in a bin when you go through security/x-ray. Usually they'll swab it and then return it to you. Making your carry-on items easily identifiable may help keep others from mistakenly taking them while you're putting your shoes back on and gathering the rest of your belongings.

Be aware that you are now required to put all carry-on liquids (in containers of 3 ounces or less) into a quart-sized clear zip-top bag which you're supposed to take out of your luggage and put in one of your bins as you go through security. If your machine has a humidifier and you want to take distilled water with you, you'll either have to put it in checked luggage or else have a doctor write a prescription for it so that you can carry the bottle(s) through security; often it's just simpler to buy it at your destination, if possible.

Have a good trip!

Leo,

Ditto everything zzzzzzz!! said. Another tip -- take an extension cord with you. The electric outlets in hotels and motels are not always conveniently located near the head of the bed, and if they are they may be taken up with lamp and clock/radio cords. I buy distilled water at my destination. It is cheap and easier than checking it or getting a prescription for it.

It is also a good idea to put a photocopy of your cpap prescription in with your machine, but you should not run into problems as the vast majority of the security people have seen lots of cpap machines. I bought a medical equipment tag for my cpap bag (just because I wanted one). You can get them at some online cpap supply stores. Cpap.com has one for $10 at:

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/CPAP-M ... t-Tag.html

Hope you have a great trip.

Janna

While on my last cruise I used bottled water... Have had no problems with machine nor myself following its been 4 months......Was that a bad idea??

needingu wrote:While on my last cruise I used bottled water... Have had no problems with machine nor myself following its been 4 months......Was that a bad idea??

Needingu,

Here is an interesting thread on distilled vs. non-distilled water.

viewtopic.php?t=21903&highlight=distilled

Janna

I use regular "tap"water most of the time. I soak the tank weekly in white vinegar and have never had a mineral build up. If you use "tap" water always fill the tank in the morning so that chlorine dissipates during the day.

I flew about a month ago on American. I called ahead of time and was told that the CPAP did NOT count against my carry-on allowance. The Security people knew exactly what it was, and opened the bag and swabbed it. I had NO problems at all with this.

I just use tap water when I'm traveling and do a good vinagar-water rince when I get home. Seems to work fine.

The extension cord is mandatory! Get a 12 foot one. I have needed it in almost every hotel I've stayed in, sometimes having to connect it on the opposite side of the bed. You can't do this with a short one.

Sam

I forgot about the electric extention cord when going on a cruise...the roomsteward brought me one by my just asking for it.

Thanks for the help. Apprciate it.

If you use an interface that has a hose that exits over your head (or just like routing the hose that way), tuck a stiff piece of wire and a large rubber band in with your cpap. I wedge the wire behind the headboard (almost always bolted to the wall, but with just enough space to coax the wire in) and loop the rubber band over the wire and then run the hose through the rubber band. Works like a charm.

Along with an extension cord, I carry a multi-tap. Some hotel rooms only have one outlet at all close to the bed and it's already occupied by the lamp and the clock radio. It just gives you one more option in hooking up the cpap, and takes up almost no room.

Happy travels!