Hoseheads that fly - a question about packing your CPAP

Treesap · Post by **Treesap** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 2:25 pm

I definitely carry on. I know the airlines will replace your belongings if they lose them, but they may fight you on replacing a CPAP machine. And then what do you do while you are waiting to get a replacement even if they do agree to replace it?

It is way too risky to check it. I've flown a few times since becoming a hose head, and I carry it on with me. They did swab my machine, and they carried it back through the x-ray machine again. That part scared me because I had no control over them handling it. If they dropped it, it would be a catastrophe.

Lubman · Post by **Lubman** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 4:29 pm

I have to echo everyone, carry it. DO NOT under any circumstances check it.

(1) The documentation says you should carry it
(2) Not only can it get lost (e.g. you get to sleep a few nights without it),
(3) it can get damaged from the shock
(4) it can get exposed to extreme temperatures and if your suitcase has a hole or comes open, it can get wet
(5) Things get stolen from checked bags

A few other little tidbits.

I use the rather poor ResMed case that comes with the machine.
I put the cord, and the hose (with a hose cover) in the front pouch of
the case.
I have the ResLink adapter for data storage, that I remove from the back of the machine and place on the side of the internal storage area

I never put my mask inside this case as there really is no room and less protection. I carry a waist pack and the mask goes inside that waist pack
(along with medications).

Since I returned last night from India, I can tell you this approach will work regardless of just how far you might go.

If you want to protect it further, take the suggestion above and buy a Pelican case. I don't want to carry that around with my other hand luggage.
But it appears to be an excellent case.

Lubman

tillymarigold · Post by **tillymarigold** » Sun Nov 04, 2007 4:30 pm

TSA strongly recommends that passengers ALWAYS carry on medical equipment.

I carry mine on. It fits perfectly under the seat in front of me. I would never check it, I paid good money out of pocket for that thing!

I pack the distilled water in a small bottle (16 or 20 oz) inside a Zip-Loc bag in my checked luggage.

justsharon · Post by **justsharon** » Tue Nov 06, 2007 5:22 pm

I carry mine on.....and pack it in a Pelican 1510 foam lined case. I can get ALL of my equipment in it, my machine, my humidifier, my mask, hose, plus an extension cord and a surge protector. Sorry but I just don't trust the airlines to get it to my destination safe and sound.

Happy Sleeping,
Sharon

lifeartist · Post by **lifeartist** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 12:17 am

I noticed everyone mentions carrying the machine on instead of checking it with your lugage. I have another question about flying and travel. Have any of you gone through customs in a foreign country with it? I am planning a trip next September that will include a flight to England. I am concerned with flying and also going through customs. It is an anniversary trip and I really don't want to find us having all sorts of hassles because of the cpap. I have read a few posts on another board that made it sound pretty worrisome to travel with it. Andy advice? Thanks!

billbolton · Post by **billbolton** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 1:34 am

lifeartist wrote:Have any of you gone through customs in a foreign country with it?

Many times. in diverse places including the UK, and I've never had a problem with customs.

Cheers,

Bill

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 4:16 am

no problem at all with customs or the airline---they open it, check it ,give it back and your on your way---took longer to take my shoes off and back on----pat

Roadie · Post by **Roadie** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 12:26 pm

Since starting CPAP I have only been out of the country three times. Each time I carried the machine on the plane, and each time no problems with customs.

Roadie

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 1:35 pm

Switzerland, Israel, The Czech Rebulic, The United States -- no problem whatsoever.

Carried the machine on the plane and will continue to do so.
Happy anniversary...
O.

lifeartist59 · Post by **lifeartist59** » Wed Nov 07, 2007 2:26 pm

Thanks everyone, it is good to hear that travel is not such a hassle after all!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 10:53 am

Fly with mine often. No problem with security, they swab it and sniff the swab. Most security folk know what a CPAP is. And, an added bennie, you can carry it on and it doesn't count in you carry-on allowance.

Hoseheads that fly - a question about packing your CPAP

Travel and components

flying with cpap

Re: flying with cpap

customs

Machine	Mask

Additional Comments: Airmini, Medistrom Pilot 24, CMS 60C Pulse Oximeter, ResScan 6