Choosing a Heated Humidifier ...

Me, I was to afraid the Breeze would break I made sure to stow the CPAP bag under the seat in front of me, and not in an overhead bin where people might throw something on it.

The back part of the Breeze is very clumsy to find a large enough& and light enough box for - so I had it unprotected in the bag.

I had no trouble on international flights either - I said it was a CPAP, medical equipment, and the only batted eyelid was when one agent called her supervisor - took a second.
I had a small backpack, a pouch, and the cpap bag. I don't know how it would have worked out if I had had a laptop, or big handbag in tow as well...

I also carried along a letter of medical necessity from the sleep clinic, stating that I had to have the equipment next to me at all times, and the DOT printout. Didn't really have to use them - but it's good to have both of them along - especially for international flights, where "federa law" is irrelevant.
Bon Voyages!
O.

I'm still going to try to get my cpap into my suitcase if i can, but thank you all very much for these links. I realize they aren't 100% on topic for the post, but this is GREAT info. I'm going to carry a couple copies of the DOT regs with me just in case, and would rather avoid the scene if I can, but in those cases where it's unavoidable, it will be nice to have the documentation. Thanks!

You don't have to check your BiPAP. It's considered a medical device.

I looked at the integrated humidifier for the 425 yesterday. I could not get it off of the base by myself without first removing the BiPAP machine from the base (NOTE: one hand isn't working very well right now due to that ABG test). The controls for the integrated humidifier are out of reach for me (unit sits inside a bookshelf cube about 2 ft above my head to the side of the bed.)
And my RT said that she has cut her finger twice trying to open the humidifier to clean it. There is also a collar which must be placed between the humidifier and the machine to seal the connection.

If I wanted to make a career of taking care of my BiPAP, I would get the integrated one. But the F&P HC humidifier also has a platform for the BiPAP to sort of integrate the two, the controls are within reach and easy to see (green light), and the tank is easy to remove for cleaning or filling.

For traveling, the base of the humidifier fits inside the BiPAP carrying case. The only thing you'd have to add to your carry-on luggage would be the tank (in a plactic bag of course.)

- JB

Kluemaster: What if your suitcase only gets to the airport on the day after you do?

Judy: ouch, I just bit my tongue trying not to say "I told you so...". So I'm saying it tongue in cheek...

Very glad you have a humidifier which is good for you!
O.

ozij wrote:Kluemaster: What if your suitcase only gets to the airport on the day after you do?

Sorry if I didn't mention it.. I don't check my suitcase.. It's a carry on. I've learned never to trust the baggage handling.. whether it has a medical device or not. Too many meetings in my travel clothes.. again the second day.

"Hello! Mr. Smith, Mrs. Jones. Glad to see you today! Please forgive the fact that I'm still wearing the same clothes as yesterday, and that they are beginning to have their own peculiar odor."

Actually it's not that so much as getting out of the airport faster. I like going straight from the plane to the rental car and getting on the road to get to the customer site as soon as possible. Standing around waiting for my luggage drives me bonkers.