First time flying with CPAP

Hi everyone! This week will be my first time flying with my CPAP machine in tow: Burbank → Denver, then driving to Nebraska. I have to admit I'm a little nervous. I have to say, the ResMed case is very nice and is about the size of a laptop case. I will be packing my Pur-Sleep because it is liquid.

I've read up on the TSA website and on here as much as possible, so I think I've got it down:

• Place CPAP machine into large Ziploc storage bag and place in a bin.
• Leave hoses and mask in carrying case.
• Ask politely for TSA screener to use new gloves, fresh swab and clean the table(?).
• Print out medical luggage tag (found in a post on here somewhere) and laminate it.
• Breathe easy.

Do you place the humidifier in a plastic bag as well in a bin, or can I leave that in the carrying case?

Do I need to take my prescription with me?
After asking twice, the sleep doctor's office said there is no real "prescription" they can fax me. I do have the report from the sleep doctor authorizing my CPAP.

Thanks!

I wouldn't worry about it.

I just pack my Remstar into it's carry case along with the humidifier, hose and mask. Nothing special needed.

When I get to the airport they ask me to take it out of the bag which I do, throw both into a bin and off they go.

Sometimes they swab it down, sometimes they don't. Either way the whole thing takes like 5 seconds. Seriously. It's a total non-event. Don't even think twice about it.

Not sure what the whole cleaning the table thing is about. Can't see any reason for that.

As far as the swabs, they are going to be using a fresh swab everytime since the whole point is to check for explosives. Heh.

So don't give it another thought and just go enjoy your trip. Your CPAP is the last thing you need to worry about!

tattooyu wrote:Do you place the humidifier in a plastic bag as well in a bin, or can I leave that in the carrying case?

It seems to vary between US airports. When travelling in June 2009, I was sometimes asked to remove the Humdifier from the case, and somtimes told I didn't need to.

Cheers,

Bill

Excellent! Thanks everyone. I think Burbank airport has a special line for those with medical equipment so that should make it all the easier.

I agree with mattman's approach, tattooyu. Just treat it as a non-event and save yourself anxiety. It all happens very fast, and you do need to pay more attention, IMHO, to collecting the rest of your stuff going through the xray, than worrying about a germ getting on your cpap with their process. Take clorox or lysol wipes, and clean it up later if you feel the need. I put the tag on my bag, but I just tell the first official at the xray line "this is a cpap" --and they whisk it away to do their thing. This is not new to them.

I would not bother with encasing the machine in a ziplock, as it will just increase your hassle. In most cases, I've found they do swab the thing in the US, so the cpap will have to be removed from the ziplock. If you're squeemish about the bins, just take a grocery bag to put under it in the bin. Leave the humidifier in your carry-bag with mask & hose, and put it through the xray altogether. I always keep a copy of the "RX" in my bag, but it has never been necessary.

Have a great trip! And don't forget an extension cord and a surge protector.

Thanks plr66. I do have a surge protector and I'm pretty sure we have an extension cord. If not, I'll get one at OSH or Lowe's. We are staying at my father-in-law's house so it should be pretty nice.

The first time I flew with my CPAP a few weeks back was not a problem. The TSA made a much bigger fuss about my laptop because I didn't follow some (unposted as far as I could tell) instruction to place it in a bin of its own. As far as the bit about the clean gloved and the bag, etc. it is just a sophisticated air blower. It is not sterile in any way. I didn't bother to ask because 1.) I hate security, and 2.) I don't want to draw attention to myself, and 3.) It wastes material (gloves).

My trips are a little more complicated because I've had a hip replacement.

I stick the CPAP cube in a bin, leave the rest where it is, and go through the magnetic sensor. It screams about my hip, so I stand in the isolated glass booth for awhile. In the meantime, the cpap goes through and a TSA person grabs it. They freeze the belt to make sure it gets grabbed by their own people.

The TSA person look around for the culprit, and begins sign language, since I am in the booth: TSA: raise bin, point at it, raise eyebrows. Me: nod. TSA: point toward chemical test device and begin to walk. Me: nod. After checking it, they leave it on the table for me to pick up.

It takes far longer to be wanded and patted down, than to have the cpap checked. I object to the pat-down portion, since their wand should answer their question (what set the alarm off?). They're simply using the opportunity to do a further and more invasive check for solid objects. But, what can you do...

JimIllinois wrote:...hip replacement...pat-down portion, since their wand should answer their question (what set the alarm off?)...But, what can you do...

When I had pins in both leg bones at the ankle, I carried a letter from my orthopod in case I made sensors go off OR if was in an accident. My old Nokia 'brick' set off sensors more often . Might try asking if a ltr from your doc might eliminate the pat-downs.

Muse-Inc wrote:

JimIllinois wrote:...hip replacement...pat-down portion, since their wand should answer their question (what set the alarm off?)...But, what can you do...

When I had pins in both leg bones at the ankle, I carried a letter from my orthopod in case I made sensors go off OR if was in an accident. My old Nokia 'brick' set off sensors more often . Might try asking if a ltr from your doc might eliminate the pat-downs.

I have a titanium plate and screws in my shoulder and will usually set off the alarms. I carry a card from the my orthopod but always end up having to go into the side area where I get extra time under the wand.
mar

Just went through security at Newark a few hours ago. The TSA lady looked at the case with my CPAP and asked me if there was any food in it. Seeing I was confused, she said it looks like an insulated lunch box, and again asked if there is any food in it. I said, "no food". She then pushed the bag into the X-ray scanner, I walked through the metal detector, picked up my CPAP bag and shoes, and was on my way. I never took it out of the bag, and they never swabbed it for explosives.

Lots of good information, I'm taking note as my first flight will be from Phoenix, AZ to London Heathrow. Its an 11 hour overnight flight departing around 7.30pm so it will be my first night without cpap treatment

Uncle_Bob wrote:Lots of good information, I'm taking note as my first flight will be from Phoenix, AZ to London Heathrow. Its an 11 hour overnight flight departing around 7.30pm so it will be my first night without cpap treatment

Uncle Bob! Long time no talk?

Just remember, try to sit up straight and keep your chin up as much as possible. Do you think wearing your PAPCap will help keep your jaw in better alignment? Not sure if that would help.

tattooyu wrote:

Uncle_Bob wrote:Lots of good information, I'm taking note as my first flight will be from Phoenix, AZ to London Heathrow. Its an 11 hour overnight flight departing around 7.30pm so it will be my first night without cpap treatment

Uncle Bob! Long time no talk?

Just remember, try to sit up straight and keep your chin up as much as possible. Do you think wearing your PAPCap will help keep your jaw in better alignment? Not sure if that would help.

Hey Kenny, I see you are still on the same setup with the Swift LT. I've tried a Quattro, Nasal Air II, Mirage Liberty and am back on the Swift LT with PAPCap with a little less money in my pocket !

Even if there was power at my seat I do not think i would use my machine on a flight. As for just the PAPCap I probably would not bother due to the fact it might scare everyone as 9/11 all started with bandanas being put on.

I'll just chill out and enjoy the complimentary cocktails they still serve on international flights and take a few naps whenever i feel like it

Uncle Bob,

That setup has worked very well for me, so I figure, "Why mess with it?" When my 3-month kicked in, my insurance allowed me a new mask. I tried the Quattro, but I don't know how anybody uses it. It just will not seal... period. I even went through two different sizes. Glad I haven't had a bad nasal cold. I'm more hopeful about the new Respironics FullLife, and when my 6-month kicks in next month (can you believe it's been six months already?), my DME said he'll have them so we can try that one.

I'm also thinking about getting just a regular nasal mask like an Activa.

Anyway, I forgot about the bandana thing, but as long as you mentioned it to the flight attendant it may not be an issue. Just trying to keep you from feeling like you got hit by a truck! Bon voyage!