International travel with a cpap machine

sleepingnurse · Post by **sleepingnurse** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:49 am

[color=blue]I am planning a trip to Europe in March. What do I need to know about traveling internationally? What about a powersource for my machine. I would appreciate any input you may have.
Thanks![color=blue][/color][/color]

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:30 pm

You must read your manual first. However, generally, most modern cpaps will adjust voltage automatically. All you need is the proper plug in adaptor for the country you will be visiting . You can purchase a kit with all of the plug adaptors from Wal Mart for about $10.00. Look in the luggage section.

I have traveled all over the world with my Resmed spirit. No problems.
ALWAYS carry your CPAP onto the plane with you . It is a medical device and does not count as carry on ..The airline may not seperate you from your CPAP. Besides, its tough but still fragile, especially the mask. I got rid of the soft case that came with it and put it in one of those soft side coolers with the plastic insert. Gives it a bit more protection and a few more compartments to store your ticket , passport etc.

One problem that I have encontered. Many hotels hardwire the lamps so that there are no outlets near the bed. I carry along a 15 ft. extension cord to reach an outlet . This has happened at Marriott County Hall in London. I had to move the bed (king ) to reach the outlet on the desk. This has ocured twice .

Good Luck,
Chris

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Wed Dec 08, 2004 7:24 pm

Just thought of something about hotels in Europe. Many hotels have a 110V outlet in the bath or at a desk in the room . This is usually for laptops I suppose. I just read a post here that reminded me of this.

I recently discovered that the humidifier of my Resmed Spirit doesn't work. or rather the spirit doesnt power the humidifier.. It is at the factory for repairs presently.. It is my theory that the 110V outlet a a hote in London somehow damaged my Spirit so it will not power the humidifier. I didn't even have the humidifier over there . Tried a new one and its not the problem. The Spirit isnt telling it to come on. The symptoms are the same as Windflyer describes in his post.

To make a long story short & to the point........

Do not plug your CPAP into those 110V outlets in european hotels. It may damage them..

I don't have proof of this but I do have a Spirit that won't power the humidifier....I plugged it into the 110 V outlet because they were the only ones available. Everything was hardwired and no 220v outlets were near the bed...

Cheers ,

Chris

sleepingnurse · Post by **sleepingnurse** » Fri Dec 17, 2004 12:37 pm

Finally getting back to you.....I have a Devilbiss brand of CPAP.