Flying with CPAP

Just a quick update on using cpap this 2 wk trip. I'm at airport lounge in Taipei, on my way home.

1. Flying out, first called to check with JAL for cpap usage - they asked for my specific model and it was on their approved list. Flying business class from JFK/Tokyo, plugged S8 right in and slept quite nicely for about 6 hrs. It helped that seat next to me was also empty.
2. On Jakarta to HK, 5 hr flight, sat in economy but they had power outlet and even though a little tight, cpap would have worked fine.
3. This morning, as soon as I checked into Taipei's JAL lounge, they asked if I would be using my cpap machine again...wow, I'm in their system forever. Very impressed with service.

Going through security in Tokyo, Saigon, KL, Jakarta, HK and Taipei, not once did they ask me to take cpap out of bag; cleared security easily each time. At JFK, I took it out, put into container and not a peep from TSA. I wonder what will happen when I connect in tokyo later today for connecting flight home....usually security is stricter flying into USA.

Slightly OT, the most useful accessory this trip was my 10 ft extension cord. In fact, could have easily used a 12-15 ft in one hotel.

DTSM:

Was the extension cord you brought for travel a special one, or just a regular 125v? I am going to France next week and since the voltage there is 240 I thought I would need an extension cord that takes 240 volt, not 125. I do have an adapter. My apap machine is dual voltage.

Angela

angela06 wrote:DTSM:

Was the extension cord you brought for travel a special one, or just a regular 125v? I am going to France next week and since the voltage there is 240 I thought I would need an extension cord that takes 240 volt, not 125. I do have an adapter. My apap machine is dual voltage.

Angela

There is a difference of opinion here.

I bought just a plain vanilla extension cord, with a 3 prong (grounded) plug from Wal-Mart. In retrospect, just a regular 2 prong plug is enough. I ended up using my mini-surge protector adapter to connect to the extension cord, and then connecting the surge protector to an adapter for a few countries that required different plugs....too complicated due to the 3 prong grounded extension cord!

Others have advised to buy a 220v extension cord? I had no problems with mine, and keep in mind you're not drawing a lot of power with this machine, especially in my case - I don't use a humidifer.

Some comments here about flying with CPAP

First, any flight that allows passengers to embark or disembark in USA controlled airports (and in those airports alone) can consider the CPAP to be in addition to normal carry-on luggage limits. Members have seen instances where that is not true in other countries - even if they will then travel to the USA. So, if you travel internationally try to travel with a limited amount of carry-on luggage. Makes good sense anyway.

Second, not all airlines will allow you use a CPAP device. And if they do, they MUST be on their approved list. In other words CALL AHEAD.

Third, even if they allow you to use it, I found some airlines will NOT allow you to plug into their power outlets! Why, because it is non-approved medical equipment that they fear might be damaged by the power of the plane. So, you may need a Lithium Ion battery pack so you can use during the travel. (Ca-CHING!)

Fourth, as others have pointed out, space can be an issue. But once asleep, space does not matter all that much.

Finally, some people might be too embarrased to use CPAP. I would just either use a stupid explanation ("I noticed the airport was serving chilly beans and I'm trying to filter the air..."), or explain that it helps others avoid my snoring ("I fear I snore so loudly, it's been known to frighten women and children!"). If the fellow passenger is decent enough I provide more detailed explanation. But I sure try to keep it limited. Don't want fellow seatmates reenacting Airplane! (Where the passengers in the movie kill themselves to get away from the boring story)!

Have done it many times. Use a plug if available, and a Lithium ion battery if no plug is available. I take an inside (window) seat, set the cpap on the floor, run the hose up across my chest, cover myself with a blanket, and sleep like a baby. Not once has anyone even blinked or paid the slightest attention to me, if they even noticed.

JohnBFisher wrote:Some comments here about flying with CPAP

Second, not all airlines will allow you use a CPAP device. And if they do, they MUST be on their approved list. In other words CALL AHEAD.

Finally, some people might be too embarrased to use CPAP. I would just either use a stupid explanation ("I noticed the airport was serving chilly beans and I'm trying to filter the air..."), or explain that it helps others avoid my snoring ("I fear I snore so loudly, it's been known to frighten women and children!"). If the fellow passenger is decent enough I provide more detailed explanation. But I sure try to keep it limited. Don't want fellow seatmates reenacting Airplane! (Where the passengers in the movie kill themselves to get away from the boring story)!

John is absolutely correct!

When boarding, JAL pulled me aside to reconfirm the model number of my cpap...I could see them double-checking with what was registered in their computer system. My call prior to leaving states was still in their database - good for them!

After take-off, one of the flight attendants came over to ask if I needed help - I think she was concerned about a medical 'condition' - my sense is she is not familiar with OSA or cpap:) About 4 hrs into the flight, after dinner & movie, plugged cpap in, taped my mouth and slept for 6 hrs. When I woke, same flight attendant asked me if I use the 'machine' to sleep every night? No one else even blinked in the cabin.

Finally, some people might be too embarrased to use CPAP. I would just either use a stupid explanation ("I noticed the airport was serving chilly beans and I'm trying to filter the air..."), or explain that it helps others avoid my snoring ("I fear I snore so loudly, it's been known to frighten women and children!"). If the fellow passenger is decent enough I provide more detailed explanation. But I sure try to keep it limited. Don't want fellow seatmates reenacting Airplane! (Where the passengers in the movie kill themselves to get away from the boring story)!

The last time I started to explain to a person sitting across the aisle from me about how I would be using a CPAP machine (so she wouldn't freak out when she saw me wearing the mask), she pointed to her husband (sitting next to her) and said "Yeah, he has his in the overhead bin."