CPAP Battery on plane

I have a high-capacity CPAP battery from respironics. This is based on sealed lead-acid technology. Does anyone have experience taking this battery on a plane, either checked or in the cabin? The airlines are very cautious with wet (ie unsealed) lead-acid batteries, so I'm wondering if I'll run into trouble.

CPAPBoy wrote:I have a high-capacity CPAP battery from respironics. This is based on sealed lead-acid technology. Does anyone have experience taking this battery on a plane, either checked or in the cabin? The airlines are very cautious with wet (ie unsealed) lead-acid batteries, so I'm wondering if I'll run into trouble.

I think it depends on the airline. You might want to call them to see if they will accept it. Also, call Respironics to see if they have any documentation on approval of such devices on airlines. The airlines don't have to accept it. In fact, if I understand the process correctly (from what others have posted), the individual airline crew does not have to accept the use of the device - regardless of what the airline stated. Additionally airlines normally provide a disabilities hot line, where you might be able to discuss this.

Just some ideas to help you find an answer.

I think you can only use a lithium ion battery in-flight. See this thread: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=89114&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

In theory, gravity is less on airplane than on earth level which means less obtructvive apnea events happen
if sleeping far from earth. May be you don't need cpap machine on airplane?

danielqk wrote:In theory, gravity is less on airplane than on earth level which means less obtructvive apnea events happen
if sleeping far from earth. May be you don't need cpap machine on airplane?

Unfortunately, in practice the gravity is not all that much less. As a result, unless you can use a battery (since many airlines to not allow you to connect life sustaining equipment - such as oxygen concentrators or ventilators or xPAP devices - to their on-board power), then sleep is not a good option. However, sitting upright while sleeping can help keep the airway open. So, it's not as bad as if you were fully reclined.

For most batteries of this type, the TSA allows them as carry on but NOT in checked baggage due to possible fire hazard.