Anyone travel with their daily machine?

BlackSpinner wrote:

The rules in Europe about a CPAP not counting as a carry seems to be different - and the airline policies are not clear either (no airline website mentions).

FDA rules don't apply outside of the USA.

BlackSpinner, So you're saying that the FDA has proclaimed that a cpap doesn't count as a carry-on? Strange. Do you have a link to this policy? Thanks.

LinkC wrote:

ughwhatname wrote: I haven't needed a medical tag thus far. The TSA has no issue with it, I even saw man ahead of me had a CPAP and they didn't stop him either.

It would have tipped off the airline folks who thought you had too many carry-ons.

That is true, however a couple of quick sentences fixed the problem. Also, I was traveling with my boss, and though I doubt he'd care much, I prefer to keep my medical issues private. We flew to two cities together and back home again, he handled my bags at various times, and all that time, he thought it was my laptop case.

echo wrote:

BlackSpinner wrote:

The rules in Europe about a CPAP not counting as a carry seems to be different - and the airline policies are not clear either (no airline website mentions).

FDA rules don't apply outside of the USA.

BlackSpinner, So you're saying that the FDA has proclaimed that a cpap doesn't count as a carry-on? Strange. Do you have a link to this policy? Thanks.

The FDA rules don't apply outside the USA The FDA is an American organization. American rules don't apply outside the USA.

Second of all safety will override very single rule and the cabin crew defines safety concerns. If you arrive at the tail end or it is a small plane and there is no room for your carry on then it goes into baggage. Also if you throw too big a fuss the crew can deem you a hazard and leave you behind.

BlackSpinner wrote:

echo wrote: BlackSpinner, So you're saying that the FDA has proclaimed that a cpap doesn't count as a carry-on? Strange. Do you have a link to this policy? Thanks.

The FDA rules don't apply outside the USA The FDA is an American organization. American rules don't apply outside the USA.

Yes I know exactly who the FDA is and the extent of their jurisdiction.

I just don't understand that it's the FDA regulating what counts as an exempt carry-on - that should be the job of, for example, the FAA or TSA (or whoever regulates airline baggage).

Therefore I'm asking where this exemption is stated (and by which department) - there must be a link on some government site somewhere stipulating this, if what you're asserting is correct. Since you say it's the FDA, I assume you have a link to this information, and am asking if you would share it here.

I'm not debating whether a US government rule is applied overseas!!

The TSA is only responsible for security and what is in your bags and pockets (and other cavities).

One of our members BillBolton(?) posted the relevant documentation once - it maybe the FAA rather then FDA, I am kind of acronym challenged here.

Here's a US Department of Transportation reference:

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/20011029.htm

"The limit of one carry-on bag and one personal bag (e.g., purse or briefcase) for each traveler does not apply to medical supplies and/or assistive devices (including service animals and their equipment). Passengers with disabilities generally may carry medical equipment, medications, and assistive devices on board the aircraft."

JohnO wrote:Here's a US Department of Transportation reference

Thank you John!

JohnBFisher wrote: That's especially true when traveling overseas. Not all hotels in all countries have power outlets readily available. Some have only one or two in a room. It's just easier / less hassle if you bring your own strip with a long cord.

I just returned from a trip to Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), and encountered my first hotel room without any electrical outlets near the bed. It was actually a mini suite with separate bedroom and living room/kitchenette. The bedroom had reading lights wired into the wall above the bed but there was not even one outlet anywhere in the room. The nearest outlet was in the kitchenette about 15' away.

I don't normally travel with an extension cord, and was glad that the hotel was able to supply me with one immediately upon telling them my issue. Will definitely include an extension cord in my bag on next trip.

Does anyone know if you need a special type of extension cord if you will be connecting to 220 power?

RandyJ wrote:I just returned from a trip to Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), and encountered my first hotel room without any electrical outlets near the bed. It was actually a mini suite with separate bedroom and living room/kitchenette. The bedroom had reading lights wired into the wall above the bed but there was not even one outlet anywhere in the room. The nearest outlet was in the kitchenette about 15' away.

15' - Wow!

I always travel with 2 extension cords.
1 just a plain vanilla extension cord & a shorter 1 with a built in surge suppressor which I use basically just for the several outlets it has on it.

Neither would have reached 15'

Does anyone know if you need a special type of extension cord if you will be connecting to 220 power?

Although you might be breaking some types of local regulations, from a practical standpoint you do not need a special extension cord for 220V power. You just use the plug adapter to covert to a 110V style plug and then plug your unit in at the other end. Although the voltage is double, the electrical current (amps) carried in the cord is half, so the wattage is the same and cords are rated on wattage (although the tag may say amps if it assumes 110V).

Of course, if you do this, you need to make certain that EVERYTHING that you plug into the 110V plugs on the end of the extension cord are 220V compatible or else you could get some fireworks .

I've been traveling via commercial air w my mseries apap for years with no issues.

Care for a few tips?

1. keep your unit scrupulously clean. (Ask yourself how you would travel w it if you were Howard Hughes.)
2. TSA bins and conveyors are filthy (think foot fungus here). You will need to take your unit out of its container (no biggie) but keep it in two (2) plastic grocery bags. After it goes through x-ray, remove the outer plastic bag and toss.
3. If you are in a hotel room, clean the night stand w a wash cloth before putting your machine on it. Try to keep your hose off the filthy floor (remember, Howard Hughes)
4. Keep your mask covered with a clean wash cloth when not in use.
5. each morning, put your entire system (save for the power unit) away, just like it's packed for travel. (this is more important that one might think. What if the chambermaid has a health "issue" , for example? what if there are a few bugs or animals in the room?)
6. I never travel w a humidifier. Some do, that's fine. I don't.
7. The TSA folks and the airline folks are so used to "breathing machines" that you will not be asked for any medical tags. Very low priority.
8. Take extra filters. If one falls out, you have a spare. If your headgear has plastic fittings that attach to the mask, bring one. Probably not necessary, but very lightweight, so no worries.
9. Good idea to have a copy of the Rx. If you have a machine malfunction or a theft, you can call the local DME. (Weekdays, of course).
10. Take in carry on. (I keep mine in a back pack. It works quite well.)
11. Like some here, I have 2 xpap machines, a primary and a backup. I use the backup for travel. (For the cost conscious, no worries, just travel with your primary.)

Hope this is useful. Enjoy the trip.


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I am having some problems from Emirates airline. I am planning on two long haul flights in the coming year and was planning to use them, I am already booked for the first flight.

Now they inform me that for safety reasons I must use a battery pack.

My CPAP machine is a Weinmann Somnobalance, which comes with a certificate that it is safe to use on airlines. Presumably the power supply on the aircraft is certified. I checked and all the flights I am booked on have power supply at the seat I am booked at.

But for my safety I must use a non-certified battery pack? I can have one made up by the locel electronics shop, but I am not sure that it is safe.

Any ideas?

I currently use my old Remstar Pro2 as my travel machine. I used to use a remstar brick as a travel machine but the constant abuse killed it after 3000hrs. I always take along the humidifier, however when I'm using DC power I just fill the tank but don't plug it in and the passover humidity is generally good enough for my needs. I don't bother with the stats on the travel machine.

coenvanwyk@gmail.com wrote:I am having some problems from Emirates airline. I am planning on two long haul flights in the coming year and was planning to use them, I am already booked for the first flight.

Now they inform me that for safety reasons I must use a battery pack.

My CPAP machine is a Weinmann Somnobalance, which comes with a certificate that it is safe to use on airlines. Presumably the power supply on the aircraft is certified. I checked and all the flights I am booked on have power supply at the seat I am booked at.

But for my safety I must use a non-certified battery pack? I can have one made up by the locel electronics shop, but I am not sure that it is safe.

Any ideas?

Technically no airline allows you to use their power for anything except a laptop. The safety certificate for the use of the machine is to prove it will not interfere with the airplane's electronics and has nothing to do with using its power. You need to verify what kind of battery they will allow you to use.

Emirates seem not to have a problem with the battery pack as long as it is a dry type (no lead-acid, I had visions of lugging a spare car battery along) and no protruding terminals.

They seem not interested that it uses as much power as my old laptop.

I found that a few airlines do not seem to object. So I will have to plan my travel around them instead. Not easy.