If you are using CPAP to treat sleep apnea, it means that you need the machine even when you go on holiday. Traveling with CPAP is usually considered as a bothersome situation, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a couple of tips to make your traveling with CPAP hassle-free.

Airport Security and CPAP Machines

Travelers are allowed to take and use their medical devices on airplanes according to federal law. Hence, people who have to use medical devices shouldn’t consider the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint as an obstacle. Hence, as well as breast pump is allowed, so it’s a CPAP machine.

So, when you are traveling by plane, make sure you keep your CPAP machine with you. You can either keep it in a separate bag or in your carry-on baggage as it won’t be counted as one of your carry-on or personal items. You shouldn’t check your CPAP machine as this might lead to theft or damage. Moreover, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t have any water in the humidifier while you’re flying.

When going through airport security, the TSA agents will inspect your CPAP machine as it’s part of your carry-on. The process might be time-consuming and thus, you might accelerate it by carrying a copy of your doctor’s CPAP prescription. Likewise, you might be asked to remove the CPAP from its case or place it in a plastic bin for screening.

Nevertheless, most TSA agents are familiar with the machine and the examination process will run smoothly. When you go through the airport security and enter the airplane, place the CPAP machine in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Using a CPAP Machine During Your Flight

You are allowed to use medical devices in flight, but some airlines might require advance notice. If your CPAP machine uses electricity to work, you will have to check whether the airline has at-seat power. This depends on the plane model as some airplanes don’t have at-seat power while others provide household power. There are airlines where this feature is available in only the premium economy or the business cabin.

However, you have to consider that the power of the plane might not be adequate for your CPAP machine. Thus, using a battery pack might be a better idea rather than using electrical power. So, you might want to consider buying a smaller CPAP device with a battery which you can use while traveling. Last but not least, when using the device in flight, make sure you turn off the audio signals.

Using CPAP at Your Destination

If you are an American, you won’t face any issues using your CPAP device anywhere in the States as the regular power cord will work just fine. However, if you travel to a foreign country, you might want to consider that they use 240-volt, 50-cycle current. Thus, you will need an adapter for a U.S. plug or a separate power cord which works with the current at your destination. Using CPAP at your destination can be free of troubles if you keep in mind a number of things.

So, you might want to take an extension cord because the outlets might be away from the bed. You should always use distilled water in the humidifier as the tap water is unsafe in many countries. Moreover, make sure you take power adapters if you are using an older CPAP device as the new models have an internal voltage converter. Just in case, take an extra supply of the additional parts, such as the tubing and the mask, as you might need to replace them.

You can have a hassle-free holiday or business trip with your CPAP machine if you bear these tips in mind. It’s better to take your CPAP device when you travel rather than leaving it at home.