Posted by CPAP Liquidators on May 21st 2018
Helpful Tips for Traveling with a CPAP Machine
Whether you’re traveling for work or you’re taking a family vacation this summer, there’s a lot of things you need to account for to make it a stress-free trip. This is especially the case if you’re a CPAP or BiPAP user. When you aren’t at home, it’s important to be able to sleep soundly through the night so you wake up well-rested the next day. With that in mind, we have gathered some tips to help traveling with your CPAP easy. With how difficult life can be when you have sleep apnea, minimizing stress with some pre-planning will help your trip go smoothly. For all of your CPAP needs, come to CPAP Liquidators. We have a wide range of CPAP machines and accessories to help you get the most out of your treatment.
-Plan Ahead
Putting together a checklist in the days prior to your trip can help reduce your stress and make sure you don’t forget anything important. Keep these tips in mind as you’re preparing for your flight.
- While you can definitely pack your CPAP in your checked luggage, many CPAP users prefer bringing their machine on the plane with them. As CPAP machines are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, they are considered medical devices and will not count as a carry-on. Bringing your CPAP with you on the plane will also avoid a situation with lost luggage.
- With many newer machines designed to be smaller and lightweight with a carrying case, traveling with them isn’t typically too tough. However, if you travel on a regular basis, you may want to invest in a travel specific CPAP machine to make it more convenient and easy to take with you. That allows you to keep your home unit connected while you’re away.
- Ensure you bring any necessary adaptors and plugs for where you are traveling. Traveling internationally typically won’t be an issue, as most newer units come with universal power supplies that are able to adapt to international voltage levels.
- A battery backup may be a good thing to purchase or rent, especially if you are going camping or as a precaution against a power outage.
- Bring extra supplies, such as an extra cushion, because you never know when your mask cushion might fail.
- Prior to packing your CPAP machine, ensure the humidifier chamber is completely empty and dry. This will prevent accidental spillage and possible damage to your machine.
- If you plan on sleeping on your flight, make sure there are power outlets on your seat on the plane.
- Bring your prescription with you in case your machine stops working or you need extra supplies while on the road.
-At the Airport and on the Plane
- It’s a good idea to clearly label your CPAP carrying case with a label denoting it as piece of medical equipment. With that said, most TSA personnel are very familiar with CPAP machines and will recognize it as a medical device.
- Your CPAP machine will need to go through the x-ray and you can make that process go faster by removing the device from the carrying case and placing it in an individual screening tray. All other equipment can stay within the carrying case through the screening process. A TSA agent may need to swab your CPAP to check for residue related to explosives. If this happens, you can request they use a fresh pair of gloves and unused swab. For further sanitation protection, you can place the CPAP in a clear plastic bag before placing it in the screening bin.
- It’s recommended you keep your CPAP prescription on you in case TSA agents need further confirmation regarding your equipment.
- Fill your humidifier with bottled water instead of using tap water from the bathroom to maintain proper sanitation.
- Check with your airline regarding their policy for CPAP usage while in flight. Depending on the airline, they may require at least 48 hours notice of CPAP machine usage to ensure your model meets all FAA regulations and standards. They may also require your machine be clearly labeled stating it is FAA compliant and approved to be used on an airplane. You can check some of the specific airline policies at the links below:
Living with sleep apnea and going through CPAP treatment should not prevent you from living the life you want, and traveling is a big part of that. You don’t have to be tied to the machine sitting on your nightstand. If you’re looking for a great travel CPAP machine, take a look at the much praised Transcend miniCPAP Auto CPAP with EZEX. Whether you’re looking for a brand new machine, want to save some money with a refurbished unit, or you just need some accessories, CPAP Liquidators has what you need. Contact us today to learn more how we can help you sleep easy!