Flying with a CPAP Machine: Travel Tips and More…

If you have central or obstructive sleep apnea and use continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to have a good night’s sleep and keep your condition under control, you might be wondering how to travel with your device, and we’re going to tell you how you’ll achieve just that!

Continue reading to learn more about how to travel without missing out on your sleep apnea treatment.

When you’re going on a trip, you want to have everything planned out to have the best experience possible. If you are a CPAP user, you likely need to plan where you will place your CPAP equipment.

If you’re planning to fly with your CPAP machine and are looking for helpful tips to make it easier, follow these recommendations for traveling with this medical device.

When you check your CPAP machine as luggage, there’s a chance it will get lost or damaged in transit. So it’s safer to keep it in its carrying case or your travel bag to avoid the hassle and stress.

As per the Americans with Disabilities Act, medical equipment, including CPAP machines, are not counted towards your carry-on bag quota. Carry your machine in a bag separate from your other personal items. Fortunately, most travel CPAP machines are small portable devices with a travel bag.

Although it’s not mandatory, a Transportation Security Administration agent (TSA agent) may ask for a copy of your prescription if they need additional confirmation for your equipment. If you don’t have it when airport security asks for it, they may not allow you to get your CPAP machine on the plane.

Moreover, if your CPAP device breaks down, you'll need a prescription from your healthcare provider for an emergency replacement. So, it’s good practice to keep your doctor's prescription handy.

Your CPAP machine will be thoroughly screened at the airport security checkpoints at the airport. For that, you'll need to take it out from its carrying case and put it in an x-ray bin so they can inspect it. You can keep the CPAP mask and other CPAP equipment in the travel bag, as only the machine will be x-rayed.

Though these bins are clean, they are not exactly sterile. So, if you are worried about their cleanliness, you can put your machine in a sterile clear plastic bag before placing it in the x-ray bin.

Carry distilled water with you if you plan to use your CPAP machine’s humidifier. You can bring up to 3.4 oz of distilled water inside the plane as a carry-on, but there’s no limit to how much distilled water you can carry in your checked-in luggage.

Now that you know this, there’s no need to fill your CPAP machine’s water tank with tap or bottled water and risk jeopardizing its functionality.

If traveling with distilled water is not feasible for you, some travel CPAP machines, such as the ResMed AirMini, have a waterless humidification system that can help you save space and travel lighter.

The policies on the in-flight use of a CPAP machine may vary according to the airline you’re flying with. Certain airlines require you to submit a minimum of 48 hours' notice regarding using CPAP machines inside the aircraft. This helps them to verify that your device's model meets the standards and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

If you don’t know your airline’s policy, don’t hesitate to call them ahead of your trip, so that you don’t run into any issues the day of your flight.

It’s good practice to place a medical equipment tag on the carrying case for your CPAP machine so that the TSA agents know they need to handle it gently, as they may be compromising your health if they don’t.

If you’re planning a trip, and your CPAP machine is too bulky for you to take with you, at Sleeplay we offer CPAP machines for travelers.

If you’re planning on sleeping on your flight, it’s possible for you to use your CPAP machine in-flight. Most CPAP machines are FAA-approved. However, it’s important that you have a note from your doctor about the need to use it during the flight.

Let the aircrew know, before the flight that you need to use your CPAP machine during the trip. Check the FAA website to make sure that your CPAP machine can be used on a plane to avoid any issues. Travel CPAP machines and most modern CPAP machines are designed for quiet operation, this ensures minimal disturbance to others during the flight.

If your airplane seat isn’t going to have a power outlet available, prepare by carrying a power supply, or getting a portable CPAP machine that runs on a battery pack.

Headphones can block out the noise and help you relax. You can listen to soothing music, white noise, or ambient sounds. You can also use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to reduce the noise level.

By following these tips, you can improve your chances of getting restful sleep on a plane if you have sleep apnea.

Before traveling, seek advice from your CPAP suppliers to find out if your CPAP machine is suitable to be used in another country. As a general rule, most modern CPAP machines can operate on the different voltages used around the world without the need for modifications. However, if your CPAP machine can’t operate on voltages different to the one in your home country, you should buy a voltage converter.

Traveling with a CPAP machine can be a rewarding experience, as you’ll be able to enjoy your trip without compromising your sleep quality and health. However, it requires some planning and preparation that can't be put off until the last minute.

Planning a road trip or a vacation soon? At Sleeplay, we have the perfect solution to easily treat sleep apnea during your trips. Choose the CPAP travel machine that best suits your needs by reviewing the CPAP collection at Sleeplay.