How to Travel with a CPAP Machine

Do you leave your CPAP machine at home when you travel? Have you declined a business trip or postponed a special vacation because of apnea? Spoiler: your CPAP machine actually UNPLUGS!

It might seem overwhelming at first, but living with sleep apnea doesn’t mean you have to jeopardize your health or give up travel altogether.In fact, some studies suggest that travel can help significantly reduce stress, boost happiness, and make you healthier overall!

Whether you’re travelling by plane, train, or automobile, there are a few things to keep in mind for a stress-free trip...without leaving your CPAP machine at home.

At the airport

Navigating the TSA requirements can be intimidating at the best of times, but not to worry, you're not the first person to fly with a CPAP machine! Your best bet is to pack your machine in your carry-on (checked bags go missing all the time) with an empty reservoir as you won’t be allowed to carry it on with water in it.

The TSA blog recommends placing your machine in a clear plastic bag within your carry-on as it will need to be placed in one of the x-ray bins provided yes, the same ones that people also throw their shoes in.

Do’s and Don’ts For Flying with A CPAP Machine

Do

• Bring a letter of medical necessity and a copy of the prescription from your doctor
• Consider investing in a travel-sized unit if you are frequently on the go

Don’t

• Forget to pack spare mask cushions
• Be afraid to use bottled water in a pinch (distilled is always best for long term use)

CPAP machines are approved medical devices and don’t count against your carry-on allowance. (Bet you didn’t know that!) Your machine may need to undergo further screening, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get through security. You can also request the officer use a new swab and gloves if you are worried about contamination issues.

If you are on a long-haul flight and need to use your machine in-flight, it’s recommended you contact your airline well in advance to ensure you have adequate access to power outlets.

At your destination

One of the most important things to remember is that your humidifier chamber needs to be below the level of your head to ensure no water gets into your tubing, and, ultimately, your lungs. It’s rare, but water in the tubes can occur if the machine is placed on an unsturdy surface and tips or if the tubing gets tugged on.

You may need to pack your own pillow to help with this since hotel pillows are notoriously soft and unsupportive. You can also request a small table in the room to place your machine on.

Although you can usually find distilled water in most places, if you’re driving by car, consider packing enough water to get you through one or two nights at your destination.

It’s also a good idea to pack a long extension cord in the event you are staying in a room without unused outlets near the bed.

If you are travelling overseas, do your research to check out what, if any, power adapters or cables you may need to comply with the voltage output in that country. Many countries have different voltage outputs than the United States. Plugging your machine in without the proper adapter or converter can result in damage to your machine your DME provider should be able to help with any questions you have.

You have more freedom than you know; it just takes a little extra planning and you’ll be travelling with peace of mind and a restful night’s sleep!