Traveling With Your CPAP Machine
It is important to bring your CPAP along with you while traveling, these helpful tips can make it a bit easier to manage.
Traveling With Your CPAP Machine
Picture a getaway to a beach resort with gorgeous sunsets, white sand beaches, and margaritas.
Now, add a pinch of sleep apnea and takeaway the CPAP machine.
What do you get? Less energy for enjoying the vacation, a cranky bed partner, and possible health issues down the road.
Why Should I Travel With My CPAP Machine?
“But can’t I just leave my CPAP behind fora couple of nights here and there?” you plead. You beg.
Unfortunately, even if it’s just “a little travel here and there,” you’re still going to want to bring your machine with you on overnight trips. Because all it takes is one night of sleep apnea interrupting your sleep to fill your precious holiday with headaches and fatigue.
If it helps, give it a nickname! That way you’ll feel guilty about leaving it behind.
How To Travel With Your CPAP Machine
If you’re setting off in a car, all you need to worry about is remembering to pop your CPAP machine in the trunk.
Air travel, on the other hand, can be stressful enough even without having to worry about checking in your mechanical companion. The good news is that it’s simple, and seeing CPAP machines is routine for airport staff these days.
The TSA’s guidelines clearly state that you can bring your CPAP machine on flights as carry-on luggage. Just keep it in a separate travel case, take it out at the security checkpoint and place it in a clear, plastic bag for screening. If you don’t have one, the TSA agents should be able to provide one.
Checklist For Traveling With Your CPAP Machine
Before you get your little chance buddy (have you figured out a nickname yet?) tucked away, there are a few things to remember before takeoff:
● Check to make sure your CPAP’s power cord has the right prongs based on your destination. If not, buy a travel for adapter.
● Empty all liquids and dry out your CPAP machine.
● Charge your CPAP machine before taking off, especially if you’re planning on using it over long flights.
● If you plan on using your machine during the flight, you can bring up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of distilled water in a separate container.
● Keep your CPAP machine in a separate carry-on bag, and be prepared to remove it for inspection at security. Don’t check your machine as luggage gets misplaced all the time.
● It’s never a bad idea to bring copies of your prescription and machine’s FAA compliance letter in case you’re asked for it during the security check or need to purchase something while traveling.
Final Thoughts
If you have sleep apnea, taking every step you can to get the best sleep possible is crucial. So, keep CPAPing even while you travel!
If you follow the steps above well before your flight, there'll be a little less sweat under your armpits in the airport security line. And your vacation won’t have to suffer because of poor-quality sleep.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.
Traveling With Your CPAP Machine
Picture a getaway to a beach resort with gorgeous sunsets, white sand beaches, and margaritas.
Now, add a pinch of sleep apnea and takeaway the CPAP machine.
What do you get? Less energy for enjoying the vacation, a cranky bed partner, and possible health issues down the road.
Why Should I Travel With My CPAP Machine?
“But can’t I just leave my CPAP behind fora couple of nights here and there?” you plead. You beg.
Unfortunately, even if it’s just “a little travel here and there,” you’re still going to want to bring your machine with you on overnight trips. Because all it takes is one night of sleep apnea interrupting your sleep to fill your precious holiday with headaches and fatigue.
If it helps, give it a nickname! That way you’ll feel guilty about leaving it behind.
How To Travel With Your CPAP Machine
If you’re setting off in a car, all you need to worry about is remembering to pop your CPAP machine in the trunk.
Air travel, on the other hand, can be stressful enough even without having to worry about checking in your mechanical companion. The good news is that it’s simple, and seeing CPAP machines is routine for airport staff these days.
The TSA’s guidelines clearly state that you can bring your CPAP machine on flights as carry-on luggage. Just keep it in a separate travel case, take it out at the security checkpoint and place it in a clear, plastic bag for screening. If you don’t have one, the TSA agents should be able to provide one.
Checklist For Traveling With Your CPAP Machine
Before you get your little chance buddy (have you figured out a nickname yet?) tucked away, there are a few things to remember before takeoff:
● Check to make sure your CPAP’s power cord has the right prongs based on your destination. If not, buy a travel for adapter.
● Empty all liquids and dry out your CPAP machine.
● Charge your CPAP machine before taking off, especially if you’re planning on using it over long flights.
● If you plan on using your machine during the flight, you can bring up to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of distilled water in a separate container.
● Keep your CPAP machine in a separate carry-on bag, and be prepared to remove it for inspection at security. Don’t check your machine as luggage gets misplaced all the time.
● It’s never a bad idea to bring copies of your prescription and machine’s FAA compliance letter in case you’re asked for it during the security check or need to purchase something while traveling.
Final Thoughts
If you have sleep apnea, taking every step you can to get the best sleep possible is crucial. So, keep CPAPing even while you travel!
If you follow the steps above well before your flight, there'll be a little less sweat under your armpits in the airport security line. And your vacation won’t have to suffer because of poor-quality sleep.
If you are tired or exhausted do not operate a vehicle or machinery.
The information contained in this document is for educational purposes only, Sleep Apnea can only be diagnosed via a medically approved sleep study. A sleep study must be ordered and reviewed by a professional provider trained in Sleep Medicine.
GEM Sleep is focused on treatment and support of Sleep Apnea, not other sleep conditions.