How to Travel With a CPAP Machine
Continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines treat blocked airway breathing disorders such as sleep apnea by generating and passing a regulated amount of air through a face mask or nasal tube to a person when asleep. Although traveling with a CPAP machine may seem daunting because of the amount of care that you must take with the machine and any related accessories, you can travel and sleep with ease by anticipating travel problems and issues through forethought and preparation.
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Things You'll Need
- Universal travel adapter
- Voltage converter
- AC to DC inverter
- Travel bag
- Extension cord
- Fuses
- Batteries
- Accessories
- Clear plastic bag
- Purified water (optional)
- Emergency contact list
Instructions
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Invest in a universal travel adapter, a voltage converter and a DC to AC inverter for your CPAP machine. Universal travel adapters feature plug support for a wide variety of electrical outlets (two-prong, three-prong, USB adaptor and international) that handle various voltages (for example, 110 V to 250V). Keep in mind that a universal travel adapter does not typically convert the voltage but instead gives you the means to use an outlet. You will need a voltage converter to modify the amount of current that comes through the adapter. When traveling by RV or car, a DC to AC inverter (direct current to alternating current) allows you to charge the batteries of you CPAP machine or run your machine direct a vehicle battery.
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Buy additional accessories and travel items for ease, of use and emergencies such as a carry-on travel bag, a long extension cord, extra fuses, batteries and any other items recommended by your medical equipment sales provider, physician or CPAP machine's manufacturer.
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Contact your travel agency or any public transportation customer service to make arrangements for your CPAP needs (for example, a seat near a power outlet) and to confirm that your accessories meet public safety standards.
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Ask your doctor for a "statement of medical necessity" outlining the reason you travel with a CPAP machine and a prescription. If traveling by airplane or internationally, these documents are extremely important for moving quickly through security and customs. In addition, your prescription can help you to acquire a new CPAP machine or parts of yours breaks.
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Request that security officials at public transportation (airplane, boat or train) checkpoints change gloves and wipe down security tables with antiseptic before inspecting your CPAP machine to protect your machine from chemicals, dirt or germs. Security officials, especially those at airports, must visually inspect equipment and check for explosives (explosive trace detection, or ETD, sampling) as well as screen with X-rays. After security performs a visual inspection, request a change of ETD sampling media and then wrap your machine in a clear plastic bag to guarantee that your machine won't come in contact with germs or dirt when placed in an X-ray bin.
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Tips & Warnings
If you travel often, consider buying a secondary CPAP machine for travel only use or as a backup to your primary. Carry purified water with you if your CPAP machine has a humidifier.
Always explain to your flight attendant, porter or cruise staff as you begin your trip your CPAP requirements and the workings of your CPAP machine. In addition, show your attendant the location of your emergency and contact list and, if your attendant is unfamiliar with your device or condition or you're in close proximity to other passengers, explain that your CPAP machine and motor may disturb the sleep of others.
