Taking a trip with your CPAP

No need to scratch your travel plans when you have a CPAP machine!  Your CPAP machine and supplies come in a travel bag meant to pack up neatly.  And when your sleep apnea is treated you can enjoy the activities on your trip and make better memories with sound sleep.  Your travel companions will thank you for not snoring, too.  Everyone can be in a good mood!

It’s recommended that your CPAP machine be carried on an airplane with you.  This is the best way to avoid damage and have it handy if something goes wonky with your flight or checked baggage.  But it doesn’t “count” as a carry-on item– it’s medical equipment.  You are still allowed one piece of luggage and one personal item to carry on in addition to your CPAP bag.  

You shouldn’t have an issue at the security line.  TSA folks are very familiar with the idea of CPAP now, and it shouldn’t cause a delay.  You don’t need a letter from your doctor or proof of a sleep apnea diagnosis.  If you are asked to step out of line so your CPAP bag can be inspected, ask the TSA to kindly put on a new pair of gloves and clean the inspection table before handling your equipment.  

There are a few ways to reduce the bulk of your sleep apnea treatment when you are traveling.  First, some CPAP machines allow you to disconnect the water chamber/humidifier.  This generally reduces the size of the CPAP by half, and if you are traveling to a humid climate you might not miss the humidifier at all.  If you DO take your humidifier, make sure you empty out the chamber before you pack it!  

Second, you can invest in a travel CPAP machine.  These are smaller and lighter units that don’t have humidifiers.  The motor is typically less durable than your usual machine, it’s not meant for years of nightly use.  These features are what make them appropriate for travel.  They are spendy, and it would be a miracle if you got your insurance plan to cover it.  But the convenience may be worthwhile.  

Thirdly, you may decide to use an oral appliance instead of your CPAP for travel.  Keep in mind that oral appliance therapy may not fully treat your sleep apnea or snoring.  

And finally, some people decide to leave their CPAP at home.  This means your sleep apnea would be untreated during your trip, and you decide if you like the results.  

I can’t tell you how often I hear about someone who arrived at their destination and found they didn’t have a power cord.  You can leave a note for yourself in the CPAP bag- I’m picturing a fluorescent pink post-it note saying “Don’t forget the power cord!”  If you do find yourself without a CPAP part, try calling a local durable medical equipment company (DME company) and see if they have one for purchase or loan.  It’s okay to use tap water or bottled water for a few nights.  Just go back to distilled water when you get home.  It might be helpful to pack an extra mask cushion or filter if there are children or pets where you’re going.  Ask me how I know.  

Every 5 years your insurance deems you are eligible for a new CPAP machine.  If there is still life in the old machine, you can leave it at a destination you travel to frequently.  I am told this is how the rich and famous live!  Just make sure that if you have a change in your pressure settings the old machine is up to date with the newer one.   

And finally, if you are going to a place in the mountains (and you don’t already live in the mountains), the higher altitude may cause your machine to report higher numbers on the trip.  This is related to the altitude and usually isn’t anything to worry about.  When you get back home, the numbers will settle down again.