Spring Break season may be over, but travel season has just begun. Your next trip could be a vacation with your family, a weekend getaway for yourself, or a business trip. No matter your reason for traveling, CPAPCentral.com wants to make sure you’re prepared.

If you have sleep apnea, you will likely be traveling with your CPAP machine. This means going through some extra steps, especially for air travel. We don’t want you to be held up or miss your flight because your CPAP machine is being checked by security screeners. With that in mind, CPAPCentral.com brings you these tips for flying with your CPAP machine.

Be Prepared: Get to the Airport Early

Because of your CPAP machine, it’s going to take you longer to get through security than many other air travelers. Your machine goes through not only a visual inspection by airport security, but will also be x-rayed.  If you want to make sure to keep your CPAP machine clean, you can place it in a clear plastic bag when it is being x-rayed.  You can also request that the security screener wear gloves during the inspection.  While it is not required, it can be helpful to have a note of medical necessity from your doctor, as well as your CPAP prescription on hand, for easier passage through security.  To ensure that you’re not late for your flight, arrive at the airport at least two hours early. It’s also wise to call the airline you’re flying with in the days leading up the flight to let them know you will be flying with your CPAP machine.

Carry Your CPAP in Your Carry-on

There are several small, lightweight CPAP machines that are manufactured specifically for travel. These machines are small enough to store in your carry-on luggage, guaranteeing you always know where your machine is. This eliminates the worry of your machine disappearing if your other luggage is lost or misplaced. If your CPAP machine is in a checked bag that gets lost, contact the airline directly.

Using Your CPAP Machine During The Flight

We’ve all been on those long flights. Whether it’s a cross-country flight, an international flight, or you’re catching the red eye, there are times when you need to sleep on a plane. Because it is medical equipment, you are permitted to use your CPAP machine during the flight, but you’ll need a special adapter to connect with the plane’s outlets.  You may also need to be seated in business or first class, in order to have access to these outlets.  Check with you airline to be sure.  You can also use battery-operated travel CPAP machines like the Z1™ Unplugged Travel CPAP System.

CPAPCentral.com wants you to be prepared for flying with your CPAP machine. We carry several models of travel CPAP machines, along with masks and other accessories to make sure you’re comfortable in the air.