For both the seasoned and new CPAP machine user, a first time traveling with equipment can be a bit daunting. Fortunately, the pros at CPAP Central here to help! Check out these travel tips to get your holiday plans started off right.
Air travel with your CPAP machine
To help protect your CPAP machine, we recommend that you always carry it onto the plane with you. Luckily, as your machine is medical equipment, it can be brought on board without counting towards your carry-on luggage allowance. For the same reason, you are allowed to use your CPAP machine during a long or overnight flight, if you require it. If you think you might need to use your machine in-flight, be sure to complete these steps before your journey:
- Contact the airline at least two weeks before your trip to get approval to use your machine in-flight. If the airline provides an approval letter after this process, be sure to carry it with you while traveling.
- Check with the airline’s reservation team to ensure that your seat is located near a power outlet, and that you have the type of power adaptor that’s needed for the aircraft. Be aware that in some cases, power outlets (often called EmPower outlets) are only available to those seated in business and first class.
- Obtain a note from your physician stating that you require CPAP therapy, and a copy of your machine’s prescription and latest sleep study. Keep these with your airline’s approval letter, and be prepared to show all documents to TSA and aircraft personnel.
If your machine has an attached humidifier, remove and dry it before packing your unit for travel. Do not use the humidifier while traveling, as airplane turbulence or fellow passengers can cause bumps to the machine or damage to your device.
Consider a travel CPAP machine
Did you know that CPAP machines are also available in small, more convenient sizes for travel? Travel CPAP machines are compact, light, and excellent for use on airplanes or in hotel rooms. And many of them come with built-in humidifiers! We have a great selection here at CPAP Central, and we’d be happy to help you find a travel machine that fits your needs.
Plan ahead to make your holiday travel a little easier this year! To learn more about travel size CPAP units and hard travel cases, or if you have any other questions about traveling with your equipment, the experts at CPAP Central are just a click away.