Traveling With Your CPAP: What You Need to Know
Even if you are under CPAP therapy, life still goes on, right? You can still mingle, socialize, and travel. There is a caveat though: You may be obliged to bring your CPAP machine for most of the time. Whether you will be travelling light or heavy, this might present some challenges. But travelling with a CPAP machine does not have to be a problem and in most cases, it is easier to carry one than some of the other heavier, bulkier devices.
You should not let the idea of travelling with your CPAP machine get you down. Travelling with it may be an additional work on your part, but it is all worth it in the grand scheme of things.
Tips for travelling with a CPAP machine
Maybe you are still self-debating if you are going to bring your CPAP equipment or not on your next journey. Should you choose to leave your therapy kits at home, you run the risk of letting sleep apnea symptoms return and you could spend your entire time struggling to sleep rather than enjoying.
Here are some useful tips in travelling with your CPAP equipment:- Separate the CPAP machine and humidifier if possible and place them in a sturdy, well-padded carrying case or bag. If you are chartering a flight, make sure you bring CPAP cleaner along with the rest as carry-on luggage so you can clean it before use, should you use it for the duration of the flight. Having the CPAP equipment as carry-on also reduces the risk of damage.
- Before packing the humidifier, make sure to completely drain the water from it to avoid spillage.
- If you are a frequent traveler, it does not hurt to invest on a dedicated travel-sized CPAP machine since it is compact enough to fit in most of your bags or luggage and use it as your secondary machine.
- Make sure to have the proper adaptors and plugs for where you are traveling. Purchasing a back-up battery pack is also a nice touch if you are not comfortable plugging your device. This is also great if you plan on camping.
- To use your CPAP machine also demands that you bring extra cushions for maximum comfort.
- Bring necessary paperwork or prescription just in case airport security decides to check your CPAP equipment. To expedite the process, take the machine out of the carry case and place it in an individual screening bin. The CPAP cleaner, mask, tube, humidifier, and the rest can stay in the carry case.
Using CPAP Machine on a plane:- Provided that you can secure the necessary documentation, you can freely use your CPAP machine during flight. Ensure that you book a seat with a power outlet and bring an adapter plug just in case the default plug is not compatible with the outlet.
- Refrain from using your humidifier as it increases the risk of spilling water into the tubing or machine.
- As always, sanitize your CPAP machine first with a CPAP cleaner. It is the one thing that you should not forget before using the device for therapy.
Using CPAP Machine on a camp:
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