We can’t stress this enough—it’s important to continue your continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP treatment when travelling. Don’t leave without bringing your portable travel CPAP machines. Doing so can make your trip more comfortable and hassle-free.
Portable CPAP machines let you enjoy your trip better.
It’s easy to get tempted and leave your CPAP machines at home. After all, hauling a CPAP device from one place to another might be a hassle. Plus, you might think it’s easier to use the hotel’s ventilator or sleep with an open window instead. However, if we’re talking about your health, it’s clear: sleeping without your CPAP therapy in an unfamiliar place isn’t a good idea.
Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that can be managed but not cured. If you discontinue your CPAP or BiPAP treatment, your sleep apnea events will occur with the same frequency and intensity as they did before your treatment started. You may or may not experience temporary benefits from previous sleep apnea treatment.
That’s where travel CPAP machines come in. Packing portable CPAP devices is the perfect solution to treating sleep apnea while you are away from home.
Keep these in mind when bringing travel CPAP machines
When bringing travel CPAP machines, you’ll need to have an adapter that lets your machine work in the country you’re visiting. You can also use an alternative treatment for sleep apnea called a BiPAP, which does not require electricity. Travel CPAP and BiPAP machines can be delivered in advance of your trip, or they can be locally purchased once you arrive at your destination.
Here are the federal government guidelines about travelling with respiratory devices. (Download a PDF of this flyer.)
If required, Pacific Sleep Care can provide you with an authorized medical travel letter that will allow you to bring your CPAP equipment with you on airlines without being classified as carry-on baggage.
Remember to bring any electrical adapters you may need (available in most travel stores). We also have smaller, more compact models available and other oral appliances that may be helpful for travelling.
How should you pack your travel CPAP machine?
Packing travel CPAP machines in carry-on bags is not as complicated as it seems. There are a few guidelines to follow while packing your portable CPAP device for travelling. You should always consult with the airline before flying, but the following steps will give you an idea of what to do. This guide will teach you to pack your mini CPAP machine in your carry-on bag to avoid additional checked baggage charges.
Firstly, make a list of all the items that need to be packed in your carry-on bag. That way, you don’t forget your CPAP masks or any other essential component of your portable CPAP machine. You may also want to consider purchasing or renting a backup battery pack. These are great if you plan on camping or simply as a precaution against power outages. Again, you should never skip your sleep apnea treatment.
Secondly, check with your airline for their requirements on carrying travel CPAP machines on board. If you are allowed to bring yours aboard, make sure that it’s in its travel case and is clearly labelled with “Medical.” Instead of using the original packaging, you can use a sturdy travel bag with compartments to fit all your CPAP accessories. This will make it easier to pack and unpack and keep all the pieces together for easy setup.
Thirdly, make sure that you clean all of the water out of the humidifier chamber after use. This prevents rust or mould from growing inside of it and will keep it in better condition for the next time you use it.
Lastly, you should place all the parts neatly in your carry-on bag. That way, they don’t get lost or damaged during travel. Keep your prescription for sleep apnea treatment handy just in case your machine breaks down, or you end up needing new CPAP masks or additional supplies while away from home. Also, it pays to ask your current CPAP provider for recommendations on suppliers in the area you plan on travelling. That way, you have more options for your sleep apnea therapy needs.
Contact Pacific Sleep Care
If you need more tips about bringing a travel CPAP device to your next holiday, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help make your trip more comfortable.
