Travelling with your CPAP

Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 01:43 pm

Nowadays, with increasing awareness of sleep apnoea, and innovating developments in all sorts of technology, travelling worldwide with a CPAP machine has never been easier. Gone are days of lugging round ridiculously huge, weighty machines; as some of the newest machines are so small and lightweight, they fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. With some of the universal products available on the market today, there is no need to go a night without your CPAP machine ever again.

Here is some invaluable advice and tips for your next adventure!

  • Just as you would your boarding passes, passports, health insurance – keep a copy of your medical documentation handy. Although most airport staff will be familiar with a CPAP machine, have this with you, just in case.
  • Check you have the correct power adaptors for the country you are travelling to.
  • Invest in a second, smaller CPAP machine, for the sole purpose of travel, such as the Transcend CPAP Machine. I will remove the additional stress and effort involved with packing up your more heavy duty home machine.
  • Take replacement parts with you. It is always the way that your mask cushion will give up on you – when you’re on the other side of the world!
  • Research a CPAP therapy supplier in the country you are travelling to. We can ship across the entirety of the EU, to wherever you may be staying.
  • Bring a battery pack with you. There will be no need to worry if you cannot access a power outlet, or if there is a power outage. A battery pack is also a great idea for camping.
  • If you’re flying – take your CPAP on as carry-on. It is medical equipment and therefore will not count towards your carry-on allowance. You will not have to worry about it potentially getting lost or damaged.
  • If you’re flying – try to get to the airport a bit earlier than recommended – this will allow time for the checks at Security – and leaving enough time to get to the Duty Free!
  • If you’re flying – and have any concerns – contact the airline prior to your flight. Just double check and avoid any last minute panic!
  • If you arrive in a hotel and there are no power sources near your bedside – contact reception for a power extension cable.
  • If you’re travelling by car – there are power cables available that plug straight into your cigarette lighter port.

You can find more advice and discussions regarding travelling with CPAP on our website and CPAP forum:

http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread.php?t=125
http://forums.cpap.co.uk/showthread.php?t=108
http://www.britishsnoring.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=457

There is no need to let travel get in the way of your CPAP therapy and your health. Whether you are travelling by car, train, boat, aeroplane, canoe, horseback, foot – there is a way to maintain your CPAP therapy and keep you feeling your best whilst on your latest adventure!

http://www.alaskasleep.com/blog/traveling-with-a-cpap-machine-take-cpap-machine-anywhere
http://sleephealthfoundation.org.au/pdfs/Travelling%20with%20CPAP.pdf
http://www.easybreathe.com/blog/traveling-cpap-machine-essential-tips/
https://www.wakeuptosleep.com/blog/2013/10/cpap-air-travel-what-you-should-know-about-air-travel-with-cpap-machines.html?support=false