Last updated on July 7th, 2023 at 01:06 pm
If you need OSA treatment while you are on your travels, then the Transcend range is probably the most convenient option you will find. But if you’d prefer to stick to the CPAP machine you’re using, then a Tracer Battery Pack can provide you with up to nights of battery power!
It’s that time of year when everyone is heading off on holiday. It’s important to be prepared to travel with a portable CPAP machine, to ensure you have the best possible sleep.
These are some of the top tips we advice reading, before leaving to travel!
- Try not to forget to pack your CPAP machine and mask! It is very important that you continue with your therapy whilst away on holiday, to get the maximum benefit of your therapy. Unfortunately giving up your therapy for just a few days, can make you really notice the positive impact that your CPAP equipment is having on your life. You do not want to get away and then constantly feel tired, or suffering.
Here are a few suggestions when it comes to packing your CPAP machine!
- Before packing your CPAP machine in your CPAP travel bag, make sure the humidifier chamber is empty and completely dry.
- Make sure that you have all the components. Don’t forget the tubing, mask or power cord, and an international/universal adaptor plug if travelling overseas so it will fit into the foreign power outlet.
- You never know how far away the bed may be from a power plug socket, so make sure you pack an extension lead so you’re not rearranging furniture, or worse, having to sleep on the floor by the plug socket!
- As a precaution against power outages, it is worth considering buying a battery pack for your CPAP machine.
Using your CPAP on a long haul flight
If you are planning to travel on an airplane, make sure you always carry on your CPAP machine in hand luggage to avoid it from getting lost or damaged. Since it is considered as medical equipment, it should not count towards any of your carry on baggage allowance, but you should always check first with your airline. For hygienic reasons, it is important that you ensure all tubing and your mask are in a large ziplock bag before placing it in the security baskets for scanning. Alerting security first that you are carrying a CPAP machine on-board is always a good idea, as you will be able to show them your documentation stating that you require CPAP therapy, without receiving any unnecessary hassle. For documentation, it is a good idea to bring your sleep study results with you, a prescription or medical letter from your GP to prove your diagnosis for security reasons.
If you are going on a long haul flight and are considering whether you can use your CPAP machine in the air, it is best to contact your airline well in advance to inquire what power options you may be able to use during the flight, as well as seeing if the airline allows the use of your CPAP machine on board. If an electrical outlet is not available, you may need to bring a battery pack.
Away from mains power?
For those adventurers who love camping outdoors and living with nature for the trip, we suggest that you ensure you have a battery pack on you, when electricity is not available as an option.
If you are going away, you might want to consider buying a portable CPAP machine.
- Transcend Auto Portable Mini CPAP machine by Somnetics.
- Transcend II Portable MiniCPAP System Starter Kit by Somnetics.
With either of these machines, you might want to consider getting a battery pack to maximise its portability. There are two battery capacities available. The P4 overnight battery which will provide you with roughly eight hours of charge, or for longer use, the P8 Multi-Night battery which will give you roughly 16 hours of charge.
The great thing about the Transcend CPAP options is that they are capable of being your main CPAP machine when you return home. You can even add a Transcend base station for improved stability!
If you would like to travel with a CPAP machine other than the Transcend range, then a Tracer Battery Pack will be your most convenient option! It is one of the best value battery packs on the market at the moment, for the lowest price, but providing up to two nights of power! With a lightweight, robust design, that meets airline baggage guidelines, it is your most convenient travel option.
Refresh your supplies and restock any old parts of your therapy that are falling apart
The worst part about going away on holiday is when you require something from home, but realise it may not always be possible to get the same thing you wanted in a different country. We therefore advise you to see which parts of your therapy are over worn, and buying a new replacement a couple of weeks before departing for your trip. This will save you from any unnecessary stress you might be having purchasing the specific products you need, and it could save you a lot of money on overseas shipping costs!
And lastly, have fun and relax. Ensuring that your stress levels are low and you don’t have a care in the world on holiday can also prove to give you a better nights sleep!