Last updated on January 22nd, 2024 at 09:53 am
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder; its treatment involves some changes in your everyday life. However, this does not mean you should stop enjoying life and doing all the fun things you like.
Instead, with the right treatment, such as CPAP therapy, your sleep should improve, giving you more energy and motivation throughout the day. Holidays are among life’s treats which can still be enjoyed.
With a few phone calls and some additional planning, you can adjust your travel routine to consider your CPAP equipment. Over time, this planning will become as normal as the rest of your holiday planning, as routine as choosing the clothes to take, the currency to buy and packing the all-important sun cream.
CPAP Equipment
Most CPAP machines are fairly lightweight and quiet. They are the size of a tissue box, making them easy to transport when you go on holiday. Maintaining the therapy when away is important to help you rest better and enjoy your break. Just one single night without it can be detrimental to blood pressure levels, which can lead to other health issues.
Holiday Planning
Holidays are about fun and enjoying time with loved ones. By developing an adjusted planning routine, you won’t be at a disadvantage when you go on holiday.
If you are travelling by plane, you should contact the airline first and check their overall CPAP equipment policy. Check with the airline whether you are able to carry the equipment onto the plane as hand luggage.
If you tend to sleep on the plane, or your holiday involves a long-haul flight where you know you will need to sleep, check to see if your seat has access to electrical power for your CPAP machine. If you are still concerned about the flight, you may consider an intra-oral device, but ensure you have used it a few times beforehand to get used to it.
Similar planning precautions are advisable if you are heading off on a cruise or a ferry. Check with the travel operator about the availability of power on-board and the position of power sockets, and also check for information on plugs and voltage.
It may take a couple of trips to get used to this additional planning, but it is important to maintain the therapy when away from home for health reasons and to avoid the side effects of sleep apnoea while on holiday, such as constant tiredness, morning headaches and lack of motivation.
Check Your Accommodation
Check with the hotel where you will be staying that there are appropriate power sockets and that the voltage matches your CPAP machines. You might need to pack a power adapter, although the voltage setting can be changed on some machines.
If the power socket is not in an easy spot in the bedroom, meaning a potentially uncomfortable angle to sleep at, ask if an extension lead can be supplied or take one with you to play safe.
If you are camping or boating, you may be able to borrow a 12-volt DC machine from a sleep clinic. Otherwise, you might be able to apply a converter to run it off a battery so you do not miss out on sleeping under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our clients have asked specific questions about travel with CPAP and have wanted information on products that will help. You may find our answers below to be helpful.
Do I need an adapter plug for mains power?
Generally, CPAP machines use a figure-8 mains lead (right) for any voltage between 100 and 240V. So you can use your machine virtually anywhere in the world, and all you need is the appropriate figure-8 lead. If you use a cable rather than a converter, you reduce the risk of damage being caused to your machine. Please see our available CPAP AC cables if you require a cable for the UK, Europe, USA, Ireland or Canada. However, if your machine has a fixed power lead (i.e., it cannot be removed from the machine), you must use a travel adapter.
Can my machine use a battery?
With most CPAP machines, you can run from a 12V source like a battery; you’ll need the appropriate 12V cable for your specific model. Check the back or bottom of your CPAP machine to find the electrical requirements. You should find the appropriate lead and battery if 12V (or 24V) DC is listed.
You can find DC cables for popular machines within our DC cables range. However, If you’re using a ResMed machine, you’ll need to contact ResMed directly.
Can I take my humidifier?
CPAP humidifiers can be transported, but it is often better to leave them behind. They’re heavy and bulky, they have to have mains power (they use too much power for a battery or other 12V option), and even the smallest amount of water left inside can find its way into the main unit and damage it. You may instead want to consider a low-cost Waterless Humidifier for short-term use while travelling. Otherwise, unless the humidification is essential to you, many find it better to go without for a short period.
Do travel CPAP machines exist?
Yes, and you will find a machine such as a Transcend will make travelling with CPAP much easier, as it’s so much smaller – and lighter — than standard machines. This lightweight model also has battery options, if desired, which are smaller than those used by standard machines. This travel-size version comes at a cost, but many people find it worth it for its convenience and portability. If you want to purchase a travel machine but don’t have anything in writing confirming you use CPAP, please ask your GP, consultant or sleep clinic to complete this brief form for you.
Can I take my machine on a flight?
In most cases, yes – but it’s best to check with the airline and get approval in writing. Several airlines will allow you to consider it additional carry-on luggage, so you won’t need to sacrifice space in your cabin bag. You may need a letter from your doctor or sleep clinic confirming your requirement for it. We advise getting that letter right away just in case there is a wait to get it issued.
Can I go without CPAP while I am on holiday?
We always say using CPAP is a little like drinking water. You can drink water every day for weeks, but you’ll get dehydrated the day you stop. CPAP has a similar effect on sleep quality – whenever you stop using it, you will re-experience OSA, depriving your body of oxygen while you sleep.
Therefore, it is not advisable to go without your CPAP. After all, a holiday is about relaxing so you can enjoy yourself, and it is difficult to do that with poor sleep. So it is worth seeing if there is a solution to your CPAP travelling problems.
Using a Mandibular Advancement Device (which is similar to a gumshield) such as a SomnoFit will provide a degree of treatment for a short period. However, for those diagnosed with Severe or even Moderate OSA, this is unlikely to be sufficient.
So, it’s best to call or email us, and we will find a solution that will allow you to continue the benefits of CPAP while you are away.
Consult your doctor
If you have any doubts about travel with the CPAP equipment, it is best to consult your doctor. Everyone wants to enjoy their daily lives, especially their holidays, and with a little careful planning, there is no reason why you cannot continue to have fun while still maintaining your CPAP therapy.
Source: British Lung Foundation