I've had a cpap machine for about two months.  It's helping me a lot, but came without a carrying case.  I've searched on the internet and haven't been able to find a carrying case sold separately for this machine.  Can anyone suggest where I might find one?  

I'm using a RemRest Model Series 900, basic model.

Any other tips about airplane travel with a cpap machine are welcome.  I read the notice on the website, and so know that it's to be carried on and shouldn't be counted as one of my two carry ons.  Thank you.

Amigo wrote:

jwnice wrote:

I have flown with my CPAP sing 1988 and have never had any problems.  Olny a couple of times has it be "further checked" or swabbed.  It is always carried in the "Respironics" bag, and goes thru airport security without any problems at all.  I also pack a 12' extensdion cord in the bag, so I can make sure I can plug in to power when I get to my destination.

Have you flown since April, 2005?  Please note the following:

Quote:

TSA - CPAP update not promising

Here below is a copy of an email I received from someone who recently contacted the TSA for an update on the situation. I am continuing to monitor and update as available.

Dear Mr. Grandi,

I called Sandra Cammaroto, TSA Director (571-227-1823).  She was reluctant to speak with me but was familiar with the issue.  She directed me to call Diedra O'Sullivan, TSA Office of Public Affairs (571-227-2749).   Ms. O'Sullivan said that medical devices opaque to X-ray scans would not be permitted as carry-on.  She said their legal department was evaluating the issue and would probably reach a policy decision by the end of the year.  She indicated that any new policy would be posted on their website.  

From what I've read in the newsgroups, there is no guarantee a CPAP device will be allowed as carry-on.  Recently, some people had no problem, while others were refused.   I'll guess we'll have to see what happens.  


If you get any updates, please let me know.  Thank You.

Very truly yours,

Marc
__________________________________
Marc S. Ragusa, Esq.[/b]


_________________
Executive Director
American Sleep Apnea Association
1424 K Street, NW Ste. 302
Washington, DC 20005
202-293-3650

The real problem here is "not knowing" whether your CPAP will pass the x-ray test or not, and being forced to check it without the proper protection.  A cloth bag will hardly stand up to the abusive handling of baggage checkers.

The following post provides some information which will allow you to go to the airport already prepared:

Quote:

TSA - CPAP update not promising
 
To avoid the possible hassles of being forced to check my CPAP, I've been doing some research on sturdy carrying cases.  Respironics offers nothing but a cloth bag, so I turned to the Internet.

For those of you who may be traveling by air and want to "hedge your bets," here are a couple of web sites for companies that make carrying cases:

http://www.casesbyskb.com/

http://www.casefoam.com/Blow.htm

SKB makes a wheeled "carry on" with a foam interior that will also stand up to being put through checked luggage.

I hope this doesn't violate the "commercial links" edict, as I'm only trying to provide information, and have nothing to gain by providing the links.

Good luck air travelers,
Amigo

Arthur Sweetland wrote:

I just got back from Florida and had no troble traveling with my RemStar Pro-2.  I was able to take it on board the plan each time as a carry on.  It worked well in the hotel, and is working well back at home again.  

I like my equipment very much and would not think of sleeping without it.  I caught a cold traveling between Florida and coming back to Pennsylvania.  So if I sit up I do not cough.

 I took my machine out to the living room and hooked it up and sleeped in my easy chair last night.  That was different.  Heidi Girl gave me a strange look and went into her crate and went to sleep.  

I hope tonight is better and that I'll be able to lay down on the bed to sleep.

Amigo wrote:

Arthur, that's great news, but there is still the uncertainty for some of us that something "opaque" will show up on the x-ray, and the machine will have to be put through checked baggage.

I just took delivery on a well-designed, very sturdy, foam-lined wheeled carry-on case which is made to fit in the overhead compartment.  However, if it's declined by TSA for carry-on, at least I'll know that it is safe to check.

For those of you who want to hedge your bets, I highly recommend checking out this URL:  http://www.casesbyskb.com/

They provided fantastic service, and the case's foam interior, which is made specifically for "delicate" equipment, is custom designed to the exact measurements of your CPAP machine.

If this commercial link is deleted, please feel free to send a PM, and I will provide the URL.

Thanks, Amigo. That's very helpful, especially the links.  It leaves me with a couple of more questions.

1.) Have there been stories from people on the board of having to check their c-paps?
2.) I looked at your links -- especially appreciated the lower priced options, since that's an issue for me.  I'm not quite sure how one handles "precubed foam" -- would I order a case full of foam, and then cut it with a knife to fit the machine, tube, etc?

Susan, you can find more information about the "problems (or not)" that people have had by reviewing the comments at:

Sleep Apnea Support Forum Index » Late Night With Sleep Apnea » Trouble traveling by air with your CPAP?

I ordered a case where the foam density was rated for "delicate" equipment, and a space was cut into it which specifically matched the dimensions of my CPAP.  I believe I paid around $150, including shipping from California.  It's very well-made, has both an extendable handle and wheels, and fits in the overhead compartment.

If you order the foam separately, I believe they send you a bag of it, pre-cut.  Give them a call, they are very helpful over the phone, and will answer all your questions.

Thanks for directing me to the thread, and for the information about your case -- sounds like you've got a sturdy, elegant solution.

I have a remstar cflex pro with a nylon bag.  I travel quite a bit for business and pleasure.  Five round trips since September.  I've carried on every time and no one even asked.  I've had to take the main unit out of the bag each time at security, but no issues.  Never had to check it.

I tossed the case that came with my cpap and purchased a soft side cooler with a removable plastic tub. It holds my Spirit, hoses, mask & shaving kit with meds. The side pouch holds my tickets , passport and has room for a hard cover book or 2.   It all fits under the seat or in the overhead.  Nobody knows whats inside because it looks like a cooler. Never a problem with security and I have a cooler to use in my hotel room when I remove the cpap.

I thought of putting a red cross on the side and writing HUMAN ORGANS as a joke .  

Chumley

Anonymous wrote:

I tossed the case that came with my cpap and purchased a soft side cooler with a removable plastic tub. It holds my Spirit, hoses, mask & shaving kit with meds. The side pouch holds my tickets , passport and has room for a hard cover book or 2.   It all fits under the seat or in the overhead.  Nobody knows whats inside because it looks like a cooler. Never a problem with security and I have a cooler to use in my hotel room when I remove the cpap.

I thought of putting a red cross on the side and writing HUMAN ORGANS as a joke .  

Chumley

Great post, Chumley!  I admire the "multi-tasking" you accomplished with the cooler, and the comment about "HUMAN ORGANS" really cracked me up.  The TSA personnel probably wouldn't go near it...lol!

I wonder...maybe certain models of CPAP machines show up as "opaque" at airport security checks and others do not. Manufacturers would do users a great service if they would provide information on this. I have taken my machine (Puritan Bennett Goodnight 420G) with me all over the world as a carry on and have never even been questioned by security about it.

Likewise with my REMstar Pro 2 with C-flex and Heated Humidifier, no problems going to my destination.  We'll see what happens when I go home next week.


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