Hi everyone - Just wondering what your experience has been transporting your CPAP equipment for air travel?  I read on an airline website that CPAP machines are considered medical equipment so does this mean it is NOT counted as a carry on bag or purse?  In other words, can I carry on a bag, purse AND my CPAP equipment?

Do I need to bring a doctor note to carry it on?

Since you can't carry on more than 3 OZ of liquids, any suggestions what to do about the distilled water for my humidifier?  We are going to WDW and using their transporation (no rental car).   Thanks everyone.

NotSnoring wrote:

Hi everyone - Just wondering what your experience has been transporting your CPAP equipment for air travel?  I read on an airline website that CPAP machines are considered medical equipment so does this mean it is NOT counted as a carry on bag or purse?  In other words, can I carry on a bag, purse AND my CPAP equipment?

Do I need to bring a doctor note to carry it on?

Since you can't carry on more than 3 OZ of liquids, any suggestions what to do about the distilled water for my humidifier?  We are going to WDW and using their transporation (no rental car).   Thanks everyone.

I traveled last week between Louisville & St. Louis and have nothing but good things to say about TSA.
I checked a large suitcase, carried on my large purse and the machine.  When I got to security, I told the first TSA rep that I had a medical device and requested they put on clean gloves and use a clean swab on my machine.  They were very understanding and even told me they thought that was a great idea and had me pull out the machine and put it in a plastic bag (I swiped a few extra produce bags from the grocery store).  I handed it to the person who was helping me.  Someone else tried to take the machine and the guy with the clean gloves told him to back off!  They let me stay with my machine the whole time and were completely supportive.

As for the distilled water, can you just purchase some at your destination?  My host had already gotten some for me and it was there, waiting.

I did include the letter from my doctor stating it was a medical necessity, but no one ever asked or looked at it.  I tucked it into the carry case that went through the scanner.  TSA never asked me to pull out my mask or hose.

Enjoy your trip!

Thank you so much.  My equipment came with a very nice carrying case that looks like luggage so I will be sure to have a note from the doctor tucked inside.  I was planning to alert the scanners it is medical equipement but I think I will follow your excellent idea to ask that someone wear gloves and inspect it manually.  That was I don't have to worry about it being handled roughly.

BTW, what did you mean by asking them to use a clean swab?

NotSnoring wrote:

BTW, what did you mean by asking them to use a clean swab?

TSA will swab the machine with a device that checks for powder/explosives.  Just ask them to use a new swab.  L'ville used a wand type, StL swabbed with a cloth-like circle then ran it through the sensing machine.  
Just ask them to use a new one - you don't want them wiping your machine with something that's been used on several previous items.  No telling what it's picked up.  They won't mind!
Be sure to put it in a plastic bag - the surfaces it will come in contact with are pretty well traveled.  Why take chances picking up someone else's germs!

I am so glad I asked because I will definately ask for both gloves and a clean swab!  I had not thought about the eww.. element of strangers checking and touching my machine and wouldn't have even know about the swab until I arrived had I not learned from you.  Thank-you so much!     

I've since checked on line & found some groceries near WDW that are willing to deliver groceries for a small fee so I might have to order my distilled water from them.  I just don't think that's something the gift shop or food court would carry.  

Thanks again for your help.  I really appreciate it!!!!!

Like LTKNTY, I traveled recently from Portland, Maine to Washington DC with my ResMed S8 and the security people were very well versed in the scanning procedure, kept me with the machine at all times. They carried the machine in a new plastic bag. and they did wear gloves and use a new swab - certainly it would be against procedure not to do that! They were very careful and respectful and didn't make any kind of fuss at all. Piece of cake!


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We can't change the wind, but we can adjust the sails!

Keep in mind that the swab is only used on the outside case of your CPAP machine.  They don't swab/touch the inside or anywhere that would affect the air you breathe.

The swabs are always new or else the tests wouldn't be accurate.  

Still, nothing wrong with asking for fresh gloves!

And you can use tap water for a limited period of time, if necessary, as long as it is potable (i.e. drinkable) water.  If the water leaves a mineral deposit, you can remove it with a vinegar soak when you get home.  Lots of places have soft water, though, so it might not be a problem.

Frances wrote:

And you can use tap water for a limited period of time, if necessary, as long as it is potable (i.e. drinkable) water.  If the water leaves a mineral deposit, you can remove it with a vinegar soak when you get home.  Lots of places have soft water, though, so it might not be a problem.

I found this on another cpap website and think I'll make use of it next time I travel by air.....

"I travel on the airlines every week and have to deal with the TSA, airlines, and motels. So, this is how I pack.

I never check baggage and I have the standard roller bag and a “personal item” computer bag. In addition, I carry the Puritan Bennet carrying case that my CPAP came in. It’s a free carry-on and does not count toward my carry-on limit. The ADA says so.

In the bag is a six outlet power sentry. Motels seem to want to use all the available outlets for their stuff. I usually unplug their clock and plug in the power sentry. Then I can power the CPAP, the humidifier, and charge my cell phone and blackberry.

In the bag are bottles of distilled water. The bottles are 16 oz. brown plastic medicine bottles. Each bottle has a prescription label that says “Distilled Water – Use as directed with CPAP machine”. My family doctor called the prescription in to Wal Mart. The total cost for 8 refillable bottles was less than $3.00. Because they are prescription, the 4 oz limit does not apply to the current TSA restrictions."

Happy Travels!

I have never had any occasion to need or want to have a doctor's note or certification while I carried my CPAP.  If you make a fuss about wanting power for your CPAP the airline might want documentation, such as a certificate of need, but otherwise they don't care.

I'm still confused on one issue on travel.  Does the CPAP machine still go through the x-ray?


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REMStar Pro M w/ c-flex and heated humidifier
ResMed Swift LT nasal pillow
Encore View Software
12 cm H20, 13 cm H20
CPAP start date: June 4, 2008

Yawn wrote:

I'm still confused on one issue on travel.  Does the CPAP machine still go through the x-ray?

Yes.

violet wrote:

Yawn wrote:

I'm still confused on one issue on travel.  Does the CPAP machine still go through the x-ray?

Yes.

No, machine is checked by hand.  Only my bag w/hose & mask went through xray machine.

The answer might be... it depends

My CPAP went through X-ray plus it was wiped for explosives.     An exploding CPAP machine, wow!

So it seems security procedures are not the same from airport to airport?

Blessings,
--pseudonym