I think using a tag identifying the bag as medical equiptment would be a good idea. It may be none of their business, but it usually will shut a nosy person up. My son is visually impaired. Most of the time, he leaves his cane at home. But there are times when he goes into the city by himself, or he'll go to meeting with large crowds of people, and it just makes more sense to carry it. It says to people around him, "I'm not a clutz, I'm just blind". Use your own judgement, but I think you'd get less odd looks and rude comments if you would label the bag. Virginia
_________________ Resmed elite , 17, mirage quattro ff . 25 + years of untreated OSA
On my last flight I struck up a long conversation in the waiting area because we were both carrying a CPAP bag.
Per my comment in the OP, Im amazed at how well the TSA seems to be dealing with it too... Ive now been openly thanked by the TSA agent for getting the machine out and in a separate bin, and they have been as discrete as is humanly possible. In almost every case, the bin is pulled as soon as it passes x-ray, they have taken it quietly for the explosives scan (some even applogizing for having to do it), and then returning it to where Im standing packing my laptop. I HAVE to believe there has been some training done to be that consistent.
Even being a newbie, Im also positively amazed at how many people are "in the club". Unfortunately, the scab on the bridge of my nose has caused some conversations too... and suddenly learn that yet another person is a CPAP user, and has been through this too.
Hello JC, and welcome to the fun world of travelling with a CPAP. I'm a frequent international traveller, and I'll share my experiences.
1) I've had NO problems within the USA regarding getting my carry-on CPAP through security or on-board. My F&P model came with a nice travelling case, so that makes it more convenient.
2) Latin America is a frequent destination, and no hablo mucho espanol. So, with the help of a hispanic friend, we composed and printed a very simple note IN SPANISH, in 24-pt font, that basically says, "This machine is a medical device. It is excluded from baggage restrictions." I keep it in the travel case, and the few times I've pulled it out, it helped.
3) SOMETIMES, I just don't want to carry it around!!! So, yes, I have packed it in a checked bag. This is not a security problem, but you do risk damage. I've broken 3 humidifier tanks this way, once on a short jaunt within the USA. Sheeesh. So you run the risk of arriving with a non-functional unit. I have one bag that I've lined 3 sides with 1" styrofoam construction insulation and then pack my CPAP in there. I've had no damage since doing that, but you do lose quite a bit of space. Other than some insulation or padding, put nothing else on top of your machine, in case TSA does want to open your case and inspect the machine. They've done that to me a couple times, without problems, but there's no reason to make them wade through more personal stuff than is necessary.
4) Check the electrical label on your machine, if going OUS. My machine works just fine on both 110 VAC and 220 VAC, so a simple electrical adapter is all you need. I forgot my adapter on a trip to the UK and really needed my machine, but it was impossible to find an adapter for a US plug to go into a UK socket over there. So I bought a pair of electrical pliers/snippers and a UK plug, snipped off my plug, and installed the UK plug. Once back in the US, I had to buy a US plug to re-install on the cord. Oh well. Ugly, but totally functional.
Hello JC, and welcome to the fun world of travelling with a CPAP. I'm a frequent international traveller, and I'll share my experiences.
1) I've had NO problems within the USA regarding getting my carry-on CPAP through security or on-board. My F&P model came with a nice travelling case, so that makes it more convenient.
2) Latin America is a frequent destination, and no hablo mucho espanol. So, with the help of a hispanic friend, we composed and printed a very simple note IN SPANISH, in 24-pt font, that basically says, "This machine is a medical device. It is excluded from baggage restrictions." I keep it in the travel case, and the few times I've pulled it out, it helped.
3) SOMETIMES, I just don't want to carry it around!!! So, yes, I have packed it in a checked bag. This is not a security problem, but you do risk damage. I've broken 3 humidifier tanks this way, once on a short jaunt within the USA. Sheeesh. So you run the risk of arriving with a non-functional unit. I have one bag that I've lined 3 sides with 1" styrofoam construction insulation and then pack my CPAP in there. I've had no damage since doing that, but you do lose quite a bit of space. Other than some insulation or padding, put nothing else on top of your machine, in case TSA does want to open your case and inspect the machine. They've done that to me a couple times, without problems, but there's no reason to make them wade through more personal stuff than is necessary.
4) Check the electrical label on your machine, if going OUS. My machine works just fine on both 110 VAC and 220 VAC, so a simple electrical adapter is all you need. I forgot my adapter on a trip to the UK and really needed my machine, but it was impossible to find an adapter for a US plug to go into a UK socket over there. So I bought a pair of electrical pliers/snippers and a UK plug, snipped off my plug, and installed the UK plug. Once back in the US, I had to buy a US plug to re-install on the cord. Oh well. Ugly, but totally functional.
Happy trails, to you....
While I dont have reason to travel internationally right NOW... these are great thoughts, as it will happen soon enough. I do have an international power adaptor, so assuming the transformer wont fry when I hit it with 220, I should be good there, but Ill probably have to buy another adaptor kit as I use that one for my laptop. Having the translated rules about carry one etc is a VERY good idea, and one I probably would not have thought of.
I suspect Im a little to proud to use my CPAP on board the airplane, I suppose I might rethink that on a flight to Japan - and Ive seen conflicting information about the rules and technical limitations to using a CPAP with a power inverter. Guess Ill have to figure that out for sure before the really LONG flight gets on my itinerary.
After fighting a sore nose, and leaks with my ComfortGel mask, I now have an OptiLife. MUCH smaller and quieter than the ComfortGel was, and at first blush a lot more comfortable as well (for me anyway). Its also quite a bit easier to travel with - where the ComfortGel body was a hard plastic that was subject to breakage, the OptiLife is more flexible, and it comes with a handy travel bag. Its also significantly smaller which is nice for packing, as well as being able to watch TV or potentially even read.
Had an interesting "event" on my departure yesterday... after the customary announcement of the 2 bag limit, I went to board and the gate agent challenged me. When I told her it was a CPAP she immediately let me get on, but sadly (for me) announced in voice loud enough for anyone in the gate area to hear "Wouldn't it be great if there was a big red tag on those things so that we know you CPAP users" or something along those lines. To her credit, I believe she was just trying to be friendly... but frankly I would prefer NOT having my CPAP usage be public knowledge (how ironic that I would POST that thought in a public forum ).
Finally a question - Since getting my OptiLife, seems that I am waking up in the middle of the night more frequently. When I first got the CPAP machine, I slept like a LOG for the first couple of weeks - to the point where I would have an arm go to sleep becuase I hadn't moved at all. Now I seem to wake up 4-6 times a night (that I remember anyway) and readjust my sleeping position. Not sure if that is becuase Im not as dog tired as I used to be, or if I need to work on the mask adjustments a bit more... just interested in any thoughts/experiences...
jc
Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:10 pm
Bearded One
Joined: 02 Oct 2006
Posts: 2092
Location: Virginia
"Wouldn't it be great if there was a big red tag on those things so that we know you CPAP users"
If it is in a standard issue manufacturer's carrying case, maybe the airlines should train the gate agents to recognise the major DME manufacturer's names. I can spot a CPAP bag a mile away. Or maybe gate agents should be taught to be more discreet about medical devices.
as well as being able to watch TV or potentially even read.
Why would you want to read or watch TV while in bed? Beds and CPAPs are for sleeping.
Personallity flaw I guess
RE: more discreet gate agents... yup, I know I would have appreciated it. I get over it in a hurry on the grounds that I dont know anybody there, and probably will never see any of them again, but still....
I think this has been posted before but you can, for $10, order a CPAP medical equipment carry on luggage tag from one of the CPAP supply vendors on line. I think I am going to do it. If you can't find it by Googling, send me a PM and I will email you the website.
Grandma
_________________ ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11
Hang in there with the optilife, it takes a little while to get things adjusted and get comfortable with how it fits.
The weight of the hose seems to me to be the biggest issue with the mask staying in place for me, to combat that I now have my hose velcroed to the headgear the long tube that comes off of the actual mask resembles the hook on a snorkle(going up the side of the headgear) . Since doing this I feel like the mask is much more secure and allows me to roll in bed I am not waking up several times a night to readjust it. I can now sleep on my stomach or my side with out any problem at all (even the side that the hose goes up as it just sinks into my pillow and I don't even feel it there.)
Good luck!!!
Trish
_________________ Optilife mask by Respironics
Remstar Plus M with c-flex and heated humidifier
Pressure set at 18
Started Cpap on 12-13-07
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So you run the risk of arriving with a non-functional unit. I have one bag that I've lined 3 sides with 1" styrofoam construction insulation and then pack my CPAP in there. I've had no damage since doing that, but you do lose quite a bit of space. Other than some insulation or padding, put nothing else on top of your machine, in case TSA does want to open your case and inspect the machine. They've done that to me a couple times, without problems, but there's no reason to make them wade through more personal stuff than is necessary.
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