Hi my name is Randy--I'm new to this forum.  I just recently bought a laptop computer.  Since I need to carry that as well as my BiPaP machine on board airplanes, I was wondering if anyone had suggestions for a bag or knapsack or something that could hold both of them safely.  The current bag I have for my BiPap--the one it came with-won't really hold my computer very well.

Thanks,

Randy

Hi Randy, welcome!

Check with your specific airline policy, but generally speaking you don't need to pack them both into one carryon, most airlines allow the CPAP in its own bag in addition to your carryon.  It's easier to find room for two small bags than one big one, too

In the first (main) sleep apnea forum, there is a Sticky Post near the top titled "Revised rules from TSA for CPAP":

http://www.apneasupport.org/viewtopic.php?t=14928  

There is good information there about travelling with your CPAP in general.

Blessings,
--pseudonym

pseudonym wrote:

Hi Randy, welcome!

Check with your specific airline policy, but generally speaking you don't need to pack them both into one carryon, most airlines allow the CPAP in its own bag in addition to your carryon.  It's easier to find room for two small bags than one big one, too

In the first (main) sleep apnea forum, there is a Sticky Post near the top titled "Revised rules from TSA for CPAP":

http://www.apneasupport.org/viewtopic.php?t=14928  

There is good information there about travelling with your CPAP in general.

Blessings,
--pseudonym

Pseudonym,

Thank you for referrring me to the other discussion.  I still need a bag that will arry both-I think-because I almost always have to carry a garment bag along with me.  When I travel, I am usually going to some type of function where I can't risk my suit being lost.  The other reason that I often carry my garment bag is to try and decrease the wrinkling that occurs when it is checked.  So since I already have my garment bag, and a bag for my BiPap machine--I need something that is large enough and with enough padding to protect my computer.  I hope I am not the only with this problem.

Randy

Randy:

Maybe someone on the forum will give you the answer you want, but in the meantime you may want to consider a small suitcase. Ive spoken with quite a few users that will pack their mask(s), hoses, humidifier, Cpap unit, and laptop into a "small" suitcase, then use towels or other means to pad the case. You will have to have it inspected, most likely, at airports, but a quick unzip will expose the contents and get you on your way. No messy unpacking.

Ill keep an eye out to a wonder bag, but I figured I would post the obvious in the meantime.

Sorry if I wasted your time with this post.

RAM_Sleep wrote:

Randy:

Maybe someone on the forum will give you the answer you want, but in the meantime you may want to consider a small suitcase. Ive spoken with quite a few users that will pack their mask(s), hoses, humidifier, Cpap unit, and laptop into a "small" suitcase, then use towels or other means to pad the case. You will have to have it inspected, most likely, at airports, but a quick unzip will expose the contents and get you on your way. No messy unpacking.

Ill keep an eye out to a wonder bag, but I figured I would post the obvious in the meantime.

Sorry if I wasted your time with this post.

Nope, the reply wasn't wasted, I may have to try this.  I was hoping some some smart entrepreneur would have marketed something already as it seems like a niche need.   I wasn't really interested in packing a small suitcase--plus I have a Bipap machine--not CPAP- so it's pretty large.  In thinking of small suitcases that are allowed past security, I'm not sure if I could find one that is big enough for a laptop and a large BiPAP machine that is small enough to get past security--but I guess I'll go to the luggage store and take a look.

Randy

When I travel I have found it easiest and less cumbersome to put my BiPAP machine, hose and mask in its travel bag, placing it inside my wheeled carry on suitcase, which is the maximum airline approved size for a carry on.  I secure the BiPAP travel bag using the straps that are built into my wheeled bag.  My wheeled carry on has two exterior zippered pockets.  In the larger pocket I place my 15.4" laptop and the other pocket I use for reading material.  I also keep the laptop cord and the extension cord for my BiPAP inside the carry on along with the little ziploc baggy that has all my various 3 oz. containers that I will need to put into the plastic tray to go through the xray machine.


_________________
OSA Sleep Test 8/29/07, AHI 64/Sat. 74%
Titrated 10/1/07 and 9/30/08
BiPAP Auto M Series w/Humidifier 15/10cm
OptiLife Mask; Ruby chinstrap


CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO~ http://tinyurl.com/69q52a

I recently took my laptop and my CPAP to my local Apple store.  After putting my gear in several different bags, I found a backpack that can hold both items and it still comfortable to carry.  However, I haven't had a chance to try travel with it yet.  Let us know what you find as I agree this is a niche that needs to be filled.  Joan


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Machine: Respironics REMstar Pro M Series w/humidifier & pressure of 10
Mask: Puritan Bennett Breeze with Respironics OptiLife with as backup