aliensnoozer wrote:

Another question,  after they swab it with whatever, do we need to do anything special to clean the machines.  I don't know what type of chemicals they use, but mentally don't like thinking I'm breathing any chemical in at night.

When people hear the word "Swab" they immediately think that something is being put ON the machine.  The "Swab" is just a piece of dry cloth designed to PICK UP any explosives residue that might be on your machine.

There are no chemicals involved.  Think about it.  If they were to use chemicals...to test for chemicals...the tests wouldn't be accurate!

I spoke with the Transportation Security Administration today.  They had gotten an inquiries from several of their TSOs concerning  the screening of PAPs that have smart cards.

Passengers had indicated that they did not want to have their devices x-rayed because of concern for the data on the card.

I am under the impression that the x-ray will not damage the information on the card.  I am seeking confirmation of this from the manufacturers.  In the meantime, the TSA will be advising their TSOs that passengers who are concerned about the smart card should remove it from the device prior to having it x-rayed and carry the card with them.

My contact at the TSA mentioned that their TSOs were reminded recently that passengers traveling with PAP devices could put them in plastic bags, prior to being put in plastic bin for screening and that if the passenger requests it, the TSO will put on a clean pair of gloves before inspecting the device.

If Forum members have any concerns about the TSA, they are encouraged to send me a Private Message.


_________________
Executive Director
American Sleep Apnea Association
6856 Eastern Avenue, NW Ste. 203
Washington, DC 20012
202-293-3650

This doesn't make sense.  The cards are a transfer medium only...the data is stored inside the machine. I am not sure about Respironics, but ResMed machines won't let you leave the card in the machine anyway.

This is all very interesting, but I'm reading it for the first time and wondering why are you carrying your CPAP with you, rather than packing it in your luggage?  I'm going to Hawaii in December and while I'd like to sleep between Dallas and Honolulu, I don't think I'd be comfortable "strapping on" in public!  Is there something I don't know (and should) about just packing it in my checked luggage?

jettstream


_________________
REMstar Plus M CPAP Machine
w/C-flex, Ramp, & Heated Humidifier
ResMed Mirage Quattro Full-face Mask
Pressure setting 17
Began therapy 18 July 2008

Until recently, they allowed medical eq. like this to be carried onboard, and not counted as such. Always overpacked for work, I always carried my cpap onboard like this, along with my laptop (can't go in baggage) and small backpack (my 'male purse'). I got some arguments, but they never made me stow anything.
Today, who knows? (tomorrow, we do know - they'll weigh us at the gate!) If someone gets an answer, please post. I will be flying next month, and will post what I know.. if I can get an answer.

I just got a new remstar M today that is about 1/3 smaller than my old one, and should travel easier. (didn't know insurance allowed you to replace it every 5 years) But I may get a small one for travel, too. Wish the humidifier didn't make them so much bigger...

Has something changed recently about regulations for carrying CPAP machines on planes? I flew last spring and had not one bit of problem with carrying it on the plane along with my carry-on piece.  I usually put my purse inside the carry-on.  I would never pack my CPAP in my luggage.  Checked baggage can be opened by inspectors any time, things can get stolen, dropped and broken or contaminated.  I do not use my machine on board, but I won't let it out of my sight, so it stays with me, not my luggage.
Grandma


_________________
ResMed Quattro Full Face Mask
ResMed S8 Escape with heated humidifier
Pressure set at 11

jettstream wrote:

why are you carrying your CPAP with you, rather than packing it in your luggage?

The simple answer is to make sure your xPAP arrives at the same place  as you do, at the same time!

Checked luggage can end up anywhere, and while you can easily buy yourself a toothbrush etc if you need to, you can't get hold of a CPAP machine easily if you end up in Hawaii and your checked luggage ends up in Hondurus!

Cheers,

Bill