C/Pap Questions

[ScrappinGran]

Hi everyone! I am new to usung a C/Pap machine and it will be my first time traveling with it. I understand that I can carry it on, and it won't count as my 1 allowed carry on as it's a medical advice. I have also read that I may be asked to unpack it, etc during security screening. We are renting a car, so I can pick up distilled water. I have a few questions, though. We are getting a king room. Will I need an extension cord? Also we arrive in Orlando around 11:15 a.m. I don't expect our room to be ready, but will they hold my machine for me until my room is ready? I don't really want to carry it around for 3 hrs.
Also...totally off Disney questions..but I use a C/Pap with a mask. I can't handle the nose version. I wake up with mask imprints on my face that take a good long while to go away. The mask sometimes bruises my cheekbones, but if I make it any looser, air leak. Luckily my glasses hit just where the cheekbone bruise are, so they aren't real noticible, but can be a little sore.
I bruise VERY easily, so not really overly concerned, but wondered if anyone else has the same problem. I love my machine...just hate the marks on my face. I open my building @ work @ 6 a.m. and sometimes the marks are still there at that time...when I got up @ 4:30.
Anyone have any tips to share? Any advice and answers to the resort questions re: my machine are most appreciated.

 

[bidnow5]

My wife has never had a problem plugging hers in. Disney is great we have shown up at 7AM and they hold all of our luggage for us' My wife had to play with the straps till she got it so it didn't leak and didn't hurt she just adjusted it a little at a time now it works fine for her

 

[TillyMarigold]

I've had my CPAP about 2½ years now and I love love LOVE IT. It has totally changed my life. I fly with it all the time, probably 4-6 times per year.

I always travel with an extension cord/surge protector unless I'm really short on luggage space (my machine is tiny and so is its case, so I have to put the extension cord in my checked luggage).

Your mask shouldn't cause bruises--you need to talk to your respiratory therapist about that. It should stay on with the straps very loose (if I'm misunderstanding and it's the straps that are leaving marks, there are cushions that can wrap around the straps called "pad-a-cheek"--Google it). You may be using the wrong mask for the shape of your face, or something. I've only used nasal pillow masks and the Hybrid so I can't help much, but I know if it's leaving bruises, either the fit is wrong or you need a different mask. If it's leaving bruises, it's also not helping you as much as it could.

For strap marks (not bruises, just the reddish indentations), if I have to be at work very early I sometimes use a green concealer (by Physicians Formula) on them, under my foundation. But with the pad-a-cheek, they usually disappear within an hour or so of waking up.

 

[SantaClaus]

Call your airline or check their website to confirm that there will not be a problem bringing it aboard. (Some say you have to have a medical note). However, I have never had a problem. Security is trained to recognize the CPAP machines so no biggie there either (you may have to take it out of the carrying case for them to X-Ray it).

If you use a humidifier and live in a dry climate you can leave the humidifier at home. One less thing to carry!

You might want to call your resort to confirm that they have extension cords (they likely will). However, you may want to bring a "multi-plug" adapter in case you want to have more than 2 items (e.g. CPAP, alarm clock and lamp) plugged into the same outlet.

Sounds like you may also want to see someone about getting it properly fitted. Make sure you mark the straps afterwards/only use the clips so that you'll know the proper lengths!

Merry Christmas!

 

[TillyMarigold]

Call your airline or check their website to confirm that there will not be a problem bringing it aboard. (Some say you have to have a medical note). However, I have never had a problem. Security is trained to recognize the CPAP machines so no biggie there either (you may have to take it out of the carrying case for them to X-Ray it).

If you use a humidifier and live in a dry climate you can leave the humidifier at home. One less thing to carry!

The ADA makes it illegal to ask someone to prove a disability, does the ACAA not do the same? I know the TSA regs specifically say CPAPs must be allowed to stay with the passenger at all times.

If you're used to a heated humidifier and want to leave it home (I can't anyway, mine is integrated), make sure beforehand that it won't bother you to sleep with cold air instead of warm. I can't sleep without my humidifier even in humid climates, I like my air nice and warm. Cold air keeps me up all night.

 

[ScrappinGran]

Thank you all for your answers and help. You've answered a lot of my questions! Your help is much appreciated. I' breathing a little easier now! LOL!

 

[clkelley]

We always travel with an extra extension cord for the CPAP and two power strips for our other "stuff" Hotels never have enough plugs.

(We have two cell phones, two cameres with rechargeable batteries, two camera spare battery chargers, the CPAP, a netbook, and an ECV to plug in)

 

[TillyMarigold]

Call your airline or check their website to confirm that there will not be a problem bringing it aboard. (Some say you have to have a medical note). However, I have never had a problem. Security is trained to recognize the CPAP machines so no biggie there either (you may have to take it out of the carrying case for them to X-Ray it).

As of a year or two ago, you MUST take it out of the case, just as you would with a laptop. This is the law in both the US and the UK (but not in Spain, if anyone cares). Every airport in the US (that I've seen, which is probably about 10-12) has signs stating that.

Some places still swab it down as well and some let it go through with just the X-ray. Last winter I actually had mine break and had to fly with a temporary loaner machine and it tested positive for explosives! They patted me down and X-rayed it again and then let me go (with the machine of course). I guess it was the industrial cleaner they use between users? (The airport I flew out of on the return trip doesn't swab, they only X-ray.)

Now that I have my new machine, security takes longer because everyone wants to talk about how tiny and cute it is ...

 

[clkelley]

As of a year or two ago, you MUST take it out of the case, just as you would with a laptop. This is the law in both the US and the UK (but not in Spain, if anyone cares). Every airport in the US (that I've seen, which is probably about 10-12) has signs stating that.

Some places still swab it down as well and some let it go through with just the X-ray. Last winter I actually had mine break and had to fly with a temporary loaner machine and it tested positive for explosives! They patted me down and X-rayed it again and then let me go (with the machine of course). I guess it was the industrial cleaner they use between users? (The airport I flew out of on the return trip doesn't swab, they only X-ray.)

Now that I have my new machine, security takes longer because everyone wants to talk about how tiny and cute it is ...

DH never takes his out of his bag. He carries it on planes in a rolling backpack along with a change of clothes and it all goes through the x-ray inside the bag.

 

[TillyMarigold]

DH never takes his out of his bag. He carries it on planes in a rolling backpack along with a change of clothes and it all goes through the x-ray inside the bag.

Good luck to him. I tried that once (didn't see the sign) and security detained me while they pulled my bag apart.

Why would you disobey the large signs posted by the TSA all over security areas at every airport saying that all laptops and CPAPs must be removed from their bags?

 

[brekin67]

I copied this directly from the TSA website.

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines

CPAPs are allowed through security checkpoints once they have undergone screening.

Passengers will be required to take their CPAP machine out of its carrying case and place the device in a bin for x-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing can remain in the carrying case.

In addition to x-ray inspection of your CPAP machine, a visual and physical inspection, and Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) sampling will be required.

To facilitate CPAP machine hygiene and cleanliness:

Once out of the carrying case, you can place your CPAP machine in a clear plastic bag before placing the device in the bin. You will need to provide/bring your own plastic bag.

Upon request, TSOs will change their gloves prior to performing the visual and physical inspection, and ETD sampling of your CPAP machine. The CPAP will need to be removed from the plastic bag by the TSO to conduct the ETD sampling.

Upon request, TSOs will clean the table where the ETD sampling will be conducted.

Upon request, TSOs will change the ETD sampling media before conducting the ETD sampling.

 

[clkelley]

I have never seen a sign that stated CPaps have to be removed at HSV, BNA, or MCO. We are not breaking the rules on purpose and it has never been brought up to us. On a couple of occasions his bag has been pulled aside and they did swab the CPap, but we were not told he was supposed to remove it from the bag. DH always gets hand wanded because he uses an ECV and has two artificial knees, so maybe that's the difference.