Cpap machine and flying

[mrsmom]

Do i need a drs note for my dd13 cpap machine for our flights?
Thanks Kim

 

[MintShakes]

My husband flew with his CPAP in May with no issues. When we were flying home they wiped it down and then tested the cloth but that was it and we were never asked to present documentation on any of our medical devices... that is my personal experience, maybe some others can shed some light on if that is the common practice?

 

[pugdog]

You don't need any type of note. The TSA knows what they are and check them accordingly. They also don't count in your carry on allowance.

 

[bzzymom]

My mom has flown with hers several times, no problems. They are becoming very common.

 

[HarbinsMom]

My husband flies most every week and he has had minimal problems. Each airport is different, but no doctor's note is needed. Sometimes, they actually take it out and swab it, most times, they let it through. Although you'd think with TSA, airports would have things standardized, but it's not entirely true. You shouldn't have too big a hastle, though. I wouldn't put it in checked baggage. Too many things could happen to it.

 

[SueM in MN]

here is the link to the TSA page about travel with respiratory equipment. Most of the information is about oxygen, but it generally covers any respiratory equipment.
I agree with the others that CPAP is pretty common and the machine you are traveling with will not be the first the TSA people have seen.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

No Dr's note required, as everyone else has said. I fly 4-6 times a month. My CPAP is the most screened device in the universe. Gets checked every flight. Unless they decide not to

In any event, you'll have no problems going through security.

 

[wendylovesdisney]

So how do you get the distilled water once you get to your destination? I mean without having to make a special trip to the store? Does everyone just pack a gallon in their bags or what???

 

[NJBlackBerry]

I don't use a humidifier, except in the winter in New Jersey. I found I don't need it in ultra humid Florida.

And there is no way I am packing water in my checked baggage! A recipe for disaster.

 

[lovespoohbear]

when i went to disney world in december the tsa agents had me put it through the xray machine. they told me it doesn't mess it up. i was wondering if someone knew if that was true. it didnt mess up on me but just for future trips i wont worry about it.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

The X Ray machine does not mess up a CPAP machine.

 

[bearybubba]

Thanks to the OP!! I was wondering the same thing since my DBIL will need to bring his in December. So will he not need the distilled water then? I've been trying to figure out how to get the distilled water since we won't have a car.

 

[NJBlackBerry]

You can't take distilled water through security.
I said I personally find I don't need it in humid locations.

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks to the OP!! I was wondering the same thing since my DBIL will need to bring his in December. So will he not need the distilled water then? I've been trying to figure out how to get the distilled water since we won't have a car.

Check with the supplier or manufacturer of the CPAP machine.
Some people have posted in the past that they just used the machine without water for their WDW trip (like several posters on this thread have posted that they personally did not need the additional humidity in Florida).

Other people have posted in the past that the reason for using distilled water was to prevent mineral build up. When they checked with the manufacture/supplier, they were told that using tap water all the time was not recommended, but for a limited time (like during vacation), it would not be a problem.

Another thing people have posted was that they ordered water to be delivered to the resort. I don't remember where they got it, but here are a number of grocery services that take orders and then deliver them to the resort.
Some posters in the past have also shipped a package containing water and other supplies to themselves in care of the resort.

 

[bearybubba]

Check with the supplier or manufacturer of the CPAP machine.
Some people have posted in the past that they just used the machine without water for their WDW trip (like several posters on this thread have posted that they personally did not need the additional humidity in Florida).

Other people have posted in the past that the reason for using distilled water was to prevent mineral build up. When they checked with the manufacture/supplier, they were told that using tap water all the time was not recommended, but for a limited time (like during vacation), it would not be a problem.

Another thing people have posted was that they ordered water to be delivered to the resort. I don't remember where they got it, but here are a number of grocery services that take orders and then deliver them to the resort.
Some posters in the past have also shipped a package containing water and other supplies to themselves in care of the resort.

I was thinking of either including it in the package we are mailing to ourselves or ordering it from gardengrocer.com or any other place that would ship it. That makes me feel better that you made those suggestions. Thanks alot!

 

[SueM in MN]

Thanks alot!

They are suggestions that other people have reported doing, so thanks to them for posting in the past.