CPAP-Machines and Flying

[MELISAZACK]

Anyone have a Cpap machine they use at home?
My Dh gets his today and I was told we can travel with it. but I am wondering if when we fly can we take it as a carry on?? I would hate to have to pack it and it be stolen or break....
so what are your thoughts we leave in less than a month for our 1st trip to vegas and I really had planed on taking this with us.

 

[Jestocost]

Yes, CPAP machines are allowed to be taken through security and on the plane as carry-on baggage. There are some special rules regarding screening that you should review before traveling. See the official TSA Web page on CPAP machines.

 

[minniecarousel]

My Sis always has hers as a carry-on. I think there is an allowance to have it as an extra carry-on, since it's medical equipment. But, yes, review the rules about it, and check with your carrier to be sure.

 

[Big V]

Never had problems carrying it on. The screeners know what they are. It's medical equipment, so it doesn't count as your carry on!

 

[kirbydog48]

My DH does carry-on for his all the time; there's no extra fee.

 

[MELISAZACK]

Thank you all!! I knew the DIs folks would have the answer for me!

 

[Meriweather]

My DH travels a lot and always carries his on.."personal medical device".
Years ago, it was a big ordeal....now they know what it is, but it has to be taken out of the bag for screening. He keeps his in a ziplock bag.
He almost always gets pulled aside to have it swabbed. He always asks the person doing it to change their gloves.

 

[MELISAZACK]

so would you all suggest tell the tsa agent to change the gloves and stuff?
I know nothing about this machine right now - so them touching the outside could containamate it??? fill me guys if you don't mind.

 

[Grandmax3]

I carry mine all the time and it is not counted as a carry on. My C-PaP is in a vinyl carry case and is rarely taken out. they usually just test the case not the actual piece. Every TSA agent has his own way to interrupt the rules. I agree that you should check with your carrier to see their rules. Have fun on your trip.

 

[Disney Doll]

DH's has a little bag that it fits into that he carries on to the plane. They usually make him open the bag and they look in it.

I wouldn't pack it into checked luggage because the way they throw luggage around, it could get broken pretty easily.

 

[NAB]

My DH has one but if it is a short trip we don't even bother taking it with us.

I guess it depends how badly you need it I guess. He just says he went this long with out one he will survive a few days with out.

Good to know if it get to the point he can't go a night with out it we can take it with us.

 

[Meriweather]

I guess it must vary by airport then, because at ours, C-PAPs are now like computers and must come out of the bag.....hence DH keeping his in a ziplock bag.

I will have to ask him if that is how it is at all the airports he's been going to.....this week....Seattle, Toronto, Montreal, Boston.

 

[MELISAZACK]

Well I think we need it even for short trips... He doesn't get "sleep" w/o it and is tired really badly all day and takes many naps... so I think I will have to take the machine regardless -- and if not I have to get seperate rooms due to snoring...

 

[hiwaygal]

One shouldn't stop using their CPAP machine even for "short periods"...technically the machine should be used even for naps.

Not all TSA agents will necessarily inspect them the same way, but the airlines are not allowed to charge you or count the machines as a carry-on.

 

[JCJRSmith]

I always carry mine, ever since the one time I checked it thru in my luggage, and the airline lost my luggage for three days.

Carry it.

 

[minniecarousel]

Well I think we need it even for short trips... He doesn't get "sleep" w/o it and is tired really badly all day and takes many naps... so I think I will have to take the machine regardless -- and if not I have to get seperate rooms due to snoring...

You will see a new person once he starts using it! My sister was soooo crabby and was so tired all the time until she got hers. She uses it every night.

 

[minkydog]

I use my CPAP every night. I can't breathe without it. I have taken my CPAP as carry on many times without a glitch. Most of the TSA people have seen medical equipment--CPAP, nebulizers, blood glucose meter, insulin syringes, etc. Sometimes they want to wipe it down to test for bomb residue but that doesn't bother me. It doesn't mess up my machine and I'm happy to comply with their testing. I just carry the CPAP and put it under my feet.

 

[MELISAZACK]

I was just reading SW site and if you are carrying on a CPAP machine they perfer to preboard you to safetly store the machine...????????? so I called and aked if I was reading it right, YUP... she said please make sure you tell the gate agent you have one so we can preboard you and make sure it is stowed properly... Okay weird... but I can comply no big deal there.

 

[goofyernmost]

so would you all suggest tell the tsa agent to change the gloves and stuff?
I know nothing about this machine right now - so them touching the outside could containamate it??? fill me guys if you don't mind.

Only for the happy germaphobic. The outside of the machine is not more then for show. The inside is where the stuff happens. It takes air from the outside and pressurizes it and then you breath it-with or without a humidifier. It is the same air that everyone breaths, just under pressure. Have them change gloves if you want to but that will only slow the process down.

My DH has one but if it is a short trip we don't even bother taking it with us.

I guess it depends how badly you need it I guess. He just says he went this long with out one he will survive a few days with out.

Good to know if it get to the point he can't go a night with out it we can take it with us.

I can't sleep at all without it. I do not let it out of my sight when in route. I cannot afford to be without it if I want to enjoy myself. Long trips, short trips any place. If I want to stay up all night, I can go without it. It's a bit of a pain in the posterior but my quality of life has improved in remarkable ways. As an added perk...I may live longer because my heart is no longer under such a strain to get oxygen to my body. It is a win, win deal.

 

[brytorlyn]

DH and I both have CPAP machines and I always pack them in their individual bags and then in a suitcase with my blankie! I always bring my feather duvet because I can't sleep without it or my CPAP machine and DH snores in a scary way without his. I feel they are fairly safe wrapped in the duvet....

BUT I NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT MY LUGGAGE GOING MISSING!!!!! I know it happens all the time and I guess we have been lucky but OH MY GOODNESS!! That would be such a disaster! I will have to rethink this now! Thank you for bringing this to my attention.