CPAP-Machines and Flying

[stitchlovestink]

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.

bolding is mine...
I'm sorry, but this REALLY made me laugh. I'm assuming that this poster really meant to say 'interpret' ? Truthfully 'interrupt' is a much better description of some of the TSA agents doing their job. I'm all for taking all necessary precautions for everyone's safety, but once in while, you get a real HUMDINGER of an agent. KWIM? sorry, just thought it was a funny typo. That is if it is a typo?

 

[EWL]

Wow, so glad to find this thread! Just found out today that I have severe sleep apnea and will have to be fitted for a CPAP, so doing some searching to see what all that involves. Sounds like it's fairly common these days so that is reassuring!

For those who use one already, tell me please: are those mask things as uncomfortable as they look??? (hoping not!) Ready to try it though-- sooo tired of being sleepy all the time! (And it is no accident that I own a "Grumpy" t-shirt either )

 

[Big V]

Wow, so glad to find this thread! Just found out today that I have severe sleep apnea and will have to be fitted for a CPAP, so doing some searching to see what all that involves. Sounds like it's fairly common these days so that is reassuring!

For those who use one already, tell me please: are those mask things as uncomfortable as they look??? (hoping not!) Ready to try it though-- sooo tired of being sleepy all the time! (And it is no accident that I own a "Grumpy" t-shirt either )

I have the nasel mask and it took a little while to get used to it. There are different types of masks that you can wear, so check with your consultant as to which is the most comfortable for you. Good Luck!

 

[maelstrom]

are those mask things as uncomfortable as they look???

My dad says that the mask is kind of tight on his face and it leaves an outline on his face when he takes it off in the morning.

Every time I see him wearing it, I start humming the Imperial March from Star Wars.

 

[goofyernmost]

There are all kinds of masks out there. The nasal mask, the full face mask and, what I have, the nasal pillows. It is a small plastic "C" shaped devise with soft rubber pillows that insert at the opening of your nose. I love it.

I remember when I first got the machine, I said to the nurse fitting it, that the machine and the accompanying head gear would surely put a damper on my "love" life. She looked at me and said...I don't know about you, but I usually do that kind of stuff while I'm awake. You only need this to sleep. It made me feel better about it.

I was falling asleep while driving. That is when I decided that I needed to find out why I was always so tired. My wife and kids had gotten used to my snoring, but it was keeping me more awake then them. I have been on the thing for about 12 years. It is a bit of a hassle to haul the thing everyplace, but they are so much smaller today then they were when I first got one. All airport security, at this point, recognize what it is and some test it, some don't. It's kind of random I guess. Either way it doesn't hold you up more than the shoes off thing, in fact usually by the time you get your shoes back on, they are done.

As I said, I never let it out of my sight. Every airline I have been on in recent years considers it medical equipment and doesn't get counted among your carry-ons.