General Tips and Tricks on how to Travel with Your CPAP Machine

Whether you are travelling for work or just for a getaway. If you are suffering from sleep apnea and use a cpap machine, you may have some concerns about taking the machine and all its gear along with you. Don’t worry as travelling with a CPAP machine is easier than you think but there are some things you need to keep in mind so that you enjoy the trip.

Just like any trip requires planning, taking your sleep apnea machine along with you on your next trip also requires meticulous planning beforehand. Though it might not take up much of your time, planning to carry your sleep apneamachine and sleep mask should be a part of your travel planning routine. Here are some tips that will make carrying yoursleep apnea machines a whole lot easier.

1. PACKING
   Decide beforehand if want to carry the machine in your checked bag or with you on the plane. Because your sleep apnea machine is a medical equipment, it is not counted as part of your carry-onbaggage. Something to think about while making this decision is the risk of loss or damage. If you pack your machine in your checked bag and it gets misplaced or delayed, you will be without your device until the bag is retrieved or till you get a replacement.
2. BACK UP POWER
   If you do not already own one, it might be a good idea to purchase or rent a battery back-up for your sleep apnea machine. It can come in handy if youare staying in an area where there is no electricity.
   
   If you are travelling to another country, check if the adapters and plugs needed for your machine work once you reach your destination.
   
3. MAKE A LIST OF ITEMS
   Make a checklist of the supplies and equipment of your sleep apnea machinesso that you don’t forget anything. It is also a good idea to pack additional supplies like mask cushions as you never know when you will need replacements.
4. GETTING PAST SECURITY
   Before going through security, you might want to consider placing a medical equipment tag on your CPAP machine. Even though TSA agents are aware of what a CPAP machine looks like, the luggage tag will ensure that everything goes on without any hassles.
   
   Just like with any other carry-on baggage, your sleep apnea machine and sleep mask will need to be x-rayed. It is recommended that you take yoursleep apnea machinesout of its case and place it in a screening bag. Everything else can go in another screening bin. To make sure your device is not tampered with, the security agent may examine the device closely and swab it. Don’t worry, your device will not be damaged.