CPAP machine

what do you mean by general Europe? Latvia, Portugal, Norway?

The basic European adapter like this will be fine in all.
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/european-power-adapter
Note the pointy ends on the base. Older adapters with rounded ends sometimes won't fit in sockets in Switzerland.

As noted above, a standard adapter should be fine. We're traveling with a friend who has a CPAP. She uses the same power source as she and her husband use for charging their phones, etc.

The one thing she's been a bit challenged by in Germany, Belgium, France, etc, is finding distilled water. It's out there but she has to work to find it -- and she says it's pricey compared to home.

As has been noted in other CPAP posts, humidification is for comfort, and isn't therapeutic.
Even at home, I don't use the humidifier with no issues. Others have mentioned using tap water when traveling and cleaning the reservoir of mineral buildup when they returned home per their supplier/doctor's okay.

It's not just the adapter, you need to have a machine that will handle the different current. Plugging in a 110/120 USA voltage machine can be done; one time. Then you will hear a "pop", probably see smoke, and have to throw it out. You'll also have to reset the fuse for the room/outlet. The way to get around this is with a transformer, but most people don't carry them as they are heavy. The other option is to ensure your machine/device is capable of both US and EU current. If it is it will be noted. Read the labels.

Every CPAP machine I'm aware of is powered via a transformer brick that converts AC mains power (108 to 230 VAC) to direct current (DC) at whatever voltage the machine requires. My ResMed works fine plugged into a standard adapter both in the UK and on the continent, as I believe other US CPAP machines should do also.

suzanne,

I also use a CPAP and there are a few important points to consider when travelling to Europe. You didn't specify what type of unit you're using, but it's likely it will be configured for use in many countries. A few things to consider.....

• It's important to check the power supply unit to determine the Input Voltage. If it states something like, "Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz" then you'll be fine connecting this to power outlets in Europe. These typically don't use a transformer but rather a Switch Mode Power Supply so they will adapt to whatever the voltage is (within their design parameters). Frequency isn't a concern with many units as the output of the power supply is DC (my CPAP PS is 24VDC).
• As the others have mentioned, you will need Plug Adapters for the countries you'll be visiting. This model will generally work in most countries in Europe - https://www.amazon.com/European-Adapter-Europe-Travel-Converter/dp/B097GCZWMM?th=1 and it has the "V" shaped ends that will fit plugs in Switzerland.
• The Euro plug adapters mentioned above are fine for those products that have a two-pin (ungrounded) plug. They will work fine with most electronic product chargers such as phones, tablets or some CPAP machines (my unit has a two-pin plug). Some larger products such as laptops may use a three-pin (grounded) plug and for those a different plug adapter is required. This model is the specific grounded plug adapter for Switzerland. They won't work in other countries.

I always carry a selection of two and three pin plug adapters that allow connection in just about any country in Europe. This is an example of a product that's designed for grounded outlets in Germany and France - https://www.amazon.com/LENCENT-Germany-Adapter-Converter-Approved/dp/B0C5DHQLQY?th=1 .

I hope this has provided the information you're looking for.

Suzanne,

What advice Ken gave is spot on. The information he provided under #1 is the key for any any all electrical items. The CPAP should specify 110-240V and 50-60hz on the cord.

I use a Resmed Airsense 11 CPAP myself and have traveled to Italy and Antigua (depending upon where you stay in Antigua it can use 110 or 220) numerous times and an adapter was sufficient. I would recommend packing an extension cord in your cpap bag though as it can come in handy depending upon location of outlet and ability to charge you phone at the same time. Enjoy your travels.

Suzanne, if your CPAP machine is relatively new (10 years old or less), chances are it will work find with the 220 voltage. As others have mentioned, just bring an adaptor tailored for Europe. I use this one from Amazon that has 2 additional outlets along with 2 USB-C ports and one USB-A port. Sometimes you will find only one or two outlets in a hotel room, so this allows you to plug your CPAP and other devices (i.e., phone, watch) into the same outlet.

The one thing she's been a bit challenged by in Germany, Belgium, France, etc, is finding distilled water. It's out there but she has to work to find it -- and she says it's pricey compared to home.

You do not need to use distilled water. I've traveled extensively and have always just used regular tap or bottled water. Just give it a quick wipe out every few days and that will remove any residue from the tap water.

Distilled water for a CPAP machine can often be found in the laundry section of a supermarket at a reasonable price.

It is in household supplies sections but the bottles are labelled not for use in respiratory machines. Sometimes a chemical is added to the water, and for ironing, sometimes even a fragrance like lavender or rose is added. So read the label before buying. Distilled water is also sold in car supply shops for batteries.

YOU DO NOT NEED DISTILLED WATER when traveling. Seriously! Check with your CPAP supplier or your medical provider if you do not believe me. You are fine with bottled or tap water.

The only advantage distilled water gives you is that there are no minerals in it so it does not leave a residue. However, you can get around that by just wiping out the reservoir every few days with a clean hand towel. It is very easy and leaves it very clean. I've been traveling with a CPAP since 2018, have never used distilled water while traveling, and have never had any problems.

Mardee I have preached that message until blue in the face. But people will still follow the directions religiously without understanding why. My advice to other travelers has been to learn the correct words for it in the local language, as the American term "distilled" doesn't directly translate.