I've seen some postings here about taking CPAP's to Europe. But, most of the posts I've seen deal with traveling with CPAP's and passing thru airport security. I would like to hear from travelers and their experiences with using CPAP's (read finding electrical outlets) in European hotels. My boyfriend and I are planning a two week trip to France to Paris and Normandy. We are planning on staying in places with a more local feel - budget hotels, b and b's, youth hostels (private rooms), etc. Any information / advice would be helpful. Thanks!
Posted by
Freedonia
16057 posts
The types of places you mention usually have very few plugs in the room. It would be best to bring a power strip that can handle both machines. (Get one with a circuit breaker and a long chord. Make sure it can handle 240v). If your CPAPS are not dual voltage, you will have to get convertors for each.
As of now, you can bring CPAP onboard as a carry-on item. It has to be taken out and sent separately through the xray just like a laptop.
However, with changes this weekend with carry on rules....who knows.
Posted by
Winnipeg
590 posts
My husband travels with one and a simple adapter is all you really need. It was useful in one place to have an extension cord. The only problem was finding distilled water. THe company of his CPAP said that during a 3 week trip using bottled water would be fine, but not recommended for longer. His machine still works fine with using bottled water. Never had a problem at any security checkpoints at the airports.
Posted by
Philadelphia
655 posts
We have visited Normandy and many parts of rural France and used my CPAP there. No problems other than confirming the machine worked on 240V, carrying a heavy duty extension cord, and an adapter for the sometimes hard to find outlet. It is helpful to tape the adapter onto the cord because some of the outlets are recessed in the wall. The standard air tube is around four feet long. These tubes are available up to eight feet long. I take one of the longer ones which helps in some of the unusual room arrangements.
Posted by
St Petersburg, USA
13 posts
With a long extention cord and an adapter, you should not have a problem. All rooms should have at least one outlet. Sometimes I have had to unplug a lamp to use the outlet.
I agree that finding distilled water will be a problem. I have filled an empty 1 1/2 liter bottle with distilled water and put in my checked bag. This can be stretched for 10 - 14 days. This has never been removed by security, but I guess it would only be found if there was a random check of the checked bag.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9369 posts
Sandra, you are allowed to carry larger than 3 oz. amounts of liquids in your checked bags, so it's not something security would care about. Even if they did scan your bag, it would not be confiscated.