sleep apnea machine

That question has been asked several times in the past. Should try the search box. Obviously you need a plug adapter and the machine has to be able to handle input of 120-240 volts.

You might want to take an extension cord. Outlets are often no where near the bed. Most hotels or B&Bs will have one you can borrow, but you never know.

Frank is right, this question has been asked before. You need to make sure the CPAP machine is dual voltage (110/220), have a plug adapter to connect to the wall outlet and carry an extension cord (a 8 ft. lamp cord will do nicely). I understand the most recent development in this area is that the TSA no longer requires the extra chemical swab of the machine to get through security. However, I would allow some extra time to get through the security line. Have a good trip!

Kristine: Totally possible to do. Bad news is getting thru airport security with it in a carry on bag. Good news is that you'll sleep especially well since the hum from the machine drowns out other noises that may wake you. In addition to the points above about voltage,etc. I find that a machine equipped with extra long tubing is helpful (at least six feet - I use eight) to bridge the distances you may find between the machine and the bed.

Hi, I am a dentist and many of my patients that wear CPAP travel with a dental appliance that I fabricate to treat snoring and/or sleep apnea. For some patients it can permanently replace the CPAP.

My husband got fitted for an oral appliance through a specialized dentist. He now doesn't have to use his CPAP at all. He has had the oral appliance for 4 years now. See posting below about another person not having to use a CPAP any more. My husband even had the sleep-over test re-done after getting the oral appliance. He gets a check-up every year at the dentist's office. Elaine

Is this the same as a BiPap? My son was diagnosed this week as having severe sleep apnea and has to use this device. Another item to take in hand luggage. Any problems going through security?

Kristine - My dad and I just returned this week from a trip to Europe. He brought along his CPAP machine (it's a new model) and had no problems with it in his carryon bag. He did check that it was dual voltage and brought an extention cord (which he did have to use once). TSA here and airport security in Sweden, Denmark and Italy didn't even look twice at it... He never had to go through extra screening or take it out of his carryon. He did put it away every day but wasn't too concerned about theft in the hotels we stayed in. We did have to leave our bags at a hotel for the day a few times, but he was able to lock it in his suitcase and later transfer it to his carryon.

To answer Eli's question, the difference between a CPAP and a BiPAP comes in the function of the machines. A CPAP delivers constant air pressure and a BiPAP delivers two levels of pressure, one for inhalation and one for exhalation. But the appearance, size, accompanying equipment, etc., is the same for both types. My husband uses a BiPAP. Security in both US and Europe used to require him to remove it from the bag so they could examine it and wipe it down, but that hasn't happened in a long time. Now the most they usually do is ask that it be displayed the way you would a laptop. For travel, he usually takes it out of the case it came it and puts it in a carryon bag with other items. If you choose to do this, just make sure you put it in an accessible spot that you can easily reach.

Thanks DD. My son is trying to get accustomed to using it before we travel next month, but goodness, it is more bulky than I first imagined! He'll be in charge of that piece. Is he allowed a 2nd piece of hand luggage or is this considered part of his luggage? Apparently the one he has to use is not dual voltage so I guess we'll need to check at Radio Shack about getting that fixed up, and an extension cord? Lovely.

My husband's machine is dual voltage. I know they do come that way so you may want to investigate getting a dual voltage machine. I think most airlines exempt medical equipment such as this, so you can have the BiPAP carrying case as an extra bag. We choose not to do it because it is just a hassle to carry so many bags. The machine and equipment takes up almost half a carryon bag. We compensate by spreading our items among our two bags, so we each end up having about 3/4 of a bag for our own things. Be aware if you use smaller European airlines, such as Ryan Air, that though they also exempt medical equipment from their one-bag carryon rule, they make it very difficult. They require written documentation submitted ahead of time. At least, they used to, but it's been a long time since we bothered with them, so perhaps they've changed.

According to the TSA website, CPAPS, BIPAPS must still be presented for inspection as you go thru boarding, etc. (the machine, not the hoses, mask, etc) http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/cpap.shtm I have carried mine all over the EU. Usually the only people who inspect it are here in the US, although, once, in a small EU airport I had to explain what it was and show them the Medical symbol on the back. Most are dual voltage (look on the back. If it says 110/240, it is, and all you need are plug adaptors) If you have one that is not; TAKE IT BACK, and make then rent/sell you one that is. I have a hard time believeing that any new machine is not dual voltage.
Some humidifiers may NOT be dual voltage. I don't take mine to the EU. The transformer needed to power it would weigh too much. I only pack my CPAP as carry on luggage; I cannot afford to loose it! Whatever you do, carry an extension cord and lots of adaptors. Many rooms have only one outlet in them, and you will also need a "3 into one" plug so you can plug your CPAP and the bedroom light into the one socket. In Italy there are two size adaptors that you should always carry.

If you are planning to travel without the humidifier- "road" test that idea at home first. Based on some of the comments here, I tried it & had so many problems with sinus inflammation & congestion, progressing to sinus infection at one point, that it's clear the decision is between NO CPAP and CPAP + humidifier.

Layni, has a good point! "Road Test" any changes that you are planning upon using on your vacation. Don't leave home without evaluating your new shoes, sleep aides, travel packing, GPS, etc. The last thing that you need is an experiment that has "gone bad" on your vacation.

So the humidifier has to go along too? My son is going back for a re-fitting and/or different type of mask. The one he has is huge and he cannot sleep with it. When they tested him at the sleep clinic, they had given him a pill to sleep, so of course the darn thing worked! I want to make quite sure the thing is working out before hauling it abroad.

Eli, it will take him a while to find the perfect set-up; ie mask, etc. A Humidifier is a personal thing. I only need mine at certain times of the year. It keeps your nose from drying out. Personally, for my two weeks jaunts, I never take it along. But each person is different. Have your son talk to his Dr, and then "road test" his set up with and w/o the humidifier. It may also be good idea to find one of the dentists that specializes in fitting an orthodic speep device in lieu of a CPAP, and get some information on this type of "cure". My dentist recomended one of these specialists, and it is on my list of "to do" items.

Eli- the appliance will be great if it works; however, the American Association of Sleep Medicine says oral appliances only work for mild to moderate OSA. I found this out to my disappointment when I saw my sleep specialist last week (was hoping to avoid taking the machine to Europe, plus I travel domestically every week for work). Good luck, and how lucky for your son that this was found now- it really will change his life to truly sleep.

My husband used to use a CPAP machine and it was a hastle taking it overseas. He had to have an extensoin cord, as all beds aren't near a plug. You also have to have the adaptor. When we went to either Tahiti or Australia, we had to have a paper filled out by somebody at LAX, so he could use the machine on-board. My husband was then seated in a seat with the plug option. Now he has an oral device, instead of the CPAP machine,. There are specialized dentists who make the apparatus. We live in Mission Viejo, Calif. and there is a dentist nearby who does that. My husband goes in once a year to have the appliance checked. After he had it made, he went in and had the sleep-over test to make surethe appliance worked efficiently. When he did use the CPAP, while flying within the U.S., he even made up his own smalll battery pack. Sometimes the hotels do not have plugs any where near the beds. I have a snore guard which my regular dentist made up. The snore guard is not for treatment of Sleep Apnea. You have to have a special appliance made. Elaine Obermann

Kristine,
I do not have any advise for you; I wondered many times what ppl with CPAP do if they need to travel. I will pray that you guys will be able to have a smooth trip and enjoy your days in Europe :-)

My son has a BIPAP? I guess that's different from the CPAP? It's still a bit confusing for me. Anyway, his situation is more serious than we first thought, so we have to take the machine for him. He will be away 4 weeks, so I think that's kind of long to go without it, not so?
At least that's how the doctor made it sound. We had noticed him falling asleep at weird times of the day, and being exhausted all the time. Actually, he never had the energy his sister had/has. While she can go out with friends and come in late, he always made excuses and went to bed earlier, even earlier than we do! I hope this helps him and he can start having a more normal life. They also told us that his sleep disorder occurs in only 5% of those with sleep apnea, and it is generally seen in people over 65. As I said, I am still trying to learn about this condition.

Eli- it sounds as though your son & I have a lot in common in our sleep disorders. The difference between BiPAP & CPAP is that the former can deliver pressure at varying levels depending on whether the wearer is inhaling, exhaling, or neither, while the latter delivers one continuous amount of pressure throughout the respiratory cycle. He will fell so much better that none of you will regret the minimal "hassle" of taking the machine to Europe. Overall, however, the biggest reason to jump through all these hoops is that addressing this sleep disorder will both improve the quality of his life & extend his life expectancy (by reducing the risk of hypertension, depression, stroke, & a lot of other sequelae of untreated sleep disorders). Have a great time on the trip!

Eli: I suffer from Sleep Apnea and have used a CPAP machine for about 6 years. I have little difficulty traveling with a little planning; carry an extension cord, bring a proper plug adaptor, sleep near an electrical outlet and carry the machine on the plane.
The practical advice I noted in this thread appears proper and correct. Know the machine is a medical device and exempt from carry on baggage restrictions. The airlines may look at you funny and question it, but it is becoming common place in carry on baggage. You are fortunate that your son's condition was diagnosed. You should not take his condition lightly and neither should your son. I cannot imagine going 1 day without using my CPAP machine let alone 4 weeks. When I travel to Europe I do not need to use the machine on the plane as the flight is less than 8 hours. I just stay awake and sleep when I arrive at my hotel. It takes me a day to get over my jet lag any way. I do not want to scare you, but I am an attorney and practice in the area of probate and estate administration. A few years ago a colleague of mine handled an estate of a young man who tragically died after his bachelor party of undiagnosed Sleep Apnea. This was two days before his wedding. He was a bit inebriated, simply went to sleep and did not wake up. I think it is common to be confused when first diagnosed, especially with a young person, as Sleep Apnea occurs in older adults. However your situation is not unheard of. There are support groups for Sleep Apnea sufferers. You may want to contact the American Sleep Apnea Association. Here is a link: http://www.sleepapnea.org/index.html. You and your son will learn to live with and handle this condition. It is not difficult to deal with the situation once you understand it. There are some limitations, but in the big picture, they are minor and the benefits of the machine are great. Have a good trip.

Thank you all so much for sharing your personal experiences, and for the additional support and help. Paul, I am glad you shared that story! Sometimes it's got to get a little shock. I know that the doctor said that my son should limit his alcohol intake, or better yet, avoid it like the plague especially at night. I had no idea there were support groups. That is something we can check into. I know he's having some problems adjusting as well. Some nights he does okay with the machine, but last night he said he turned on his side, and it woke him up. Do you all sleep on your backs all the time??? I don't think he'll use it on the plane. We should manage okay if he sleeps the night before, and since we have access to the President's lounge, he can relax while waiting on our connection.

Eli: I am glad to help. There are special pillows for people who use a CPAP machine so they can comfortably sleep on their side. They should be available from a good medical equipment supply house. Your doctor or local hospital should be able to help you with finding local support groups and other information regarding living with Sleep Apnea. There is also a myraid of information online if you simply Google "sleep apnea." It may take a while to become accustomed to using a CPAP machine but talk to your friends about it. I think you will be suprised how many people suffer from Sleep Apnea and successfully use a CPAP machine. If you want to contact me privately, please do.

Has anyone used the Sleep Apnea pillows? We're having issues with pillows. My son seems to wake at night when he turns on his side and then the mask comes off or hurts his face. I read about the pillows but came across mixed reviews. His doctor said some people love them, and some don't. But no other suggestions. They're not covered by insurance so before forking out the money, any recommendations would be appreciated.

CPAP machines also come with an optional battery (rechargeable or regular) operated mode, and there are even solar battery powered ones, for those that will be camping or hiking or away from reliable sources of electricity for a few nights. My husband has a CPAP machine and looked into these models at our local medical supply shop. They cost about $500 to $600 more than the normal models, however. But as one of the posts said, sleep is such a crucial component of a healthy life, it's worth the cost. Just because you ahve sleep apnea, a person shouldn't be restricted with their activities or sleeping accomodations!

As soon as I got to Europe I went to a hardware store and purchased a European extension cord and used it with my outlet adapter. Buy the longest cord you can find and that way I was even able to use it on the train overnight with the cord running to the nearest outlet...which happened to be in the hallway. My cabin mates were very grateful!!!