Travel with CPAP

I’m confused. Why would bringing a CPAP along cause a problem with mobility issues?

Only you know whether you can comfortably carry a CPAP while moving between airports, hotels, trains, buses etc. And only you know how often you're moving around and what sort of transport you're using.

Having seen modern CPAPs, I wouldn't have thought it would be a problem.

But maybe I'm misunderstanding the question.

From your other question, and this one, I'm guessing you are asking is in regard to a Rick Steves tour? Am I correct?

If so, you can bring whatever you want as long as you can handle it between the coach and the hotel/your room.

In regards to prescritpions, RS will never ask you what you are taking in regard to medication. It's none of their business.

drwomack
In case you are referring to Rick Steves tours, you are not restricted to one carry on size bag, it's a suggestion, but you must be able to handle your luggage yourself.

It might surprise you to know that many participants in the forum do not travel on the tours, so it's helpful to post in the RICK STEVES TOURS section, or mention it in your posts to get the most useful answers.

I know insurance coverage may be a big factor, but depending on the age of your unit, consider upgrading it to a travel one, or at least one of the newer lightweight model (of course, not knowing what you have).

Newer models should also be 120V/240V compatible, so all you should need is an adapter, either a Type C for most EU countries, and/or the UK adapter, if that applies.

A question that often comes up is about distilled water, it is available in most of Europe, but for short periods, simple purified bottled water works fine. The concern is long-time build up of calcium and iron, a several week trip is not a problem using purified water.

I travel with a single 40L carry-on backpack only. I pack my travel CPAP (Transcend Micro) in my pack. It's the size of a softball and it works amazing. In fact, now that I'm home I have kept using it because it works better than my full-sized machine.

The Resmed AirMini also gets good reviews.

These are meant to be used with no outside humidification so no mucking about with distilled water.

I just returned from a domestic bus trip. Three people had c-paps in what appeared to be identical cases. Apparently none of them had tied any kind of an identifier on their case??? each night in the dark outside of the hotel there was a three way panic as they tried to end up w correct machine.

My other amazement was that they put these important machines in not very robust cases (looked pretty like a velcro lunch bag) into the belly of the bus to bounce around all day w the heavier luggage. YMMV

I traveled with a CPAP before. It doesn't affect your carry-on allowance, just adds a little bulk

A question that often comes up is about distilled water, it is available in most of Europe, but for short periods, simple purified bottled water works fine. The concern is long-time build up of calcium and iron, a several week trip is not a problem using purified water.

I've gone as long as six weeks just using regular bottled water (and it doesn't need to be purified). I've never had a problem. Just make sure you wipe out the interior of the reservoir every 3-4 days with a soft cloth or hand towel, and that gets rid of any deposits. There's absolutely no need to buy distilled water or even purified water while traveling.

Yeah I have used bottled (or even tap) water in my CPAP for long periods of time. It's not a big deal. Mineral buildup in the humidifier reservoir is easily removed with a little vinegar, and even if you have to replace the reservoir (which you're supposed to do every 6 months anyway), it's like a $10-15 part.