Voltage converter for CPAP machine

Look on the power supply or back of the CPAP machine and see what it says. Beside the voltage, the cycles is important for things with a motor. If it says 50-60 Hz you should be ok with just a voltage converter to go from 120 to 220. If it says 60 Hz only, you'll need something more complicated that will also convert the cycles. US is 120 volts and 60 Hz. Most of Europe is 220-240 volts and 50 cycles. Hooking up a motor up to the wrong cycles can burn the motor out in short order - even if the voltage is convertet. Not something you want to happen with your CPAP. You might also want to call the manufacturer of yor CPAP machine and get their advice. If you want to send me a personal message with the type and model number of your CPAP machine, I may be able to help you further. I'm a Respiratory Therapist in my day job.

Also you have to match the wattage. I assume the machine pulls relatively low wattage - probably less than 50. To types of converters - low wattage and high wattage required for heating elements like hair dryers, etc.

I've been all over Western Europe (including Italy), Czech Republic, Moscow, St Petersburg, Beijing...and have never needed a converter for my CPAP - only needed an adaptor. When you checked with your agency did you speak to somebody who has actual knowledge of the voltage in Italy or maybe somebody who actually had no clue but was just guessing?

Cheryl, It would help if you could check the Input Voltage specification on your CPAP machine and post what those are. It will be easier to provide more specific suggestions with that information.

Just a true story, which is a word to the wise. My sister and husband went with us to Italy 3 years ago, their first trip to europe. He uses a sleep apnia machine. I had told them they needed voltage converters to use there.
My sister proudly proclaimed she got one for only $14.00. At that point my bell should of rung, but did not. Anyway, as you probably guessed she bought adapters not a converter. He plugged it in... Zap! End of that machine. Thankfully, when he got home his insurance covered it.

To all,
I have received so much good advice here. You are right that my agency did not know what I needed. After calling the company that produces the machine and with the great advice here I have my answer. I realy do not need a voltage regulator however I will use one with an adaptor. My husband knew which regulator to order and now we feel safer. I realy can not thank everyone enough. Isn't it great that we can post our questions and very nice caring people answer in just a short time. I am blessed!

and the funny thing is...chances are your CPAP machine was actually manufactured in Germany.