Cpap machine

Carry it on as an extra piece of allowable luggage (medical equipment does not count as a luggage piece), make sure you have contact info in case the machine needs repair/replacement (perhaps insure it?), buy distilled water at the grocery store, pharmacy, or auto parts shop.

Do you have specific concerns?

Have taken two European trips with my Bi-Pap machine, in 2010 and then this past March. In 2010, they swabbed it in Chicago for our Rome flight, then nothing the rest of the trip. This last March, it was widely accepted, not even swabbed. I had to open up the case to put it on the belt, but in the 5 years since our first trip they've seen plenty of them.

One thing I did--for both trips--was that I had my sleep doctor write a letter stating he is treating me for sleep apnea. It was in my case and never saw the light of day. Always carry it on, never check it through, and have a laminated hanging tag made stating 'Medical Equipment', which is what I did. Certainly didn't hurt.

Check to be sure that the power supply reads something like 110-250 volts AC 50/60hz so that it will match Italian voltage. That way you only have to buy an adaptor for the plug, not a converter.

Make sure you bring an extension cord. Not all rooms have an outlet by the bed.

As Zoe said, have the contact info in Rome and CH for your type of machine in case you need a spare hose, mask part, etc. It's not easy to track these down in another country.

Definitely take an extension cord! I've needed it several times in the U.S., as well as in London, where there were no outlets anywhere near the beds. I also have a "Medical Device" tag on the case -- just printed it out on my inkjet and laminated it. Usually have to open the bag so the machine is visible through security. Otherwise have never gotten a second look carrying it on with my other bags. And, naturally, make sure you have any needed plug adapters.

Hey stoutfella--

I did the same exact thing. Even found one of those snake/wings medical logos, and put it on the tag I printed up. Almost looked authentic!

Yes, the extension cord is a necessity but also keep in mind a dual voltage power strip. Not a bad idea when you are staying in potentially 300-year old buildings, with maybe only one outlet per room. You'll have your CPAP, a camera, probably two phones, maybe a computer or hair dryer? The inputs on our strip could handle the American three-prong or the European two-circular, but we just put an adapter on the end of the strip to go into the wall, and went from there.

Zoe, not really. Just needed some basic info. The extension cord idea wasn't something I thought of.
Thank you.

My Phillips CPAP has an attached humidifier. I disconnect it and leave it home. This lightens my load and takes up less space. I carry a spare house, nasal mask and a 220v surge suppressor. Had no problems on a RS Portugal trip.