traveling with a cpap machine in Italy - any hints?

My brother in law took it with him in Italy, and has it with him while visiting France as I write.
You need to check the type of voltage it takes, since Europe uses 240v, in case you need a voltage converter, and also you will certainly need an adapter for Italian sockets.

You can buy distilled water in Italy, at grocery stores and some pharmacies. Pharmacies charge much more. Look for a water container with a steam iron on it.

Can he consider not using the humidifier while traveling?

There are some new very small travel-size CPAP machines. Unfortunately, some of them are pretty spendy, and aren't covered by insurance, but if that's something you can consider, do a search on travel size CPAP.

Also, he might want to look into Provent. If there is time before the trip to get it and try it out, and if he can take to it, it is so much easier to carry around. Also not covered by insurance, but you can get a 30-day supply for about $60.

I've seen two hints lately that may lessen the burden for him: don't bother with distilled water for short stays, only when you are settling in for five days or more, and the other is to pack the pieces in packing cubes with clothes around it for transport instead of using the carrying case that came with it. Just don't check it for the plane. Most machines are 110/220 so all you need is the plug adapter.

Bets--

I think the OP should keep it separate in its own carrying case, with a laminated tag saying 'Medical Equipment'. And also, a signed note from the sleep doctor saying that he is authorized to have one. Have never needed to use it but it's nice to have just in case.

I understand about splitting the pieces up around clothing, but if it's something security doesn't recognize, your baggage is going to be flagged as it goes through the XRay. Best to keep it separate with verification. Has worked like a charm for me over three trips to Italy over the last seven years.

Just got back from 19 days in Scotland and France, and moving almost every day. It was no problem as long as you make sure you have an adapter for your grounding plug. I found out the hard way you can separate the humidifier from the air pump. I would only take the air pump on my next trip.

I've traveled for the last 8 years with a CPAP around Europe and Africa. All I do is pack it in my suitcase with no special carrier. I don't use the humidifier at all in mine, ever, so could he perhaps go without it while traveling?

Also, in all my travels I've never had an issue with having it. Never had a doctor's note. I once was asked what it was by the security person at the airstrip in Kenya where I was flying out of, but then she just put it back in my suitcase. But never had a problem with it in security, and if I checked my luggage it was usually because I didn't want to bother with having to take it out for security.

My sister traveled with hers on our trip to Italy a few years ago and never had one problem with it. She carried hers in the case and everyone from TSA to other airport personnel were very accommodating and nice about it. It was not counted as one of her two carry on pieces either. She did not have a Drs. note and was never asked for one, nor did she buy sterile water for it.

My hubby's CPAP is the FIRST thing that goes into his suitcase. We've traveled all over Europe . . . no trouble with TSA or anyone else. We leave in a few weeks for Italy, and this trip, he's disconnecting the water chamber . . . it unlatches . . . to give more room in the suitcase (look at your instructions, he says) He says if it doesn't disconnect, you don't have to put water in it. But always take and use your CPAP. You want to be especially rested when you're traveling. Another tip: Always take an extension cord.

At least when leaving the US, the CPAP counts as a medical device, and so is allowed in addition to your carry-on allowance. So, it's to your advantage to pack it in a separate case.

You can buy distilled water in European supermarkets, or, for more money, in pharmacies; no need to "carry it around." If it's too heavy or large to take with you to the next stop, just toss it and buy new at the next stop.

An extension cord can be handy; depending on the layout of the room, the outlets may or may not be close enough to the bed for you to be able to plug it in without one.

Do check the voltage on your CPAP. If it says 100-240 volts, all you need is a plug adapter. If it only says 120 volts, it won't work safely in Europe. You may be able to get a new power supply, or may have to buy a whole new CPAP.

Here's a very good website with more details: http://www.alaskasleep.com/blog/traveling-with-a-cpap-machine-take-cpap-machine-anywhere

I don't use my humidifier either. I took mine to Chile last year and had no problems. I carried it as a carry-on. Someone did confuse mine with theirs when we were deplaning so I plan to tie a ribbon or mark it somehow to avoid that. Fortunately we realized it before getting off the plane!

I traveled in Europe for 7 weeks this past Spring with my newish (since mid-January) cpap. I took an extension cord but never used it since I could unplug the bedside lamp if necessary.
I used the humidifier every night but simply used tap water. When I returned home I took a soft brush and scrubbed the minerals from the water reservoir. They were not melded to the plastic and it cleaned up easily.
I do use distilled water at home, but on the road it seemed like just too much trouble ...
I packed it in the Euro bag and hid a few other items to keep the weight down in my official carry-on bag. The only time it was even looked at in transit was at Gatwick where it was swabbed for possible chemical residue.

Thank you so much to all who replied to my question! Lots of good ideas, and my husband is going to have to decide which route he wants to take, but is looking into some of the suggested alternatives. But it is reassuring that traveling with the cpap is not that hard....he has traveled with it many times before, but not overseas. And he never even thought about just not using the humidifier! Appreciate all of your comments!

Bring an extension cord (and an appropriate adapter), there may not be an outlet close to the bed. Consider leaving the humdifier at home. I've done that several times and didn't find the extra dryness excessively uncomfortable.