My husband uses a CPAP at night. Has anyone that uses one encountered any problems? We will be in Rome/Trastevere (hotel) for 3 days, Siena (hotel) for 3 days, Florence (apartment) for 4 weeks, and Vicopisano (apartment) for 4 days.
Posted by
Southwest Florida
865 posts
Not specific to CPAP, but keep in mind that in older properties there may not be as many or conveniently located electrical outlets. Hopefully you have a battery powered version to use.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2397 posts
No problems using CPAP in Europe over many trips. An extension cord sometimes needed.
Posted by
Chicago
1945 posts
Extension cord is a must as sometimes there isn't a outlet by the bed. Otherwise, no problems.
Posted by
Asheville, NC
196 posts
What a timely post! I just started using a CPAP last night, and I'm headed to Europe in a week. So glad you mentioned the extension cord.
Another question, is a "travel CPAP" worth the money? Is it really that much smaller/lighter than a regular CPAP?
Thank you!
Posted by
OP
Farmington, MI
5 posts
Thank you for the comments.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2397 posts
Ladyvet27
Yes, there are smaller, expensive, travel CPAPs. I don't feel it's necessary for me.
I have found that I only need humidification in the coldest/driest part of winter. I leave that part of my machine home when traveling. The rest isn't too bulky and doesn't take up that much space in my luggage.
Posted by
11185 posts
No problems at all. Bring an extension cord along or buy one in Italy. And, of course, a plug adapter. Used cpap all over world.
Posted by
Oregon
13 posts
Just returned from Italy and brought along my CPAP. No issues at all - I had the proper grounded Italian plug (has three prongs instead of just the basic two, all in a row), and the hotels I stayed in I didn't find that I needed an extension cord (nor did I bring one anyway). No issues carrying it on the flights as it was considered my "personal item" and doesn't count as my regular carryon (this was British Airways). No issues going through security either. I think they are common enough that people are used to seeing them, honestly. As for the travel ones, I would talk to either your physician or the group that provides the system - depending on your level of need, the ones out there aren't awfully effective.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1393 posts
On Delta and at least one small European airline (I forget which), it didn't even count as a personal item for carry-on because it's a medical device. See what your airline(s) says.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15211 posts
CPAP use dual voltage (Italy uses 220v) so no problems. You will need a plug adapter (like for all electrical devices) and I would buy a cord just in case as the outlet may be inconveniently located (and that may be the case in the US too). However most hotels will gladly provide you with one if needed.
I do have a ResMed AirMini I use for travel, it’s super small and convenient, but they are expensive and insurance companies still refuse to cover the expense because it’s considered a “luxury” item. Apparently a travel CPAP is the first thing Russian oligarchs buy after a yacht. Note that travel machines (including AirMini) do not have the water container, in case you can’t do without the humidifier.