traveling with a CPAP machine

Lisa, this is the first time I've heard of "CPAP" machines, but I've now figured out what they are used for (I had a long career as a Paramedic, so understand the theory).

One solution would be to book a flight during the hours you're normally awake, so that you don't have to sleep. Get lots of rest prior to the flight (using the machine). I'm not sure what flight options are available from your area, but I live on the west coast as well, so flights to the UK are about 10-hours.

It appears there are "travel versions" of the machines, so that's another option, however limited battery life would be an issue unless you had an aircraft power adapter (and there was a power jack at the seat).

I often have short naps on flights, but so far I've never been able to sleep for any length of time. There's always too much going on - meals or drinks being delivered, other passengers moving around or wanting me to get up so they can visit the WC, and of course I don't want to miss the movies!

Lisa: Maybe you saw all the previous postings on CPAP? If not, search on CPAP using search box in upper right.

As Ken mentioned, there usually isn't an extended period of time for actual sleeping with everything else going on. Remember, too, that you will essentially be sleeping sitting up. Might that change your need for the machine, since you won't be lying flat?

I just suffered mostly staying awake without my machine. Remember, unless you are in Business or First Class, the seats are so uncomfortable and small, sleeping is difficult at best. You will not be lying down so breathing is a little easier.

You might wear your chinstrap if you have one to keep your mouth closed to reduce snoring.

As to the chances of having seat power in Steerage Class, don't bet your life on it (pun intended).

As far as traveling during the day ...

From Washington Dulles, United offers a flight to London that leaves about 9:30am and arrives about 9:30pm. BA also offers a morning flight (although not all year). I believe that other east coast airports have morning flights. Whenever I am travelling to London, I always choose the morning flight. I love the fact that you don't lose a night's sleep even though it does mean an extra night of hotel cost in London. I arrive at my London hotel by midnight, stay up a little bit and then sleep in late. For me, this is the best way of quickly beating jet lag.

Now this is probably not a great option for someone from the west coast. I would choose a direct overnight flight over a connecting flight. But if connecting, you could fly one day to the east coast arriving in the evening and leave the next morning on the morning flight to London. Book an airport hotel room on priceline and stay overnight there.

Lisa. I do the "over the pond" thing without using my CPAP(..twice this last year), and I never have a problem; the reason; I can't sleep when I am in "steerage", and barely get a few minutes sleep when I am in Bus Class.

I have found that I don't have any prob w/o my machine for one day. (I can also mitigate the problem by using "Breathe Right" nasal strips; which also helps to eliminate any snoring.)

I also talked to my CPAP technician, and he told me that you could get a battery pac that can be used when you don't have any power. Talk to your tech.

My machine can be used with both 110 and 220 volts (in both USA and Europe)with just a simple adaptor plug for the UK sockets. I also carry and extension cord, and a one of those plugs that lets you run three elec. plugs out of one socket. Usually there are very few elec outlets in EU rooms, they are a long ways from your bed, and they power the only light in your room! Then you will need an adaptor for their light, also.

Oh, and they have a new rule at the airport now. You have to pull your CPAP machine out of your CPAP "carry on" bag, and place in seperately in one of the trays when you go thru airport security. They take it off to the side and scan it for "bomb material".

This only applies in the US.

The only problem I have had in the USA with my CPAP has been at PDX....they said that they "found trace residues of explosives" on my CPAP. What?! Then CSA made me get out of line, and take the machine to the normal baggage check in! So, make sure that you have a good luggge tag on your CPAP carry on.

I have had problems in some obscure foreign airports when I try to board with my CPAP, and they don't know what it is. I just flip the machine over, show them that it is made in Germany, and that it has a stamp saying "This is a medical device".

Also, if you use a heated Humidifier with your CPAP, plan on using it without the heat. You would have to pack a large transformer to power that puppy!

I used my CPAP with heated humidifier on the last 3 trips to Europe...Munich, Prague, Venice and never had to pack anything special other than the normal adapter.

I found distilled water for my CPAP in Italy without problem. But I learned the Italian for it before I left home to make it easier to find. You may have to find a translation into English so you can communicate with the locals in the UK. :-)

I'm EMS and I know all about CPAP/Obstructive Sleep Apnea. And not only b/c I have one...I've seen it in the Field often. It's more common than one might think!

Transport Canada/FAA require Flight Crew/Cabin Crew prescribed the machine to produce readings on demand. The reason for this is b/c without using it at least 5-6 hours per night you are considered sleep deprived and therefore can not safely operate/crew a flight.
If you are caught not using your machine, you will be prohibitted from flying.

I've never seen a Passenger actually use their CPAP while on board. Nor have I ever used mine. It's difficult to get a good sleep anyway sitting up with so many distractions. Sitting up, your airway is less likely to block...You'll be a little more tired without using it so plan for that. Don't worry so much about snoring...Most people do to some extent...

In April I traveled through Amsterdam from Chicago enroute to Nigeria. Not wanting to be without my CPAP, I purchased an AEIOmed Everest 2 travel model. It has an integrated battery, optional humidifier and car adaptor, is quiet, and has a small footprint so it fit on the seatback tray or floor with no problem on the plane. I found that using it on the plane was easy and I didn't have much trouble with jetlag because I actually slept. No one even noticed, honestly. Nor did I care after about 5 minutes! An extra bonus was that when I was in an area of the world where the electricity was not reliable, my sleep was not interrupted. I never even noticed when it switched from battery to wired power. A converter is not needed, just an adaptor for the plug type. It comes in a small duffle bag that holds everything needed for machine and accessories. Many airlines do not allow battery-powered machines, but I had no trouble getting permission once I let them know it was an integrated design, not a car battery!! Good luck!

It can be helpful to contact your Hotel ahead of time and request that they have a 1 Litre Jug of Distilled water available for you at Check-in, or even better, in your room waiting for you...

Higher end Properties will be pleased to provide this extra service for you. It is especially helpful if you arrive late at night and are tired and don't want to have to hunt down a store that is open late.