Planning ahead is the key to any successful trip away. Be it a business trip or a holiday to an exotic island. Or just staying over at your family or partners place. Lugging around a CPAP Device is always a challenge, as we know, that when we stop using CPAP Therapy, the Sleep Apnea returns and we don’t feel as good on our trips. And for those of us who have done this many times, we become experts with little tips to make our lives easier and below are some handy times to help.
#1. Take the right CPAP Supplies. There is a wide range of portable options available for when we travel to support our best CPAP machine. Some of these are:
- Take an extension lead & double adapter in your CPAP bags. When we have a power outlet next to the bed is amazing, though most hotels we find them on the other side of the room. And a double adapter helps for when we need that extra plug to charge our phones. These are cheap to get from any supermarket or Kmart. And saves a lot of hassles.
- Buy a Travel Power Adapter for the country your visiting prior. Pretty self-explanatory, when using an Australian cord in an overseas power outlet doesn’t fit, and saves you running around another country, trying to find a shop that sells the right power adapter. These range from $5-$20 AUD.
- Surge Protector. Nothing worse than your CPAP machine fuses blowing up due to a surge in power. This should be used even when you’re home. A $10-$15 AUD cost, save you paying thousands in $$$$ to replace your CPAP Machine. (especially if it’s out of warranty.)
- Electrical tape. Yes, Electrical tape. Nothing worse than getting a hole in your CPAP Hose while traveling. Electrical tape will get you through the night or two in desperate measures until you can get another hose.
CPAP Machines Australia
#2. Know your rights. A CPAP machine is considered a medical device, which means you are allowed to take it with you on a plane. Most times it does not count as a carry-on item. Though check with every airline you fly with first. (You can pack your CPAP in your checked luggage if you want, but this is risky in the event that your luggage is lost or delayed or roughly moved.) Most Airlines will also allow you to use it on the flight. Please check with the Airline prior to flying, to ensure you can. And to even save time you can get portable batteries for your CPAP machine.
#3. Prepare your CPAP. Empty out the humidifier and pack your CPAP in its carrying case. Make sure you have all the adapters and supplies you need. In fact, it’s a good idea to pack extra supplies just in case. Such as a backup mask. Better safe than sorry
#4. Bring a Travel Letter from your doctor for overseas travel. This isn’t a rule, but it can help you get through security a little easier. Plus, this way you’ll have official documentation stating that your CPAP is a necessary medical device in case you run into any problems with airport staff or security. It doesn’t mean you get a golden pass in all cases, thought can help. It is always best to check with your Airline prior to flying. This way they can help make your trip even smoother.
#5. Keep your CPAP clean and sanitized. It’s all too easy to pick up germs while you’re traveling – such as when handled by Airport Staff and inspected, or sitting on hotel beside tables. Or when you clean and place your mask on the hotel bathroom sink. No one likes getting sick while they’re traveling, so keep your CPAP clean.
Being well prepared for a trip away makes life so much easier and less stress.
You are most welcome to write these tips down on a piece of paper and keep them in your CPAP bag, as a checklist for when you travel next.
Have a Safe & Rested Journey.
Think you have a sleep apnea? To analyze, book a sleep test today!