Whether visiting family or taking a much-needed getaway, you may look forward to your upcoming holiday travel. But if you rely on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for your sleep apnea, packing up and hitting the road might feel overwhelming.
However, with a little planning, you can travel confidently and sleep well wherever your holiday plans take you.
At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, our sleep medicine specialists, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Preshant Patel, provide the tools and guidance you need to manage sleep apnea when you’re away from home.
In this guide, we walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with your CPAP machine.
Planning ahead may take a little extra time, but it’s essential for maintaining consistent sleep apnea therapy while you’re away. Sleeping away from home can already make rest challenging, and skipping your CPAP therapy can make things worse. Sticking with your treatment helps prevent sleep disruptions, daytime fatigue, and even other complications.
Most CPAP machines come with travel bags, but some machines are bulky. At Respcare, we offer the ResMed AirMini ™, a small, lightweight, and travel-friendly CPAP machine that’s as effective as your at-home machine, but without the extra bulk.
When packing your CPAP machine, be sure to include the following:
The AirMini is a waterless CPAP machine, so there’s no need to carry distilled water.
Your travel mode determines how best to pack and protect your CPAP machine.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows CPAP machines as a carry-on, and any liquids used for your therapy are exempt from the usual liquid restrictions.
Your CPAP case must go through X-ray screening, and agents may inspect the device. We can provide a medical equipment tag to help streamline the process.
Though the TSA allows CPAPs as carry-ons, some airlines may ask you to check them if overhead space is limited. We strongly recommend keeping your machine with you at all times to avoid damage or loss.
Call the airline before your trip to ask about outlet availability so you can pack extra batteries or your own power pack.
If you’re traveling by car, pack your CPAP machine in a padded bag, and keep it inside the vehicle (not the trunk) to maintain a stable temperature.
You can power your CPAP using a DC converter in your car’s 12-volt outlet, but it can drain the battery if plugged in when the car is off.
Bring your CPAP as a carry-on when traveling by train, and label it with a medical tag since some rail companies waive extra baggage fees for medical devices. If outlets are available, plug in your machine to keep it charged.
When not in use, store your CPAP machine in a secure spot to minimize vibration damage or accidental bumps from other passengers.
Try to maintain your regular cleaning routine while away. If you have access to a bathroom, wash your mask and tubing with warm water and mild soap, then hang them to dry on a towel rack or shower rod. If you’re on the go, use CPAP wipes for quick cleaning.
While distilled water is preferred, you can substitute it with bottled water for one night if distilled water is unavailable. Rinse and clean your humidifier chamber afterward to prevent mineral buildup.
If you forgot a part, or if your equipment breaks, call your durable medical equipment (DME) supplier for help locating a local provider. It’s also a good idea to check with your health insurance before your trip about coverage for rental or replacement parts. Also, bring your prescription and pack extra parts just in case.
Sleeping in a different bed can disrupt your rest. Sticking to your usual bedtime routine and continuing CPAP use helps your body adjust.
Worried about managing your sleep apnea when traveling this holiday season? We can help. Call us today or request an appointment online to learn more about travel-friendly CPAP options like ResMed AirMini™.
