list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
I know that many of you are experienced travelers with CPAP so I hope you will please check my packing list. This will be my first time traveling with my almost 3 month old equipment and to be honest I'm a bit nervous about it.
Carry On
CPAP and humidifier in case
Hose
Mask
Nasal Pillows
Chin restraint
special tag identifying machine as Rx
Pack in Luggage
2 small bottles of distilled water (to use until I can purchase some)
small bottle of vinegar for cleaning
Lansinoh ointment for nose
Oblas oil
Pad for Oblas oil
Clothes pins, pins and easy off hook for hanging hose
String, velcro holders for hanging hose
Mouth tape
Extension cord
Do you think I need to carry my surge protector and power failure warning?
Can you think of anything I missed that I will need? I'm going to a conference in Las Vegas and I don't want to have to search for places to purchase forgotten items.
THANK YOU in advance for your input!
Carry On
CPAP and humidifier in case
Hose
Mask
Nasal Pillows
Chin restraint
special tag identifying machine as Rx
Pack in Luggage
2 small bottles of distilled water (to use until I can purchase some)
small bottle of vinegar for cleaning
Lansinoh ointment for nose
Oblas oil
Pad for Oblas oil
Clothes pins, pins and easy off hook for hanging hose
String, velcro holders for hanging hose
Mouth tape
Extension cord
Do you think I need to carry my surge protector and power failure warning?
Can you think of anything I missed that I will need? I'm going to a conference in Las Vegas and I don't want to have to search for places to purchase forgotten items.
THANK YOU in advance for your input!
_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX Bella Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgears |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
I always carry an extra mask and a surge protector in my luggage. Never know when a piece on the mask will either get lost or broken.
Have a great holiday.
Have a great holiday.
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Started cpap in 2010.. still at it with great results.
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
A copy of your perscription. It might be handy if you should need to replace something critical while away from home. I had mine laminated and it is in my CPAP bag.
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ N20 Nasal CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: ResScan 3.11; The pink air is the same as the gray air. |
Last edited by msla on Wed Mar 14, 2012 5:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
ResMed S9 Auto set/Heated humidifier/AirFit N30i
diagnosed and began CPAP treatment 2003.
diagnosed and began CPAP treatment 2003.
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
If you have time prior to your trip, you might consider the CozyHose Boss hose holder, around $20. It is small, works great and will eliminate the need to take all the hangers, pins, etc. to hang the hose. It comes with a packet of five 3M sticky pads that will adhere to most any surface and can be removed without surface damage.
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
This might seem obvious, but don't do what I did a few weeks into my therapy and forget your CPAP machine power supply
Even after a short length of time on CPAP, I was wiped out for two days because I wasn't able to use my machine... not a nice feeling!
Even after a short length of time on CPAP, I was wiped out for two days because I wasn't able to use my machine... not a nice feeling!
_________________
Mask: AirFit™ P10 Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Machine: ResMed S9 VPAP Auto. Spare machine: M Series BiPAP Auto. |
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Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
In addition to what you have, I always carry an extra hose and extra mask parts. Also a roll of "Rescue Tape" can come in handy if you happen to break something.
I would also suggest putting the humidifier in your checked baggage. You can live a night or two without the humidifier and this will free up some weight that you have to carry while you are moving through the airport.
I would also suggest putting the humidifier in your checked baggage. You can live a night or two without the humidifier and this will free up some weight that you have to carry while you are moving through the airport.
_________________
Mask: Brevida™ Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Additional Comments: Machine is an AirSense 10 AutoSet For Her with Heated Humidifier. |
SpO2 96+% and holding...
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
Definitely - extra power cord is good idea. I got a few extra ones on eBay for my S8.James1 wrote:This might seem obvious, but don't do what I did a few weeks into my therapy and forget your CPAP machine power supply
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
Certainly a copy of your prescription. IF you are bringing "Distilled" water why would you need vinegar. That answer is you don't/won't. Also fwiw - I pack my distilled water right in my cpap bag. Along with my meds and anything else related to or used by my cpap. Meds are not counted against carry-on either. I put them all in one carry-on with wheels not the manuf. bag.msla wrote:A copy of your perscription. It might be handy if you should need to replace something critical while away from home. I had mine laminated and it is in my CPAP bag.
Why are you checking any cpap items? The whole idea of carrying this stuff on is to prevent it from being lost. I guess water can go in either. IF you are squemish about the carry-on water just put one in carry-on and two in checked.
While an extension cord is a good idea what I bring is a power strip along with an assortment of those adapter that go from 1 to 3 and 2 to 6. Esp. IF you are also carrying other things that need to be plugged in like a cell phone, bluetooth, laptop, etc. Time to count how many you will need.
On a recent trip I used quite an assortment of adapters I had carried before but never used. Whether it is someones home or a rented room there are always things plugged in like lights, radio, or alarm clocks.
I also put the Lansinoh right in with cpap mask. Tape was mentioned and can come in handy, any kind is better than nothing.
A "special" tag is NOT required. It may make you feel better but not needed nor will anyone look at it even. The prescription is not required neither but if anyone was to question whether this machine was for your use the tag would prove nothing; the prescription would.Maxie wrote:special tag identifying machine as Rx
Cozy Hose Boss is excellent for travel. Leave that hangar contraption home.SMenasco wrote:If you have time prior to your trip, you might consider the CozyHose Boss hose holder, around $20. It is small, works great and will eliminate the need to take all the hangers, pins, etc. to hang the hose. It comes with a packet of five 3M sticky pads that will adhere to most any surface and can be removed without surface damage.
Recently, I used the blue painters tape and a hair scrunchie to hold my hose.
Again, I pack anything even related to my cpap use in the "cpap bag" including the wires and adapters. You just can't pack things such as a toothbrush or underwear in it or technically they can say it is not an exempted carry-on.
I like the check-list concept too. I have thought about it but am just too lazy. IF you have a spare cpap, you can just leave it packed when you return home.
Good Luck and Safe Travels.
o oh if you are like me and don't want to buy their $3 bottle of drinking water, you CAN carry an empty bottle to fill from a drinking fountain
I always have a propel bottle filled with tap water. Just need to dump it just before going thru the screener. Sometimes it's in a planter, sometimes the trash can.
Edit: Filters both foam and fine.
EDIT2 = PS - Do NOT forget to empty the humidifier BEFORE packing each time. The stress and rush of travel often takes it's toll there. So add that to your checklist. Should you forget, simply do NOT power on the machine until it is completely dry. That can be a couple days, no doubt but if you do power it on and it burns up it could be a couple weeks before your fav DME can get you a replacement. So your call.
_________________
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET! |
BeganCPAP31Jan2007;AHI<0.5
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
I must live dangerously...I just carry my machine with cords, mask, hose, extension cord and prescription....However, the longest I have been away is 7 days. I always felt that in an emergency I could purchase whatever I needed at pharmacy or a DME. If my machine stopped working I guess I would go without it...I went 68 years without it before I was diagnosed.
_________________
Machine: ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier |
Mask: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Full Face Mask with Headgear (S, M, or L Cushion) |
Additional Comments: Back up is S9 Autoset...... |
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Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
Extension cord (in checked bag) can be good if you end up in a hotel room where the outlets are in inconvenient places.
Have your prescription/statement of medical necessity on your person if you possibly can.
Even before cpap, I have always carried a small roll of duct tape with me (squashed so it fits in a side pocket of my bag). You can fix almost any travel emergency if you have duct tape!*
*I have over the years used it to fix such things as: a leaky hose, a rattling air conditioner, a detached shoe sole, a broken bag zipper, a keyhole that was actually peepable through, a blister when I ran out of bandaids, a fallen hem on a pair of trousers... you can also use it as a lint roller.
Have your prescription/statement of medical necessity on your person if you possibly can.
Even before cpap, I have always carried a small roll of duct tape with me (squashed so it fits in a side pocket of my bag). You can fix almost any travel emergency if you have duct tape!*
*I have over the years used it to fix such things as: a leaky hose, a rattling air conditioner, a detached shoe sole, a broken bag zipper, a keyhole that was actually peepable through, a blister when I ran out of bandaids, a fallen hem on a pair of trousers... you can also use it as a lint roller.
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
A laminated sign attached near to where you will store your humidifier saying in big, bold letters: Empty the humidifier. You can also list your other checklist items.GumbyCT wrote:EDIT2 = PS - Do NOT forget to empty the humidifier BEFORE packing each time. The stress and rush of travel often takes it's toll there. So add that to your checklist. Should you forget, simply do NOT power on the machine until it is completely dry. That can be a couple days, no doubt but if you do power it on and it burns up it could be a couple weeks before your fav DME can get you a replacement. So your call.
It is easy to forget when you are in a rush and have lots of other distractions.
_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Pressure is 11-14. Old CPAP was a Resmed S6 Lightweight. Also have Profile lite mask. ResScan is actually version 3.14. Now I use Sleepyhead. |
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
Thank you for all of the help with my packing list. One thing...I don't have nor have ever seen my Rx. Should I call and try to get one?
_________________
Mask: Swift™ FX Bella Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgears |
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
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Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
You should definitely get a copy of your Rx. However, I don't carry mine with me, I've simply scanned it in and saved it on Google Docs.Maxie wrote:Thank you for all of the help with my packing list. One thing...I don't have nor have ever seen my Rx. Should I call and try to get one?
Also, don't carry your distilled water in your carry on. They will only let your bring it through security if you will be using it on your flight.
To carry distilled water in my luggage, I purchased a papFLASK. Some people complained that it leaked on them, but I didn't have any issues at all. But just in case, I put my in a one-gallon ziplock bag.
CPAP for the rest of your life.
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
That may depend on who the screener is AND the mood of said screener. Meaning there are no guarantees, either way. I have always carried on my distilled water each time I flew. Sometimes with no questions, other times with some questions, yes. You may have to tell them it is "Distilled Water" for your cpap but to me that is not a problem. Should they ask how do they know it is water - ask them to do a litmus test. They do have the supplies. For some reason they are looking for peroxide, so do NOT even try if you have peroxide for some reason.davelikesbeer wrote:Also, don't carry your distilled water in your carry on. They will only let your bring it through security if you will be using it on your flight.
Example - what if you don't have any checked luggage? Where would you put it? Not everyone checks baggage, esp. today when they charge.
I simply used what I had, rinsed out Propel bottles. The first one had a label printed with the words "Distilled Water". On later trips I added 2 more Propel bottles, one with a piece of tape for a label, another marked with a Sharpie - "Distilled Water". The other good thing about carrying it on board with you - you will have something to drink once you pass the checkpointdavelikesbeer wrote:To carry distilled water in my luggage, I purchased a papFLASK.
For those who don't know what a Propel bottle looks like - I prefer the older style with the wider cap, much easier to fill.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Propel+ ... 89&bih=612
For those who don't know what Propel is -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propel_Fitness_Water
_________________
Humidifier: HC150 Heated Humidifier With Hose, 2 Chambers and Stand |
Additional Comments: New users can't remember they can't remember YET! |
BeganCPAP31Jan2007;AHI<0.5
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!
I have no doubt, how I sleep affects every waking moment.
I am making progress-NOW I remember that I can't remember
If this isn’t rocket science why are there so many spaceshots?
Be your own healthcare advocate!
Re: list for traveling with CPAP....what have I forgotten?
I also pack wipes to clean my mask.
All my CPAP stuff goes in the carry-on CPAP bag. That way I can still sleep, and more importantly.... wake up the next morning, even if my checked luggage goes astray.
I always take spare mask/accessories and an extra hose and silicone tape. To hang my hose, I use 3M cable minder, which has a removable adhesive strip so it doesn't damage any walls or furniture.
Cheers,
xena
All my CPAP stuff goes in the carry-on CPAP bag. That way I can still sleep, and more importantly.... wake up the next morning, even if my checked luggage goes astray.
I always take spare mask/accessories and an extra hose and silicone tape. To hang my hose, I use 3M cable minder, which has a removable adhesive strip so it doesn't damage any walls or furniture.
Cheers,
xena
_________________
Humidifier: S9™ Series H5i™ Heated Humidifier with Climate Control |
Additional Comments: Dx 10/14/10. Also a T2 diabetic. High night/fasting numbers prompted a sleep study and here I am :-) |