FAA Approval and CPAP Use In Flight

Hi All:

I am a frequent traveler, both US domestic and internationally. I have been informed by airlines that only FAA-approved CPAP devices may be used on their aircraft. However, the only CPAP device that I know is formally approved by the FAA is the Philips Respironics System One, which has an FAA logo on the bottom label.

So here is my issue .... I have contacted DeVilbiss about their model DV53D Intellipap Standard Plus (which I currently own) and HDM about their Z1 (which I am considering for purchase). Neither of these companies can demonstrate direct FAA approval of their devices. Instead, they have both provided substantially similar verbiage in which they make the argument that IN THEIR OPINION their device should be considered to be compliant because their own testing results fall within FAA emissions requirements. Therefore consumers should consider these devices to be FAA compliant. Nowhere do these manufacturers actually provide any evidence that the FAA has reviewed their CPAP device test results and approved of these devices for inflight use.

Here is their verbiage:

HDM - "Human Design Medical has successfully completed testing for the Z1 CPAP System. The Z1 CPAP System complies with RTCA/DO-160, Section 21, Category M and can be considered FAA compliant."

DeVilbiss - "DeVilbiss has performed Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing on the IntelliPAP and the conclusions demonstrate that the IntelliPAP product's emissions will not affect the normal operation of other equipment in the same environment. We have attached the test results that you can provide to your air carrier if requested."

Nowhere in the OEM responses do they attest that their devices are actually FAA-approved. What they are saying is that THEY BELIEVE that their devices meet FAA requirements for approval.

So finally my questions - Do these OEM responses and opinions actually constitute FAA approval? Is it OK with the FAA for the OEMs to make these statements about FAA compliance without the FAA actually agreeing that the devices are FAA compliant? Is it legal for the OEMs to provide guidance to consumers and users of these devices that it is OK to use these devices on aircraft (subject to airline approval, which is another topic altogether)?

And finally, without an FAA logo on the CPAP label (like what is found on the Respironics System One but not on other devices), how can an inflight user of a CPAP machine demonstrate to a flight attendant that a CPAP device has been approved by the FAA for inflight use and so avoid hassles from flight attendants about using a CPAP in flight?

Thanks.

It could be a CYA issue for them using those exact words and they could allow those other machines, or they could actually restrict you to a unit that physically has the FAA approval label. If you take an unapproved machine on the plane (or attempt to) they could legally prevent you from using it. Do you want to take that chance? Only you can answer that.