Flying with CPAP

[Dyinginmysleep]

In February i plan on flying to Cuba with my cpap machine. For anyone who has travelled with their cpap by air do i need any sort of medical note to bring it with me?

Also being in another country with different power voltage will this be a nightmare?

[DeepBreathing]

Generally speaking you can take your machine on as an additional item of hand luggage, in addition to your normal allowance. Unless you're going to use it on board you won't need any sort of documentation.

AFAIK all current machines are multi-voltage and should adjust automatically. There should be an indication on the power brick (eg 110 - 240 VAC). You will need to get a plug adaptor which will cost a few dollars - pick one up at the airport.

[OneSnorer]

Add surge protection while off unfamiliar power supply..?

[Fedman]

I fly frequently with my CPAP including internationally.  Not a big deal.  In Canada, you will have to take your CPAP out of the bag at the airport for CATSA screening.   Just like a laptop.  Again, not a big deal.  It will go through xray and, very unlikely, but they may take a swab.  My son used to work as a screener at a major Canadian airport and he saw CPAP machines every day.  They are that common.

[Fats Drywaller]

If you want to be extra-cautious, you could buy one of these (or similar) luggage tags and put it on the machine's carrying bag:

   

As DB said, you are allowed that medical bag in addition to any other carry-on bag. It's best never to surrender it as checked luggage, because it could be damaged or lost.

[Dyinginmysleep]

Thank you for all the replies, purchased a plug adapter and i think im ready to go

[fortywinks]

In 10 or so flights I've never had a problem. The TSA people all seem to know what it is. As for electricity most CPAP machines have a transformer in the power line that work on both 110 volt 60 Hz and 220 50 Hz. 

For Cuba, to be safe, I would check with the locations at which you're staying. I would assume lots of surges and spikes in their power grid though. Perhaps other posters will know if it's a good idea to bring a surge protector.

[holden4th]

If you want to be extra-cautious, you could buy one of these (or similar) luggage tags and put it on the machine's carrying bag:



As DB said, you are allowed that medical bag in addition to any other carry-on bag.  It's best never to surrender it as checked luggage, because it could be damaged or lost.

That tag looks very good, much better than the one I managed to create. Any idea where I could get hold of one?

PM me if you think it's going to compromise forum regulations.

[Fats Drywaller]

Oh, it's easy. Taking the line of least resistance because I'm lazy, I used google (evil) and amazon (also evil), and did a search for:

site:amazon.com cpap luggage tag

Then I clicked on "Images" and picked one that looked good.

[OpalRose]

Also, most suppliers from our list above sell these tags.

http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...plier-List