Tips for successful '''air travel with a CPAP machine''':
=== Airport Security===
CPAP machines can be checked luggage , we recommend that patients always carry their machine on board the aircraft. There is also much less of a chance of a CPAP machine being lost or damaged. Patient contact information should be kept inside the CPAP bag just in case it gets lost or stolen. CPAPs do not count towards carry-on itemsbag total since they are a medical device. TSA personnel will inspect CPAP machines during your security screening, and you will need to remove the machine (not the face mask or tubes) from the carrying case and allow it to be X-rayed. A CPAP machine also needs to be physically inspected and tested for explosive trace. If you are concerned about keeping the machine clear, you can place it in a clear bag before placing it in the bin to be X-rayed. You also have the right to request that TSA personnel wear clean gloves during the inspection, clean the table where the machine will be tested for explosive trace and change the explosive trace media before testing.Using Patients might wish to bring a copy of their CPAP on Prescription or a [[Letter of medical necessity|Letter of Medical Necessity]] provided by a physician. While not required, it may be useful in proving the need for the PlaneCPAP if ever in question.
You are allowed to use a === Using CPAP aboard a plane, since it is a medical device. You will need to be seated in first class or business class to have access to a power outlet called an EmPower outlet. Bring an adapter with your CPAP machine that allows you to run it on the plane.ComplaintsPlane ===
A flight crew cannot refuse Sleep Apnea patients are allowed to let you use your a CPAP machine aboard a plane. You will need to be seated in first class or make it difficult business class to have access to do so. You can file a complaint with the Department of Transportation if you experience with such problemspower outlet called an ''EmPower'' outlet. The e-mail address It is airconsumer@ostrecommended that patients check with their specific airline as their rules and requirements vary.dotAsk about power options in passenger seats so you're prepared in advance of the flight.gov. The mailing address is: Aviation Consumer Protection Division U.S. Department of Transportation Room 4107Patients may need special cables, C-75 Washingtonplug adapters, DC 20590or even a battery pack depending on the airline.International Locations
International travel should pose no power compatibility problems if you have a newer CPAP machine. The newer machines have universal power supplies that can adjust to differing voltages you might come across. Older machines will probably have a switch to make them compatible with 240-volt power. Otherwise, a power adapter will allow your CPAP machine to run off the available power system.=== Complaints ===
A flight crew cannot refuse to let a Sleep Apnea patient use a CPAP machine or make it difficult to do so. Complaints can be filed with the Department of Transportation if you experience with such problems. The e-mail address is '''airconsumer@ost.dot.gov'''. The mailing address is: '''Aviation Consumer Protection Division U.S. Department of Transportation Room 4107, C-75 Washington, DC 20590'''.
=== International Locations ===
=== Always Carry On Your CPAP Machine === It does not count towards your carry on bag total since it is medical equipment. There is also much less of International travel should pose no power compatibility problems for patients with a chance of your newer CPAP machine being lost or damaged. Be sure Newer machines have universal power supplies that can adjust to include your contact info inside the CPAP bag just in case it gets lost or stolendiffering voltages. === If Possible, Bring Your Rx === Bring Older machines will probably have a copy of your Prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity provided by your physician. While not required, it may be useful in proving your need for the CPAP if ever in question. === In Flight CPAP Use === We always recommend checking switch to make them compatible with your specific airline as their rules and requirements vary. We suggest that you ask about 240-volt power options in your seat so that you may be prepared. You might need special cablesOtherwise, plug adapters, or even a battery pack depending on power adapter will allow a CPAP machine to run off the airlineavailable power system.
=== Travel Light ===
Some CPAPs weigh less and are smaller than others. Travel CPAPs also work for home use. See our compare chart to find the lightest and smallest CPAP machine.
== See also ==
* [[CPAP on battery power]]
