It’s no secret that travelling could be a daunting expertise. From planning what to deliver with you to holding your baggage throughout the airline’s weight restrict, there’s so much to consider. And when you’re one of many hundreds of thousands of people that use a CPAP machine to deal with sleep apnea, travelling along with your CPAP machine can add an additional layer of complexity to your journey.
However don’t let that cease you from exploring the world! With a bit little bit of planning, travelling along with your CPAP machine could be a breeze.
With the following tips, you’ll be able to tackle the world along with your CPAP machine in tow.
1. Get a travel-friendly CPAP machine
Step one to efficiently travelling along with your CPAP machine is to get a travel CPAP machine. Conventional CPAP machines will be cumbersome and heavy, which makes them troublesome to pack and transport.
As an alternative of lugging this cumbersome piece of apparatus, search for a compact, light-weight CPAP machine that’s straightforward to hold with you in your travels. This manner, you possibly can hold your CPAP machine shut at hand with out it being a chore to hold.
2. Medical gear doesn’t rely in the direction of your carry-on baggage restrict
Most airways have a strict weight restrict for carry-on baggage, which may make packing mild a problem. However do you know that medical gear doesn’t rely in the direction of your carry-on baggage restrict?
It’s regular for CPAP machines to exceed the load restrict for carry-on baggage, even travel-friendly CPAP machines. That stated, contact your airline at the least a day or two upfront to get their phrase on the matter. In the event that they approve your request, these CPAP machines will be lifesavers throughout long-haul flights.
In the event you’re travelling with a CPAP machine, make sure you deliver alongside a health care provider’s notice confirming that you just want the CPAP machine for medical causes. This manner, you received’t have to fret about sleep apnea disrupting your fellow passengers. It additionally makes it simpler to fall asleep faster.
3. Take into account the vacation spot’s voltage
In the event you’re planning on travelling to a vacation spot with a different voltage than what your CPAP machine is designed for, you’ll must take some additional steps to be sure that your CPAP machine can safely be used at that vacation spot.
Some CPAP machines are designed to be used inside a particular voltage. Make sure you verify your CPAP machine’s specs earlier than you journey. In case your machine has a distinct voltage than what’s out there at your vacation spot, you’ll must buy a voltage converter to securely use your CPAP machine.
That stated, most newer fashions of CPAP machines have built-in voltage converters. These fashions are specifically designed to be used in a number of international locations, so that you don’t have to fret about bringing a voltage converter to your vacation spot.
4. Put together a transparent plastic bag to your machine
Airport safety requires you to place all your carry-on gadgets, together with your CPAP machine, by the X-ray machine. If it’s your first time travelling with a CPAP machine, chances are you’ll be questioning learn how to correctly pack your machine in order that it doesn’t get broken through the safety screening process.
Oftentimes, the safety personnel will request you to take the CPAP machine out of its bag for particular person inspection in a baggage tray. To forestall contamination, it’s vital to deliver together with you a transparent plastic bag that you would be able to match the machine. This manner, your CPAP machine stays clear and also you don’t have to fret about it getting broken through the safety screening course of.
A substitute for a plastic bag is to deliver moist wipes. This manner, you possibly can rapidly and simply disinfect your CPAP machine if it comes into contact with any surfaces through the safety screening course of.
5. Take every thing you want and a few extras
Earlier than you set out in your travels, make a listing of every thing you’ll want to make use of your CPAP machine when you’re away from house. This contains the CPAP machine itself, the ability twine, a masks, and every other essential equipment.
However don’t cease there—it’s at all times higher to be overprepared than beneath, particularly when your well being is on the road. So along with the necessities, pack some additional provides simply in case. This contains additional batteries, filters, and tubing. By packing extras, you possibly can relaxation assured realizing that you just received’t should go with out your CPAP machine even within the occasion one thing goes fallacious.
6. Empty your water chamber earlier than travelling
In case your CPAP machine has a water chamber, it’s vital to empty it earlier than travelling. That is to stop any unintended spillages through the journey. Plus, it’ll scale back the load of your baggage, making it simpler to hold every thing round with you.
When you’re by safety and at your gate, you possibly can replenish the water chamber once more in order that it’s prepared to make use of if you land at your vacation spot. As an alternative of utilizing faucet water, go for distilled or sterile water to replenish the chamber. This can be a a lot cleaner choice and will provide you with peace of thoughts realizing that you just’re utilizing clear water in your CPAP machine.
