Perhaps you are new to CPAP machines or you simply haven’t been using it all the time but now you are planning to travel. What you should know? There are a lot of facts, tips and tricks you will need to memorize and all of them are explained below. Basically, you will need a portable CPAP machine, a CPAP Sanitizing Travel Bag and this list!

Carry CPAP machine with you while you are in a plane

The golden rule is that we all need sleep, regardless of where we are and what we are doing at that particular moment. This obviously means that we have to carry our CPAP machine with us at all times. Yes, they are allowed to carry and use in an airplane and you can place it in a bag right above your head. When you are in the need to use it, well use it. Now you can sleep with the same quality as in your bed at home while you are flying to your destination.

Carry a portable batterY

All CPAP machines do require power to work. Portable ones have their built-in or changeable battery included in the package. However, they are designed to provide a few hours of ‘’juice’’. To make sure your machine is always ready to assist you, carry portable battery. They are better than ever they are smaller and more powerful so you can have one that will charge the CPAP machine for hours. You can also use it to power the smartphone or a tablet, so you can get an idea.

Carry medical certificate with you

Some airliners or some travel mediums may require from you to justify the CPAP machine. As we have mentioned, they are allowed to use in airplanes and etc. but you may have to show the certificate from your doctor telling them that you are approved and you must use this type of treatment. Carry the certificate inside your wallet at all times.

Don’t forget an extension power cord

If you have travel the world you will know that 70% of the hotels power outlet is far away from your bed. You must place CPAP machine close to you, so you will either have to move the bed, which isn’t allowed or you will have to use a power extension cord. This is a simple thing we all need at some point and it is definitely something to consider. An extension power cord can be fit to your pocket and it will allow you to use the CPAP machine even when the power outlets is far away. If you have forgotten to carry yours, when you land, purchase a new one.

When you travel, you will eventually reach a different time zone, obviously. The goal here is to change and update the time and date on your CPAP machine. By doing this you will ensure that the machine shows actual data in the right moment and monitors the sleep accordingly. When you come back home, change the time and date to your time zone.

Carry CPAP sanitizer while traveling

This isn’t required if you are traveling somewhere for a few hours, but if your trip is longer than 12 hours, you will need a CPAP Sanitizing Travel Bag. It contains a CPAP machine cleaning device and it can be used to make sure the mask and tubing are 100% clean at all times. Many if not all of these gadgets are small and compact so they won’t occupy a lot of space in your travel bag.

Keep CPAP machine in a plastic, transparent bag

This tip is mandatory if your machine doesn’t come with a proper travel bag. Then you will have to place it and carry it inside a plastic bag. It should be transparent so airport authorities can see what’s inside and also to check it without having to open the bag. The reason is that if you carry a CPAP machine in your luggage, airport security personnel may place the machine into the ordinary tray for scanning purposes. These trays are filled with germs so you should avoid this as much as possible. In case the machine ends up in this tray, sanitize it before using it!

Clean the machine after you get home

After you voyage, you should clean the CPAP machine again and you should make sure there are no dirt, germs or anything on it. It is an obvious fact so you will probably memorize it instantly.

Don’t forget to carry an outlet adapter

If you are travelling outside your country, you will need an adapter to use with other power outlets. Ideally, you will get one that can be used with the US, EU, UK, and all the other power outlets. Keep in consideration that if you don’t have an adapter you are likely unable to use your CPAP machine. Once again we can see that this is a small addition to your luggage and it can fit any pocket inside the bag.

Use the apps to download the CPAP machine data from your travels

Here we have an interesting tip. It certainly isn’t the mandatory one but can be more than just helpful. New CPAP machines will keep track of your sleeping data. With a simple app, you can download that data and store it on your smartphone. You should do this in order to analyze the sleep data from your travels and compare it with your home. Now you can make adjustments if needed and you can make sure the overall result is as high as possible.

The final word

So, what we have learned today? We learned that you should carry CPAP machine alongside power outlet adapter, power extension cord, and a cleaning device. You are allowed to carry and use your machine literally anywhere in the world and you can make the overall process after and easier, with additional tips explained above.