Traveling with your CPAP Machine

Vacation time is coming, and while fuel prices are keeping many folks close to home, many others will still be traveling for their vacations. Here are some tips to help you maintain your CPAP therapy throughout your vacation with as little disruption and fuss as possible.

- If you're travelling by air, always bring your CPAP machine as a carry-on. Because it's medical equipment, it doesn't count against your carry-on baggage total, and you have it safe by your side to make sure it stays with you and in one piece.

- Also, bring either a copy of your prescription, or a letter of medical necessity from your doctor for the machine. Chances are that no one will ask to see this documentation, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

- If you are likely to want or need to sleep during your flight, check with your airline to see what power options there are at your seat. You may need an adapter or even a battery pack to ensure that you can use the machine in the air.

- You can find the TSA's guidelines regarding CPAP machines here and their overall guidelines for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions here.

- If you travel frequently, you may consider using one of the smaller, lighter machines designed specifically for travel. They can also be used at home, so you don't have to have two machines to meet all your needs.

- Many, if not most, CPAP machines are able to be hooked up to a 12-volt battery using a standard cigarette lighter socket available in many vehicles. If you're going to be in a boat, RV, or other vehicle, make sure before you leave that such a socket is located within easy reach of your machine, and make sure you have the right cord and/or adapter to hook it up.

- In case there is not an electrical outlet conveniently located in your hotel room, bring along an extension cord.

- International travelers will want to bring along a set of adapters so they can use whichever type of outlet is used in their destination country (or countries). Check to make sure your CPAP machine is one of those that can adapt to the differing voltages used in various places.

Last but not least, have a wonderful and well-rested trip!