As PAP therapy should be used every night wherever you are, it is essential that you take your CPAP machine with you when you travel. In the US, the CPAP device is not considered as a carry on item for air travel. Some locations in Asia and Europe will count it as a carry on, but they will all allow it.

Obviously the smaller your machine, the easier it will be to travel with it. Some new machines like the Respironics REMstar M Series are much smaller than their predecessors weighing just 2.2lbs. They use a compact travel bag (without humidifier) and a mask pouch, making it much easier to travel. Battery packs may be purchased to allow use when there is no AC connection available. If you plan to travel by boat or motor home, Respironics offers a 12-volt DC power cord that can be used to operate Respironics' CPAP systems. The cord plugs into a standard cigarette lighter socket found in most vehicles.



Most CPAP and BiLevel machines today are designed to operate on both AC and DC battery currents. In the United States, the AC current from wall outlets is 110 volt and most batteries produce 12 volt DC current. Overseas, the AC current is usually 220 or 240 volts. Newer CPAP machines all have universal power supplies that adjust for different voltage inputs automatically enabling the machine to operate on any AC current from 100 to 240 volts without any adjustment. Older CPAP machines like the Respironics Solo LX have a switch on the back that must be flipped to use a 240 Volt power outlet. If you are using an older machine it will pay to check with your supplier to see if your machine needs an external converter to change the voltage. Remember that an adapter will likely be required to plug a US power cord into a wall outlet in a foreign country.

For patients who may want to carry their machine onboard, the TSA's position is that CPAP machines are permitted beyond security checkpoints click here to see the information on the TSA website. Also visit this webpage published by the American Sleep Apnea Association for their recommendations.

If you want to use your CPAP in flight you should first check with your airline. Each airline has a different policy and you will need to know if they have a power source available. If you have any questions before you travel please call our patient support team.

	Unplug the device and pack the cord and power supply in the front compartment of the carry case
	Verify that the humidifier water chamber is empty and completely dry to prevent water from spilling in the device during travel. You may want to place the humidifier water chamber in the collapsible front pocket of the carrying case with your mask and accessories in case you do not have time to dry the humidifier properly.
Preparing your equipment for travel (without the integrated humidifier):
	Unplug the device and remove the water chamber
	Remove the tubing from the outlet port on the back of the device
	Disengage the device from the humidification platform
	Disconnect the power supply from the humidification platform
	Remove the Air Outlet Port from your carry case (located in the front corner pouch in your carrying case) and place it on the back of the device where the tubing is connected - gently snap it into place - you will be unable to connect the patient breathing circuit to the device if this Air Outlet Port is not present.
	Pack the power supply, adapter cord and device in the carry case.
Some more tips to help with your travel…
	Accompany Your CPAP Through Security - Stay with your CPAP. When going through security, security agents will usually need to inspect the CPAP separately. Ask to stay with the CPAP. This way you can watch them handle the CPAP machine, and you can make sure all of your parts (cords, masks, chambers) get back into the bag.
	Plan Your Power Needs - Know what type of power your CPAP requires. If you are going to use a battery, make sure you have all the parts needed to safely run the CPAP on battery power. If you are travelling abroad make sure you have an international adapter plug.
	Identify Your CPAP as Medical Equipment - To help move through security easier, put a Medical Equipment tag on your CPAP bag.
	Pack Your Power Cord - Just like people commonly leave cell phone chargers at home or in the hotel, we frequently get called from travellers who left their cpap power cord. Check to make sure your cord is packed with your machine.
	Bring Spare Parts and Back Up Mask - Like the power cord, items get left behind or misplaced while on the road. Having backup parts and a back up mask will make sure that you are not caught without equipment.