For those who require a CPAP machine for healthy sleep, travel can be tricky. Dr. Ram Verma, FAASM, Parkview Sleep Medicine, gives us tips for getting set up when resting away from home.
Why is it important for sleep apnea patients to continue treatment, such as using a CPAP machine, during travel?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes intermittent low oxygen, which can negatively affect any organ in the body. So, it is important to keep sleep apnea under control even during travels.
What can happen if someone with sleep apnea skips CPAP therapy for a few nights during travel?
If someone skips CPAP during travel for a few nights, it can negatively affect the quality of sleep on those nights. If someone has comorbidities, such as heart or lung disease, this can be concerning. It’s a good idea to put in all the efforts to use the CPAP every night all night. Any damage done due to low oxygen because of untreated sleep apnea may be irreversible.
Can you explain why it’s best to carry a CPAP machine in hand luggage while travelling?
Your CPAP machine should always be carried in hand luggage. It’s an electronic device, so it is recommended not to put CPAP in checked baggage so it can go through the scanner like other electronics.
Are CPAP machines generally allowed on flights, and do they count toward my cabin baggage allowance?
CPAP machines are generally allowed on flights and do not count toward given a passenger’s given baggage allowance as it is a medical device. However, people cannot use the device if they are taking a nap during the flight.
Are there any specific airline regulations or documentation travelers should be aware of when carrying a CPAP device?
People generally do not need any documentation to carry CPAP devices. It is a very common thing now a days as many people have sleep apnea. Do not carry distilled water at the airport as it is not allowed even though it is needed with the CPAP machine. It is okay to use bottled water in case of emergency when distilled water is not available during travel.
Are there any precautions to take when packing or transporting a CPAP machine?
People are recommended to have a checklist to make sure all necessary elements are there to use their CPAP. The CPAP device is fragile and should be handled carefully.
What are some effective ways to manage sleep apnea symptoms while travelling?
Whenever possible, use your device to treat sleep apnea. In certain situations, the patient may not be able to use their CPAP, but they may get some benefit with positional devices to help alleviate sleep apnea. For people getting their sleep apnea treated with non-CPAP devices, it is usually easy for them to take care of sleep apnea.
What are the key dos and don'ts for managing sleep apnea during travel?
Do:
- If you are traveling frequently, it is a good idea to get a travel CPAP machine which is very small and easy to carry around without having an extra bag.
- Change the CPAP filter frequently if you are traveling to different places.
- Handle CPAP carefully during travel as any fall may cause the device to malfunction.
- Try to check if any converter plug is needed to use CPAP at your destination in advance.
Don’t:
- Don’t carry distilled water at the airport as it is not allowed even though it is needed with the CPAP machine. It’s okay to use bottled water in case of emergency when distilled water is not available during travel. It is recommended to change water every morning in case of bottled water use. It is recommended not to use tap water as it may carry some infective organisms.
- Don’t skip using your CPAP if possible as you may not get good quality of sleep those nights when not using CPAP.
What's the most common mistake people with sleep apnea make while travelling?
People think that skipping a few nights of CPAP use is okay, but it may affect the quality of sleep and low oxygen can harm organs in the body. People also think that they need a special letter or prescription to carry a CPAP machine on an airplane, but it is not required. Some people also think that if they do not have distilled water, they cannot use CPAP machine at all. Distilled water can be hard to find while traveling. Bottled water can be used in case of emergency when distilled water is not available.
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