Travel Tips for CPAP Systems

There are few things to consider when traveling with your CPAP machine.

Powering your CPAP
To calculate how long your CPAP or BiLevel device will run on a 12 volt battery, you will first need to know how many total amps are contained in battery. The manufactures recommend that a deep cycle gel cell marine battery be used.

Let's use a battery charge of 90 amps as an example. You will need to also know how many amps per hour your CPAP or Bi-Level device uses to run the motor (the Respironics REMstar unit has a 4.6 amp/hr motor). This information can usually be located on the back or bottom of your CPAP or Bi-Level unit.

90 amps / 4.6 amps/hr = 19.5 hours

This means that on a fully charged battery this unit will operate for 19.5 hours.

Most CPAP and Bi-Level units have voltage converters built into the unit for operating on electrical currents in other countries. If your unit has a built-in converter do not use an external converter. Using one may damage your unit.

If your unit has a voltage converter, you will need to turn the unit's voltage selector to 230V in countries operating on 220 voltage (European countries, for example) or to 115V in countries operating on 110 voltage ( U.S., Canada and Japan, for example). When you change the voltage selection you must also change the unit's fuses. Make these adjustments before leaving home to avoid damaging the unit. Extra fuses can be purchased from Comprehensive Sleep Treatment.

Purchase a plug end adapter kit so that your power cord will plug into the different wall receptacles in other countries. Plug adapters are available in most luggage or electronic stores.

Airport Security, carry-on baggage and extra items

For help in airport security stations, a note is printed on the bottom of your CPAP / Bi-level unit identifying it as a medical device. If airport personnel want to check your unit by plugging it in, make sure that the correct fuses are installed for the country you are in.

CPAP or Bi-Level Systems should be carried onto airplanes by the traveler. Most carrying cases are soft and not intended to be checked into airplane baggage compartments.

Take a few extra items along with you, especially if you will be away for an extended period of time. You may need an extra copy of your prescription, filters, fuses, a mask and your instruction manual. A humidifier may be helpful if you are traveling to an area that is particularly dry.

Please contact Comprehensive Sleep Treatment for more information on traveling with your CPAP or Bi-level System.