I am looking at the possibility of an overnight flight and wondering what folks do wrt using CPAP machine while flying.   I have never been able to sleep well on a plane in the past and worry more that attempting to use a CPAP machine while flying will also become a major issue wrt power, setup, usage etc.

Any Advice


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REMstar Auto Pro M Series CPAP 7 Ramp 5 for 20 minutes. Swift LT Nasal Pillows or Resmed Mirage Micro Nasal Mask

I've done several red-eye flights recently and I have never been able to sleep much on an airplane either. I don't bother with cpap while flying. At "bedtime" I just put on my c-shaped travel pillow and prop my head into the corner by the window. That keeps me upright while "resting" and occasionally I drift off. I plan my itinerary to allow for some sleep time at my destination before beginning my holiday.

There are others on this forum who have used cpap in flight. Usage apparently requires prior clearance from the airline, access to power which probably cannot be guaranteed, and is only available on really long-haul flights. Hopefully one of these folks will chime in.

I have a lithium ion CPAP battery that allows me to use my CPAP in-flight.  The battery weighs a few pounds, fits in my CPAP bag, goes through security without a problem, and has a cigarette lighter socket on it.  I put a cigarette lighter cord on my CPAP and plug it into my battery.  The battery will last about 20 hours without charging it.

spideync1 wrote:

I am looking at the possibility of an overnight flight and wondering what folks do wrt using CPAP machine while flying.   I have never been able to sleep well on a plane in the past and worry more that attempting to use a CPAP machine while flying will also become a major issue wrt power, setup, usage etc.

Any Advice

If flying long haul, you should check with the airlines Special Handling or Special Access departments in advance. You may be able to get a power point so that you can use your XPAP during the flight. This is not an option on short haul (usually).

Bearded One mentioned a lithium ion battery.........this being the case prior approval is not required.

A good idea is to get a 'letter of medical necessity' from your sleep clinic, to ensure you get no hassle from officious people. It is also very handy that in the unlikely event of a breakage or fault with your machine, all details are available on the letter, which is sufficient for any DME to make pressure settings should you need a replacement. My own experience has been very positive, with no hassle, machine only 'swabbed' once (in Frankfurt). I have travelled extensively and have used CPAP while flying long haul.

Best of luck.

Daniel.


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The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Thanx Daniel will need to look into it the bigger issue may be is I am forced to fly coach so may have to require battery option.   I can just see it now stuck in coach and trying to get CPAP hooked up etc in that cramped space.


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REMstar Auto Pro M Series CPAP 7 Ramp 5 for 20 minutes. Swift LT Nasal Pillows or Resmed Mirage Micro Nasal Mask

spideync1 wrote:

Thanx Daniel will need to look into it the bigger issue may be is I am forced to fly coach so may have to require battery option.   I can just see it now stuck in coach and trying to get CPAP hooked up etc in that cramped space.

It's not too bad.........been there etc.
If the flight ain't too full.......you might get the free upgrade.........always worth looking for...........you can always threaten to keep everyone awake with the snoring (LOL).

I know of one or two people who have managed the free up grade.........once they talked about snoring.

Best of luck.

Daniel.


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

Daniel wrote:

Bearded One mentioned a lithium ion battery.........this being the case prior approval is not required.

For flights which are covered by US FAA regulations, things have changed recently (from May 13th, 2009), and the situation is somewhat unclear in terms of acquiring approval for POC and CPAP kit,  plus any batteries to power it.

In the longer term, the new regulations provide more certainty but in the shorter term the airlines need to adjust to them and one hole in the process is related to the initial mechanisms to acquire FAA compliance approvals for xPAP devices.

Only a few airlines have formal theraputic device compliance systems of their own (QANTAS is an example of one with a thorough process), so the provision for airlines to continue their existing formal process until the new compliance regime becomes effective only partially covers the commercial air travel sector.

See http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/aircraft_aviation/cabin_safety/portable_oxygen/ for just the tip of this particular iceberg.

Cheers,

Bill