Travelling with sleep apnea: Tips to avoid compromising your sleep

Sleep Apnea for Travel: Essential Equipment and Preparation

Travelling with a CPAP machine may seem complicated, but with the right preparation, you can ensure you sleep comfortably wherever you go. Here are our tips for traveling with your CPAP, written by our professional respiratory therapists and sleep nurses.

1. Use an external battery

In some countries, there are frequent power cuts at night, especially in warmer regions. These power cuts are often more frequent at night, which could lead to sudden and sometimes repeated shutdown of your CPAP machine and disrupted sleep. To avoid this inconvenience:

• Bring along an external battery compatible with your CPAP to continue breathing without interruption in the event of a power cut.
• By fitting a specially designed battery directly into the connection circuit of your CPAP device, it will remain charged and ensure continuous operation despite variations in electrical current. Make sure your battery is fully charged before you travel.

2. Bring electrical adapters and check current compatibility

Electrical outlets and voltages vary from country to country. Before you leave :

• Invest in an international adapter so you’re ready to plug in wherever you are.
• Check that the voltage of your CPAP is compatible with that of the country you are traveling to. Most CPAP devices have a current transformer built into the device or into the connection lead, and work with either 110V or 220V power. Depending on the type of battery used, some use your device’s lead to charge it, and these are generally compatible with different voltages, since they have a built-in transformer.

3. Take your CPAP with you in the cabin

Never put your CPAP device in the hold. Always keep it with you in the cabin to avoid the risk of damage or loss. Here are a few tips:

• Carry a copy of your prescription, your report and the invoice for your device, as these may be useful in the event of questioning or a customs search.
• If you are questioned during security checks, have a copy of your invoice ready to show.
• This will avoid possible theft or breakage by taking it with you in the cabin.

4. Clean your appliance regularly

During customs inspection or travel, your CPAP device may be exposed to more handling, dirt and dust than usual. Take along cleaning supplies to avoid any risk of infection, as this is respiratory medical equipment:

• Mild soap and cleaning products specially designed for CPAP machines.
• Handy cleaning wipes for those times when you can’t clean the device thoroughly, and for quick daily maintenance of your mask (also available in travel size).

5. Adjust humidifier settings to suit climate

In humid countries, using the humidifier on your CPAP may be less necessary, or even counter-productive. Also, some people may prefer not to carry water, or may seek it out at their destination. In such cases, here are our recommendations in terms of precautions:

• If you’re traveling in a region with high humidity, you’ll need less water than in a dry, cold climate. Remember to deactivate the humidifier on your appliance.
• To avoid water leaks or overheating if you’re not using water in your tank, make sure the humidifier’s heating option is deactivated and the tubing heater if applicable. when you’re not using it.
• There are HME filters, which use your own exhalation to create humidity.

➡️ Why choose an HME filter?

Reduces dry nose and mouth
No external humidifier required
Easy to use and maintenance-free
Ideal for travellers or people in a hurry!

• For those who prefer not to carry their humidifier bowl and heated tubing, side lids and non-heated tubing are available for some units.

6. Consider a CPAP travel kit

Traveling with a CPAP may mean bringing along several accessories. Here’s what we recommend you have in your travel kit:

• External battery suitable for CPAP devices in the event of power cuts.
• International adapters for plug compatibility.
• Cleaning products to maintain your device during travel, such as travel wipes.
• Ventilated pocket for mask storage and minimalist tube holder (Jack holder) and small demineralized water bottle. (Traveler’s kit)

7. Consult an expert before you travel

If you have any doubts or questions about traveling with your CPAP, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional. Our respiratory therapists and nurses are available to advise you and help you prepare your tools for a comfortable journey. Make an appointment for a consultation before you leave! CTA: Link to make an appointment.

By following these tips, you can be sure of a trouble-free journey with your CPAP device, and a good night’s sleep whatever your destination.

Print your CPAP Travel Checklist:

• Charged external battery (for power outages)
• International adapter and voltage check
• Copy of prescription and device invoice
• CPAP cleaning kit (mild soap, wipes)
• Humidifier settings adjusted (deactivated in humid countries, HME filter)
• CPAP in carry-on baggage (never in hold)