Travelling with a Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine can be frustrating the first time you try it, so the best thing to do is to bring all of your paperwork with you.

• Bring your prescription from your doctor proscribing CPAP therapy, and make sure your name matches the name shown on your identification.
• If you’ve gotten married or changed your name, bring proof of that legal change as well.
• Go online and track down any information from your airline carrier regarding their regulations regarding medical equipment. If their website does not mention medical devices, email their customer service asking for specific instructions on what you should do to bring your cpap on board.

Being able to have written proof of their regulations to show at the airport will be important if you end up dealing with a customer service agent or TSA baggage handler who is unfamiliar with travelers who have CPAP machines.

Pack your CPAP

The best way to travel with your CPAP machine is to buy a CPAP carrying case, if you don’t already have one. Transit can be rough, and if the CPAP is in a suitcase with something heavy, or in an unpadded case, it may get broken. Keep your CPAP travel bag separate from your other luggage as you will need to set it out separately when going through security so additional tests can be performed on it. FAA regulations ensure that CPAP therapy patients with up to date prescriptions are allowed one extra carryon bag when travelling with their CPAP, so try not to overload your CPAP bag with other items so that it is clear that that is what the bag is for.

Breathe Easy

Travelling with a CPAP machine is not as hard as you might think! Most security personnel are well trained and know exactly what it is and what to do with your machine, making the documentation mostly there for your own peace of mind!