CPAP users

many of us now carry a CPAP machine when we travel. But many find themselves unprepared when they bring one on vacation. With that in mind, I offer the following advice.

1) depending on the ship or line, there may or may not be a receptacle near the bed. Make sure you bring a power strip, WITHOUT a surge suppressor. A new extension cord should be packed also.

2) you don't need distilled water for the week. You can use the ships tap water. The ship processes water for drinking, and in turn, removes the minerals that might damage the heating element. Clean the tank thoroughly when you get home, but for the week, don't worry about it.

3) if you sometimes have a stuffy nose, place a drop or two of eucalyptus oil in the tank. It won't damage the plate, and it will be like a blast of Vicks VapoRub.

4) pack it in the original nylon bag it came in, and keep it with your carry on luggage. Not in your carry on, with your carry on. You can usually shove a few extra items in the case.

5) if possible, leave the water tank home for the week, and just carry the main part of the machine. It's the air pressure you need, the heated water is a bonus.

6) you may need to contact guest services ahead of time. I never have, but I have read where some people do.

7) lastly, check with your Cruiseline AHEAD of time to see if there is anything else you need to do.

22 Answers

This right here! As a RN (and both loving spouse and personal user of a CPAP), do your due diligence and maintain a clean machine. Upper respiratory infections are common if you're not cleaning your machine and changing your filter.

We bring our machines on every Royal Caribbean Cruise, bring our own extension cord / outlet (link below) and have never had any issues. AND, we sleep much better!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0727WZM6R

Most welcome!

Hey! thankyou so much for replying me! yes, I read a blog like this https://sortedforyou.com/best-cpap-cleaner and they have many more types of Machine! Thank you so much for suggesting me! Am also using the soap or water for clean my machine am just worried like infection or any other reaction but thanks for approved this!

I have not, with it being a medical device the airlines can not count it as a carry on. But I do check check the carrier website to make sure. The other reason is a little bit of paranoia. I’ve have been using CPAP therapy for almost 15 years. The day I check it, would be the one time they lost my luggage. I’m just not willing to take the chance.

Has anyone packed their cpap into checked luggage on the plane? Any problems doing this?

I have used soap and water for years and have never had a problem. There is a machine called so clean it gets great reviews. It runs around $300, I travel so much it’s just not practical. Just don’t get lazy, clean it often! It is recommended to clean every day. I clean mine every other day.

Hey! I'm also using CPAP machine and always caring with me but this time I'm confused like how can I clean my machine because I purchased around 3 months before. I have to clean it, if I am using soap or water is that good for cleaning machine!

Hope you will reply to me!

I have been on two cruises with my c-pap and have used the ships water, no problem... if you do get a little bit of mineral deposit on the interior of the tank, it is easily removable with a little White vinegar. Royal Caribbean has had no issues with providing an extension cord.

I bring my cpap machine with me all the time i go on a cruise ship(Carnival all the time) I carry it on (I have a travel bag to put it in). I have a long extension cord and a 3 hole power strip doubles as a night lite. I use ships water with no problem. I pack it up every day so as not to get on cabin attendents way. 16 cruises and no problems.

I guess I’m fortunate I have never used the humidifier/water tank. Never had a problem.

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