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

AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH !!!!

Sorry, I was about to make a comment when I realized something.

Thanks Bennett, great points, CCL has furnished us with an extension cord, but the distilled water is $4 a gallon, you just have to ask the room steward for the distilled water. Will have to examine the idea of not taking the water tank -very good food for thought!

Agreed

One less question to ask.

The person who started this thread seems somewhat knowledgeable. I’ve read several of his / her posts. Damn funny too.

HA has always come through for me with a cord. I have had my cpap for over a decade. Take it with you as carry on. Every time I have flown, no problem with security, they know what it is. More trouble with a laptop, ipad, camera, etc. I traveled once without it (forgot it on kitchen table), had ended up sleep propped up for 3 nights until I could sleep (if you called it sleeping) on a bed. Never again. I started to carry power bar because of the limited outlets in a cabin. Too bad cruise lines don't put in an extra outlet by the bed when they build their ships or reno. All 7 points truly accurate. Rock of the ship and my cpap, wake me in a week when we get home.................

I started my CPAP therapy two days before my last cruise and I also managed to secure a battery powered machine the morning we headed out the the air port. Air Lines can't count it as carry on luggage.

One of the most common treatments for adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). CPAP reverses the complete blockages or narrowing of the upper airway that occur during sleep in individuals who have sleep apnea. To keep the airway open, CPAP uses small amounts of air pressure and is almost always successful, when tolerated and used appropriately, to treat OSA. See http://amsleep.org/cpap/?gclid=CIiwzYrtqs0CFVBefgodhQoLOw

I apologize, but what is CPAP?

i have always taken my machine with me. HA has always been able to supply a cord for me if I forgot one.

Although I do not use one, I have read that the ship will generally supply an extension cord and distilled water for the machines on request. (You may have to contact the line prior to the cruise to arrange it.)

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