Studies show that 1 in 5 adults is living with at least mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and another 1 in 15 adults is living with at least moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Globally, nearly 1 billion people ages 30 to 69 are estimated to have the condition, but unfortunately, many cases remain undiagnosed. The condition, however, can affect anyone at any age.
OSA is a common yet serious disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The condition prevents necessary oxygen intake, which ultimately causes snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness, according to the Mayo Clinic.
While navigating OSA medical equipment, such as a CPAP machine, at home is fairly easy, traveling with it can cause anxiety. There’s a stigma associated with the often gray-colored bag, and a fear that the destination won’t have distilled water for your machine. While U.S. airlines recognize the medical bag of equipment, there are some concerns that airport staff worldwide may be unfamiliar with it.
This guide offers practical tips to ease travel anxiety and make your journey smoother, wherever you go.
Before You Book: Planning Considerations With Sleep Apnea
Preparation is essential to success for travelers with sleep apnea. Planning should include researching hotels with nightstands near power outlets and access to distilled or bottled water. Many hotels are familiar with CPAP machines. One of the first steps travelers with OSA should take when planning a trip is to contact the hotel to confirm it can accommodate their medical device with power and water.
Most U.S. airlines have specific policies for traveling with a CPAP machine, especially for long-haul flights. Contact your airline at least two weeks before departure to inform them that you will be bringing a CPAP machine on board and will use it during the flight.
It is not recommended to pack CPAP or assisted medical devices in checked luggage. They should always be carried on. The U.S. Department of Transportation does not count medical devices and equipment under standard carry-on luggage allowances. That said, damage can still occur when medical devices are in carry-on luggage, so having travel insurance that covers your medical equipment is key.
While most international airlines and countries do not count CPAP machines toward standard carry-on limits, it’s best to check with the carrier to confirm whether pre-notification is required and to have a doctor’s note ready.
Travel Tip: Pack an extension cord, a surge protector, and consider using an FAA-approved battery pack for air travel.
Packing List For Your CPAP or Other Equipment
- Machine
- Mask and tubing
- Power cord and supplies such as adaptors. Units generally operate on 100-240 volts and 50-60 Hz, suitable for international travel with an adapter.
- Pack extra disposable filters
- Backup options, such as battery packs
- Cleaning wipes
- Protective cases with padding to pack it safely
- Documentation, prescription, or doctor’s note for international travel
Airport And TSA Navigation
In the U.S., navigating security with a CPAP machine is fairly easy. Travelers with TSA PreCheck will place the bag in the bin before it passes through the X-ray.
Without PreCheck, travelers should first inform the agent of the medical device. The agent will likely instruct travelers to remove the device from the case and place it in a separate screening bin. Tubing and masks can stay in the bag, according to the Transportation Security Administration.
Without precheck, travelers should give themselves a little more time for screening, anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes. Travelers have the right to request a hand inspection instead of an X-ray, which should be requested before the screening process begins.
Travel Tip: Use a medical device tag to help security agents quickly identify it.
During Your Flights
According to Dr. Paul Lawrence with SleepRight McKinney, air pressure decreases at higher altitudes, meaning there’s less oxygen available with each breath. Thinner air can impact everyone, even those who don’t have sleep apnea. For someone with sleep apnea, who already experiences drops in oxygen during what doctors call “apneic events,” thin air in airplane cabins could lead to more frequent or severe oxygen desaturations.
Fortunately, modern devices are designed with features that adapt to varying altitudes, including on flights. Travelers should use CPAP on longer-haul flights or consider a travel-friendly device or alternative to improve portability.
At Your Destination
Sleep apnea can impact travelers’ overall experience, including daytime fatigue and irritability. Disrupting sleep patterns, combined with the unfamiliarity of a new environment, can increase frustration and turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.
Once travelers arrive at their destination, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule should be a top priority. Do this by settling into your hotel room and acclimating yourself to the new space. Since travelers likely planned ahead, now is the time to secure the distilled or bottled water from the hotel or a nearby pharmacy. Pharmacies abroad usually carry distilled or sterile water.
If a CPAP machine fails or is lost abroad, immediately contact the durable medical equipment (DME) provider for international support. Travelers can also search for a local medical equipment supplier or contact the manufacturer for emergency assistance. That’s why having a prescription copy is important.
If all else fails and there is no alternative, the best option for travelers is to adjust their sleeping position to reduce airway obstruction and ease symptoms.
Alternative Solutions And Backup Plans
There are some alternative solutions for travelers with sleep apnea. Some destinations offer equipment rental options. Renting a machine abroad offers a convenient, lighter alternative. Companies such as DME Supply USA and RespShop offer renting options. Another alternative is a dental device.
“There are more than 240 FDA-cleared oral appliances that are excellent alternatives to CPAP machines,” Dr. Kevin Postol, president at the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, tells Travel Noire. “These devices are easier to travel with because they’re lighter, don’t take up much space, and don’t require electricity or water to work properly.”
Several resources help travelers find sleep clinics and specialists abroad. mPassport has a list of medical providers and pharmacies in cities worldwide. Air Doctor is an app that connects travelers with an international network of healthcare professionals.
Traveling with sleep apnea doesn’t require travelers to skip treatment. Missing even one night of treatment isn’t worth the risks or discomfort. Following these tips and recommendations helps minimize therapy disruptions and allows travelers to make the most of their travel experiences without feeling fatigued or irritable. Even with the minor inconvenience of having one extra carry-on bag, the benefits outweigh the challenges.
