3 Tips for Traveling With Your CPAP in Checked Luggage

As I've started to use my CPAP regularly, I've had to figure out if I want to travel with the machine. It's no fun traveling with my CPAP. I hate having to take it apart and pack it to go out of town. I usually look at how long I will be gone. If it's just a day, I leave it – anything else, and I take it.

Having not flown since going to Vegas once, it was important for me to look at the rules. To bring my own water, I learned I had to put it in a checked bag since you can't have anything over 3.4 ounces in your carry-on. (But at this point, I was already at the checkpoint, so it was just easier to throw it out.)

3 tips for traveling well with your CPAP

I found 3 things that help me when flying or traveling with my CPAP: planning and making a list, bringing all the things I need in my checked luggage, and packing it properly, so it isn't damaged in transit.

1. Plan ahead and make a list

When I plan on traveling with my CPAP, the first thing I do is plan and make a list. Think about all the things you need for your CPAP and make a list. I find it easier to use the bag that came with it because every other bag I've purchased doesn't fit the machine perfectly like the original bag. I've even purchased another of the same exact bag it came in when I lost mine.

The original bag makes it easier to do a visual double-check that you have all the parts before you leave. I triple-check my list. There's nothing worse than being out of town with your machine and realizing that you left the power cord or part of the headgear at home.

2. Bring a leak-proof bottle of distilled water in checked luggage

I always take a leak-proof reusable bottle of distilled water with me because I don't want to have to use drinking water or tap water in my machine if I can avoid it. Also, when flying, I find it's necessary to put my CPAP and supplies in a checked bag if I am bringing my own water for the machine.

When we visit the in-laws, I don't worry about water because my father-in-law also has sleep apnea, so there is always plenty of distilled water. But when I'm at a hotel, I bring my own, so I don't have to make a trip to the store to get it or use tap water as a last resort.

3. Pack your CPAP carefully

Lastly, your luggage goes through the wringer before you pick it up. Even though I put the machine in the bag it comes in, I'm always worried it will break or crack. So when flying, because I always check the bag with my machine, I purchased a hard suitcase to prevent it from cracking or breaking in transit. I also layer my bag with clothes on the bottom of the CPAP and surround it with clothes at the top to make sure it doesn't have room to wiggle or bounce around.

Make travel a little easier

Traveling with a CPAP can be hard. Just the sheer inconvenience of lugging it around when you leave home makes me want to leave it at home. However, when I do take it with me, being prepared, making a list, bringing everything I need with me, and packing it with care to keep it safe in transit help make it easier to travel.

Do you travel with your machine? If you do, what has made it easier for you when you travel?