Booking an adventure overseas can be a real joy, that is until you start thinking about your CPAP machine and supplies. You begin to worry about traveling with your equipment, and start wondering if your machine will even work internationally.
Worry no more! We can assure you that many CPAP users still enjoy traveling and do so without any major complications. Below, we’ll discuss some potential issues you may come across while traveling with your CPAP or supplies or using your machine in a foreign country.
How will my machine get power abroad?
The first thing you may wonder is, because your machine relies on power from a wall plug, how will it work when you’re traveling abroad? The good news is that all newer machines have universal power adapters, which means that they are compatible with a variety of voltages that you may encounter abroad (100-240V).
How should I prepare?
So, what do you need to do in preparation for a trip abroad with your CPAP? It’s important to keep in mind that even though varying voltages are not a problem for newer machines, it will still be necessary to research the correct plug adapter for your chosen destination and purchase it ahead of time. This will ensure that you can plug your CPAP machine into any outlet upon arrival. This step is vital in ensuring that you’re able to acclimate and enjoy a good night’s sleep wherever you choose to travel.
If you’re still worried about powering your CPAP machine during travel, especially on a long plane ride where you may not have access to an outlet, you may want to purchase a separate battery pack. For longer flights, a separate battery pack can power your machine for around 4-6 hours, depending on your pressure setting and whether or not you use a humidifier. In fact, many CPAP users choose to purchase battery packs even if they don’t plan on travelling as they can be essential during power outages at home.
A machine that can help
Overall, traveling with your CPAP machine does not have to be a stressful or daunting experience. Many newer machines are built to function with multiple voltages, and even come with sleek travel cases to make your life even easier. If you travel frequently, you may want to look into purchasing a machine specifically for travel – that way you can keep one unit travel-ready without disturbing the setup of your home unit. Some models were just born to travel, such as ResMed’s AirMini which weighs less than a pound. While this model doesn’t have a built-in humidifier, it does use HumidX discs which utilize the moisture generated from your breathing to act as a humidification system. It is also recommended that you take your CPAP machine with you on the plane instead of checking it in to ensure that it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
