Traveling by air with a CPAP machine

[Guest guest]

Phyllis -

I have traveled 2-3 times with my machine since I got it. Because of the

" mechanics " it looks like a " bomb " when xray'd. The airport security people

tell me the best way is to tell one of the screeners that you have the machine

(sometimes they have a faster line you can go through). The main unit (not the

humidifier reservoir) needs to be removed from you carry-on bag. They will

" swab " it for dangerous chemicals and then you are done. It will be a carry-on

as it is not wise to check it with luggage (you know how some luggage is

handled). My equipment supplier made that suggestion - carry-on. It can make

it all quite cumbersome if you have a purse or any other carry-ons.

Fortunately, I am going to a lower elevation and don't take oxygen most of the

time. I use the airport " shuttle " services to get me to and from the gates and

allow enough time for my slow walks with maximized breathing. And of course, I

always have my oximeter so I can monitor.

Stefani 61 year old Utahn

ILD 2/2006, NSIP (fibrotic) 10/2009, Diabetes II 2/2006, Sleep Apnea 4/2009

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> > > Cees,

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> > > I never thought I would be able to sleep with any type of mask as I have

claustraphobia pretty good, but because in the beginning I could feel the air

blowing on my face it was ok. I started out with nasel prongs, went to a full

face and ended up with a Fisher Paykel full face that just slips beflow my chin

because I'm a mouth breather. Now I can't sleep without it or I get the worst

sore throat from snoring. Bruce swears by the blue gel and I may try that

because they all leak, they all leave marks on your face, mine pushed on my

eyes, but its still way better than not breathing LOL. I had 92 apnea episodes

in 60 minutes broken up between sleep apneas, central apneas and shallow

breathing hypoxcemia. Never knew it. GOOD LUCK

> > >

> > > Dyane, 54, Phoenix, IIP 02 now NSIP 09, Breast Cancer, Psoriasis,

Lipodermatosclerosi s, Diabetes, and now a RA like autoimmune component, yadda

yadda yadda.

> > >

> > >

> > > " Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving is a

pretty, well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used

up, totally worn out, chocolate in one hand, Margaritas in the other, loudly

proclaiming " Holy **** What a ride! " . "

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