Take a note of useful information

A doctor’s letter to certify that you need PAP therapy.
A note of your treatment pressure, mask type and mask size.
Contact details for your doctor, equipment supplier and care provider.
Health insurance details, including your policy number and the provider’s contact details.
FAA Air Travel Compliance Letter, so you’ll be able to carry your device through airport security and on to the plane.

Check you’ll have power

At least two weeks before you fly, ask the airline for permission to use your device on a flight. If they give permission in writing, remember to take a copy of the letter/email with you.
If you’ll be travelling overnight on other forms of transport (e.g. train), contact the tour operator or travel company in advance to ask if you’ll be able to plug in your therapy device.
Check if you’ll need a special power adapter to use your device on a plane or other mode of transport and remember to pack one!
If a suitable power supply won’t be available, consider using a battery pack instead.
Take a mains plug adapter suitable for your destination country.
Pack an extension cord so you can use your device comfortably even if the power socket is in an awkward location.

Be careful about humidification

Please DO NOT use a standard humidifier on a plane. Turbulence could cause the water to spill and damage your device. The waterless AirMini Humid X system can be used on planes.
Make sure there’s no water in your humidification tub before you pack it.

Take suitable spares

Pack a spare mask cushion as you might find it difficult to find a suitable replacement abroad.
Pack travel wipes to keep your mask and equipment clean while you travel

Planes

You might want to use your CPAP device on a plane, particularly if you’re taking a long-haul flight. Here’s our advice on what to do:

Contact the airline at least two weeks in advance to ask for permission to use your CPAP medical equipment during the flight. If you receive permission in writing, remember to take the letter/email with you when you fly.
If the airline requests additional information, send them a copy of the FAA Air Travel Compliance Letter for ResMed devices. This letter is a formal aviation authority statement that the devices are suitable for use on aircraft.
Request a seat near a power socket. Ask which type of power cord / adapter you’ll need to plug in your device on the plane (and remember to pack it).
Carry your therapy device as hand luggage: it’s a medical device with mechanical working parts so it shouldn’t be placed in the hold of the aircraft where it might get damaged by airport baggage handling.. Take a copy of ResMed’s FAA Air Travel Compliance Letter so you can carry your device through airport security and on to the plane.
For domestic flights, your device will probably count towards your hand luggage weight and item number allowance. Contact the airline in advance to confirm their medical equipment and baggage allowance policy

Other modes of transport

Are you planning to travel by cruise ship, train, bus or coach, or on a boat or yacht? Many of these modes of transport will have a suitable power supply. You should contact your tour operator or the travel company in advance to check that you’ll be able to plug in your therapy device.

If a suitable power supply won’t be available, you should consider using a battery pack instead.

You can also use a DC/DC converter to connect your therapy device to a car, boat or other vehicle equipped with a 12V or 24V DC power source or a suitable battery

Where will you be staying?

Indoors

If you’re staying in a hotel or rental property, you should have easy access to mains power. It’s a good idea to take an extension lead in case the power sockets aren’t near the bed. You should also take a suitable adapter plug if you’re travelling abroad.

Outdoors

If you’re staying outdoors or in mobile accommodation, you should still be able to use your CPAP device. Caravan sites and marinas often have access to mains electricity. If not, your ResMed therapy device can be powered from a car, boat or other vehicle equipped with a 12V or 24V DC power source or a suitable battery. You’ll need a DC/DC power converter to use these power sources. You’ll also need to be careful you don’t drain the battery!

High altitude

Our devices are designed to function at up to 2591m* above sea level. If you’re going to be staying at high altitude, please contact us before you leave so we can advise you.

Health and travel

Ask your GP for advice before you travel if you have any other health conditions, like heart or lung disease. Depending on where you are going, you might need to take special precautions.

Hygiene*

Take extra care to keep your mask and CPAP accessories clean when you’re travelling. This is especially important in warm climates where bacteria and fungus grow well. Follow your usual cleaning routine but take extra care to dry your tubing, mask and head and chin straps thoroughly before you use them. Always use bottled water with your humidifier if you are travelling in an area where the tap water is unsafe. Please remember to clean your humidifier carefully. We recommend that you stock up on travel wipes and travel-sized bottles of cleaning solution before you leave.

*For cleaning instruction, please refer to your mask and devices user guide

Your guide to travelling with CPAP