At a Glance
A SleepApnea.org survey found that about 76% of people with sleep apnea use their CPAP machine at least some of the time while traveling. Whether you’re taking a road trip, flying, or camping, packing your CPAP machine and all related supplies, planning for power needs, and understanding airline policies can help you stay on track with your therapy while away from home.
After Ivonne Richardson, 75, was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), she worried how it might impact her ability to travel. An avid camper from Reedsport, Ore., Richardson was unsure how challenging it might be to pack her standard CPAP machine when she and her husband vacation off the grid.
Eventually, Richardson was able to find a solution that worked well. Her husband ordered a solar-powered travel CPAP machine that can easily be taken on camping trips. “We can charge the machine during the day by placing the solar panels in direct sunlight,” she says.
Traveling with a CPAP machine is a common concern for people with sleep apnea. A July 2023 survey by SleepApnea.org asked CPAP users how the machine factors into their travel decisions. Here's what we found.
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How CPAP Influences Travel Decisions
The thought of traveling with a CPAP machine is daunting for many. In the survey, 42% respondents say it’s a hassle to pack and carry, and 10% say they'd rather stay home than go through the trouble. But 29% say it's no trouble at all, and some don't mind the extra effort so they can travel.
While 57% of surveyed CPAP users say it doesn't affect their travel decisions, 28% say they only travel to places where they can easily use their CPAP machine. Other considerations influenced by having a CPAP machine include:
- Where to stay (17%)
- Who to travel with (11%)
- Length of their trip (7%)
- Whether to travel internationally (7%)
- What mode of transportation to use (5%)
The most popular places to stay, according to the survey, are:
- Hotel or motel rooms (75%)
- Family or friends' homes (50%)
- Vacation rental homes (30%)
- Campers or RVs (15%)
- Cruise ships (15%)
Some of the inconveniences of traveling with a CPAP machine may be due to its size and weight. The survey found that 85% of respondents travel with their standard CPAP machine, while only 6% use a travel CPAP machine.
Joseph Krainin, MD, FAASM, board-certified sleep medicine physician and medical advisor for SleepApnea.org, says it’s common for travelers to first take a standard CPAP machine on vacation with them before investing in a travel CPAP machine. While some patients prefer the portability of a travel CPAP machine, he says the smaller travel machines can be pricey, and insurance doesn’t cover the cost.
“The travel CPAP machines also tend to be louder than the standard CPAP machines, and many don’t come with the heated humidifier option that keeps airways from drying out,” he says.
Lance Trebilcock, 55, a teacher from Olympia, Wash., has sleep apnea and knows the benefits of CPAP for a good night’s sleep so he always packs his CPAP machine for traveling across the country.
Most survey respondents (85%) say using their CPAP on trips allows them to get the same amount of sleep or more than at home, and 79% report their sleep quality is the same or better compared to home.
How to Travel With a CPAP Machine
Richardson says a travel CPAP machine has proven to be a lifesaver on many trips, as it’s small and lightweight. Since CPAP users must also bring along a mask, she opts for a nasal pillow mask, because it's smaller and easier to pack than other types.
While most surveyed CPAP users have traveled by car (85%), more than half (51%) have flown commercially, and some worry about getting their machine through airport security. However, Dr. Krainin says the process is simple.
“Since CPAP machines are clearly labeled by manufacturers as medical devices, airlines allow passengers to take their CPAP unit on board as a personal item, in addition to their one piece of carry-on luggage,” he says.
Trebilcock carries his CPAP machine in a backpack and places it on top of his luggage so it’s easier to display if the TSA asks to see his machine. “I’ve had a few times where the TSA agent told me I didn't need to take my CPAP machine out of the carrying case,” he says.
Dr. Krainin says patients often worry about how their CPAP machine will be perceived, and he recommends they weigh any external sentiments against how well-rested they’ll feel when arriving at their destination.
It’s important to note that some CPAP users may need permission to use it on the flight, depending on the airline. Always check before your trip.
Tips for Traveling With a CPAP Machine
Remembering to pack CPAP supplies is a special consideration for those with sleep apnea. Finding the proper power and water to use while they’re away are sometimes cited as concerns. Trebilcock says that while he’s always been able to use electrical outlets near his bed while staying in hotels, he has run out of distilled water, opting instead for bottled water.
Dr. Krainin acknowledges finding distilled water can be challenging when traveling.
“Distilled water is best to use with CPAP machines, since it’s been purified and filtered to remove all impurities and minerals,” he says. “But bottled water is a better option than tap water, since it’s typically filtered or purified.”
If you absolutely must use bottled water temporarily, be sure to clean your CPAP machine more thoroughly once you have access to distilled water to prevent excessive mineral accumulation in the humidifier reservoir.
For travelers staying in a hotel or vacation rental, it's a good idea to pack an extension cord in case an outlet isn’t close to the bed. For those who won’t have access to electricity, Dr. Krainin says a battery-powered or solar-powered CPAP machine will provide the best option.
“A fully-charged portable battery can power a CPAP machine for one to three nights before needing to be recharged,” he says. You can extend the battery life by turning off the heating of the humidifier and tubing.
Sometimes travelers forget to bring a CPAP mask or power supply on vacation, so Dr. Krainin always recommends keeping a photo of your CPAP prescription on your phone.
To help make sure you're well-rested while traveling, Dr. Krainin also recommends packing an eye mask, ear plugs, and a noise-masking device (or you can download an app that plays white noise on your smartphone).
Methodology
The survey by SleepApnea.org was conducted July 2023 to understand how CPAP users view traveling with their CPAP machines. Results are from 129 participants in the United States who were recruited for the survey and responded that they use a CPAP machine for sleep apnea. While the survey was not designed as a scientifically validated research study, it provides insight into the experiences and perspectives of CPAP users.
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Written by
Linda Childers, Contributing WriterLinda Childers is a California-based writer who covers health, celebrities, and pets. Her work has appeared in The Cut, The Washington Post, AARP, The Boca Raton Observer, and many other national media outlets.
Reviewed by
Brandon R. Peters, MD, FAASM, Medical ReviewerDr. Brandon R. Peters is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, including insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, circadian rhythm disorders, and narcolepsy. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and currently practices at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle.
