CPAP machines

[legacy-to-LCC]

having recently been prescribed a CPAP machine, i was hoping to gain any flight crew member's perspective on issues related to transporting and using it while on trips. i am sure there are some out there who use one, as well...
because it is cumbersome, does it add a layer of complexity with security?
do you bring it on your trips/on duty periods?
or, any additional advice or suggestions you can offer would be mightily helpful.
thank you!

 

[jimcfs]

I'm not crew, but as a passenger, I have no problems transporting it. I put it in my rollerboard or a carry on. TSA will feel it up and do the explosives swab on the bag and/or the unit. I WILL NOT put it in a checked bag... I always pack an extra carry-on (usually a heavier duffel bag) to transport the CPAP in.

 

[nycbusdriver]

having recently been prescribed a CPAP machine, i was hoping to gain any flight crew member's perspective on issues related to transporting and using it while on trips. i am sure there are some out there who use one, as well...
because it is cumbersome, does it add a layer of complexity with security?
do you bring it on your trips/on duty periods?
or, any additional advice or suggestions you can offer would be mightily helpful.
thank you!

TSA rules now require that the CPAP machine be removed from your carry on luggage and placed in a separate bin for x-ray (just like laptop computers.) However, the CPAP machine will almost invariably get taken for the explosive swabbing, while computers rarely get this treatment. It doesn't seem to matter that you are a flight crew member. If you leave it in your luggage and don't take it out, they will do a THOROUGH examination of the luggage and swab the CPAP machine....so you might as well just take it out.

At least they seem to have gotten over the habit of yelling out "CPAP machine" for the entire traveling public to hear once they have one pass through the x-ray.

If you are a pilot, it is required to be used for every sleep period prior to duty. It is a condition of your special issuance medical certificate, and not using it is equivalent to intentionally flying while medically disqualified.

Get the smallest unit you can, even if it means purchasing it yourself (if the lousy HMO won't get the model you want.) Puritan Bennet GoodKnight 420 is about one half the size of most home models...works well...lasts a long time.

 

[Iheartflying]

It's just a pain in the you know what to lug around but I've been warned that I need to use it every night so I have it with me at all times. I notice a huge difference in my energy level when it's not used.

 

[jimcfs]

It's just a pain in the you know what to lug around but I've been warned that I need to use it every night so I have it with me at all times. I notice a huge difference in my energy level when it's not used.

As a CPAP user for 10 years now, I'll concur. It also makes me a more tempered person.

 

[N965VJ]

*Always* insist that the screener clean the table where the sampling will be conducted, change the sampling media for the ETD, and put on a fresh pair of gloves.