Disability Travel - ResMed CPAPs VPAPS certified for use on aircraft

I decided to start a new thread as it provides the latest important information and I did not want the information to be lost in the other thread on CPAPs where we have been discussing lots of other issues related to CPAP too.

In searching around at the Resmed site, I found a compliance letter issued by Resmed stating which Resmed respiratory assistance devices have been tested to comply with RTCA/DO-160F, section21, Category M.

Here is the link
Resmed compliance letter (http://www.resmed.com/us/documents/FAA_Compliance_Letter.pdf)

Great idea for a thread on this subject, however I have found in my travel research that airlines have their own list of approved xPAP machines and what is okay for one airline, may not be acceptable on another, for instance my Respironics Synchrony ST can be used on UA, but not on Air New Zealand. They do allow the following currently:


Make and model currently Air New Zealand approved are

Resmed/Sullivan APD 2, 2e, 2s Resmed/Sullivan S6 Elite and Liteweight
Resmed/Sullivan III and IIId Resmed/Sullivan V.V Plus and V Elite
Resmed/ Sullivan Autoset T Resmed S8 Autoset Spirit, S8 Autoset Vantage,
S8 Elite, S8 AutoScore, S8 Classic,
S8 Escape (S8 Lightweight)
ResMed S7 AutoSet Spirit, AutoSet Spirit, S7 Lightweight Resmed VPAP III, VPAP III ST
Fisher and Paykel HC230 series (HC231, HC232, HC233, HC234, HC235, HC236, HC237, HC238, HC238) Fisher and Paykel HC600 series (HC602, HC604, HC608)

I was doing research on *A partners for a possible trip.

LH response was:

Sleep apnea machines or CPAP machines are permitted on board with your carry-on luggage.. Please note use of the machine on board the aircraft is prohibited and there is no available power source for the machine to operate. .

When I mentioned that I would take this up with LH executives on the 4/23 *A Mega Do launch party on 4/23 they further replied:

"Within the Economy class cabin there is restricted power source and within Business class power source is available and can be cleared for medical equipment."

I have a follow up number and will do so this week

Great idea for a thread on this subject, however I have found in my travel research that airlines have their own list of approved xPAP machines and what is okay for one airline, may not be acceptable on another, for instance my Respironics Synchrony ST can be used on UA, but not on Air New Zealand. They do allow the following currently:


Make and model currently Air New Zealand approved are

Resmed/Sullivan APD 2, 2e, 2s Resmed/Sullivan S6 Elite and Liteweight
Resmed/Sullivan III and IIId Resmed/Sullivan V.V Plus and V Elite
Resmed/ Sullivan Autoset T Resmed S8 Autoset Spirit, S8 Autoset Vantage,
S8 Elite, S8 AutoScore, S8 Classic,
S8 Escape (S8 Lightweight)
ResMed S7 AutoSet Spirit, AutoSet Spirit, S7 Lightweight Resmed VPAP III, VPAP III ST
Fisher and Paykel HC230 series (HC231, HC232, HC233, HC234, HC235, HC236, HC237, HC238, HC238) Fisher and Paykel HC600 series (HC602, HC604, HC608)

I was doing research on *A partners for a possible trip.

LH response was:

Sleep apnea machines or CPAP machines are permitted on board with your carry-on luggage.. Please note use of the machine on board the aircraft is prohibited and there is no available power source for the machine to operate. .

When I mentioned that I would take this up with LH executives on the 4/23 *A Mega Do launch party on 4/23 they further replied:

"Within the Economy class cabin there is restricted power source and within Business class power source is available and can be cleared for medical equipment."

I have a follow up number and will do so this week
Thanks for providing this list.
I agree. This thread would be dedicated to CPAP devices approved for use on aircraft. Maybe mods can make it a sticky.

I did follow up with the LH Medical Desk (1-516-296-9580).

The CSR told me that they do allow the use of "most" machines on board, but would not give me a specific list of equipment. There are certain limitations however.

There are no power outlets in Y and you need to have your own battery power to operate it.

In C&F you can plug into the in-seat power, but if you have a humidifier on your machine you must disconnect it as the power drain is too much for the in-seat power to handle both.

As with most other airlines, they require 48 hour notice so their safety department can approve the equipment you are using.

The CSR also asked me to forward the email where I was told that I could not use the equipment on board. She wanted to follow up with the sender of that email. She expressed frustration that they have the information available to them, yet this happens frequently.

Maybe mods can make it a sticky.

Done!

S8 AutoElite II can be used on JAL - in specific the JAL 5 JFK to Narita flight on the 777 business class section

Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) devices: do NOT need a medical clearance. Arrangements can be made by downloading and completing the CPAP Clearance form (http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/beforeYouTravel/cpap-travel-clearance-form.pdf)and faxing to +61 (2) 9691 0666. This form also lists the current CPAP devices authorised for use on Qantas aircraft.

Doesn't help me as mine isn't a CPAP, but thought it would be helpful to others.

BA's very welcome policy on CPAP machines:

CPAP machine

*Medical clearance is not required for the carriage or use of CPAP machines (used in the treatment of sleep apnoea) as fitness to travel will not be in doubt.
*CPAP machines can be plugged into a laptop power-point, where available, with a suitable adaptor.
*Maximum power output from the laptop points is 75 Watts and, if your equipment draws more than this, the outlet will be automatically deactivated.
*We cannot guarantee that any of the laptop points will be serviceable. If you intend to use one in flight, we recommend that you use a dry-cell battery-operated device.
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/healthmedinfo/public/en_gb

Power points are only available in Word Traveller Plus, Club and First, so for World Traveller you will need a battery. Most of their power points no longer need an adapter.

Flying out on Eva Air this week, their website appears to require battery pak for cpap, even though biz class has power source to plug computer [and my ResMed]. Anyone with experience on their EWR to Taipei flights?

On Dec 13th, on AMS-HKG flight KL 889, KLM did not allow me to use CPAP in business class. The pilot did try to ascertain airline's rules. The airline declined citing fire hazard. I had shown the travel letter from the manufacturer that the unit has been tested for use on aircraft, and the FAA letter.
The funny thing is that I was upfgraded to Business Class because of my status, with a promise that once I got on board, the pilot will try to find out if I could use it on board. I was rerouted to KLM because of misconnection with Qatar Airways in London, Heathrow. I was tickted in coach. I asked at the gate if they had power in economy class for my CPAP. The GA said "You have to make such request in advance" I told her I was put on KLM just that day because of a misconnection. She upgraded me. It was nice, but it would be nicer if I could have used my CPAP.

Has anyone used their CPAP on board a Virgin Atlantic flight lately?

Steve

Current Air New Zealand Approved CPAP Machines
Resmed / Sullivan APD 2, 2e &2s
Resmed / Sullivan S6 Elite & Liteweight
Resmed / Sullivan III & IIId
Resmed / Sullivan V, V Plus & V Elite
Resmed / Sullivan Autoset T
Resmed VPAP III & VPAP III ST
ResMed S7 AutoSet Spirit, AutoSet Spirit, S7 Lightweight, S7Elite
ResMed S8 AutoSet Spirit, S8 Autoset Vantage, S8 Elite, S8 AutoScore,S8 AutoScore II ,S8 Classic, S8 Escape (S8 Lightweight)
ResMed S9 Autoset, S9 Elite

Fisher and Paykel HC230 series (HC231, HC232, HC233, HC234, HC235, HC236, HC237, HC238, HC239)
Fisher and Paykel HC600 series (HC602, HC604, HC608)

Respironics Remstar Auto A -flex - permitted on battery power only

REMstar Plus C-Flex, REMstar Pro C-Flex + - permitted on battery power only



Thanks for providing this list.
I agree. This thread would be dedicated to CPAP devices approved for use on aircraft. Maybe mods can make it a sticky.

I put a request via email yesterday to Special Services @ Air New Zealand for a flight Tuesday from LAX-LHR requesting to use my machine on board with a photo of the model/serial number of my machine.

A very polite woman called me yesterday from Air New Zealand to follow-up and asked if there were any other medical issues that they should know about and "I said no, I just snore." She said great and that my machine was approved to be used on both the LAX-LHR and return.

I then got a follow-up email from them a few minutes later:

Hi Dr.,

Further to our conversation today, as you have advised that you have no medical conditions that we need to be aware of, Medical clearance is not required for this journey and you are welcome to bring your REMstar Auto M Series battery powered CPAP on board.

Please ensure you provide enough batteries to operate the machine for the period of intended use as we are unable to offer recharging facility on board and cannot use aircraft power.

I hope you enjoy your flight with Air New Zealand,

Kind Regards,

Kylie Hansen



Current Air New Zealand Approved CPAP Machines
Resmed / Sullivan APD 2, 2e &2s
Resmed / Sullivan S6 Elite & Liteweight
Resmed / Sullivan III & IIId
Resmed / Sullivan V, V Plus & V Elite
Resmed / Sullivan Autoset T
Resmed VPAP III & VPAP III ST
ResMed S7 AutoSet Spirit, AutoSet Spirit, S7 Lightweight, S7Elite
ResMed S8 AutoSet Spirit, S8 Autoset Vantage, S8 Elite, S8 AutoScore,S8 AutoScore II ,S8 Classic, S8 Escape (S8 Lightweight)
ResMed S9 Autoset, S9 Elite

Fisher and Paykel HC230 series (HC231, HC232, HC233, HC234, HC235, HC236, HC237, HC238, HC239)
Fisher and Paykel HC600 series (HC602, HC604, HC608)

Respironics Remstar Auto A -flex - permitted on battery power only

REMstar Plus C-Flex, REMstar Pro C-Flex + - permitted on battery power only

recently, I got a new CPAP- Resmed S9 VPAP auto. It is embossed on the bottom plate with
RTCA/DO-160F Section 21 Category M compliant and FAA compliant.

This should resolve any confusion about the ambiguous wording in the FAA letter.

Nice!

Any one know if DL allows on TPAC flights on their 777 in Business?

Any one know if DL allows on TPAC flights on their 777 in Business?

Before the FAA approved stamp that was the reason, all devices for use in flight must be FAA compliant.

I am not due to CPAP upgrade until Feb 2012, I will be getting the Resmed for sure.

Any one know if DL allows on TPAC flights on their 777 in Business?

I have used one on a DL transpac 777 in economy. I am sure you could use one in Business.

Before the FAA approved stamp that was the reason, all devices for use in flight must be FAA compliant.

I am not due to CPAP upgrade until Feb 2012, I will be getting the Resmed for sure.

I lucked out. I am on my thrid CPAP since 2008. I had a sleep study about a year after I started the therapy. My pressure had changed enough that I needed a new CPAP, actually a VPAP. The unit I have now was recently released than but my Home equipment provider did not dispense that one. A few months ago, my VPAP started acting up. IN the mean time the provider had started stocking the S9 series VPAP.

The S9 has many cool features. The hose has sensors that sense ambient temperature and humidity and heat the hose accordingly to prevent rain out.
The data card it uses is the regular SD card where as the S8 used proprietary interface.

Ah, no more rain out! ^^^

Rainout is always a problem in tropical countries with high humidity or Indoor heated air in the winter.

Ah, no more rain out! ^^^

Rainout is always a problem in tropical countries with high humidity or Indoor heated air in the winter.

In tropical countries I can get by without a humidifier if I don't use A/C in the room. A lot less wight to haul without the humidifier.

In tropical countries I can get by without a humidifier if I don't use A/C in the room. A lot less wight to haul without the humidifier.

I agree with you.

However I do not have a choice in my accommodations and some places there is no in room control of the A/C. Since the CPAP is exempted from carryon limit as a personal needed medical device I just bring the humidifying unit around.
I would not do that in the early days as the heated humidified (14yrs ago) was quite a large unit.

I am awaiting my Resmed 9 (Feb2012) with great anticipation due to your recommendations.

I agree with you.

However I do not have a choice in my accommodations and some places there is no in room control of the A/C. Since the CPAP is exempted from carryon limit as a personal needed medical device I just bring the humidifying unit around.
I would not do that in the early days as the heated humidified (14yrs ago) was quite a large unit.

I am awaiting my Resmed 9 (Feb2012) with great anticipation due to your recommendations.

I know you will enjoy it. It's a great unit. Unlike the S8 series which had a proprietary data card and interface, S9 has an SD card. If you have the software, you can download the data and analyse it yourself.

My husband was not allowed to use his CPAP on CX. He has a small machine, but Cathay disallows the use of any CPAP. He was given documentation by the FA and was also met by a CX employee in HKG with more documentation.

My husband was not allowed to use his CPAP on CX. He has a small machine, but Cathay disallows the use of any CPAP. He was given documentation by the FA and was also met by a CX employee in HKG with more documentation.

Sorry to hear this. I heard they instituted a 'new policy' -- can you elaborate? Did he get pre-clearance? Was he in biz or first class? Did he need their power or have his own battery.

I've used cpap on CX twice but that was back in late 2010 and early 2011 - on their JFK/HK routes in business class and all was fine.

I heard they instituted a 'new policy' -- can you elaborate? Did he get pre-clearance? Was he in biz or first class? Did he need their power or have his own battery.

I've used cpap on CX twice but that was back in late 2010 and early 2011 - on their JFK/HK routes in business class and all was fine.

I believe that the issue was he didn't have battery packs and wanted to plug into the seat power. He was given a sheet from their operations manual, 1-11-43, dated 11 Jun 12. We were flying in F.

12.4
No medical electronic devices shall be allowed to be plugged into any onboard power outlets, including the inseat power outlets, for operating and recharging the device. Passenger is required to bring the batteries onboard for the use of such devices because the outlets are not certified or designed for such use.

Back from 3 weeks in Asia. UA flights EWR/Tokyo in biz class had power for cpap. Even had nice chat with FA re his Aeiomed unit with humidifier and battery pak. Apparently their bunks configured without power outlets, requiring his battery pak....