Davidwnc

I don't understand. I also use an (unhumidified) Autoset II at home. My Transcend has the exact same settings, it's just more portable. It's not as if my travel machine is set to a different pressure, and therefore I would have a higher AHI when traveling. How does a machine's portability make it's treatment less effective?

KenInEscazu

I had an AA FA tell me yesterday that my CPAP was not exempt from the carry-on allowance. I did not back down, and she finally relented, but said, "I still don't believe you."

This is not the first problem I have had with AA when traveling, but it has always been the GA counting during the boarding process. Never had this problem with any other airline, and I recently switched from UA to AA. From others experience, is this something I should expect to be ongoing with AA?

tentseller

FAA > FA.

nlkm9

I have often had to explain as Im boarding the plane that my 3rd piece is a cpap and immediately the gate agent backs off--no problems--
about 2 years ago I had a GA in Norfolk who insisted that I was wrong and I would have to check my cpap, I took out the actually copy of the FAA rules and still she said I could not bring it on board, she claimed she was a "specialist" in knowing what could be brought on the plane. She said if I didnt believe her I could speak to the pilot and I said ok--he told her that medical devices did not count against the carry on requirement and she was extremely apologetic.
I was a bit annoyed but I did hold my ground.

nlkm9

I would love to get that tiny unit but it is over $500

KenInEscazu

Hmmm..... I paid $650 for my ResMed, and it's not small. Did I pay too much?

Having a second unit for travel would be well worth it to me, and I was already considering it. Ideally, I would like to have one that is battery operated with a humidifier. That way, no need for airline pre-approval to use in flight.

This seems to be where the experts convene. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Which model to buy. Where to buy it. How to set it up if I don't get it through my Dr.'s sleep center. Perhaps there is already a thread with this info. ???

tentseller

The latest on the market in travel battery power cpap is the HDM Z1. It is even smaller than the Transcend which I had.

Battery power units are not cheap. You are paying for the technology as well as the small travel size.

I have used my Z1 for travel since Nov 2014. It is about half the size of the Transcend. The flat design meant that it was even smaller to pack.

Evaporating humidifier is a high energy usage. That is why most travel units does not come with them standard. The Z1 and the Transcend uses an inline "filter / humidity recovery" unit which works but not as good as a full evaporating humidifier. These unit is smaller than a golf ball and fits in the air tube. They are meant as disposable due to humidity of the unit and potential for moisture to harbour mold and bacteria growth.
I use them when I am in hotel in Canada and US as well as inflight. In winter with the heating the air is very dry.
In SE Asia, due to more humid environment I find I am ok without using them.
When I travel I also use nasal gel in my nose at bedtime to help keeping the air passage from drying out.

Davidwnc

Just out of curiosity, when the FA asked you about it did your reply "This bag has my CPAP in it" or did you reply "This bag contains only my prescription medical equipment"?
I travel AA and BA almost exclusively, and have never once had a single problem.

allbrosca

I have not had that problem. I know I have taken it on AA, but not sure if it was a 2nd or 3rd carry-on. In the front pocket of the CPAP case I carry print outs from CATSA, TSA and Air Canada saying they are permitted on board and don't count as carry on just in case but never had to use them.

jeffjohnvol

I had an incident this week. I checked my suitcase, with my CPAP machine inside my suitcase. It's a rather large unit, the size of a small shoebox with a blower and a water resevoir.

When I got to the hotel room and opened the suitcase, the unit was in two parts! Oh S---! Little did I know, the reservoir unit snaps onto the blower unit. I found out I can use just the one half and not need the reservoir, so it turned out to be a good thing, LOL. My travelling CPAP just shrunk by 50%. . I never use the water unit anyway.

Hosemaster3000

Hi Folks--

I've been looking all over for these FAA and CATSA guidelines and Air Canada document, but have had no luck. Could someone please point me in the right direction? Where do airlines post their exemptions for medical equipment?

Thank you!

Bear4Asian

Air Canada doesn't make it easy to find, but try this link:

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelin...y-on.html#none

And be sure to look for the "Special Items" category and click the + sign to open it.

And you will see this text:

The following items are allowed at all times, in addition to your carry-on allowance:

Mobility aid (e.g. braces, cane, crutches, walker, communication device*) or other special need item,
Container carrying life sustaining items,
Medication in its original, labelled container,
Battery-powered medical equipment (such as CPAP and sleep apnea devices) and Personal Oxygen Concentrators,
Cremated remains**,
Syringe or needle for personal medical use (e.g. Epipen). See Exception in 'Prohibited Items' section below.
View detailed information on our Customers with special needs page.

* Device that helps a passenger communicate (e.g. augmentative and alternate communication (AAC) device).
** Cremated remains may be carried on board provided they are stored in a cardboard or wooden box or an urn made of a material that can be security screened (with a tight-fitting lid to ensure no spillage occurs). A certificate of cremation or death certificate is not required for the carriage of ashes. However, for international travel, customers must ensure they have obtained all documentation and certificates that may be required when travelling to or via another country. For the carriage of other human remains, please contact Air Canada Reservations.

Important: All of the above regulations are strictly enforced. Passengers who exceed their allowance will be required to check their carry-on baggage, and additional checked baggage charges may apply.

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Bear4Asian

My CPAP travel experience has been with Delta and United. I used to carry it in its own case and would always point to the TSA folks and say "CPAP". They'd always pull it out and swab it. It'd take all of 1 minute.

United carry on exemption is here:

http://www.united.com/CMS/en-US/trav...eCarry-On.aspx

Delta medical equipment exemption here:

http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_...al-items.html/

OnTheRoad99

I have had the Transcend for travel for a few years and I'm satisfied with it after I got used to it's different sensation compared to my home unit (Respironics).

I'd be very interested in your comparison between the Z1 & the Transcend, particularly breathing comfort, noise and how much of a difference in the units are when packed. While the Transcend is small, if I could save a material amount of space in my bags (I'm a very minimalist traveler & travel frequently for business) that would be great.

Thanks for your thoughts and insights.
Best regards, Steve

tentseller

The Z1 is almost half the size of the Transcend. The Z1 noise is a higher pitch. I find there is no "breathing comfort" difference.
I have been a 17yr CPAP user.

The big difference is the size of the unit. There was no out of pocket cost for me to go to the Z1 as I am due for a new unit from my medical plan. So I am just happy to carry a smaller unit when travelling, more room for other stuff.