Originally Posted by
dtsm
I searched the forum and there are a few threads, primarily concerning carrying on cpap units as carry-on luggage. But the threads are very skimpy re actual usage, so a 'duplicate' post here.
I just started cpap for less than 1 month and will eventually be flying to Asia. Depending on my destinations, I could be in CX's non-stop from JFK to HK, or SQ on the non-stop to Singapore, or less appealing, JFK to Seoul on KAL. Since all are at least 15 hrs or longer, I would like to use cpap in-flight.
CX has a website page re using medical devices and I've spoken with the manufacturer of my cpap unit, Resmed. I am curious how many folks have actually used their cpap machine on board - more and more J and F class has direct AC power. On CX, they carry 115V, 400H AC which is ok for my Resmed machine (accordingly to Resmed).
And what procedure did you follow to get approval to use it on-board - advance notification, paperwork, etc.?
First of all, it's great that you found out you needed it. I had to fight with my doctor here to even order a sleep study. I had had already done in India on a suggestion of a doctor in Delhi, but I couldn't use results of that to get a CPAP.
Some units are certified for use on aircraft. If your unit is certified for use on the aircraft you will be on, the airline should alow you to use it on board. The reality is quite different. The response you get from the airline depends on who answers your phone and how diligent they are in digging up information. Some airlines would allow you to use CPAP only if it runs on a battery (quite expensive at $400 or more). You can also attack the problem from Resmed end. Have them produce documentation to you as to which aircraft teir unit has been certified for. Requiring battery use makes no sense as seats with power points provide enough power from a CPAP (other than empower ones) nor is the EM radiation from a CPAP is not likey to be much more than that from a DVD drive on a laptop. After spending hours with the airline and the manufacturer, the best I could get was "You can use it on the aircraft if you run it on a battery, and NOT use aircraft power).
That said, you will not die if you don;t use CPAP for one night. I had an AHI of 93 with a pressure setting of 16 mm of water. DO you mind sharing what your numbers were. It does make a big difference once you start using it. My BP numbers became normal only after a week's use.