Anyone use a CPAP on board?
#76
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: YYC
Programs: AC E75K, IHG Diamond
Posts: 125
In theory, yes, but the effectiveness of the CPAP is over the long-term health profile of the patient. It would be difficult to argue that a single sleep session without the machine could pose a life-or-death risk to the patient. Frankly, if that was the case, that patient shouldn't be boarding an ordinary commercial flight!
#77
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: YYG
Programs: Aeroplan 50K, Club Accor Gold
Posts: 441
I've been holding off on booking an Asia or Europe trip because of the current restrictions on CPAP usage, and it has limited my transcontinental options, too. I have, however, noticed that many other Star Alliance carriers permit their usage; I may travel to Europe this summer with one of them.
#78
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: All Accor Plat, 1865 Voyager, AE E35K, HH Gold,Hyatt, Hrtz Gold, Marriott Gold, NEXUS
Posts: 1,664
Recent issues
I think I must be marked as disabled in the AC system because I use a CPAP a lot. As a result, I can't complete check in online and I think that's the reason. Also, I can no longer sit in the exit row, even when it's not an overnight flight and I'm not using the CPAP. I can still select exit row but I get bumped out before check in (last time to a middle row near the back of the plane. Thankfully was able to switch to an aisle). For my last flight, my boarding zone should have been zone 1, but it was marked as PRE. Any other CPAP users having these issues?
#79
Join Date: Mar 2021
Location: Edmonton
Programs: AC*SE MM , Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 145
I've been holding off on booking an Asia or Europe trip because of the current restrictions on CPAP usage, and it has limited my transcontinental options, too. I have, however, noticed that many other Star Alliance carriers permit their usage; I may travel to Europe this summer with one of them.
#81
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,110
Interesting that they call out CPAP and BiPAP, but not APAP. All my machines are APAPs, so I guess I'm OK (though I generally don't need to use one in flight).
#83
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: BA blue,, aeroplan 25K
Posts: 1,025
Air Canada, as with so many other issues, are totally anal about CPAP usage. Just as the OP's acquaintance experienced, I have happily used my CPAP on some J flights, whereas on a couple of other legs the FA decided to be a Nazi. That is one reason why I have stopped flying AC in J.
On air Canada if you need to use it you can you just need and external battery supply which anyone with CPAP should have. Mine without using the humidifier can run in batter for over 6 hrs
#84
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: BA blue,, aeroplan 25K
Posts: 1,025
for all intense and purposes APAP is the same as CPAP (not bipap) APAP just auto sets the pressure - starts off low and climbs depending on need to overcome the obstruction where as CPAP is preset and doesnt change
#86
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: Aeroplan 35K
Posts: 86
Emailed the AC Medical Desk today asking permission for use of a APAP for a TPAC in 12 days time. They phoned me back within 30 minutes to ask reason for use (Sleep Apnea or other). They then added note to PNR and said I was all set… reminded me that I had to use battery power and no aircraft power should be used for the unit. Easy and fast customer service from AC.
#87
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 57
This is where I picked up my AirMIni from.
And this one here is where I picked up my S11 from, but they also have the Minis, and their pices look to include the setuppacks?
https://canadiancpapsupply.com/colle...=5415443890217
#88
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Marriott Gold
Posts: 952
https://www.cpapnow.ca/product/resme...-travel-cpap-1
This is where I picked up my AirMIni from.
And this one here is where I picked up my S11 from, but they also have the Minis, and their pices look to include the setuppacks?
https://canadiancpapsupply.com/colle...=5415443890217
This is where I picked up my AirMIni from.
And this one here is where I picked up my S11 from, but they also have the Minis, and their pices look to include the setuppacks?
https://canadiancpapsupply.com/colle...=5415443890217
#89
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Marriott Gold
Posts: 952
Managed to find myself a ResMed AirMini, and a way to power it off a battery bank for my safari trip! It's a bit finicky, and the start-up procedure is a bit interesting when connected to the Anker 737 Powercore 24K. I have to basically hold my breath and not breathe in for the first 15-20 seconds while the AirMini ramps up, otherwise the power draw seems to trip the overcurrent protection of the battery bank which will then cut the power. Once it has enough pressure I think it will sustain it fine. Will be doing an overnight test this week to see how long it can last, the on board power consumption meter estimates ~12-13hours or so, fluctuating up and down a bit with the power draw. The max that I've seen the AirMini draw is 19W while I deliberately made my mask leak, otherwise it settles in around 9W or so during an inhale. The power adapter from USB-C to AirMini 24V is a bit finicky, it's clearly handmade (BixPower in California) and I had to shave down the connector edges a bit to ensure a snugger/deeper fit.
It happily fits into my Peak Design Medium Camera Cube's extra space after the camera and lenses gets packed in, which also actually helps keep the camera gear from moving around. I do have to pack the mask separately though (Philips Dreamwear full face).
It happily fits into my Peak Design Medium Camera Cube's extra space after the camera and lenses gets packed in, which also actually helps keep the camera gear from moving around. I do have to pack the mask separately though (Philips Dreamwear full face).
#90
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,622
Please note that the moderators have had a number of member comments about how far off topic this thread has wandered. I'd like to ask that we try to get this thread back to discussing use of CPAP machines on Air Canada, and point out that there are several venues that would be more suited to discuss CPAP use in general, best CPAP machines, where to obtain them, etc, including a recent thread in OMNI about sleep apnea, and the Travel Products and Travel Technology forums.
Thank you.
Adam Smith
AC Forum Moderator
Thank you.
Adam Smith
AC Forum Moderator