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I think on cathaypacific.com they state that only battery powered device can be used. It was change 2-3 years ago as i recalled.

I've used a CPAP machine on 50+ long haul, business and first class CX flights during the past three years. Other than the occasional issue with the seat power supply not functioning, I've never had a problem or so much as a comment from the crew. I've never informed CX about my CPAP or sought any special permission. I occasionally use a battery operated machine (as a backup in case the seat power is out), but 90pc of the time I'm plugged in and snoozing in comfort.

For those not familiar with CPAP, the units are practically silent and the one I use is the size of a book. It sits beside me on the seat and doesn't bother anyone. The air hose and headgear look a bit odd, but that's more comic relief than inconvenience for the other passengers.

The issue here is that CX explicitly say that and I just carry forward the words, don't shot the postman :P

I think it's more on liability shifting that they don't want someone to sue them (or otherwise damage the lovely IFE) when something went wrong .... as not all CPAP are OK to operate under 400Hz electricity I guess

[OT]
My dad use one of those for 10 years before and stopped 2 years when he reduce his diet and go on exercise.

The first couple CPAP were quiet noisy but the current ones are pretty quiet and blend in to ambiance noise, so all is fine
[/OT]

I've started using my CPAP on board. Last 2 flights I started using the battery. Both flights FA asked me after I woke up if I use using a battery and asked me next time to notify them ahead of time in case they needed to wake me up to check if I was using a battery.

Both flights in F.

One even said I should note it in my profile for future flights so they won't disturb me.

Using CPAP onboard
 

Do I need to get pre-clearance for using CPAP onboard? I've started using a CPAP a year ago. On the plane I run it off a battery pack. First time today on HKG-JFK they told me I needed pre-clearance 48 hours in advance to use it.

I've used it around 10-15 times on CX before without any problems. It will be a real pain if every trip I need to get a pre-clearance.

Cathay Pacific does not require medical clearance to use a CPAP, but they do require 48 hours notice prior to your flight to use one. [Source]

It's good that you have a battery pack as there have been reports of passengers being denied the use of aircraft in-seat power outlets for CPAP machines. CX has this posted on their website here.

Obviously any given crew might or might not be aware of these policies. Your prior 10-15 uses were probably with crews that weren't aware and/or didn't care about the "official" rules on CPAP.

As of a week ago, CX has changed its policy and now allows use of a CPAP on board.

A little more detail would be helpful.

On battery power or powered off the aircraft electrical system?

The latter.

Ok, we'll go one question at a time.

Advance notice to CX still required?

Any documentation of these changes?

I'm happy to tell you what I know but perhaps it will lack the specific points of interest to you.

July 2012, carrying the same CPAP in all reports. It said it was rated for inflight use and required a plug for power.
For the above, he was given a page from the manual that said it was forbidden.

April 2013: called Cathay to ask about using his CPAP. He was shunted up several levels. When he ended the phone call, I expressed concern that they might not consider him fit for travel. He called back and indeed they had marked him to deny him boarding. He certainly can manage without a CPAP for a night, it's simply that the quality of sleep is much better. He persuaded them of this and was allowed to fly (but not use his CPAP).

July 2013: FA chatted with him after meal service. He praised the CX experience but said he was frustrated that he was not allowed to use an airplane rated CPAP. She said policy was changed one week earlier and that he could indeed use it. He neither asked for nor was shown documentation. He already had what he wanted, permission to use it.

I used to regularly fly the CX JFK/HK RT route until I learned they required battery Pak. For the past two years have taken EVA Air via Taipei as Eva still permits use with on board power....in fact just returned Sat night from HK.

Great news if they do in fact let you use Cpap with their power supply!

Got this from CX site:
Non Critical Medical Portable Electronic Device (e.g. CPAP machine, nebulisers, neurostimulators, HR/BP monitors, syringe/feeding pumps, suction devices and aspirators)
All non critical medical portable electronic devices can either be connected to the inflight laptop power 110Vac outlets (where available) or be self powered using approved dry-cell or gel-type battery packs in accordance with all applicable regulations.

Great news indeed, I will try to use it on my return flight from YVR next month.

I'm wondering whether or not can I use a mini portable humidifier on the plane?

In the past, the standard rule was humidifiers draw too much power with either battery or on-board power. Not sure if things have changed....

Pls tell us how it goes when you return! ;)