Using CPAP on board
 

I have been using CPAP for a few years. I also want to use it on long hauls. However, every time I need to explain to various departments when I make the request. I have the same problem on my HKG-YVR flight on Tue. Tried to explain to the reservation agent, she did not know what I was talking about. She just said she will make a note on the PNR. And that was what she did. When I check-in at the airport, they need to get someone from the engineering department to come out and check the machine.

Is there any way so that I can avoid all these troubles?

Also , does anyone know the seat number for medical plugs on 74A and 33B. For 77A I know it is 3K and 26K.

Many thanks.

Are you sure on 77A there's 3K ? on 77A CX only has 1A-K / 2A-K

If using the CPAP on board is so important you should look into the battery powered units

Just out of curiousity, would it endanger your life that much if you don't use the CPAP for the flight?

Have you read CX's detailed advice and guidance on CPAPs and similar on their website?
http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_...0011d21c39____

Yes.

CPAP are for people with Sleep Apnea - people who stops breathing during their sleep. In mild situations their brain will "wake up" the nerves and force the throat to open up and starts breathing, however, in severe situations the process of the brain waking up the throat so much that it causes lack of oxygen to the brain, and can cause brain damage. Finally, there are known cases of the brain finally stops waking up the body and the person dies in their sleep suffocating to death.

So yes, CPAP is very important and life-threatening.

Sorry, it is 2K for 77A.
It is not life threatening yet, but it will surely make the neighbors happy since I will not snore with the machine on.
I have already used the same machine on 5 different flights this year. I usually make the request right after the reservation is completed. It is always more than 48 hrs notice. Unfortunately many CSO do not even know what is a cpap. I have to explain the same situation over and over again.

Would surgery help? I've heard of people who get parts of their throat "trimmed off" so that they can breath better when sleeping.

Surgery is not always effective, in fact some doctors do not even recommend it as they are unsure of its utility vs the pain it causes. In addition the surgery has its own problems.

I have Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and I took the surgery to "cut open my throat" or more accurately they widen the opening that we swallow our food down, theoretically this decreases muscle tension and increase air flow. Didn't work.

I know of the risk before I took the surgery, success rate (that it helps) is only 15%. That is why yes, doctors usually say don't bother.

my father and uncle both need CPAP, and both don't bother with the operation also.

My dad get rid of the machine after retirement, 3 years controlled diet and complete cut in alcohol consumption

Yes, dieting (losing weight) and don't smoke, drink, etc. all have proven effectively against Sleep Apnea.

does the machine not affect other passengers near it ? if so is it really fair they have to put up with this

Why would it affect a fellow passenger? They make almost no noise and can be placed on the floor and thus take up no extra space. Most are quite small. All they are is a kind of compact fan blowing air into the lungs of the user through a hose. The only problem is in Y where there are only a couple of seats with power.

If I have to put up with people who smells, snorts up a storm, keep elbowing you and invades your space, throws newspaper everywhere, and keep making spit sounds in their throats, then yes you can put up with my CPAP.