I think you mean "lower".

Just change your body clock to avoid CPAP!
 

This is why some people are very demanding. They should be able to refuse if the airline cannot reasonably accommodate the passenger.

The solution to CPAP is for the passenger to make accommodations. CPAP is not needed when the passenger is awake. So the passenger should accept that they are sick and re-adjust their body clock for a few days, say 3 days. Take off work and sit at home and catch up on home repairs. Or travel to Los Angeles and wait there 3 days. Then sleep in the motel before the flight. Wake up with just enough time to check in. Then stay awake for 15 hours during the flight. That could mean that you are awake for 19 hours. On arrival to Australia, check into a hotel and use the CPAP and go to sleep.

Other considerations: People with obstructive apnea requiring CPAP are often quite obese. Add to this a noisy machine which requires additional space, a coach seat, and a 15 hour flight, and you have a recipe guaranteed to give the person sitting next to you the most miserable experience of his life.

I hope in your planning for this trip, you are taking all of this into consideration. If the shoe fits, I'd urge you to purchase two coach seats or a seat in J.

This is not intended to be a snide post, but one which encourages you think beyond just your own needs and to be considerate of others.

I have a CPAP and I am not quite obese, obese or anywhere near obese. You have not seen the the machines in circulation for the last +/- five years. You can not hear them unless they are by your ear.

As dry as the air inside the aircraft will be I would recommend using the humidifier unit.

Crazy, no, ridiculous suggestion! Do you use a CPAP and is this what you do? I know my MD would not be happy if I elected NOT to use the CPAP for three days just because I was taking a long TATL/TPAC trip. My Dr. would probably state that it is more important to use the CPAP before the flight, and during the flight because of the difference in air pressure.

Nice attitude, guys




I can't speak for all owners, but the CPAP I use is not very likely to be heard above the ambient noise on the airplane - and is much more quiet than if I were to be sleeping (and snoring) without use of the device.

As far as size goes, the system I use is also quite small. smaller than a shoebox for sure. Easily fit under the seat in front of my own. No need to purchase a 2nd seat. Though I'd be glad if you want to help with my J upgrade, that was a nice idea.

Wonder if WikipediaIsDumb and Snidely Whiplash are related?

I have used CPAP on a number of flights with several different carriers (Delta, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, etc.) and never had any problem. There are several bits of misinformation that have been posted. First, my CPAP draws less current than my notebook, so the power has never been an issue. Second, the noise generated by my CPAP is almost inaudible given the ambient noise. In agreement with a previous comment, the noise made by my CPAP is negligible compared to the noise of people snoring (present on almost any long-haul flight). Third (also in agreement with some other comments), this is an essential medical device. Fourth, I am not obese, and was first diagnosed with OSA when I was running 5 miles a day. I could go on, but felt compelled to offer my own opinions...

To the OP - you might want to ask your MD about a product called Provent. Its a one time use thing you stick on each nostril that supposedly alleviates Sleep Apnea. They are impractical to use regularly but may be effective as a temporary measure. They are by RX so actual use should be under the guidance of an MD.

Thanks one and all for the tips and advice - on the above travel, medical, and lifestyle subjects. Well, not so much the medical and lifestyle ones. But good to hear from fellow CPAP users about their luck using CPAP on board.

The CPAP works very well for me right now so I will stick with that.

Regarding the main topic - my trip parameters just changed, and now I'm taking Qantas/AA instead of Delta.

By the way, Qantas has an EXCELLENT policy on CPAP and my brand/model is on their approved list. See the following, in case it is of help to any other CPAP flyers.

http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airl...ance/global/en

Delta could learn a thing or two from these guys.

Yes, I do mean the referenced document. I can't answer why someone would refuse the use of an important piece of medical equipment. My guess is that DL personnel aren't familiar with CPAP's and, thus, automaticaly say they can't be used. I have also found most airline and TSA folks don't care about doctor's notes as they can be forged (their words, not mine). However, you should not need any paperwork to use a CPAP on a plane other than what was described in your first post. YMMV.

As far as the pressure issue, if your CPAP automatically adjusts the pressure (aka an APAP), your CPAP will befine. If your CPAP has a fixed pressure, there is usually a setting to change your altitude. If it were me, I would set it to 5000 feet.

I've reached the point where I don't use the CPAP in the air and resign myself to a poor nights sleep (even in business).

Bacrs (fellow sleep apnea sufferer)

Greetings from down under.

I had mine sitting on the floor with the battery pack.

It worked pretty well on my Qantas flight LAX-MEL, aside from being in a small coach seat.

My system is very quiet and seemed to adjust to any preasure difference without need to adjust settings.

First time ever using a CPAP without an AC outlet. Very nice experience and the battery lasted longer than I needed it to.

Have a great time down under...I'm jealous! Glad you had a safe trip.

Yes. I have a Resmed S9 series VPAP Auto that has the label that it complies with FAA requirements.

This thread has sparked my curiosity.

I've heard the CPAP described here as an essential and important medical device. I thought they were only used when sleeping? I don't mean to diminish their value or slight CPAP users, but are they essential for an airplane ride? I've never seen or heard one so I'm really just wondering what the issue is here.

If one is flying 15 hours on a TPAC flight, there's a good chance they'll be trying to get some sleep. In this case, Flight 17 departs LAX at 10:45 p.m.