I was reading this thread on taking one's sleep-apnea CPAP machine through airport security and wondered if anybody knows of a CPAP unit designed for frequent travelers, i.e. really small and light?

Follow the following thread to see an excellent CPAP machine for traveling. Small, lightweight. Comes with travel case that is approximately 12" x 8" x 4".

http://www.cpap.com/productpage/139

I have used for over 2 years, no problems whatsoever.

Not directly replying to the question, but for anyone who searches here using "CPAP" there is a thread (link)on American AAdvantage Forum that relates to traveling on American Airlines (specifically) with a CPAP machine and related power issues.

I use the Resmed S-8 Elite with humidifier. The carrying case is very similar to a laptop case, very easy to travel with. The website Capprexy1947 mentioned ( www.cpap.com ) is a great website with just about every cpap machine and mask on the market today.
A few months ago they started requiring that people taking a cpap machine through security remove the motorized part and put it into a bin like you have to do with laptops. Some times they will still take it for additional screening (swabbing it) and some times they don't, it always varies. Remember, you always have the right to request that the screener handling it to put on fresh gloves. I travel weekly with mine and have never had any problems with it.
Good luck!

Slightly OT but what is CPAP?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

The CPAP machines are very effective for those with sleep apnea problems. Sleep apnea can be life-threatening.

Has anyone here used alternatives to CPAP for light apnea, eg. surgery, mouthguards, or anything else? I'm researching this for a loved one, and would love to know of other viable options!

Thanks!

:-:

Sleep doc recommended CPAP. I declined. I went with rhinoplasty to repair my deviated septum. Problem solved.

Buddy of mine just had surgery on his throat for this purpose. They cut away/ thinned out the fleshy part that was causing the obstruction that was causing the apnea.

He was in a ton of pain for about a week, but is delighted with the result (as is his wife).

There are mixed reviews about the different surgeries available to people with sleep apnea. I would suggest looking at a couple of different forums dedicated to sleep apnea to get the answers you are looking for. One forum is on the http://www.cpap.com website, looking at their home page there is a link to it at the bottom left side of the page. Another one is http://www.apneasupport.org/index.php Both sites have a search feature so you can find the answers you are looking for there.
Some of the surgeries available are extremely painful and don't have a very high success rate. It could depend on the severity of your apnea, but I know in my case it's not a viable option. My doctors have been very negative about the surgery and I have had wonderful luck using the cpap.
Hope they can find the answers they are looking for.

^

Thanks to all for the replies, info, and links. This is just what I was looking for!

I know im a little late to the party but I had a Respironics Bi PAP (same as a cpap only it blows air both in and out) that was about 6x6x4 inches in size.

And I am happy to say since I have lost weight I no longer need the machine.