Many people who use CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure, are often reluctant to travel with their machines, especially on airplanes. CPAP is used for obstructive sleep apnea. Advances in technology and increased awareness has made a big difference for people traveling with CPAP machines. With a change in the FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, ruling regarding respiratory devices, travel has become easier for many people.

Individuals can now easily use their machines on air planes. There have been recent changes made by the FAA regarding traveling on airlines with the machines. The changes make it easier not only to travel with, but to use continuous positive airway pressure in flight, and the traveler is protected under the law.

According to the FAA, passengers are to be allowed to travel with, and use, respiratory devices in flight. Although the FAA has made their ruling, if you use a CPAP machine there are some things that you should know before going through the security checkpoint in the airport.

First of all, you never want to check your machine. You will not have access to it if you need it while in the air. Carry a prescription for the machine written by your doctor. You should also carry a copy of your most recent sleep study. If your unit is lost, stolen, or breaks, you will have the necessary paperwork to get it replaced at once.

When you attach an identification tag, make certain it is a medical equipment tag so that the contents is identified as such. Inform the TSA agent that you are carrying a continuous positive airway pressure machine. It should be removed from its carrying bag, wrapped in a clean bag to prevent contamination, and sent through the scanner separately.

Also, to avoid contamination, ask the security agents to change their gloves and wipe the table down before they inspect the machine. And just in case, keep a record of the serial number and model number of the machine. You may also want to have your doctor write a brief letter explaining your need for the unit. These steps will make getting through security much smoother and less stressful.

Make sure that there is an outlet by your seat if you plan to use the machine while in flight. Also be sure that you have the correct adaptor for the outlet. Most machines automatically convert to the local voltage, but check your owners manual to be certain. This should be done prior to boarding the flight. Remember that your machine is not considered an additional carry on under the Americans with Disability Act.

Finally, if you are going to use the CPAP unit on the plane, you need to consider how you will get past security with the distilled water you will need. You can have your physician prescribe a pharmaceutical grade bottle of distilled water. A five hundred milliliter bottle holds just about sixteen ounces. You will want to make sure that when you arrive at your destination, you have an ample supply of distilled water waiting for you.

Provider of the highest quality CPAP supplies Toronto such as CPAP masks, specializing in sleep apnea treatment. Come visit us, get CPAP Toronto products and start sleeping well today.

Provider of the highest quality CPAP supplies such as CPAP masks, specializing in sleep apnea treatment. Come visit us, get CPAP products and start sleeping well today.
http://www.cpapmachinestore.ca

Author Bio: Provider of the highest quality CPAP supplies Toronto such as CPAP masks, specializing in sleep apnea treatment. Come visit us, get CPAP Toronto products and start sleeping well today.

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