Traveling with your CPAP this Holiday Season?

Hey Sleep Warrior, 

As the holiday season unfolds, our thoughts often turn to gathering with family and friends, which usually means travel. Airports become a hive of activity, filled with the excitement and sometimes the stress of the season.

But amidst the hustle and bustle, there's a silver lining: ensuring you get the quality sleep you need with your trusty CPAP machine.

Notice how it's becoming a common sight? More and more travelers are moving through terminals with their CPAP machines. It's a testament to their dedication to good sleep, and whenever I spot them, I'm filled with a sense of pride. I want to run over and give them a high five for taking their sleep health seriously!

And here's some good news for you CPAP users: the machine doesn't count as an extra piece of luggage. That's right, it's a medical device, so you can bring it along without affecting your baggage allowance, which means more room for those holiday extras.

But travelers beware! in the sea of people, there's an ocean of CPAPs that could easily be mixed up in the holiday travel rush - why? because most CPAP carrying cases look alike. 

So, to help you stand out from the crowd and keep your travel as smooth as your sleep, I've put together three important tips. These are the same suggestions I give my patients, ensuring their travels are nothing but restful.

Tip #1
Make your CPAP stand out by tagging it with something unmistakably you. Whether it's a colorful ribbon, a sticker, or a custom tag, this personal flair will ensure your CPAP never gets swapped or lost in the shuffle. This helps on conveyor belts and overhead bin space. It's a simple step for peace of mind.

Tip #2
Remember the extension cord – in hotel rooms and guest bedrooms you never know how far the nearest outlet will be from your bed, and you'll want to CPAP setup to be hassle free – I know how those first nights can be filled with late-night fun! An extension cord is a small addition to your luggage, but it's a big relief when you find that the plug isn't right by your bedside.

Tip #3
Arrange for distilled water – If you're staying with friends or family, ask them to pick up a jug of distilled water in advance. They're likely making a store run for your visit, and having it ready when you arrive will allow you to relax and catch up instead of running errands. In hotels or if distilled water isn't immediately available, using tap water temporarily is generally okay for short periods. It shouldn't harm your machine if it's just for a night or two.

I wish you safe and smooth travels and may the airline computer systems be glitch free! 

Thanks for being here, I’ll see you next week.