Traveling with Your CPAP

CPAP therapy works best when it's consistent — including on the road. Here's how to travel without the hassle.

Air travel

• Your CPAP is a medical device under TSA and most airline policies — it does not count toward your carry-on limit.
• Keep it in an easily accessible bag; TSA will typically screen it separately, similar to a laptop.
• You can request a "CPAP" gate tag from some airlines to speed up boarding-area screening.
• If checking a bag, consider carrying your CPAP on board instead — lost luggage means a night (or more) without therapy.

Power on the go

• Check your machine's voltage compatibility before international travel; most modern CPAPs are dual-voltage (100–240V) and just need a plug adapter, not a converter.
• Battery packs designed for CPAP use let you run therapy while camping or on long flights without outlet access.
• Travel-specific CPAP machines are smaller and lighter if you travel often — worth considering as a second device.

Packing tips

• Pack distilled water pods or plan to buy distilled water at your destination — tap water isn't ideal even short-term.
• Bring a travel-size cleaning wipe pack to keep the mask fresh without full equipment on hand.
• A hard-shell travel case protects the machine from impact in checked or overhead storage.

Hotels and hospital stays

Continue using your CPAP every night you're away, including hotel stays. If you're hospitalized, bring your machine and tell staff you use CPAP at home — many hospitals will let you use your own equipment or provide compatible therapy.