If your apnea is moderate to severe, there is a good chance your doctor recommended a CPAP machine to treat it. Although wearing a CPAP mask helps you get a good night of sleep, it can be kind of bulky with all of its components. If you are traveling this holiday season, you may be wondering how you are going to travel with your machine and best CPAP mask.

Avoiding Delays at the Security Check Point

If you are debating whether to check your machine or carry it on the plane with you, it is always a good idea to pack it in your carry on bag. This reduces the chances of it being damaged or lost. Also, if you are on a long flight or an overnight one, you may want to use it on the plane. For ease of travel and to free up space, you may want to consider a travel CPAP resmed, as it is compact and does not require water like other machines.

You may be concerned about getting the machine through security or the extra time that will be required. The good news is that TSA officers are used to seeing CPAP machines and masks, so you should not expect to encounter any issues. To be extra safe, you may want to being along documentation from your doctor that says you need it.

Make sure you empty all of the water out of the humidifier before going through security. You will be asked to take the machine out of the case before it goes through the X-ray machine, but you can keep the tubing and mask inside the case. The officer may also swab the machine, but this should not take more than a few seconds.

Securing Your Privacy in Your Host's Home

If you are staying at a family member or friend's house while traveling, you may not want to announce the fact that you use a CPAP machine. If you do not want to get into a conversation describing what sleep apnea is or what the difference between BiPAP and CPAP is, then you may not want to tell anyone.

If you have your choice of which room you sleep in, choose one that is as far away from others as possible, such as in the basement. You should choose the side of the bed that is closest to a power source or ask your host for an extension cord.

If you are in a room close to the host or other guests, you may want to consider a white noise source to help block out the sound of the machine. Ask if your host has a fan, or pack a small white noise machine in your luggage. Placing a folded towel or other cushioning under the machine will also mute some of the sound and vibration from the machine.