Those who need a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to fall asleep may feel anxious about taking a trip. It’s true that taking your CPAP mask and machine on the road is much less complicated than you might imagine; with a little bit of planning and the help of the checklist and suggestions provided here. 

You can keep up your CPAP compliance and still have a restful night’s sleep

Here are top things to remember before leaving home with your CPAP masks:

1. Refresh Your Equipment – Before leaving, be sure that your CPAP mask has all of its worn parts replaced with brand new ones. Replacing worn parts like the tube, cushion, and air filter before leaving for an extended period of time will make maintenance easier and lower the risk of a critical component failing.
2. You should clean your equipment completely and let it air dry before packaging it away. When not in use, keep your CPAP mask, tubing, and humidifier completely dry to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.

See also: Protecting CPAP Mask from CPAP Rainout

3. We advise that you check your CPAP mask, machine, tubing, and any other equipment (such as a backup power source) two full weeks before your travel. Check for any deterioration or damaged parts that could cause an inconvenience on your vacation. 
4. Although bringing a lot of additional supplies can get in the way, you should definitely make room in your suitcase for a spare CPAP mask cushion, some machine filters, and/or an alternative set of headgear just in case something goes wrong. 

Having backup supplies will help you keep your therapy on track in the event that something breaks, gets eaten by your in-laws’ pet, or goes missing.

5. It is highly recommended that CPAP users should have a copy of their prescription with them when they travel. While it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever use it, having it on hand will make you very happy if the perfect (or, more properly, incorrect) conditions occur. 

You probably won’t need to bring your prescription with you on your trip, but if you need to order any replacement equipment or supplies, you’ll want to have it handy.

6. You should bring your own water because only distilled water will keep your CPAP machine from getting calcified or mineralized. It’s not a good idea, and depending on where you’re going, it might not even be possible to use tap water in your CPAP machine’s humidifier. 

If you want to feel safe while travelling with your CPAP machine, bring your own supply of distilled water.

7. Carry Simple Cleaning Tools with You – CPAP wipes are convenient because you don’t have to constantly submerge your equipment in a sink full of hot, soapy water.
8. Carry an Extra Source of Energy – Although a backup battery for your CPAP machine isn’t typically required, having one can ensure that you can continue your therapy even if you’re in an area where the reliability or accessibility of energy is unknown.
9. You can do more with DC converters and extension cords by enabling you to use 12V DC outlets, some solar panel alternatives, and CPAP backup batteries like the EXP48 and EXP96 Pro, a DC converter that expands the flexibility of your therapy. 

If you bring an extension cord with you, you won’t have to worry about being restricted by the length of your tubing and power cord, or about finding an available outlet.

10. Get a Medical Alert Wallet Card – Even if you aren’t going anywhere, it’s a good idea to have a medical alert wallet card in case of an emergency. 

This is especially important for solo travellers. Keep a medical alert card in your wallet so that first responders can learn more about your health and better care for you if you become unresponsive.

For those who need a CPAP mask when flying, here are helpful hints:

Here are some information that is specific to your next flight! With any luck, these eight pointers will make your next flight more bearable while using a continuous positive airway pressure device.

• Pack Your CPAP Machine Away from the Luggage Check – Your CPAP mask and machine are medical equipment and, as such, cannot be included in the baggage weight limit. You should never be without the device, as its delicate nature necessitates constant monitoring.
• Invest in a Travel Case Most new CPAP machines now come with a travel case designed specifically for that model. If yours didn’t, you can avoid having your CPAP equipment included as checked luggage by bringing it on the plane in a separate suitcase. 

You’ll be thankful for the extra space in your carry-on, even if it’s just an old duffel bag.

• If you need to use a CPAP mask and machine during in flight, the TSA allows up to 3.4 ounces of distilled water in carry-on bags. However, the TSA advises that you keep your liquids to “appropriate proportions,” so you should probably restrict the amount of distilled water you pack in your checked bag even though there is technically no limit.
• Archive Copies of Vital Records Convenient: TSA agents and airline staff have received extensive training to recognize medical equipment, including CPAP machines. Most new CPAP machines are allowed for use on aeroplanes, but having proof of your manufacturer’s FAA certification status is helpful in case any questions or concerns arise. 

If your CPAP mask, machine, or equipment gets damaged in transit, having a copy of your prescription on you can help you get replacements. If you need to replace some supplies or machine components while on the road, having your prescription on hand will be a huge help.

• Know Your Seating Situation Before Takeoff! SeatGuru, a tool available on TripAdvisor, can help you scope out your plane’s seating situation before you take off. Find out which seats have the most legroom and which have access to power outlets for your electronic devices if you want to use them during flight.
• Traveling Overseas by Plane? Don’t forget the plug adapter! Modern CPAP machines typically detect and compensate for higher voltage outlets automatically. However, be sure your CPAP machine’s power source can handle at least 220 volts by using a country-specific converter.
• Make a Reservation 48 Hours in Advance – Even though no domestic flight can legally prevent you from using your CPAP machine, it’s still a good idea to research the airline’s guidelines for doing so. 

For a stress-free flight, be sure to call your airline at least 48 hours before takeoff with any questions or concerns; we’ve included some of the more typical regulations here. 

Note that if you intend to use your CPAP machine during the travel, certain airlines will insist that you bring a battery with a capacity greater than your flight time.

• Some portable CPAP machines, such the ResMed AirMini and HDM Z2, include waterless humidification are options that can help you conserve room and travel lighter if you don’t want to bring distilled water with you.

Conclusion

To know more about how to manage your CPAP Mask and how to get the best product that will suit your lifestyle, contact sleep specialist at Air Liquide Healthcare today!

The use of humidification can greatly improve the user’s comfort when wearing a CPAP machine, but it also increases the risk of condensation in the hose and water in the mask. When using a heated humidifier, it is not uncommon for water to leak through the CPAP mask and hose, a phenomenon known as CPAP rainout.

Heated humidification helps alleviate dryness and improve compliance for CPAP mask users who suffer from nasal congestion, dry nasal passages, sore throats, and nosebleeds.

With an understanding of CPAP rainout and the steps to take to reduce it, those who suffer from sleep apnea can have a better night’s sleep. It’s unpleasant to struggle with moisture in your CPAP mask or equipment, but there are things you may try and lifestyle adjustments you can make to alleviate the problem. 

Keep reading for loads of useful ideas to prevent condensation in CPAP masks if you wake up with water in them.

What Exactly Is CPAP Rainout, and What Causes It?

When moisture enters a cold tube, condensation forms and causes the CPAP to “rain out.” Then, a few waters drop form and splash against your face, rousing you from sleep. You can compare the accumulation of water in your CPAP tubing to the condensation that forms on an old window in a warm room on a cold day or on a chilled can of pop left in the sun on a hot day.

When the air in your CPAP hose cools down, rainout occurs. Condensation is more likely to form if the humidifier’s air is warmer or if your bedroom is cooler. You are nearly certain to experience CPAP rainout if you use the humidifier at its maximum setting. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to prevent or lessen the severity of CPAP rainout.

Is there a way to keep moisture out of the CPAP mask and hose?

To prevent CPAP rainout, it’s essential to keep the tubing’s inside and exterior temperatures as similar as possible. Water buildup in the CPAP hose can be avoided by using a hose cover or adjusting the humidifier settings.

Antidotes for CPAP Rainout

If your CPAP machine or tubing makes noises during the night, you may wake up feeling exhausted even if you get a full night’s rest. Those who suffer from sleep apnea should take measures to ensure they have the best night’s sleep possible, which includes avoiding rainout.

If you want to sleep better tonight, try these six effective strategies:

Use a Heated CPAP Tube

The heated tubing of a CPAP system is designed to maintain the air temperature constant from the humidifier to the mask, so minimising the risk of condensation and dripping that can occur otherwise.

Heated tubing is an option for many well-known CPAP machines, and many manufacturers provide it. For example, the ClimateLineAir Heated Tube is available for the AirSense 10 and AirCurve 10 machines, and the Heated Tube is available for any DreamStation machine. 

The non-condensing ClimateLineAir CPAP hose is one of the best solutions because it limits rainout and allows freedom of movement during sleep.

Insulate the Air in Your Hose by Wrapping It

Wrapping your CPAP hose in a tube cover is another great way to prevent rainout due to your bedroom’s temperature. To keep the hose even warmer, you can run it underneath your sheets. Having the proper CPAP hose attachments can do a lot to keep you from experiencing CPAP rainout and can aid in your ability to maintain sleep.

Modify the Humidifier’s Settings 

Getting your CPAP humidifier set up correctly might be a game changer. In most cases, a humidity level of three is ideal for CPAP devices. Adjusting the CPAP settings in 0.5 increments can help with rainout concerns, but you should see your doctor before making any changes. 

You should consult your equipment provider to determine the optimal humidifier temperature before beginning CPAP therapy.

Change Your CPAP Machine’s Location

Put gravity to good use. Maintain a dry mask by positioning your CPAP machine below your bed. You should consider relocating your CPAP machine from your nightstand to a lower shelf, or even the floor. If condensation does occur, any resulting droplets will be reabsorbed by the humidifier rather than splashing your face.

Tweak the Room Temperature 

As was previously discussed, CPAP rainout is caused by a temperature disparity between the air in your tubing and your bedroom. Condensation in your tubing is more likely to occur if you maintain your bedroom at an extremely low temperature at night. 

This is a simple solution, however some individuals sleep better in cooler environments, so you can try adjusting the humidity instead.

Try to Find Equipment that Can Make Changes on Its Own

Your CPAP mask will be replaced after 90 days, and your machine every 5 years, by most insurance providers. Five years is a long time in the world of sleep apnea, but a lot may happen in that time, including advancements in technology and the introduction of smart features.

For example, ResMed’s S9 and Air Solutions CPAP machines have humidity settings that can be adjusted automatically to keep you comfortable. There is a particular climate control feature that keeps tabs on the air temperature within your mask and how it compares to the outside air. 

It automatically changes the humidifier and tube levels to maintain a comfortable temperature, reducing the likelihood of CPAP rainout, as needed.

Conclusion 

If you suffer from sleep apnea, getting a good night’s rest might be difficult even with treatment (such as a CPAP mask and machine). Consistency is key because sleep apnea can cause major consequences if left untreated, despite the fact that some people experience bloating and others have skin irritation. 

We encourage you to consult our CPAP solutions guide if you are still experiencing difficulties with your CPAP mask, machine, or humidifier.

Many persons who suffer from sleep apnea argue that the potential advantages of using moisture in conjunction with their CPAP mask/ equipment exceed the risks of CPAP rainout, especially considering the fact that there are ways to lessen the likelihood of nighttime disturbances.

More to read: 10 Things to Do When Flying with a CPAP Mask