How to manage sleep apnea while traveling — experts share what to prep and pack

Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by abnormal breathing patterns, reportedly affects 936 million people worldwide. If you have sleep apnea and you're taking a trip soon, it's understandable to feel a little anxious about how you'll manage your symptoms (and CPAP machine) while travelling.

The good news? It's definitely possible to manage your symptoms, get the sleep you need, and enjoy your holiday if you take prep the right way prior to travelling.

To help you, we reached out to a variety of sleep apnea experts and CPAP specialists for their advice on everything you need to know about how to manage sleep apnea when traveling. Let's get started...

Should you pack your CPAP machine?

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the best known and most commonly prescribed sleep apnea treatment.

These masks, worn over the nose and/or mouth, help deliver a constant stream of pressurized air to prevent breathing interruptions and ensure you sleep well.

"It’s important that sleep apnea patients continue treatment during travel because even just skipping one night of treatment can cause the symptoms to return, like excessive daytime fatigue, snoring, morning headaches, or difficulty concentrating," says Dr Martin Hopp, PhD, M.D., medical director at Daybreak.

If left untreated throughout the trip, the nighttime breathing interruptions, combined with the added travel stress on the body, can leave you feeling significantly more exhausted, keeping you from enjoying your holiday.

"Patients are also adding cardiovascular strain with decreased oxygen levels during these nights off the CPAP," warns Dr Carleara Weiss, PhD, MSH, RN, Sleep Science advisor at Aeroflow Sleep.

Sleep apnea travel checklist

According to Joshua Piper, a sleep clinician at ResMed UK, forgetting to take certain important parts for their CPAP treatment is one of the most common mistakes sleep apnea patients make while travelling.

"Too many times I've had someone from Australia, the UAE, or the Americas come into the clinic asking for the tiniest part to their set-up." He says. "Always check your accessories and parts before you go."

Here's an expert-approved sleep apnea travel checklist to ensure you prep and pack everything you might need:

1. CPAP machine and replacement supplies

First things first, your CPAP device takes centre stage. Keep it stored safely in its travel bag along with the mask, tubing and power cords.

"At airport security, Transport Security Administration (TSA) mandates that CPAP machines are removed from their case during x-ray screening, so it’s helpful to have it easily accessible and protected," says Dr Hopp.

It's also handy to carry a spare mask cushion, travel-sized cleaning wipes in case there's no access to clean water, and extra filters.

2. Power supplies

Remember to take an extension cord in case the power outlet in your holiday home or hotel is far away from your bed. A universal power adapter is handy for international travel.

"Carrying a battery pack or DC converter/inverter might be helpful if you're camping or taking long flights, as you may not have a reliable power source while traveling," says Dr Weiss.

3. FAA compliance and CPAP prescription letters

The Federal Aviation Authority in the US (FAA ) and the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK (CAA) declare CPAP machines as medical equipment.

However, it is recommended to carry all the necessary documentation.

"I would advise keeping the FAA travel compliance letter from your provider saved on your phone or printed," recommends sleep clinician Piper.

"While most airlines and airports are aware of the regulations, it's best practice to ensure you have good legal documentation," he adds.

Additionally, it's also advisable to take the doctor's prescription for CPAP and your health insurance details, including your policy number.

How to safely pack a CPAP machine for travel

"In the US, thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, CPAP devices are allowed in the cabin as medical equipment and do not count towards the baggage allowance carry-on limit," states Dr Weiss.

Bringing it as carry-on also prevents damage and loss and protects against extreme low or high temperatures in the cargo hold.

If you're planning to use it in-flight, it's a good idea to check with the respective airline well in advance. "At least two weeks before you fly, ask the airline for permission to use your device on the flight (if you intend to do so). Not all airlines will allow for this, particularly on short-haul," Piper explains.

Carrying your FAA compliance letter is a key step.

"The FAA compliance letter confirms that the CPAP is a respiratory assistive device cleared by the FDA, and that it does not contain any parts or materials known to cause or interfere with commercial aircraft safety," explains Dr Weiss.

When it comes to packing, ensure the humidifier is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold.

Many travellers also bring a clear plastic bag for airport security as an added layer of protection when the device needs to be removed for screening.

Dr Weiss adds: "Don't forget, you'll need to pick up distilled water on your way to your destination once you leave the airport."

Top 5 do's and don'ts for managing sleep apnea while traveling

Before you set off on your travels, here's a gentle reminder that, in addition to continuing CPAP treatment, managing your sleep apnea symptoms on holiday depends on a few other things too.

"Travel should be no different from home," says Alex Dimitriu, MD, double-board certified in Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.

"My patients do best when they sleep in a similar position as at home, with the CPAP on the same side.

"You can also use an extra pillow placed vertically at the headboard of your bed to hold the CPAP hose up and away from your face."

Do...

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, according to the time zone you’re in, not the one you’re coming from.
• Sunlight exposure can help regulate your circadian rhythm (body’s sleep and wake cycle), resulting in a good night’s rest.
• Have a strict no-screen rule in the evenings, as this can suppress melatonin production (the sleepy hormone) and stimulate the brain when the body clearly requires rest.
• Plan ahead to make time for your treatment as part of your nighttime routine.
• Pack in your sleep essentials like an eye mask and earplugs to have an uninterrupted night's rest.

Don't...

• Be inconsistent with your treatment during the holiday.
• Forget to clean the CPAP mask after use.
• Consume alcohol or smoke, as these can worsen sleep apnea symptoms and increase nighttime awakenings.
• Eat heavy meals right before bed, as this can disrupt sleep quality. A two-to-three-hour interval between your dinner and bedtime is ideal.
• Work, scroll or watch content in bed, as this can create a disconnection between the new space and rest.

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