Sleep Bytes & Blog

Traveling with your CPAP Internationally This is Kenny McCollum with part two of my video about traveling on a plane with CPAP internationally. So, let's talk about it before you go. Make a list. I have a list of everything that needs to be in my CPAP bag. It’s in there all the time. So, when I'm in a hurry in the morning, I won't forget. Only use the original CPAP bag. They are designed for getting through the TSA fast. There is a reason for those open compartments. Put a luggage tag on your CPAP bag with your name, and also to help you differentiate from all those other CPAP bags. Do not put any non-medical supplies in your CPAP bag, only your CPAP and the CPAP supplies. When traveling internationally, carry a prescription for your CPAP, and place it in the bag with your CPAP machine. Also, carry an FAA travel compliance letter with your device. Search for “FAA compliance letter” on the internet. If you plan to use a full-size machine in flight, you must call the airline ahead of time. They're going to be a little bit distraught. If you just show up, saying that you want to use your machine in flight without calling them ahead of time. Consider purchasing a small travel CPAP. They are a little expensive, but they're certainly a lot easier to use on a plane. They can also be used with a small battery, one that you can use on a plane. So another thing you definitely do not want to forget is your power adapter/power converter. The one that I have is by Ceptics. This one also has a place where you can plug in a USB charger at the end, and it has two outlets. Also, the bonus of having an extra extension cord. Then you just need to figure out what plug adapter you need for that particular country. That just slides into the end, plug it in, then your CPAP machine, and you're good to go. Let's talk about boarding your flight and getting through the airport. CPAP machines do not count towards the allowed limits of carry-on luggage. So, it can be an add-on and they're not going to charge you extra for that. Do not check the CPAP bag with your luggage, and don’t place it in your suitcase. The TSA may ask you to take the machine out of the bag for inspection; this is normal. Allow extra time for that. Flight attendants see CPAP bags all the time, but occasionally, you might get asked about it. Usually, they'll be asking you why you have an extra bag. Just tell them it's a medical device. If you use a CPAP machine in flight, you will need to change it to airplane mode if it has a wireless modem. You can bring up to 3.4 ounces of distilled water on board with you for your CPAP machine. If you choose to just purchase a little 3.4-ounce spill-proof container, you can just use bottled water from the plane or even tap water. Don't forget a neck pillow, blackout mask, and earplugs; those are great for sleeping on a plane. Of course, after the flight, don't forget to gather everything, especially the power cord or your battery. It's ok to use bottled water or tap water while you're traveling. It's really hard to find distilled water when you're traveling. Just clean that chamber thoroughly when you return home, and then go back to distilled water. So, by following these few simple tips, you will be able to fly with your CPAP machine, both domestically and internationally, with ease. Whether it's a short trip or long haul flight, you can rest assured that your CPAP needs are covered!

Tips and Tricks for Air Travel with your CPAP Hello, sleep warriors! This is Kennedy McCollum with your Sleep Tech Byte. We are going to be talking about traveling with your CPAP machine, especially while flying. The first thing is you always want to use the bag that your CPAP came in. They are designed for going through security at the airport. They have these open compartments, so that TSA can open it up, look right in, and see what's going on in there. The next thing you'll want to do is make sure, of course, to get your CPAP machine. Make sure that your water chamber is completely empty - so empty that out. Sometimes, if I'm in a hurry in the morning and packing it up, I don't get it completely dry, I'll just take a paper towel or a tissue, put it in there to get any little droplets out, and just close that up. Of course, don't forget you're tubing. Make sure you've got tubing that's in good repair. Sometimes, I'll even grab a new one if I have one, just to make sure it's in good repair. Don't forget your power cable. Now, I have a spare power cable, so I always keep a power cable in my travel bag at all times, but if not, make sure you grab your power cable. That's the thing that people forget the most often. Don't forget your mask. This is my mask right here. It's a big mask, so I take the elbow off, and I put the elbow inside the cushion and then I wrap that up in a little ball and place it there. Let's talk about extra stuff that I always bring with me when I'm traveling long distance. The first thing I always bring is an extra cushion, just in case my cushion gets damaged.  Second, I bring an extension cord. I've been in too many hotels that when you get in there, there isn't a place to plug your machine in close by. Now, sometimes you can call the front desk, and they can get you one. But just in case, I recommend bringing an extension cord, so that you can always make sure that you have a place to plug in. One more thing that you can pick up is a small surge protector to protect your machine. These are relatively inexpensive. I'm just going to put this in my actual suitcase. All right, so I'm all packed up, ready to go, and we're off! So, in case you're wondering, I will cover international travel with your CPAP machine in an upcoming Sleep Tech Byte, but for now, I've got my luggage, I’ve got my CPAP machine, and I'm ready to go!

Find CPAP success with online groups Hey Sleep Warriors, Have you ever been discouraged by the solitary nature of sleep apnea journeys? Imagine helping someone else just by sharing your own experience! Whether you are new to CPAP or you’ve had CPAP for a long time, you likely have questions - I know, because my patients show up with questions every day. And while I can provide science-backed sleep information, there is something unique that CPAP users offer to each other. By taking a moment to ask your questions or share your story, you could give someone the information they need to keep going and reassure them that they’re not alone. Community is one key to success. In my two decades of practicing sleep medicine, I’ve noticed how valuable community can be in helping people stick with sleep therapy. That’s why I’m excited to offer two ongoing options for cultivating community using online groups: #1 - a Free monthly live Q&A over Zoom – This will be the first Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm – and starts February 7th! Kenny or I will offer a brief presentation on a common CPAP concern and then open it up to YOUR questions. Sign Up Now. #2 - The Huddle – which is live weekly group coaching or one-on-one coaching on CPAP use and sleep apnea. I have already started offering this live group coaching alongside my new CPAP 101 course. And while you get the most benefit if you show up live, there is also the option to submit your questions in advance and receive the recording within 24 hours. These online support communities are the way of the future. My goal is to help facilitate these sessions and provide science-backed answers so my community can be confident that the shared information is medically trustworthy. And that leads to better outcomes for everyone. Thanks for being here. I’ll see you next week! 

SomnoSeal Giveaway Hey Sleep Warriors!  This week, I am on my way home from my overseas work in Saipan, in the Northern Marianas Islands. I started a small practice there when my husband and I, and our two small kids, moved there to do underserved work in 2007. When we came home a little over a year later, there was no one to replace me, so I have been returning annually to see patients and doing other work remotely throughout the year. Each year, I bring a senior neurology resident from OHSU with me. This gives the resident a Global Health experience and allows us to see more patients. This year, I brought Audrey Oliger, MD, and she did a fantastic job! As the only neurologist and sleep doctor for the island of 50,000, it was a busy trip! It’s interesting how the sleep patients I care for over there have many of the same sleep issues as people on the US Mainland. They also suffer from dry mouth and I had a great time this year introducing them to the SomnoSeal.  Next week, Kenny and I will be offering our monthly FREE Workshop and LIVE Q&A that will be all about dry mouth and what you can do about it. I’ll be demonstrating how to use the SomnoSeal and we will have a giveaway for a FREE SomnoSeal Starter Kit! And don’t worry if you can’t join us LIVE, just be sure to sign up and we will email you the REPLAY link.  And if you can’t wait to see the SomnoSeal in action, today I have a very special guest who is demonstrating how she uses it. Take it away, Mom! Thanks for being here. I hope to see many of you at the Workshop!