Travelling with sleep apnoea : Practical Guide ✈️

Important points	Summary
Preparing for the trip	Consulting your doctor, choosing suitable CPAP equipment, organising your medical documents (prescription, certificate, FAA letter).
Plane travel	Transport the PPC as hand luggage, inform the airline in advance, pass through security checks with the necessary documents.
Hotel stay	Choose suitable accommodation (electrical sockets, pillows), correctly install your PPC equipment in the bedroom.
Maintaining sleep routine	Managing jet lag, creating an environment conducive to sleep, maintaining treatment habits despite the change in setting.
Managing the unexpected	Plan for a solution in the event of the device breaking down abroad, have contact details for local medical services.

How should you prepare for your trip if you suffer from sleep apnoea?

Consult your doctor before departure

Before you leave on your trip, you can consult your doctor for a medical check-up.

Your doctor can:

• check that your CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) treatment is appropriate,
• discuss any changes required to suit your destination and the duration of your trip.

Your doctor can also give you specific advice on how to managing your sleep apnoea on the move.

Depending on your destination, adjustments to your treatment may be necessary.

🔎 For example, if you are travelling at altitude, your doctor may adjust the settings on your CPAP machine to compensate for the drop in atmospheric pressure.

Choosing the right PPC equipment for travel

When you're planning your trip, you'll need to choose a PPC suitable for travel.

Don't forget to bring some accessories:

• spare masks,
• additional pipes,

We also advise you to take disinfectant wipes with you to keep your equipment clean during the trip.

Organising your medical documents

List of documents to be provided (prescription, medical certificate):

• a copy of your prescription,
• a medical certificate stating the need for your CPAP treatment,
• contact details for your doctor and healthcare provider.

⚠ These documents may be required by security authorities and airlines.

Don't forget the FAA compliance letter for air travel!

This letter certifies that your aircraft complies with aviation safety regulations and can be carried in the cabin.

⚠ Without this letter, you could encounter difficulties at security checks or be prevented from using your aircraft during the flight.

Are you going to be travelling by plane with your PPC?

How do I get through the security checks?

Procedures specific to medical equipment:

- inform the security officer that you are carrying medical equipment,

- present your PPC machine separately during the inspection,

- carry a copy of the prescription and the FAA compliance letter.

*Some additional procedures may be present.

Our tips to help you pass the controls:

- arrive early at the airport,

- place your PPC in an easily accessible transparent bag,

- be prepared to briefly explain the purpose of the device if necessary.

Using your PPC during the flight

Airline regulations:

Most airlines allow the use of PPCs on board, but you must:

- contact the airline at least two weeks before the flight to obtain written authorisation,

- check the availability of electrical sockets on board,

- ensure that your device is compatible with the in-flight power supply.

We've found and tested some tips for sleeping comfortably on a plane with your PPC:

- choose a seat close to an electrical socket,

- use a nasal mask rather than a face mask for greater discretion,

- bring an external battery if you don't have a plug,

- do not use the humidifier to avoid the risk of overflow.

🔎 On my last transatlantic flight, I informed my seat-mates about my PPC aircraft. Their experience and mine were good during the trip, but who knows what would have happened if I hadn't said anything.

 

Staying in a hotel with sleep apnoea

Choosing the right accommodation

To make sure you have a comfortable stay, we have compiled a number of criteria to check when booking your hotel:

-electrical sockets: make sure the bedroom has accessible electrical sockets near the bed. If not, remember to take an extension lead or a power strip with you,

-pillow: some hotels offer ergonomic or hypoallergenic pillows. Don't hesitate to ask for this type of pillow to improve the quality of your sleep,

-socket adapter: if you are travelling abroad, check the type of socket used in the destination country and take an appropriate adapter with you.

Installing PPC equipment in a hotel room

For optimum installation of your PPC device in a hotel room:

-choose a stable location: place your device on a bedside table or a stable surface close to the bed,

-use an extension lead if necessary: if the electrical socket is far away, use an extension lead to connect your appliance without difficulty,

-avoid damp areas: keep your appliance away from sources of water to avoid any risk of damage.

Managing sleep apnea during different types of travel

Road trips and camping

You can use portable batteries to maintain your CPAP treatment when travelling by car or camping.

Before buying a portable battery, keep these points in mind:

- choose a battery compatible with your PPC model,

- check the battery life (generally between 1 and 3 nights),

- provide a recharging solution (car adapter, solar panel).

To optimise your sleep on the move:

- install a mattress or mattress topper adapted to your morphology,

- use an ergonomic pillow to keep your airways clear,

- make sure your sleeping area is well ventilated.

Cruises and beach breaks

The maritime environment can affect your PPC device (along with humidity).

Here are a few precautions to take:

- protect your device from moisture with a waterproof cover,

- use a portable dehumidifier in your cabin,

- clean your mask and tubing daily to prevent mould growth.

Travel at altitude

Altitude can exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnoea.

Here are the recommended adjustments:

- gradually increase altitude to help acclimatise,

- adjust your CPAP settings to suit the altitude (consult your doctor),

- use a humidifier to counter the dryness of the air at altitude.

Before any stay at high altitude:

- consult your sleep specialist,

- discuss the need for preventive treatment (such as acetazolamide),

- carry out an exercise test in simulated hypoxia to assess your response to altitude.

Dr Raphaël Heinzer, co-director of the Centre for Investigation and Research on Sleep (CIRS), points out: "Above 5,000 metres, everyone is affected by altitude sleep apnoea, but there are variations from person to person at lower altitudes".

Maintaining a sleep routine when travelling

Managing jet lag with sleep apnoea

Jet lag can disrupt your sleep rhythm and exacerbate the symptoms of sleep apnoea.

Here are some strategies to help you adapt:

- set your watch to the time zone of your destination as soon as you start your journey,

- expose yourself to natural light on arrival to help your body clock adjust,

- maintain your usual mealtimes according to the new time zone.

For optimum use of your PPC despite jet lag :

- keep your usual pressure settings,

- use the humidification function if the air at your destination is dry,

- don't hesitate to take a nap with your CPAP if you feel too tired.

Tips for restful sleep on the move

Créer un environnement propice au sommeil, même loin de chez vous :

- darken the bedroom with a sleep mask or blackout curtains,

- use earplugs to reduce ambient noise,

- maintain a comfortable room temperature (ideally between 18°C and 20°C).

To maintain your treatment habits despite the change in environment:

- set up your PPC as soon as you arrive to recreate your routine,

- clean your equipment regularly with travel wipes,

- use an extension lead or a power strip if the sockets are not close to the bed.

The Dr. Charles Morin, an expert in sleep medicine, emphasises: "Regularity is the key to maintaining good sleep when travelling. Try to go to bed and get up at similar times every day, even if you feel tired."

Frequently asked questions about travelling with sleep apnoea

Q. Can I travel without my PPC for a few days?

1. Travelling without your PPC, even for a few days, is not recommended.

Sleep apnoea doesn't take a holiday, and if left untreated can lead to:

- increased fatigue and daytime sleepiness,

- headaches and irritability,

- increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

If you really can't take your CPAP with you, consider using an intranasal orthosis.

Q. What should I do if my equipment breaks down abroad?

1. If your PPC machine breaks down abroad, here are the steps to follow:

-contact your healthcare provider: they can often help you remotely or refer you to a local service,

-find a local supplier: look for a medical equipment supplier in your travel region,

-travel insurance: check whether your insurance covers repairs or replacement of your appliance,

-prescriptions and medical documents: carry a copy of your prescription and your doctor's contact details with you at all times to make things easier.