Your Health
Traveling With Medical Equipment by John D. LeFevre, MA, RCP
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ow is the time of year when many of us are making summer travel plans. If you’re one of the millions of Americans who rely on medical equipment like oxygen or CPAP each day, you may be concerned about traveling, especially by airplane. But with a little preparation and planning, you can take that trip you’ve always dreamed about. The good news is that if you are a CPAP user, that device is fairly simple to travel with. CPAP machines are usually stored in a padded bag that can be carried onto an airplane or checked in as baggage. If you elect to carry your CPAP onto the plane, it will need to be removed from the bag – just like a laptop – when you go through security checkpoints. If you prefer to check your device in as baggage, just be sure that it’s secure and well padded. It’s a good idea to let your airline know that it’s a CPAP machine so that they can tag it as a medical device, and hopefully those airline baggage handlers will be extra gentle with it.
While the newer machines are small, older models can be pretty bulky. If you have an older CPAP machine, your medical equipment supplier can help you acquire a newer model that’s easier to travel with. Before you head out on your trip whether by plane, train or automobile, be sure that you have all of the key pieces to the CPAP, including the mask, power cord and hose packed. Keep a copy of your current prescription with you in the event you need supplies while you’re traveling. And if you’re heading overseas, be sure you have the necessary electrical adapters so that your machine will work in a foreign country. While CPAP isn’t difficult to travel with, oxygen can be a little more challenging, especially if you plan to fly, since you cannot bring your oxygen tank onto an airplane. While it’s not impossible to travel if you rely on oxygen, it does take a bit more planning. Here are some tips you can follow to help make for a stressfree travel experience: • Keep a copy of your prescription for oxygen with you at all times. You can obtain a copy of this from your physician or your medical equipment supplier.
• You are allowed to bring your oxygen tank into the airport, through security and to the gate but that’s as far as you can take it. Some airlines can provide you with oxygen for an extra fee for the flight but you’ll need to make those arrangements with the airline ahead of time. Since not all airlines offer oxygen, call before booking your flight. • Be sure to secure an oxygen tank rental at your destination prior to arriving. Your medical equipment supplier can typically help you with this. • There are FAA approved portable oxygen concentrators that are battery powered and have been cleared for use on airplanes. Check with your medical equipment provider about availability. • If you do rely on oxygen, it’s a good idea to consult with your physician prior to booking your flight. If you have any questions or concerns about traveling with your medical equipment, talk with your supplier or your physician. While it does take a bit of extra planning to travel with medical equipment, it’s not impossible.
LeFevre is a Licensed Respiratory Therapist with Samaritan Medical Supplies, which carries a wide selection of medical equipment including oxygen, ambulatory equipment and other home care supplies. They have offices in Albany, Corvallis, Lebanon and Newport, and can be reached by calling 1-800-753-6030.
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Willamette Living Magazine
June / July 2014