Travelling with CPAP machine

Has anyone travelled with a CPAP machine?  My grandmother really wants to come visit but she can not travel without it.  Her doctor says it is not to be plugged into anything else except straight from machine to the wall.  I told her the only thing we could do is use a transformer. We have one we use in the kitchen for some small american appliances that we wouldn't mind letting her use but she says the doctor is adamant it should not be plugged into anything else.  Is there anything else I could do on my end?

We had a friend who came to visit us and used his machine plugged into a transformer.  He had no problems.  I'm not sure why the doctor is being so adamant about it, but we never even gave it a second thought, to be honest!

Perhaps the doctor doesn't realise that transformers are necessary when travelling overseas?  It's not exactly the same thing as plugging the machine into an extension cord! 

I don't know much about CPAP machines other than I have a friend who used to use one, but doesn't any longer - I think she came over here for a visit back in 2004 or so, when she still used it, so I can try asking her!  Also, maybe there's a way to rent a UK machine while you grandmother is here?

Edited to add:  I've just emailed my friend.  She's on the West Coast, so she's probably still asleep, but I'll let you know what she says once I head back.

Could you ask your GP if there's some way to get an equipment loan for the time she's here? Maybe you could temporarily have a UK one?

I have a bi-pap same machine almost, in the UK they give you a converter for it to take to the USA, We just have to ask for one at the hospital.

Its an american system so your Granma should ask them for a cable with a plug for the UK, if they do not provide she could find out who they get it off and call them and ask about them providing one for her.

We were told not to use it with an adaptor as they said the machines can blow up, my wife did this with my wheelchair battery charger it blew up and there was smoke everywhere.


Good luck

Indy

from an email from my friend in california:

Now, I don't know if ALL CPAPs are like this or if it was because mine was so old - you figure that this happened in... 2003?  And I'd had that CPAP since... 2000?  1999?  Something like that.  What happened is that although we used a converter on the plug, trying to use it in England blew the fuse in the machine because it overloaded the poor thing.  So I was never able to use it in the UK - when I got home, my dad helped me to change the fuse and it was fine.

[...]

it is VERY possible that the newer CPAPs may be built to handle various current types - you'd think that they would be, but all I can really suggest is that the exact model of the CPAP be investigated either on the web or by calling the manufacturer.

So the age of your grandmother's machine might play a role in things.

Hope this helps!

Just a quick note that the UK get there cpap and bi-pap machines from US companies that have office in the UK they ship them over here same as cough assist machines, so the company should be able to give you a cable for it (you might have to buy it).

Good luck

Oh the doctor here said they should go on the plane with you and the doctor said they would write up a letter to the air caompany explaining hope this helps a bit.

Indy

Thanks for the responses guys! I will put these ideas and questions to my grandma so she can ask her doctor.  Very intrigued about the ability to just change the plug. I know a lot of electronics these days are equipped to handle 110-220 currency so hopefully this would be the case with her machine as well.

I too was wondering if there was any place in the UK that would rent medical equipment but I have never heard anyone mention it. I think will take this one step at a time and see what she can find out.

The Red Cross rents things like wheelchairs, but if you call your local branch they might be able to point you in the right direction.

I too was wondering if there was any place in the UK that would rent medical equipment but I have never heard anyone mention it.

Either ask your GP, or google your local primary care trust and ring them - they should be able to connect you to their equipment loans people.

I have a CPAP (i snore like no one's business and have the most enormous tonsils you've ever seen!) and I've travelled all over the world with it, you can just use a normal travel adapt to change the plug type like a hairdryer.
The current machine I have has got a US plug for mine as it's a US machine(purchased over the internet as my NHS one was a bit rubbish and I wanted something more up to date) , and I have it plugged into a normal travel adaptor in my bedroom and have had it there for about 18 months.
My other one is a UK one (my NHS one)  and has been all over Europe, Texas and the Far East (for 6 weeks) on a worldwide adaptor
I've never had any problems with customs, but...you should get your gran to get a letter from her doctor just in case. I normally keep the hoses in a seperate zip lock bag from the machine, they scan the machine and leave the hoses/mask in the bag so customs don't touch it.

And if you give the airline you're flying a warning, they should accomodate with a seat that has a regular plug accessible.

The reason I know this is cause there was a brouhaha about it recently in the news when Delta wouldn't do that for a passenger even though they were notified in advance.