Travelling with a CPAP machine — flights, adapters & what to pack

Under FAA regulations, a CPAP machine is a Portable Medical Electronic Device (PMED) and is exempt from the standard carry-on limit. You are permitted to bring it onto the plane in addition to your regular carry-on bag and personal item — not instead of one of them.

At security, take the CPAP out of its bag (like a laptop) and place it in a separate bin. TSA agents are familiar with the device; declare it at the screening station to avoid delays. The same applies in most countries — CPAP machines are universally recognised as medical equipment.

Airlines cannot refuse to let a CPAP on board. What varies is whether you can use it during the flight — that depends on in-seat power availability and airline policy, covered below.

Most long-haul aircraft have in-seat power sockets, but using a CPAP during the flight requires advance notice to the airline — usually at least 48 hours before departure. Some airlines require a letter from your doctor. Policies vary significantly:

• Most US carriers (Delta, United, American): permit CPAP use with advance notice, no doctor's letter required
• Most European carriers (British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France): permit CPAP use with advance notice, may require a medical form
• Budget airlines: policies vary widely — always call ahead

If in-seat power is not available or guaranteed, a CPAP travel battery is the most reliable option. Purpose-built CPAP batteries (such as the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite or ResMed Power Station II) provide one to two full nights of use and are airline-approved when carried in the cabin.

Turn the humidifier off during flight — humidity from the water chamber can cause issues at altitude and most battery packs don't have enough capacity for heated humidification anyway.

This is where most CPAP travellers get anxious — and where the answer is almost always simpler than expected.

Check the label on your CPAP power supply. Look for the INPUT line:

• INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60Hz — your machine is dual-voltage. You need only a plug adapter for the socket shape. No converter required.
• INPUT: 120V only — you need a voltage converter rated for your machine's wattage. This is rare for modern CPAPs but worth checking.

The vast majority of CPAP machines sold since 2010 — including all current ResMed AirSense, Philips DreamStation, and Fisher & Paykel Icon models — are dual-voltage. If your machine is relatively recent, it almost certainly handles 100–240V.

Use the PlugsRus plug checker to find the correct adapter for your destination's socket type.

If your CPAP has a heated humidifier, you need distilled water — not mineral water, not tap water, not filtered water. Tap water and mineral water leave deposits that damage the humidifier chamber and can grow bacteria.

In many countries, distilled water is not sold in supermarkets the same way it is in North America. Here's where to find it:

• Pharmacies (chemists) — the most reliable source in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Ask for "distilled water" or "purified water for medical devices".
• Supermarket water aisle — look for "demineralised water" or "deionised water". Check the label to confirm zero mineral content.
• Your hotel — larger hotels sometimes stock it; worth asking at the front desk on arrival.
• Boiled and cooled water — acceptable as a short-term substitute. Boiling kills bacteria but doesn't remove minerals. Use for one night maximum if you can't find distilled.

An increasingly common solution: turn the humidifier off entirely for short trips. Your therapy still works without humidification — it's a comfort feature, not a medical requirement for most users. Confirm with your doctor if unsure.

Cruise lines classify CPAP machines as medical devices and are required to accommodate them. A few things to sort before you sail:

• Outlet location: most mainstream cruise cabins have an outlet near the bed — but not all. Contact the cruise line in advance to confirm your specific cabin has a bedside socket.
• Extension cords: these are banned on all cruise ships as a fire hazard. However, medical exceptions are frequently granted for CPAP users — contact the cruise line's accessibility or medical department before sailing. Get confirmation in writing.
• Distilled water: the ship's medical centre will often provide it. Ask before you board so it's ready in your cabin on night one.
• Voltage: most major cruise lines provide 110V US-style outlets in cabins. European lines may provide 220V only, in which case you'll need an adapter (but not a converter if your machine is dual-voltage).

See our full cruise ship electricity guide for more on cabin outlets and what to pack.

• CPAP machine — in its carrying case, in your carry-on
• Power supply and cable — confirm it's dual-voltage before you go
• Plug adapter — the right type for every country on your itinerary. Use the PlugsRus checker.
• Humidifier water chamber — empty and dry for travel
• Distilled water — a small bottle for the first night; source more locally
• Spare mask, headgear, and filters — replacements are hard to find abroad
• CPAP travel battery — for flights, camping, or anywhere power is unreliable
• Doctor's letter — not always required, but useful for security screening and airline requests
• Cleaning supplies — wipes or a travel cleaning device (e.g. SoClean Go)

Can I bring a CPAP machine on a plane?

Yes. A CPAP is a medical device under FAA rules and does not count toward your carry-on allowance. Take it out of its bag at security screening the same way you would a laptop.

Do I need a voltage converter for my CPAP abroad?

Almost certainly not. Check the INPUT label on your power supply. If it reads 100–240V, you need only a plug adapter for the socket shape — no converter. If it reads 120V only, you need a converter.

Can I use my CPAP on the plane?

On most long-haul flights, yes — but you must notify the airline in advance (48 hours minimum). Some airlines require a medical form. A CPAP travel battery works on any aircraft regardless of in-seat power.

Where do I get distilled water for my CPAP abroad?

Pharmacies (chemists) are the most reliable source worldwide. Supermarkets often stock demineralised or deionised water. Alternatively, turn the humidifier off entirely for your trip — therapy still works without it.

Is CPAP equipment allowed on cruise ships?

Yes. CPAP is a medical device and cruise lines must accommodate it. Contact the cruise line's accessibility or medical department before sailing to arrange a bedside outlet, a medical extension cord exception, and distilled water in your cabin.

What is the best travel CPAP machine?

The ResMed AirMini is the most compact full-featured travel CPAP available — it weighs 300g and fits in a jacket pocket. The ResMed AirSense 11 and Philips DreamStation Go are also popular travel-friendly options that double as everyday machines.