Flying internationally with a CPAP machine does not have to be stressful — but it does require planning. Missing one item (the power adapter, the doctor's letter, or the distilled water plan) can turn your first night abroad into a sleepless ordeal.
This checklist is designed to be saved, printed, and checked off item by item. It covers the three phases of CPAP travel: preparation, travel day, and arrival. For detailed power specifications by CPAP model, see our ResMed AirSense 10/11 travel guide and our CPAP Europe travel guide.
Phase 1: 7 Days Before Departure (Detailed)
1. Verify your power supply voltage
Turn over the power supply brick (the box between the wall plug and the CPAP). Look for the INPUT line. If it says 100–240V ~ 50–60Hz, your CPAP works on any outlet worldwide — you only need a plug adapter. All modern ResMed AirSense 10/11, Philips DreamStation 2, and ResMed AirMini power supplies are dual-voltage. For step-by-step label reading, see our power label guide.
2. Get the right plug adapter
Your CPAP's US power cord has a Type A/B plug. You need an adapter that converts it to your destination's outlet type. A DOACE 70W GaN Travel Adapter works in 200+ countries and also charges your phone and laptop via USB-C — reducing the total number of chargers you need to pack.
3. Obtain a medical device letter
Contact your doctor or sleep clinic and request a letter on official letterhead that states:
To Whom It May Concern,
[Patient Name] has been prescribed a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The device (Model: [Model Name], Serial: [Serial Number]) is a medically necessary device that must accompany the patient during air travel and be available for nightly use.
This device is FDA-cleared and compliant with FAA regulations for in-cabin use. It does not pose a safety hazard and should be permitted as an additional carry-on medical device.
Sincerely,
[Doctor Name, Credentials]
[Clinic Name, Phone Number]
4. Consider power quality at your destination
For destinations with reliable power grids (Western Europe, Japan, Australia, Singapore), a plug adapter is sufficient. For destinations with frequent power fluctuations (parts of India, Southeast Asia, Africa, South America), a DOACE LC-X35 pure sine wave converter provides cleaner, more stable power for your CPAP's motor. See our ResMed AirSense voltage guide for details on why power quality matters.
Phase 2: Flight Day (Detailed)
Airline rules for CPAP
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Does CPAP count as a carry-on? | No. Under FAA and most international rules, CPAP is a medical device carried in addition to your regular carry-on allowance. |
| Can I check my CPAP? | Technically yes, but strongly discouraged. Checked baggage temperatures and handling can damage the device. |
| TSA screening | Remove CPAP from its bag and place in a separate bin, similar to a laptop. The water chamber should be empty. |
| Using CPAP on the plane | Allowed on most airlines with advance notice. You need a seat with AC power outlet or a battery pack. |
| Battery packs (lithium-ion) | Must be carried on (not checked). Most CPAP batteries are under the 100Wh FAA limit and do not require airline approval. |
| Humidifier water | Empty before security. TSA does not exempt CPAP water from the liquid rules. |
Phase 3: Arrival (Detailed)
Testing your CPAP at the hotel
Before your first night, plug in the CPAP using your adapter and run it for 5 minutes. Listen for unusual humming, buzzing, or vibration — these can indicate power quality issues. If you hear anything unusual, try a different outlet in the room, or use your pure sine wave converter if you brought one.
Getting distilled water abroad
- Hotel front desk: Many hotels can provide distilled water if you ask. Call ahead or ask at check-in.
- Pharmacies: In Europe, "eau distillee" (France), "acqua distillata" (Italy), or "destilliertes Wasser" (Germany) is available at most pharmacies.
- Grocery stores: Look for distilled water in the cleaning or baby section.
- Bottled water as a last resort: Low-mineral bottled water (like Volvic) can be used temporarily. Avoid high-mineral water as it leaves deposits.
- Skip the humidifier: If distilled water is unavailable, you can run the CPAP without the humidifier for a few nights. It will be less comfortable but fully functional.
Figure 1: Most commonly forgotten items by CPAP travelers (based on community surveys and forum data)
Recommended Products for CPAP Travel
- Plug adapter for 200+ countries — fits your CPAP power cord
- USB-C 70W PD for laptop and phone charging — reduces total charger count
- Compact GaN design — fits easily in CPAP travel bag
DOACE LC-X35 — 350W Pure Sine Wave Converter
- Pure sine wave output — cleanest power for CPAP motors and electronics
- 350W capacity — 3x the full CPAP system draw
- Recommended for destinations with unstable power grids
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a doctor's letter? What if I forget it?
For US domestic flights, TSA does not require a letter — CPAP machines are recognized medical devices. For international flights, some airlines and foreign security agencies may request documentation. Having the letter prevents delays and avoids the stress of explaining at security. It takes 5 minutes to request one from your doctor's office — there is no reason to skip it.
Can I use my CPAP during the flight?
Most major airlines allow in-flight CPAP use with advance notice. You need a seat near an AC power outlet (usually available in premium economy or business class). On flights without power outlets, you will need a CPAP battery pack. Contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure to confirm their policy and reserve an appropriate seat.
What if I use a Philips DreamStation instead of a ResMed?
The Philips DreamStation 2 power supply is also 100–240V, 50–60Hz — the same checklist applies. The original DreamStation 1 was also dual-voltage. Everything in this checklist works for both ResMed and Philips machines. For model-specific details, see our CPAP converter buyer's guide.
Is tap water OK for my humidifier in Europe?
ResMed and Philips both recommend distilled water to prevent mineral buildup and bacterial growth. European tap water is generally safe to drink but contains minerals that will deposit in the chamber over time. For a trip under a week, low-mineral bottled water is an acceptable temporary substitute. For longer trips, find a local source of distilled water.
What if my hotel only has two-pin outlets in the bathroom?
CPAP machines draw 50–100W — too much for the low-wattage "shaver only" outlets found in European bathrooms. Always use a regular room outlet (near the desk or bedside) with your travel adapter. See our European hotel outlet guide for details on where to find outlets in hotel rooms.
For more real-world CPAP travel tips from other users, visit our CPAP community stories page.
