Before you start travelling this holiday season, go slowly and carefully over your mask and make sure it will not cause you trouble just when you don’t need it. When in doubt, get a replacement part or piece to have as a spare.
 

1. Silicone Cushion: usually lasts from 9 to 18 months, depending on the strength of the acidity of your skin, and the consistency of your cleaning schedule. If you are getting leaks consistently, even after refitting your mask, it is time to get a new silicon cushion.

2. Grey foam or gel: both these pieces need to be resilient, and should spring back into their original shape quickly after being compressed. Regular cleaning is also important for ongoing good seal. Usual life for a grey foam is 3 or 4 months. Gels usually last about the same as their covering cushion. 

3. Headgear: Usually good for 12 to 18 months, depending on how often you adjust it, and how tight it is kept. If it doesn’t stretch a little when pulled, or if the velcro tabs come apart in use, replace the headgear. Loss of elasticity means leaks. 

4. Resmed masks: check that the covers on the oxygen ports are solid and staying place firmly. Check the elbow doesn’t leak where it connects to the mask frame. Check that the forehead support isn’t cracked or broken, and that the silicone forehead pad is fitting properly into the support.

5. Fisher & Paykel mask:  Check the elbow doesn’t leak where it connects to the mask frame. Check that the forehead support isn’t cracked or broken, and that the bottom of the silicone forehead pad is fitting properly into the support and isn’t torn.

6. Other masks: As above, check the pieces for cracks or breaks, and pieces missing, or about to fall off.

Remember, a few minutes spent slowly checking your mask (and machine, tube, bag and any other things you use, means a CPAP trouble free trip. And do it now, in November, in case the parts aren’t available, or your mask has been superceded.

PS: If you are leaving the country, take a copy of your prescription with you just in case stuff gets lost.

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1. Check on the headgear to see if a label is attached that has manufacturer and/or model listed.

2. Check front of mask frame to see if manufacturer and/or model is imprinted into the plastic.

3. Check edge of silicone cushion to see if manufacturer and/or model is imprinted there.

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Always keep a copy of your prescription with you in case somebody needs convincing. (I laminated a copy of mine and keep it in the bag with my machine). A prescription is essential in the event that you need to purchase a replacement machine.

This link is to the TSA (US) CPAP requirements/information . . .
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/passengers-cpaps-bipaps-and-apaps
For a copy of the QANTAS medical devices form follow this link . .
http://www.qantas.com.au/infodetail/flying/beforeYouTravel/cpap-travel-clearance-form.pdf

And here is the QANTAS policy on medical equipment . .
http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/checked-baggage/global/en#medical-and-mobility-equipment

To see what your airline has in store for you, and if power is available in you seat, follow the following link to Seat Guru, a great information site  www.seatguru.com   

The following is taken directly from the Qantas website, however it is applicable to every airline. Prior communication is essential.

Clearance is normally required when use of any medical equipment is required inflight. Not all battery or electrically powered equipment can be used onboard so check with Qantas first.

Strict safety rules govern the operation of electronic equipment onboard aircraft. Hearing aids and heart pacemakers are allowed. Ask Qantas or your travel agent for details if you require other devices.

Medical equipment to be used onboard must be made available for inspection a few hours before departure and approved for use onboard. Normal carry on baggage regulations apply to any medical support equipment to be used in flight.

If you require a humidicrib to be used inflight, you will be carried or uplifted if you:

• Inform Qantas Special Handling at your local Qantas office of any piece of medical equipment that you require Qantas to provide for your travel a minimum of 5 days internationally and 3 days domestically before your intended travel.
• Supply all medical equipment that you require to travel safely (including, but not limited to, medical equipment and/or medication that is vital for your safe carriage, for example respiratory devices).
• Supply medical equipment that is compliant with Qantas aircraft, for example, equipment with compatible voltage.

You must contact Qantas Special Handling at your local Qantas office for medical clearance and for approval of any equipment that you provide. If any of the above requirements (including stipulated time frames) have not been complied with by you, Qantas reserves the right to deny you uplift or carriage on the relevant flight until all Qantas policy requirements have been met. For example, by mistake you bring electrical equipment with the incorrect voltage.

Qantas will not accept liability or responsibility for any costs associated with the denial of carriage for example hotel or hospital costs. However, you and any accompanying passengers, will be able to use any unused portions of your ticket on a future date, subject to availability and only once all applicable policy requirements have been met.

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1. Change the intake filters regularly, at least monthly and more often in dusty environments. Remember, this air is going directly into your lungs, plus a dirty filter makes the motor run harder.

2. Rinse and let air dry humidifier chambers every morning after use. Avoid mineral build up by rinsing the chamber with a 25% water/vinegar solution – weekly is good, more often if necessary. If mineral content in your water is a problem, soak the chamber with a straight vinegar solution to help control the mineral build-up, and use distilled water (even if the stuff from the supermarket says “Not for medical use” it is still distilled water. Rain water is also a good alternative.

3. Don’t disconnect the power cord unless necessary, and then by pulling on the plug, not the cord. Using the autostart setting if possible, to save a lot of wear and tear on the power components (cord, switch, etc)

4. Be gentle when removing components (humidifier chambers, filter covers etc.) This is especially true for the hose connecting the machine to the mask. Leave them connected if you can, or concentrate as you disconnect them – don’t break mask elbows in your hurry, take off your mask instead.

5. Don’t stab at the controls with your fingers, use gentle force. These switches last much longer if treated well.

6. Don’t fiddle with the machine – the only thing a “Weekend Warrior” can do to a CPAP machine is stuff it up. Keep your screwdrivers in the shed, not in the machine.

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Before you start travelling this holiday season, check your machine and tube and make sure they will not cause you trouble just when you don’t need it. When in doubt, get a replacement part or piece to have as a spare.

And if you wish to use your CPAP machine while flying, makes sure you are in contact with the airline well in advance of your departure date. You will need their approval to use your machine in flight. Remember to also take a copy of your prescription with you in case you do need to purchase anything.

The Checklist . . .

1. Check (and change) the intake filter. Do this monthly, before it fills with dust. Dirty filters makes the motor run harder, thus reducing the operating life of the machine. Makes sure the filter cover clicks back into place.

2. Make sure all the buttons are still working properly, especially the ones you push the most – usually on/off and ramp.

3. Check the power cord at both ends and along its length. Replace it if it is not perfect. Do the same if your machine has an external power pack. Also check the connection points and ensure all the connection pins are in prime condition.

4. Wipe down the machine on all sides, top and bottom, removing any grime. Check for cracks and breaks or lose screws in the base of the machine

5. Check the humidifier chamber for leaks, cracks and breakages. If it is a replaceable chamber (Fisher Paykel 200 or 600 series) buy a new one and keep it as a spare.
   Longer life chambers need to be checked just as judiciously for cracks and leaks. Replacement parts are also available for them. Check especially where the metal meets the plastic on both Resmed and Respironics humidifiers.

6. Check the join points on any covers and make sure any little pins are not broken, and that the covers close properly. If you have a Resmed H3 or H4 humidifier, make sure the top cover is clicking closed at the front.

7. Buy a spare tube to take with you. A non-heated tube costs about $20 and works regardless of the machine you have.

8. Go over the length of your tube and make sure it isn’t leaking anywhere. Turning the machine on, and putting your hand over the open end of the tube is a good way of checking.

9. Also make sure that both tube ends are still gripping onto your machine and mask properly.  For heated tubes, ensure the connection points are still in prime condition and not bent.

10. If you are considering using an inverter, or converter to run your machine off a battery, get the stuff you need now. That gives you a month or so to thoroughly test out your system, and correcting issues while you have plenty of time to do so. Remember to save the battery life by turning the humidifier to zero before you turn on the machine. You will still get some humidification, but reduce your power requirement by over 25%.

11. If data is important to you, make sure any recording device (SD card or USB stick) is downloaded before your trip.
    
12. Don’t fiddle with the machine – the only thing a “Weekend Warrior” can do to a CPAP machine is stuff it up. Keep your screwdrivers in the shed, not in the machine.

SHORT TIME FIXS: bottled or tap water can be used in a humidifier, electrical or similar tape can be used to seal a leaky tube, a standard tube will work in place of a heated tube, a machine will work without a humidifier, a staple will hold a velcro tape join together, and duct tape can be used to hold a nasal or full face mask in place (fold it onto itself where it is not connected to the frame.) 

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1. The Silicone Cushion needs to be kept free of the acidic/oily residue that comes from contact with your skin (yes, we all have a residue). Why ? If this residue is not removed it will slowly degrade the Silicone Cushion, lessening the seal between your mask and your skin, which leads to leaks, which leads to hissing, which leads to lousy sleep . . . . . .

2. Wipe or wash the Silicone Cushion daily with a gentle cleaning solution – warm water and mild soap (like dishwashing liquid) will do the job. After washing, rinse and let air dry, but NOT in direct sunlight.

3. If you are concerned about being able to re-assemble the mask, use “Wet Wipes” or a similar product to wipe the silicone clean every morning and night (and wipe your face too where the mask touches). This will minimize the degradation of the silicone, but save you worrying about putting the mask back together. (If you follow this procedure you should take your mask apart at least once a month and give the whole mask a thorough clean.) Note that the wipes without scent or added oils do work best for this cleaning. As a bonus, they are also usually the cheapest.

4. If you have a Fisher & Paykel mask with a grey foam, do not allow the grey foam to get wet, as it will break down more quickly if it does. Simple wipe the grey foam and let air dry.

5. Wipe any Silicone forehead pads while you are at it. They too will degrade if not cleaned.

6. The Silicone Cushion, if treated carefully, will probably last a year or more. For continuity Plan Ahead – buy a new Silicone Cushion, BEFORE the old one breaks, so that you have a backup if you need it. The grey foams last from three to four months.

7. Wash the headgear weekly in warm soapy water to keep it free from perspiration and the like, which will also cause the headgear to degrade or stretch out more quickly.

8. Each week wipe or wash the mask frame as well, especially any nooks and crannies that may collect grunge. Be especially careful when you disconnect any parts that you don’t break them. If in doubt, don’t do it.

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