Travel FAQs

I will be travelling with my therapy machine. Is there anything I should know?

There are a few things to consider before travelling with a CPAP, APAP or bilevel sleep apnea machine:

  • When transporting the machine, always empty the humidifier tub to avoid water damage and place it in its own compartment in the carry bag.
  • When sleeping on an aeroplane, do not use your humidifier as turbulence increases the risk of water spillage and damage to the machine.
  • When powering your sleep apnea machine from the ResMed RPSII external battery, we recommend that you don't use your humidifier as it consumes a great deal of power. To turn off the humidifier in an AirSense™ 10, AirCurve™ 10 or Lumis™ machine, go to the My Options menu and turn humidification off. For an S9™ machine, simply remove the humidifier.
  • If you’re using a sleep apnea machine with built-in wireless connectivity* on a plane, always enable Airplane Mode. See your user guide for instructions.

Can I use my sleep apnea machine on a plane?

AirSense 10, AirCurve 10, Lumis and S9 machines meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for all phases of air travel, so you can safely take your machine on board as carry-on luggage. You can download and print the Air Travel Compliance Letter here.

Note: Medical machines do not count towards your carry-on luggage limit.

When using a CPAP, APAP or bilevel sleep apnea machine on an aeroplane:

  • To avoid the risk of water damage and spillage during turbulence, do not put water in the tub during air travel
  • Ensure humidification is turned off.

How does Airplane mode affect data transmission?

Airplane Mode disables the AirSense 10, AirCurve 10 and Lumis machine's wireless connectivity* and makes data transmission to AirView™ temporarily unavailable. It will also prevent transmission of data to your myAir™ program. You will need to let your ResMed Accredited Outlet or your physician know you are going overseas, because the data will stop streaming to their AirView account while you’re away.

How can I tell if the AirSense 10, AirCurve 10 or Lumis machine is in Airplane Mode?

You'll see a small plane icon in the top right corner of your machine's screen. You'll also be alerted by an on-screen message every time you turn on your machine if it’s still in Airplane Mode.

Can my therapy machine run from the 400Hz power supply on the aircraft?

Yes. Even though the rating plate on the therapy machine specifies 50–60Hz, the power supply in your machine is compatible with the 110V or 400Hz power supply on the aircraft.

Will I need to have my sleep apnea machine adjusted if I travel at high altitudes?

While most of our machines will automatically compensate for higher altitude changes, some older machines might require manual adjustment. If no adjustment is made, it may deliver less effective therapy. Please consult your physician or ResMed accredited Outlet for more information.

Will the x-ray scanners at airport security affect my therapy machine?

No, the x-ray scanners will not harm your machine. However, security may need to see the letter from your doctor verifying that you are carrying medical equipment, so keep it handy

Will my machine work in a foreign country?

Yes, your CPAP, APAP or bilevel sleep apnea machine will work in a foreign country, just make sure you pack the correct plug adapter for the country you're travelling to, because power outlets may differ between countries. Adapters can be bought from most electronics and travel stores, as well as in airports.

If your machine has built-in wireless-connectivity enabled* you will be unable to use the myAir program as your machine is connected to the network within your home country. You will need to let your ResMed Accredited Outlet or your physician know you are going overseas, because the data will stop streaming to their AirView account while you’re away. Also, if your machine has built-in wireless connectivity, you’ll need to ensure you set it to Airplane Mode while on the plane. See user guide for instructions.

I have a caravan/motor home. Can I run my machine off the existing battery?

Yes. Providing the battery has sufficient capacity, your ResMed sleep apnea machine can operate from the battery supply within a caravan or motor home. You will need a suitable inverter or converter to connect your machine to the battery power. Your local ResMed Accredited Outlet can assist in your choice of a suitable inverter or converter for your machine.

I am going on a cruise. Can I use my machine on the boat?

Yes. You will just need to check that the power supply is between 100–240V and 50–60Hz. Also ensure you pack the correct plug adapter for the country you’re traveling to because power outlets differ in each country. Adapters can be bought from most electronics and travel stores.

Can I use my car battery to power my machine?

This is not recommended because car batteries are not designed to be discharged by more than 30%, and their operational life may be significantly reduced. Instead, consider obtaining a deep cycle battery or a marine battery if you are travelling in an area where there is no mains power. A deep cycle battery can discharge by as much as 80%, and a marine battery can discharge as much as 60%. A. This is not recommended because car batteries are not designed to be discharged by more than 30%, and their operational life may be significantly reduced. Instead, consider obtaining a deep cycle battery or a marine battery if you are travelling in an area where there is no mains power. A deep cycle battery can discharge by as much as 80%, and a marine battery can discharge as much as 60%.

I am going camping. What do I need to run my sleep apnea machine?

You will need a marine or deep cycle battery – rated 50 amp hours or higher, plus one of the following:

  • For AirSense 10, AirCurve 10, Lumis and S9 machines, a ResMed converter is available from your nearest ResMed Accredited Outlet.
  • Alternatively, you can use a modified sine wave inverter with a continuous power rating of 150w or higher for these devices. (not for use with older machines using H2i, H3i or H4i humidifiers). Enquire about purchasing an inverter at your local electronics store.
  • For older machines using H2i, H3i or H4i humidifiers, you’ll need a pure sine wave inverter with a continuous power rating of 300w and a peak/surge rating of 500w.

Should I use a converter or an inverter?

Inverters can be used with all ResMed therapy machines to provide mains power. The benefit of using an inverter is that you can still use other appliances when you are not using your machine. Battery capacity will vary depending on pressure settings and whether a humidifier is being used. Refer to our battery guide for more specific information regarding batteries.

Converters can be used with the following machine series only: AirSense 10, AirCurve 10, Lumis and S9. They are suitable for people who are using their battery purely for powering their therapy machine. Converters are more efficient than inverters. They also provide electrical protection to the machine in the event the adapter leads are connected incorrectly in the battery. Unlike inverters, converters will differ depending on the machine model you are using, so the correct converter will need to be purchased for your machine. See the table below for the product code for the compatible converter for your machine. You can purchase the converter from your nearest ResMed Accredited Outlet.

I am going camping. How big a battery do I need?

Most of our machines work with an external battery. Please refer to the battery guide for more detailed information about using your machine with a battery.

Can I run my sleep apnea machine off solar power?

Most solar power systems are connected to a DC battery. Providing the battery has sufficient capacity, your ResMed machine can operate from the battery charged from solar power. You will need a suitable inverter or converter to connect your machine to the battery power. Your local ResMed Accredited Outlet can help you choose a suitable inverter or converter.

Do I need to take my machine with me if I am hospitalised while travelling?

No. However if you're having surgery, it's very important that you tell both the surgeon and the anaesthetist that you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are being treated with positive airway pressure therapy.

* Machines without built-in wireless connectivity are also available.