Travelling With a CPAP This Christmas: What You Need to Know December 17, 2025 When you live with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), your CPAP machine becomes an essential part of maintaining your health and quality of life. But what happens when you want to escape for a Christmas holiday or take a long-awaited break? The good news is that you absolutely don't need to let sleep apnoea stop you from travelling. With a bit of planning and the right information, you can take your therapy on the road and enjoy your holiday worry-free. CPAP Travel Is More Common Than You Think If you've been hesitant about travelling with your CPAP, you're in good company. Research shows that the vast majority of people with sleep apnoea do travel and many of them successfully take their machines along. In fact, a study tracking CPAP users found that 63.7% of respondents had travelled within the past two years, with only a handful citing CPAP-related concerns as a reason for staying home [1]. Even more impressively, travellers took their CPAP machines on 81% of trips, regardless of whether they were flying, driving, or taking alternative transport [1]. This means that with proper planning, taking your CPAP on holiday is entirely manageable. Flying With Your CPAP: What You Need to Know Good news for Australian travellers: If you're flying domestically within Australia or internationally with Qantas, bringing your CPAP onboard is straightforward. CPAP devices don't require special medical approval to fly, though it is recommend carrying a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the device, especially if you have severe sleep apnoea [2]. Your machine can be brought as an extra piece of carry-on baggage at no additional charge [2]. When you’re at the check-in desk, let staff know you’re travelling with a CPAP. Whilst problems with checking in CPAP machines are uncommon occurring in just 4% of flights in one study, they can happen, so advance communication helps prevent delays [1]. Your device can be used at any point during your flight except during taxi, take-off, and landing [2]. The trickiest part of flying with CPAP for many people is managing power. If your CPAP is battery-operated, you’re already covered for most flights. However, if your machine requires power during flight, you’ll need to check what’s available on your aircraft. Many modern aircraft have in-seat power available, though this varies by aircraft type and cabin class. On Qantas aircraft, in-seat power is typically limited to 150W maximum, with some variation depending on the cabin and aircraft [2]. Keep in mind that in-seat power cannot be guaranteed uninterrupted, so battery backup is always a smart idea. For extended flights or connecting journeys, ensure you bring adequate battery capacity or power banks to cover the entire journey, factoring in unexpected delays. If you’re using spare lithium batteries or power banks, be aware that lithium batteries exceeding 160Wh are forbidden on aircraft, and all spare batteries must be packed in your carry-on baggage [2]. It’s worth protecting battery terminals with tape to prevent accidental short circuits during travel. Road Trips: A Convenient Alternative Not flying? A road trip might be easier for CPAP therapy. Unlike flights, you'll have consistent access to power in your vehicle, and you won't have the constraints of airline regulations. Make sure your car charger is compatible with your machine, and you're set. Many travellers find road trips the most straightforward way to maintain their CPAP routine during a break. Battery Power and Off-Grid Adventures If you're planning an adventurous Christmas, perhaps camping or staying somewhere without reliable power access, travel CPAP machines and power banks become your best friends. Lightweight, travel-specific CPAP devices have come a long way, and modern portable models can be very effective. Consider investing in a high-capacity power bank designed for medical devices. Just remember the 160Wh limit for lithium batteries on flights [2]. Always make sure to contact the airline ahead of time to ensure your device is suitable for the aircraft. For off grid stays, calculate how many nights you'll need coverage and ensure your battery capacity matches. Many travellers find that planning ahead means they can enjoy their break without compromising their sleep therapy. Do You Really Need to Bring It? Here's where it gets nuanced. If you're taking a short weekend trip and you're comfortable managing a night or two without your CPAP, that's a personal choice. However, if you have severe sleep apnoea or you're planning an extended holiday of more than a few days, bringing your machine is highly recommended. Research shows that CPAP usage while away doesn't differ significantly from usage at home, meaning people maintain their therapy habits regardless of location [1]. For those with severe OSA, interruptions in therapy can pose serious health risks, so carrying your machine, whether it's a standard or travel CPAP, is the safer choice. Other Practical Considerations Beyond the big questions, there are a few practical things to think about. Just over a third of CPAP users report problems with power cords, adapters, or transporting their machines during travel [1]. Pack your power adapters in your carry-on, not checked luggage, and consider bringing a universal adapter if you're travelling internationally. Check voltage requirements for your destination, as some countries use different electrical standards. A simple power converter isn't expensive and can save your holiday. Most importantly, if you're flying, notify your airline in advance. Whilst CPAP devices don't typically require formal approval, giving airlines a heads-up ensures smooth boarding. If your device is medically essential which it is if you have severe sleep apnoea airlines like Qantas specifically recommend carrying it onboard rather than checking it [2]. Make the Most of Your Break Your Christmas holiday should be about relaxation and reconnection, not worrying about your sleep apnoea. With the right preparation, your CPAP can travel just as easily as you do. Pack your machine, bring your power solutions, notify your airline if flying, and enjoy your break knowing you're protecting your health. If you haven't yet been diagnosed with sleep apnoea but experience symptoms like loud snoring, witnessed breathing pauses during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, or morning headaches, speak with your doctor. A proper diagnosis and CPAP therapy can be life-changing and shouldn't prevent you from living the life you want holidays and all. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 80 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnoea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References [1] Bodington, R., Johnson, O., Carveth-Johnson, P., & Faruqi, S. (2018). Travel with CPAP machines: how frequent and what are the problems?Journal of Travel Medicine ,25(1), tax085. https://doi.org/10.1093/jtm/tax085 [2] Qantas Airways Limited. (n.d.). Taking medical equipment and medications onboard. Retrieved from https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/specific-needs/travelling-with-specific-needs/medical-equipment-and-medications-onboard.html
