I, like many others, suffer from “Sleep Apnea” and use a device that keeps my airway open while I sleep. It is called a “CPAP” machine, which stands for Constant Positive Air Pressure. When I travel, the device and accessories fit neatly in my carry-on bag which is then subject to a search by our security professionals.
Every time I go through security, the attendant calls out “CPAP Alert” at which point I am taken off to the side and my bag is given a thorough search. The machine and all contents of my carry-on are removed, the CPAP is swabbed for explosives (of course no residue is found) and the contents are hastily returned to my bag and I’m free to go.
I do not have a problem with random searches, nor do I begrudge anyone from doing their job… but I fail to see the threat a CPAP machine poses to flight/airport security. I mean it’s one thing to randomly select passengers for additional screening, but to identify and select each and every passenger that is in possession of a CPAP machine is absolutely ludicrous!!!
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I, of course, have had the same experience traveling. Maybe I am missing something or just don’t understand how explosives are associated with CPAP machines, but why aren’t computers swabbed too? Or any other electronic device someone might carry on, like a Kindle, iPod, cell phone, etc.?
Just as a guess, it -may- be because CPAP machines are intended to forcibly expel air, and thus -could- be rigged to forcibly expel another substance if one was determined enough to.
That said, so could an oxygen tank, and I’m pretty sure they don’t search every little old lady wheeling one of those around. So I’m not really sure.
airlines don’t allow private/passenger owned oxygen tanks on board. they have to use the airline provided tanks.
Actually, there are about half a dozen FAA approved oxygen tanks that can be brought onboard by the patient.
Actually, Oxygen tanks are not permitted on the aircraft. The FAA approved units are oxygen generators – completely different from the tank.
As for the difference in security handling CPAP machines. Every device brought into the sterile area should be checked for forbidden items. Laptop computers are x-rayed and randomly swabbed before entering the secured area.
I also carry a breathing machine and Yes, it does get searched every time I go through security at an airport.
Do I mind? No, not really as it’s hardly worth getting upset about.
TSA is there for a reason and I hardly think they deliberately hassle people with medical equipment.
Grow up already people!, No, on second thought go right ahead and throw a tantrum because your CPAP is being searched.
Security gets a little dull at times, there’s nothing like having the Police drag a crybaby away to liven things up.
As forum administrator for http://www.SleepGuide.com, the Sleep Apnea forum, this is a topic that I have seen provoke a lot of discussion. Personally, I think it’s a small price to pay for bringing the device on board and not having it count as a carry-on.
Swabbed heck.. Last flight I was on a away trip for 4 days. Breathing Machine, yells the guy as usual, OK, no problems, hand it over.
TSA guy takes it to a back room and comes back with a sheepish look on his face and hands me the unit and sends me on to my flight. Get to the hotel, error 7 on CPAP. It had been dropped. I spent 4 hellish days with little sleep…
from now on, the CPAP goes double boxed, FEDEX or better…
The CPAP machines are targeted because some of them have humidifiers that hold liquids. This all started when they first banned liquids from aircraft. They later relaxed those restrictions but remained concerned about CPAP units since they could be filled with a dangerous liquid. What I don’t understand is my unit does not have a humidifier attached. So xray should show that there is no liquid reservoir. Nonetheless they have been instructed to test all CPAP units for explosive residue.
I travel internationally with my CPAP. It is almost always the source of further examination. Many times it gets swabbed, but it is always done in my presence and in my line of sight. I think one of the issues is that the x-ray exam shows the cylindrical fan as a sealed cylinder, which can be very suspicious. I learned this as I passed through security in Kazan, Russia. They asked me to open it, so they could examine the “metal cylinder”. When I showed them it was a sealed unit with a label that it is medical equipment, they passed it.
Hint: Carry it in a separate small case (my CPAP came with one) or pull it out (like a laptop) and put in a tray by itself and the intrusive exam is greatly reduced.
Very helpful, as my father has one, and will be travelling soon. Thanks!
I also use a CPAP and travel with it regularly. Quit whining about it getting swabbed – laptops, portable DVD players and such are also being swabbed for explosives. Just allow extra time to go through security, and don’t let that machine out of your sight for a minute.
My kids both use CPAP and while we have yet to fly with them, I did find info on the TSA web site. Worth looking at, especially if you are a little OCD about germs, like me! http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/cpap.shtm
My laptop, shoes, bags, etc get swabbed and inspected all the time. I get patted down occasionally. Just learn to expect it, pack light, and try to be calm, because they are not going to stop what they are doing.