Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use my CPAP machine on a plane?

long distance airplanes are equipped with power outlets that are suitable for use with most CPAP machines. You must consult with the airline concerned to find out the voltage that is available to you and then confirm with your clinic or supplier that the pump will operate at this voltage. The airline will generally require completion of a medical certificate by your doctor and may only approve the use of specific units during flight. As these arrangements with airlines can take some time it is best to commence these well before the date of departure. If you are worried about being conspicuous in the use of CPAP on the flight you should consider the alternative which may be an extremely disrupted sleep accompanied by loud snoring. Both you and your fellow passengers would be far better off with a quiet CPAP machine.

2. Can I use my CPAP with a battery?

Using CPAP with a battery requires some planning and you need to consult your CPAP supplier well before leaving on your holiday. Some newer CPAP machines are able to operate directly from a battery in which case you will only need the adaptor from car to CPAP machine. Other machines will operate if a suitable inverter is used. An inverter is a device that takes input from a battery (12V DC), and makes it into a similar voltage to normal mains power (240V AC). You should be aware that different inverters may vary in their characteristics and some may be more suitable than others for use with your CPAP machine. Use of an inverter that is unsuitable for your machine may shorten the life of the CPAP machine by placing greater stress on the motor. It is very important that you consult the supplier of your CPAP for information about which inverters are recommended.

3. Is my CPAP machine covered by health insurance?

Those who have private health insurance may be eligible for a partial rebate on the cost of a CPAP machine and the mask. Low-income earners who hold a Commonwealth Health Care Card should enquire with their state's health department about programs that provide free or low-cost PAP machines. Superannuation may be released for the purchase of essential medical equipment such as a PAP machines, on the provision of letters rom two doctors, one of whom must be a specialist and an application to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA).

4. Do I need a script / letter from my GP to use a PAP machine?

In Australia, PAP machines can be bought from the Internet or physical stores. There is no requirement for a doctor's prescription, however many suppliers will require a referral.

5. What is the difference between fixed and auto machines?

FIXED PRESSURE
Delivers a fixed / continuous pressure of compressed air via a hose to a nasal pillow, nose mask, full-face mask, or hybrid, splinting the airway (keeping it open under air pressure) so that unobstructed breathing becomes possible, therefore reducing and/or preventing apneas and hypopneas.

 

AUTO

Automatic positive airway pressure" (APAP, AutoPAP, AutoCPAP) automatically titrates, or tunes, the amount of pressure delivered to the patient to the minimum required to maintain an unobstructed airway on a breath-by-breath basis by measuring the resistance in the patient's breathing, thereby giving the patient the precise pressure required at a given moment and avoiding the compromise of fixed pressure.