We are going to be in Italy for 11 days. I use a sleep apnea machine. Will I be able to plug it in or need a converter from US to Italy, or do I just try to go without it and be exhausted the whole while I am over there. ( not what I want to do). Any advise. Thanks.

Italy has differently shaped plugs so you will need to buy an adapter. Italy's voltage is 230 volt.
I brought my machine with me to Amsterdam in 2007. I needed an adapter. I purchased the adapter at the AAA Travel store. The adapter is the plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. three-pronged power cord to match the prongs required by the local outlets. One hotel I stayed at actually had an adapter that I could borrow for the length of my stay. I cant remember the specific reason why I had to borrow one though!

Best of luck!

my husband always brings his cpac machine. Get an adapter at a luggage store. Have fun!

Whether or not you need a converter depends on your machine. I'm not familiar with cpac machines but take a look at the power cord. Many new electronic devices have a built in voltage converter (laptops and other electronics have this). Look for a bulky rectangular box in the middle of the power cord and read what's on it. If it says 110V to 220V then it automatically regulates the voltage and you only need the AC adapter, not a converter. If your machine does not step up/step down the voltage then you will also need to buy a converter. If you have any doubts you should consult the manufacturer.

You buy converters the same place you buy adapters, as discussed on your other thread.

Please...check with wherever you got the CPAP machine or call the manufacturer and see if it's a dual voltage machine. My husband's WAS NOT and we couldn't take it where the current/voltage was different...The converters WOULDN'T WORK on his machine (as per the manufacturer of the machine) So we had to get a new CPAP machine that was DUAL Voltage. Thankfully, his insurance covered the new one. We've taken it several times and just need the plug adaptor so that it will fit into the foreign country's outlet. You can get adaptors at any store such as Target, Radio Shack or a luggage store. I hope this helps. Don't leave it at home...you won't be rested and it's a mistake to not use it if you have sleep apnea.

I forgot to add: it doesn't count as luggage on the plane so carry it on...don't check it through.

Thanks everybody!!! Good info. Sal

My friends come often to Italy and bring their units with them. As suggested, depending on the machine and voltage requirements you may need only an adapter and not a converter. Read the manual or info stamped on your unit. To help you understand power in italy and the type of adapter/converter you'll need, try this link: http://www.roninrome.com/2009/03/08/power-in-italy/

My Remstar is dual voltage so all I need is a plug adapter. I do leave the humidifier at home. It will not be counted as luggage (if it is in a separate bag) on flights within the US but the Americans With Disabilities Act does not apply to flights within Europe. I put my machine in one plastic bag and my mask and hose in another and put them both in my carry-on. I also carry an extension cord and several rubber bands to control the cords.

Hello Sally G:

You may wish to check out a small, light weight cpap machine by Puritan Bennett, model 420G. It works on dual voltage so all you need for Italy is a plug adapter. I carry on to be sure it arrives with me, but be prepared to have it separately scanned at security. Good luck. Gradyghost

Virtually all the CPAP/BiPAP machines sold in the last 10 years are dual-voltage capable (actually also DC capable) but by all means check the plate on the back of the machine or the plug "brick" and make sure it says something like "100 - 240v AC" on the "input" side. It probably does, so all you technically need is a plug adapter, available everywhere (including airports, most chain bookstores like Barnes and Noble, luggage stores, every Radio Shack, etc.)

However I also strongly recommend one pack a medium duty 15-20 foot (5-6m) extension cord, since many hotels (not just in Europe but around the world) have limited electrical outlets, or they stick them behind the bed, etc.) Get one with a grounded plug (3 prongs) and make sure your European plug adapter can accommodate 3 prongs, or else get a 3-to-2 pin adapter as well.

Gardyloo is correct about the extension cord. I have traveled with my CPAP in Europe and the US for many years and have needed the extension cord many times.

Let me second the warning about CPAP's not counting as a carry on. That is true only in the US and on US flag airlines and even there, you may well run into personnel who are not informed and who will make you gate check other luggage to stay within your limit. Yes, you can argue while the plane backs away from the gate without you. But it is getting better.

I now have a Hartmann brief case affair that matches my rollaboards and holds my CPAP, hose and headgear as well as my laptop and digital audio player. One personal bag. It is working great, and I only wish I had owned it all the years I traveled on business. We are going to France and Holland in October, and I am going to try doing the trip with this and a single 21" rollaboard. It will be a real feat if I can bring it off.

Hey.. my husband suffer from sleep apnea fo 3 years. I want to help him but I don't know how. Yesterday I found on the google this link http://jawpainhelp.com/diagnosis-and...treatments.php. There are some information about sleep apnea treatments but I want that someone to explain what is sleep apnea.. I'm waiting your response. Thanks

Look on the UL label that every machine will have. It will state whether it is 120VAC only or dual. A lot of manufacturers have gone dual so that one machine can be sold worldwide (REMSTAR for example). No matter what you will need and adaptor, that takes your 2 or 3 pring NA plug and mechanically changes it to the local plug.

Amongst other places, I've travelled to Africa (twice) and Turkey with a CPAP.

That being said, you should bring a voltage converter no matter what, and the package of adaptors. In France, I found an outlet that did not match my "Europe" plug, but I had bunch of others with me.

I've used my convertor to plug in battery charger for my camera. I also bring an extension cord since outlets are not always close to bed.

Bought my stuff at Walmart.

Michael - the new question is about sleep apnea in general, not travel.

judieh,
This is an excellent chat forum about sleep apnea. http://www.cpaptalk.com/CPAP-Sleep-Apnea-Forum.html

Sleep apnea can be a serious problem and there are good treatments available - especially the cpap machines.

The place to start is with your doctor. Your regular doctor can either order sleep study or refer you to a specialist (ears-nose-throat, or a sleep disorder specialist.) Sleep studies are expensive, so it's important for you insurance company to sign off ahead of time. Since the sleep apnea machines (CPAP,etc) are prescription only, a sleep study is likely required to confirm the diagnosis and to pinpoint an effective treatment. Many people need to do 2 sleep studies - one without a machine and one with.

Anyway, start with the chat forum - the folks who lurk there are very helpful even if you have very beginner "where do I start" questions.

To verify that your machine is DUAL VOLTAGE call the manufacturer. If it is dual, then you only need a plug adaptor , two round prongs for Italy.

<<That being said, you should bring a voltage converter no matter what>>

Why, Michel_Paris?

This is an old thread, brought up by a CPAP salesperson, and has some outdated info.