A Guide to Holiday Travel with Sleep Equipment

Bring your SoClean 3 along and protect it in transit with a premium foam-padded case.

Many Americans travel fairly frequently, with the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year periods among the busiest times[1] for long-distance travel. Several surveys, including the Ipsos Consumer Tracker[2] and a NerdWallet survey[3], indicate that traveler numbers are set to increase in 2023 compared with the previous year. Some travelers will fly, either domestically or overseas, while others will hit the road. With some 50 to 70 million Americans[4] suffering from disordered sleep, and an estimated 33 million Americans[5] relying on sleep equipment, it's natural that some holiday travelers will need to consider their sleep equipment needs, including transporting their equipment.

Good quality sleep[6] is vital for many reasons, including physical and mental well-being, and sleep disorders can have many associated risks[7]. Fortunately, sleep equipment[8] reduces many risks connected with disordered sleep. Traveling with sleep equipment may feel cumbersome and challenging, and travelers may be tempted to forego their treatment for a few nights over the holidays. However, withdrawing[9] from using your sleep equipment, even if just for a night or two[10], can have harmful consequences. Plus, reduced sleep can exacerbate holiday stress[11] and reduce enjoyment. This article provides handy tips for traveling with sleep equipment to help people sleep well and make the most of festive fun.

General Tips for Traveling with Sleep Equipment

• Empty the equipment's humidifier and make sure all parts are dry before packing your device. This prevents leaks and reduces the risk of moisture-caused equipment damage.
• Carry your sleep equipment in its provided case for optimum protection.
• Take an extension cord to ensure you can always plug in your device close to the bed.
• Pack enough distilled water[12] to last for the first night or two (or research in advance where you can buy some)
• Include a battery backup[13] in case of power failure at your destination to ensure a good night's sleep no matter what.
• Take your SoClean 3[15] along on your travels to keep up with your regular maintenance. Protect your SoClean 3 during transit in a premium foam-padded case.[16] The protective case also offers plenty of storage space for extra supplies—always helpful, particularly on longer trips.
• Carry wipes[14] for quick and convenient use.

Driving with Sleep Equipment

• Make sure your sleep equipment is packed securely and won't get damaged or crushed by other luggage.
• Ensure you can easily access your equipment if breaking up the journey with an overnight stop; don't be tempted to skip therapy. It's especially important to get adequate rest on a long drive because of the risks associated with driving when tired[17].

Flying with Sleep Equipment

• Sleep equipment is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)[18], and so doesn't typically count toward carry-on luggage limits. It's much safer to carry equipment than to risk it becoming damaged in checked bags.
• Put your sleep equipment in a clear plastic bag ready for TSA screening[19]. Although you'll need to remove it from its case to be screened, bagging it prevents it from picking up excessive dirt and germs when passing through the airport's X-ray devices.
• While you can use your sleep equipment during a flight, particularly relevant if flying long-haul over the holidays, you should always check the individual airline requirements well in advance of your departure.
• Pack wipes to clean your equipment after in-flight use, pending your regular hand wash.
• Get comfortable in the air and accommodate your sleep equipment with a mini pillow[20]. The pillow is also handy for regular use in a hotel or at a friend or family member's home.

Holiday travel can be anxiety-inducing at the best of times. However, we hope that the above tips can help to remove some of the stress of traveling with your essential sleep equipment. We wish you safe travels and a happy holiday season!

References

1. U.S. Department of Transportation - U.S. Holiday Travel
2. Ipsos - More Americans plan to travel for the holidays this year
3. Nerdwallet - 2023 Holiday Travel Report
4. National Library of Medicine - Sleep Disorders and Sleep Deprivation: An Unmet Public Health Problem
5. National Council on Aging - Sleep Apnea Statistics and Facts You Should Know
6. SoClean Sleep Talk Blog - 5 Health Benefits of Sleep
7. WebMD - 14 Ways Sleep Apnea Can Hurt Your Health
8. National Library of Medicine - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure
9. National Library of Medicine - Physiological consequences of CPAP therapy withdrawal in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea—an opportunity for an efficient experimental model
10. verywell health - What Happens If You Don't Use Your CPAP Machine?
11. SoClean Sleep Talk Blog - How to Manage Stress During the Holiday Season
12. verywell health - Why You Should Use Distilled Water In Your CPAP
13. SoClean Portable Outlet Products
14. SoClean Unscented Wipes
15. SoClean 3 Complete for Sleep Equipment Maintenance
16. SoClean Premium Travel Cases
17. CDC - Drowsy Driving: Asleep at the Wheel
18. ADA.gov - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
19. TSA.gov - Am I allowed to carry my CPAP machine onboard the plane, do I have to remove it from my carry-on?
20. SoClean.com - Core^® Mini Edge Pillow, With Fitted Case