CPAP machine - Updated 250308

[MarkJan]

Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?

[florida4sun]

We flew using a ventilator which would have similar concerns. The main thing is power supply as the planes will have none. We took 4 backup batteries each with about 4 hours supply, this gave us 20 hours in total. Virgin also supplied oxygen which is very wise for any respiratory ailment at altitude. You do need to let them know in advance. You will need a doctors note saying it is ok to fly.
Worked well for us, we had so much stuff that they put us in first class and gave us two spare seats:)


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?
[/quote]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?
[/quote]

You would have to speak to Special Assistance and ask if you can use it[msnsmile2]

[blott]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
You would have to speak to Special Assistance and ask if you can use it[msnsmile2][/quote]It's not so much askng if you can use it as it's life dependant equipment, it's whether it's logistically possible to use it on a flight if required or whether the person concerned can stay awake the whole time and not need to use it for the duration of the flight.

My uncle's runs on mains electricity with just battery for back up so that could be a problem?

It should definitely go in hand luggage as imagine if it got lost with your luggage? [msnoo]

[florida4sun]

They cannot prevent you from using it unless a doctor says your not fit to fly. Special assistance is just that, special assistance for those who need it, they were totally clueless about Alex's ventilator (as expected) but were helpful with our requests.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Has anybody flown with Virgin and used a CPAP machine and if so, any problems?
[/quote]

You would have to speak to Special Assistance and ask if you can use it[msnsmile2]
[/quote]

Sorry I obviously posted in a hurry and did not explain properly - I meant exactly what both blott and florida4sun have pointed out.

When I said ask if you can use it I meant from the point if it is possible to use it on board an aircraft[msnsmile]

Also from the point about power, there are power points on aircraft but I am not sure if its possible to use them for medical equipment.

[MarkJan]

Thanks for the info, Virgin special assistance department is closed until Tuesday, I'll ring then. Hopefully, we'll also get bumped up Martin. No battery backup available, power point only.

[florida4sun]

They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
Thanks for the info, Virgin special assistance department is closed until Tuesday, I'll ring then. Hopefully, we'll also get bumped up Martin. No battery backup available, power point only.
[/quote]

[MarkJan]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v

They also have power outlets powerful enough to run hoovers too[msnwink]

[MarkJan]

Good point, thanks Julie.

[florida4sun]

The laptop outlets are 12volt and unless things have changed, there are very few of them. They can only handle a couple of amps too which is not enough for the motor in a cpap (could not power our ventilator).
The vacums used on board use a seperate generator for their supply.
The airline will want to approve the unit you are taking and may even need to pat test it before using on board. They will not supply a 240 volt supply for you. If you get told differently let me know as we have group who have been canvassing for this for a while.


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v
[/quote]

[MarkJan]

I'll ring Virgin tomorrow, see what they say and get back to you.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun

The vacums used on board use a seperate generator for their supply.



<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v
[/quote]
[/quote]

No, the vucums used on board use the aircraft's own power supply - there are plugs in various locations usually by the galley's (not for passenger use under normal circumstances).

[florida4sun]

So the they leave the engines running while vacumming in. Always though that the ancillary vehicle provided power when the aircraft are parked.


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun

The vacums used on board use a seperate generator for their supply.



<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v
[/quote]
[/quote]

No, the vucums used on board use the aircraft's own power supply - there are plugs in various locations usually by the galley's (not for passenger use under normal circumstances).
[/quote]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
So the they leave the engines running while vacumming in. Always though that the ancillary vehicle provided power when the aircraft are parked.


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun

The vacums used on board use a seperate generator for their supply.



<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v
[/quote]
[/quote]

No, the vucums used on board use the aircraft's own power supply - there are plugs in various locations usually by the galley's (not for passenger use under normal circumstances).
[/quote]
[/quote]

No Martin they don't vacuum with the engines running[laugh][laugh][laugh] the 747-400 and most other aircraft have a built in APU. (APU - Auxiliary Power Unit is a self contained gas turbine that drives 2 electrical generators and a pneumatic compressor located on the planes tail cone that can provide electrical and pneumatic power for the whole airplane on the ground.) These units, mounted in the rear fuselage of 747s, supply pressurized air for air conditioning and engine starting while the airplane is on the ground plus [u]electrical power to operate lights and other requirements</u> (eg vacuums) [u]during stops</u>.

There is also a ground power unit available at all airports which can also be used to power the aircraft and save fuel whilst the aircraft is on the ground before the APU is switched on[msnwink]

[florida4sun]

So that is exactly what I said then!!!! they run a separate power supply when on the ground and the cleaners and trolley dollies are doing their thing.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
So the they leave the engines running while vacumming in. Always though that the ancillary vehicle provided power when the aircraft are parked.


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun

The vacums used on board use a seperate generator for their supply.



<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v
[/quote]
[/quote]

No, the vucums used on board use the aircraft's own power supply - there are plugs in various locations usually by the galley's (not for passenger use under normal circumstances).
[/quote]
[/quote]

No Martin they don't vacuum with the engines running[laugh][laugh][laugh] the 747-400 and most other aircraft have a built in APU. (APU - Auxiliary Power Unit is a self contained gas turbine that drives 2 electrical generators and a pneumatic compressor located on the planes tail cone that can provide electrical and pneumatic power for the whole airplane on the ground.) These units, mounted in the rear fuselage of 747s, supply pressurized air for air conditioning and engine starting while the airplane is on the ground plus [u]electrical power to operate lights and other requirements</u> (eg vacuums) [u]during stops</u>.

There is also a ground power unit available at all airports which can also be used to power the aircraft and save fuel whilst the aircraft is on the ground before the APU is switched on[msnwink]
[/quote]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
So that is exactly what I said then!!!! they run a separate power supply when on the ground and the cleaners and trolley dollies are doing their thing.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
So the they leave the engines running while vacumming in. Always though that the ancillary vehicle provided power when the aircraft are parked.


<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Mach 2
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun

The vacums used on board use a seperate generator for their supply.



<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by florida4sun
They will not have an outlet powerful enough to run the machine. even the 12v outlets only have a tiny ampage[/quote]Are there no laptop power points on board some Virgin flights? If so, they must be capable of running 240v
[/quote]
[/quote]

No, the vucums used on board use the aircraft's own power supply - there are plugs in various locations usually by the galley's (not for passenger use under normal circumstances).
[/quote]
[/quote]

No Martin they don't vacuum with the engines running[laugh][laugh][laugh] the 747-400 and most other aircraft have a built in APU. (APU - Auxiliary Power Unit is a self contained gas turbine that drives 2 electrical generators and a pneumatic compressor located on the planes tail cone that can provide electrical and pneumatic power for the whole airplane on the ground.) These units, mounted in the rear fuselage of 747s, supply pressurized air for air conditioning and engine starting while the airplane is on the ground plus [u]electrical power to operate lights and other requirements</u> (eg vacuums) [u]during stops</u>.

There is also a ground power unit available at all airports which can also be used to power the aircraft and save fuel whilst the aircraft is on the ground before the APU is switched on[msnwink]
[/quote]
[/quote]

Oh back to topic as I can see I am not getting through[msnwink]

[florida4sun]

Spot on.


[/quote]

Oh back to topic as I can see I am not getting through[msnwink]
[/quote]

[MarkJan]

I have spoken to Virgin this morning and they state there is definately no facility on board for a CPAP machine. I mentioned the laptop points and was told only laptops can be plugged in to these sockets. I pointed out a CPAP is just as important as a laptop but no joy.

Next thing is to try and get a battery operated CPAP from the hospital.

[florida4sun]

They are quite hungry on batteries and you can only take sealed gel batteries onboard. They are every nervous about having batteries onboad and you may come up against a barrier. Be persistant.
Also make sure the unit will run on 110v, if 240 only it will only work at half capacity.

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by MarkJan
I have spoken to Virgin this morning and they state there is definately no facility on board for a CPAP machine. I mentioned the laptop points and was told only laptops can be plugged in to these sockets. I pointed out a CPAP is just as important as a laptop but no joy.

Next thing is to try and get a battery operated CPAP from the hospital.
[/quote]

[Tonish]

You can buy battery powered cpap machines online - in fact, there's one specifically approved by Virgin for inflight use. They cost about £250-£300.

Or you could just try not sleeping!