British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

Thinking about taking a holiday in Turkey next September and from past holidays there the weather can get hot. This time round will be taking my CPAP machine and I am wondering if it will be able to take the heat at night. Not keen about air conditioning when asleep as I have tried this in other countries and it's too cold on the face as I use a full mask, and also the noise factor. Have you been to Turkey and have any advice for me? Also any problems at airport security there.

Being cpap was well established in usa and australia well before here, and knowing weather in the mid west can get extremely hot, even upto 40c plus I would doubt there would be a problem. From experience, why not contact maker of your cpap, if res med, I can say they are very efficient with any concerns we as users have, there webb site is quite open with problems we could have.

Turkey's customs and immigration last time I went were quite good, I wasn't on CPAP then. But if you have a recent letter from your sleep clinic explaining what the machine is and why you have it you shouldn't have any issues.

Flew from Birmingham to Egypt recently and Birmingham security pretty much ignored it. On the way back Egyptian security did ignore it. No questions, no requirement to see the clinics letter I was amazed.

Check with the airline you are travelling with, as to their requirements. It's a medical device so DO NOT let them put it in the hold, it's carry on and usually in addition to the bag you are entitled to anyway.

Have a good holiday
Paul

I have spent holidays in various parts of Turkey over the last few years and my CPAP has performed perfectly on every occasion. No interest at all from any security or customs.

I found that the daytime/nighttime heat and airconditioning (or lack of) had no effect on the performance of the machine and I hope that you will be able to stop worrying and now look forward to your holiday.

Don't forget to bring your doc's letter with you (for peace of mind) and an adapter for the different plug shape!! I also always travel with a spare mask and an extension cable but that's just me!

Have a lovely holiday and enjoy every minute of it!

Sorry just a hint,

Take a plug adaptor and a 4 gang extension lead, you will then only need one adaptor to power any other devices you might take (don't overload it).

Also make sure the lead on the extension is long enough (2-3m), sockets can be in awkward places.

And finally be careful where you lay the cable in case someone trips on it in the dark.

Paul

I think our replies crossed Paul! I'll keep an eye out on my travels for another person with a similar holdall and an adapter with an extension lead!!!

Yes, don`t worry my CPAP worked great in Turkey, apparently they have the odd power cut, but i didn`t experience that so all was ok.
I also found customs total lack of interest, which is good!

Oliver

Thank you all for your views,comments and advice. I feel better about going now! Re the adapter plug is it the same as for say Spain? I always take an extension lead, spare fuses,spare mask and hose. Need another suitcase just for all of that! Incidentally, once I tried taking my machine as extra hand luggage from Bristol Airport and some 'jobs worth' on security had a real go at me but I stood my ground and she backed down. The letter from the sleep unit didn't sway her either.

Thanks to all for your helpful advice and hints. I feel much better about going to Turkey now. About the adaptor plug, is it the same as for say Spain?

Nuneatonman - no problems at all in the USA - I was there two years ago, and security had no probs - just BA who were very jumpy because that was the exact time of the shoe bomber Richard Reid.

You will of course need an adapter for local power, and depending on the make of your machine, you might need to change the fuses. I found no problem using my CPAP in trains with power points adjacent to the seat, even in the daytime, and nobody gave me a second glance ........... jet lag!!

Jojo, yes it's the same plug - two pin round, but you might find that a universal adapter is the best way to travel ........ oh and an extension lead because often plug sockets are across the room from the bed .... not wanting you to get electrocuted while you sleep!!!