werchy Posted August 3, 2007 #1 Share Posted August 3, 2007 We are going on the Monarch out of LA next monday. My 11 year old daughter uses a breathing machine (CPAP) at night that requires filling it with distilled water each night. We are flying into LAX and will not be able to carry a gallon of distilled water with us on the plane. Does anyone know if Distilled water is available on the MOS? Thanks! Melissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue L Posted August 3, 2007 #2 Share Posted August 3, 2007 hubby uses a CPAP but his does not require distilled water however he needs the extension cord. Email special_needs@rccl.com and request them, specify your sailing and cabin number. They have always been there when boarding or shortly after. Note: there is an underscore between special and needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dspcentury Posted August 3, 2007 #3 Share Posted August 3, 2007 I use a CPAP machine that uses distilled water. I contacted RCCL and they supplied me with a gallon of distilled water and an extention cord. David.............................:cool: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werchy Posted August 3, 2007 Author #4 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Thanks for all the information. I just sent them an email and am waiting for a reply. Thanks again! Melissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue L Posted August 3, 2007 #5 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Thanks for all the information. I just sent them an email and am waiting for a reply. Thanks again!Melissa You will pretty much get an automated reply saying that they are taking care of it. You will be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcur Posted August 3, 2007 #6 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Thanks for all the information. I just sent them an email and am waiting for a reply. Thanks again!Melissa Did you send it to special_needs@rccl.com? Just making sure you got the right department. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
werchy Posted August 3, 2007 Author #7 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Yes, I sure did. thanks for double checking. My little girl has just started using the machine, so we have never had to travel with it before. It is all new to us. thanks so much .:) melissa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Booper Posted August 3, 2007 #8 Share Posted August 3, 2007 Three thoughts on CPAP machines 1) I am assuming you will have the machine in your airplane carryon luggage. If so be prepared to be pulled out of line for a special search on the TSA security line so make sure the machine is easily reachable. 2) I have been using a CPAP since 1996 and have never used a humidifier, just the air pump. In an emergency if distilled water is not available can the reservoir be detached? 3) If you definitely need the humidifier, consider buying some distilled water in LA before you board, just an extra precaution. Go the the West Coast boards here for specific help on locations to purchase distilled water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercedMike Posted August 3, 2007 #9 Share Posted August 3, 2007 The fact is that I never bother with distilled water for my humidifier on the ship. The process of using the heated humidifier automatically ensures that the water in the air you breathe is essentially distilled anyhow. The only reason for using distilled water is to prevent accumulation of scale in the humidifier chamber. In a 7 day cruise, very little will accumulate anyhow, and if it does, just swish the chamber with vinegar when you get home and it comes right out. Have a GREAT cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prc Posted August 3, 2007 #10 Share Posted August 3, 2007 I agree. The distilled water is mostly to compensate for the fact that most people will tend to just keep refilling the tank without opening it up and cleaning it. Even at home I use tap water. Since I need to fill it every other day, I just open it and clean the tank before I fill it. my humidifier is a separate unit and can be detached. Also, if you turn the heater off, there is no reason you can't use it with no water at all. Something I have read but never needed to try: if the TSA want to open your bag and inspect your machine, you have the right to ask that they put on fresh gloves, since it is a medical breathing device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickiw0318 Posted August 3, 2007 #11 Share Posted August 3, 2007 DH's is large enough that it has a special carrying case and can be checked through as luggage. We've learned to always pack an extension cord in the case. On our first cruise, RCI was out of extension cords before we realized that it was going to be a stretch for the device's cord. (Fortunately, it just made it - I would have hated to sleep out on the balcony on my honeymoon. No CPAP for DH = incredibly high volume snoring!) He also uses his without any water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammee Posted August 3, 2007 #12 Share Posted August 3, 2007 DH's is large enough that it has a special carrying case and can be checked through as luggage. We've learned to always pack an extension cord in the case. On our first cruise, RCI was out of extension cords before we realized that it was going to be a stretch for the device's cord. (Fortunately, it just made it - I would have hated to sleep out on the balcony on my honeymoon. No CPAP for DH = incredibly high volume snoring!) He also uses his without any water. My husband just recently started the CPAP. I was concerned about him getting it ontime for the cruise. We have no balcony. I would not have been pretty. I've always wondered if there was a snoring contest, would be interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RCCLNYMETS41 Posted August 3, 2007 #13 Share Posted August 3, 2007 I have traveled & cruised with my CPAP machine on RCI. Every ship has always been very accomodating. Everything has always been waiting for me in my cabin when I arrived. I found it easier to call the Special Needs Dept. & make my requests. I have also needed a refrigerator for insulin medicine & a sharps container for needles. As for the CPAP, yes they can get you a gallon of distilled water & an extension cord. I usually bring a small outlet splitter because the CPAP w/ humidifier has 2 plugs. In some cabins, the outlet is not right by the bed, or possibly your daughter will be sleepin up in a pullman bunk. In either case, you will want to ask to arrange to have the extension cord duct taped up along the wall or the carpet so it is not a trip hazard, especially in the middle of the night. I think the ship's engineer or maintenance department handles that. Enjoy your cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue L Posted August 3, 2007 #14 Share Posted August 3, 2007 DH's is large enough that it has a special carrying case and can be checked through as luggage. We've learned to always pack an extension cord in the case. On our first cruise, RCI was out of extension cords before we realized that it was going to be a stretch for the device's cord. (Fortunately, it just made it - I would have hated to sleep out on the balcony on my honeymoon. No CPAP for DH = incredibly high volume snoring!) He also uses his without any water. You really shouldn't check the CPAP machine, carry it on as it doesn't count towards your carry on limit as it is a medical device. I would never entrust it to baggage handlers. There are times I witnessed them literally throwing the bags into the hold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sassyj Posted August 3, 2007 #15 Share Posted August 3, 2007 1) I am assuming you will have the machine in your airplane carryon luggage. If so be prepared to be pulled out of line for a special search on the TSA security line so make sure the machine is easily reachable. My DH's boss just told us that there is a different line we can go through at the airport for people with CPAP's or medical things. He never waits in line because he goes to this "special" line with his CPAP. Does anyone else know about this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annieeee Posted August 3, 2007 #16 Share Posted August 3, 2007 My DH's boss just told us that there is a different line we can go through at the airport for people with CPAP's or medical things. He never waits in line because he goes to this "special" line with his CPAP. Does anyone else know about this? Never heard of a special line. We just go right thru the regular security line, yes they always do holler "bag check" and check and swab the cpap. Only takes a couple of minutes. Have no idea what line your boss is talking about. But would like to know. Annieeee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickiw0318 Posted August 3, 2007 #17 Share Posted August 3, 2007 You really shouldn't check the CPAP machine, carry it on as it doesn't count towards your carry on limit as it is a medical device. I would never entrust it to baggage handlers. There are times I witnessed them literally throwing the bags into the hold. I would agree - however, DH is not the type who likes to hassle with anything! The container is padded and I guess we've been lucky so far. I am always afraid he's going to forget to pick it up at the baggage claim and there will be no sleep for me on the trip. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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