Has anyone taken a cpap on a Carnival cruise?  I "not so friendly" agent told me by phone that I would have to bring my own distilled water to use in the machine!  How am I suppose to do that when flying in?  She also told me they couldn't provide an extension cord so that I could plug in my machine which needs to set beside the bed.  Has anyone experienced this problem?

Cannot specifically answer the question on the distilled water, but I would try to get small bottles and pack in between my clothes in the checked luggage.  No, the cruise lines do not provide it.  Another option might be stopping at a store on the way to the terminal, especially if you take a taxi.  People do it all the time to buy soda water and drinking water.

As for the extension cord that is your responsibility too.  My DH uses a portable oxygen concentrator 24/7.  We pack a 6' or 8' extension cord in our checked luggage, along with surge bar in case we need to use the ONE outlet in the cabin for more than one thing at a time.

 We're kind of "in the same boat" so to speak. I use a CPAP, I cruise, and I have real answers.

Distilled water is available (for a fee) from the Purser's Office and from your room steward. Wait until you get aboard, and you can request and receive it in your room.

Some ships occassionally have extention cords to loan with a collateral. They don't have many, no guarantee they will have one when you ask for it. Best to bring one.

You can call Carnival Customer service for this information.  They at first told me I would have to get a doctor's note, but when I explained that all I wanted was water, they gave me the above info, and it works.

 Have fun.

Have not used our cpaps on Carnival, but on RCL the distilled water is free & they got us an extension cord. Also as all water on the ships are processed you can use it right from the tap for 1 week & it will not harm your machine. we did that on one cruise also. this cruise i think we are leaving our machines at home. we can go 1 week without any problems.

gram2trips:

Also as all water on the ships are processed you can use it right from the tap for 1 week & it will not harm your machine.

gram2trips:

Also as all water on the ships are processed you can use it right from the tap for 1 week & it will not harm your machine.

This issue isn't that the machine will get damaged, we use distilled water because anything that's dissolved in the water is blown directly into our lungs. Even crystal clean processed water from the ship is not distilled and has stuff dissolved in it, not harmful to drink, but potentially harmful to inhale.

The machine can run with any liquid, it's just a cannister thats lightly heated and the air absorbs the moisture. It probably work with a drink of the day in it! But you really do need distilled water.

Solo1959  This has nothing to do with the cpap on a cruise.  I need info.  It was ordered by my doctor and I tried it for one week.  I would be fine going to sleep with it.  I would wake up about 2 a.m. fighting to catch my breath.  I dont know if I toss and turn too much and moved it around but I couldn't deal with it and told them to take it back.  I was also dealing winh a one week old knee replacement so maybe that was part of my problem, I don't know if I acted too soon. It was just too much for me.  Did you adjust to it immediately?

J

 Joan, it took me about 3 weeks to adjust.  You also may need a different type of mask, there are several types available.

I've been using my cpap for almost two years now and simply love it!  I wouldn't go to bed without it.  But it did take some getting use to.  No one is accustom to being "harnessed" while sleeping.  Give it a fair chance and try difference attachments.  I started out with the mask that covered by mouth and nose then switched to the nasal pillows which is like a large oxygen cannula that seals around each nostril.  I find this much more comfortable.  It'll take 2-3 weeks to get use to wearing it but once you do, you'll sleep much better and be more rested.

Thanks to both of you.  I think I will wait awhile until I am completely over these last two surgeries and give it another try.  I think there was too much going on at that time and I just couldn't do it.  They offered to change out the mask.  I do use overnite oxygen now and have no problem with it.  Again, thanks.

Joan

joan:

Solo1959  This has nothing to do with the cpap on a cruise.  I need info.  It was ordered by my doctor and I tried it for one week.  I would be fine going to sleep with it.  I would wake up about 2 a.m. fighting to catch my breath.  I dont know if I toss and turn too much and moved it around but I couldn't deal with it and told them to take it back.  I was also dealing winh a one week old knee replacement so maybe that was part of my problem, I don't know if I acted too soon. It was just too much for me.  Did you adjust to it immediately?

J

I adjusted immediately. In YOUR case, that sounds serious! Please!!! tell your doctor.  You may need another night of observation before they get it right for you. But what you described is not good and not normal from what I and others I have spoken to have encountered.

Just saw your post and hope this isn't too late for your question. My husband is on cpap and uses distilled water in his also.  We were on the Fantasy in Nov. Our Carnival vp told us we needed to fill out the special needs form she would fax to us and we needed fax it to them prior to cruising.  Very simple form...She recommended bringing an extension cord because she didn't know how long the distance from the outlet to the bedside would be. 

As soon as we boarded we took the bagged machine to our cabin, called the pursers desk and a gallon of distilled water was brought to our cabin.

We threw a short extension cord in our carry on bag but didn't need it.

We are going on the Holiday next week and were given the same directions this time so we don't anticipate any trouble.

Hope this helps

vacruiser:

  I "not so friendly" agent told me by phone that I would have to bring my own distilled water to use in the machine! 

Distilled Water may be purchased on board from the Housekeeping Department.  I believe it's $3/gallon.

1. Contact the special needs dept.  They will answer you questions, and be registered with cpap machine.

2. Always bring an extension cord.  (same for staying in hotels!)