Do you need a doctor's note to bring distilled water on flight for medical reasons?
A sleep medicine doctor prescribed me an ASV (adaptive servo ventilation) machine that must use DISTILLED water. Airports sell bottled water with natural minerals, NOT distilled water. Do I need a prescription to bring distilled water?
I fly for work, usually to European Union, British Isles, Asia, Middle East (mostly Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Israel) , North America.
Medically necessary Distilled Water dumped by TSA - FlyerTalk Forums
My distilled water was thrown away.
Query: CPAP, Distilled Water, Oxygenator, in carry on. - FlyerTalk Forums
Don't bother trying to get distilled water through security.
It always takes me a couple of days to find a decent grocery store when traveling so you need a plan to hold you over for a few days while you acquire distilled water.
According to my MD, the biggest risk in using non-distilled water is the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease. Who knows? Some water supplies contain this bacteria (and others). Breathing bacteria water is not so groovy.
Based on my experience, tap water that is high in mineral content will add scale to your CPAP's water chamber. Tap water from areas using ground water contaminated by industrial activity (like anywhere in Texas where they are pumping crude oil) fouls the air you breath. Tastes bad (rotten eggs)! Yuck. Chicago tap water is often this bad. It isn't just Texas.
This leaves bottled water. According to Consumer Reports, bottled water is often no better than tap water. Depends on brand and bottling plant.
Desani bottled water is my first choice. Available at fine McDonalds everywhere.
Second choice Aquafina then Ozarka. My choice isn't particularly scientific. These seem to be the most consistent in terms of taste, clarity, and availability.
If you want to get scared about bottled water quality go to http://www.nrdc.org/water/drinking/bw/bwinx.asp
Some hints about making your trip through airport security a bit more efficient. You have to run your CPAP through the xray machine. The TSA will want to check it for bomb residue. If you have it enclosed inside of a suitcase or roller bag, TSA will have to swab the CPAP and the bag and the stuff inside the bag. Basically, your bag gets searched.
I've started treating my CPAP like a laptop. I take it out of the bag. I don't take out the hose, face mask, or power cord. Now, I'm not keen on having my breathing machine exposed to the germ infested environment of xray buckets, inspection tables, etc. To solve that little problem, I have a drawstring closing bag (small version of a sleeping bag stuff bag). Then my CPAP is protected from prying eyes and germs. Gets me through security faster. they just swab the CPAP a couple of times, stick the cloth thing in the machine and I'm on my way. Everyone is happy.
One other thing. TSA seems to be getting used to CPAP machines. While they don't know necessarily what they are used for, they are not surprised to see them. As soon as I've been assigned a secondary screener, I tell them it is a CPAP machine. They probably already know that but I get some small comfort in stating the obvious anyway.
Best Answer
In the USA there's TSA https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medications-liquid
In Canada it's CATSA https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/medication-and-medical-items
In Germany, we can look Frankfurt Airport https://www.frankfurt-airport.com/en/faqs/overview-faqs/faq-hand-luggage.html
None of these require a doctor's note. All of them require you to present your stuff to the screening officers. An official label is super helpful, to quote CATSA
You are not required to bring documentation to support your medical needs or condition. However, if you feel that it would help ease your screening, it should be presented to the screening officer along with your medically necessary items.
Prescription medications and essential non-prescription medications are exempted from the 100 ml or 100 g (3.4 oz) limit and do not have to be placed in a plastic bag. However, we recommend that these items be properly labeled (manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label identifying the medication).
So don't just put your liquid on the belt and begin to explain after rather talk to the officers before. Much as pilots have the "Aviate, Navigate, and Communicate" credo, communication should be high on your priority too. To quote CATSA again
If you need assistance, please inform the screening officer when you arrive at the checkpoint.
Despite the stupid regulations binding their hands , staff at checkpoint are also humans. Treat them with respect and it'll be fine. Allow extra time and be very patient. One little tip: I'd call it "special treated water for medical purposes" or similar. This is not a lie, it's more of an assistance for people who never needed to learn the difference between purified and distilled water.
Since you mentioned the Middle East, let's check Dubai https://www.dubaiairports.ae/before-you-fly/baggage/baggage-regulations
Exemptions will be made for medication, baby milk/foods and special dietary requirements to be used during your trip.
Same everywhere.
Of course, the UK has stricter rules, because it's the UK. https://www.heathrow.com/at-the-airport/security-and-baggage/hand-baggage-and-liquids
Liquid medicines: You are only permitted to carry quantities of liquid medication in excess of your personal liquid allowance where it is needed during the course of your flight. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for your journey. Liquid medication that is not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage
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Can I fly with distilled water?
Yes, you can pack 3.4 ounces of distilled water in your carry-on luggage. If you have a checked bag, you're allowed to carry an unlimited quantity of distilled water. Remember: It's recommended to clean your CPAP mask with distilled water since it enhances your health and prevents damage to the device.Can I bring distilled water on a plane for CPAP?
You're Allowed to Pack Up to 3.4 Ounces of Distilled Water. Keeping a small amount of distilled water in your carry-on bag will be a big help if you need to use your CPAP in-flight, or soon after landing. You're allowed to pack more than that in your checked luggage, too.Does TSA care about liquids?
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.Dr. Dre ft. Eminem, Skylar Grey - I Need A Doctor (Explicit) [Official Video]
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