Travel and power
Using Your CPAP in a Hotel: Practical Tips
In a hotel, find an outlet near the bed before unpacking, place the machine below head height on a stable surface, and use distilled water you bought locally or run without humidity if your tub requires distilled. Clean the mask and tub in the bathroom with mild soap, and make a checkout habit of packing the power supply.
Power and placement
Hotel outlets are often behind the bed or on the far wall. A short extension cord solves most problems. Use the nightstand or a chair, not the floor, and keep the machine lower than your head so condensation drains back.
Keep the air inlet clear of curtains and bedding.
Water
Buy distilled water at a nearby pharmacy or grocery. Hotel tap water may be fine for tubs whose manuals allow drinking quality water, but not for tubs labeled distilled only.
On a short stay you can run without humidity if your machine allows it.
Keeping things clean
Wash the mask cushion and tub in the bathroom sink with mild unscented soap you brought, rinse well and air dry on a clean towel. Mask wipes are handy for the mornings.
Avoid hotel hand soaps with moisturizers, fragrance or antibacterial agents; ResMed lists those among products not to use.
Dry rooms and AC
Hotel air conditioning can dry the air. Raise humidity or use heated tubing if you get a dry nose, or lower humidity if cold air makes water collect in the hose.
Keep the hose under the covers or use a tubing cover if the room is cold.
Checkout
Make a habit: unplug, empty the tub, pack the power supply first. The power cord is the item most often left behind.
If you forget it, contact the manufacturer or your supplier for a replacement power supply rather than using an off brand one.
Supplies that can help
A padded bag that protects the machine, mask, tubing and power supply in transit.
Pre-moistened wipes for a quick daily wipe of the mask cushion, mostly to remove skin oils between proper washes.
Plain, mild dish soap is the cleaning agent most CPAP makers and the FDA point to for masks, tubing and humidifier chambers.
Distilled water is what most CPAP humidifier chambers are meant to be filled with, because it leaves little or no mineral scale behind.
A fabric sleeve that slips over CPAP tubing to insulate it, reduce condensation and make the hose feel softer against your skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use hotel tap water in my CPAP?
Only if your tub's manual allows drinking quality water. If it says distilled only, buy distilled or run without humidity.
What if there is no outlet near the hotel bed?
Bring a short extension cord, or ask the front desk; many hotels can provide one.
How do I clean my CPAP in a hotel?
Use mild unscented soap and warm water in the sink, rinse well and air dry. Mask wipes help for quick daily cleaning.
Do hotels provide CPAP distilled water?
Some do on request, but do not count on it. Buy a gallon nearby when you arrive.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error