CAIRE FreeStyle Manual page 41

TRAVELING BY AIR
A new US Department of Transportation regulation regarding portable oxygen concentrators
took effect on May 13, 2009. Under this regulation, every FAA approved portable concentrator
is now authorized for use during any commercial flight that departs or arrives in the USA,
regardless of whether the airline itself has approved the device or not.
If the airline allows use of the FreeStyle or FreeStyle 5, DO NOT use DC or AC Power Adapters
on the aircraft. The patient must ensure that they have an adequate number of spare batteries
to last for the duration of their trip.
During taxi, take-off and landing the unit must be turned off and stowed under the seat or in
another approved stowage location as to not block the aisle way or the entry way into the row
if the unit will not be used.
During taxi, take-off and landing the user must be in a seat location that does not restrict any
other passenger's access to, or use of any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in
the passenger compartment of the aircraft if the unit is used.
Users are not permitted to be seated in an exit row if using the FreeStyle or FreeStyle 5.
If the FreeStyle or FreeStyle 5 is used when decompression of the cabin occurs, and the cabin
oxygen system deploys, then the user is to discontinue use of the POC and use the aircraft
supplemental oxygen. The FreeStyle or FreeStyle 5 unit is to be turned off after securing the
aircraft supplemental oxygen.
Prior to travel, the user needs to inspect the unit to ensure that it is in good operational
condition.
Visit our website, www.cairemedical.com, and look for the Travel Approved document on our
Respiratory Knowledge Center for helpful travel tips.
Each airline has their own requirements and CAIRE recommends
checking those requirements prior to making a trip.
TRAVELING BY CRUISE SHIP
When traveling by watercraft, instruct your patient to inform the cruise line that the FreeStyle
or FreeStyle 5 will be used onboard. Each cruise line has a Special Needs coordinator that can
answer any questions regarding travel and the cruise line's individual requirements. Have your
patient contact the cruise ship Special Needs Coordinator directly.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator
MN220-1 B 41