Traveling with essential equipment like a CPAP machine and a laptop can be challenging, especially when you aim to pack light and efficiently. For many, the goal is to find a single, compact bag that can accommodate both a ResMed 11 or similar CPAP device and a 14-inch laptop, ideally qualifying as a “personal item” for air travel. Navigating the vast array of travel bags online can be overwhelming, but understanding your needs and exploring user-recommended solutions can simplify the process.
The quest for the ideal small travel bag often starts with size considerations. Standard CPAP travel bags, like those provided by ResMed, are excellent for the machine itself but lack space for additional items like laptops. The ResMed 10 bag measures approximately 14″ x 12″ x 5″, while the ResMed 11 bag is slightly smaller at 13.25″ x 10″ x 4″. Travelers aiming for a “personal item” size, smaller than the standard 22x14x9 carry-on, often look for bags around 18x14x8 or even more compact dimensions like 17x10x9. The convenience of consolidating essential items into one small bag is a significant draw, even though airlines typically allow medical devices like CPAP machines to be carried separately, not counting towards carry-on limits.
One user, NelsonM, initiated a search for such a bag and shared their experiences, highlighting several potential solutions. Initially, the Philips PAP Travel Briefcase caught their attention. This briefcase, sized at 16″x14″x8″, is designed to carry a CPAP machine and offers additional space, possibly for a laptop. While NelsonM found it functional and suitable for older, bulkier CPAP models, they noted its somewhat generic construction quality, similar to the standard ResMed bags. The Philips briefcase, however, served as a starting point, demonstrating the feasibility of a combined CPAP and laptop travel bag.
For those seeking a more robust and versatile option, Peak Design bags emerged as a premium alternative. Specifically, their Messenger Bag and camera cubes were considered. Peak Design bags are known for their durable construction and customizable internal dividers, designed to organize camera equipment effectively. This modularity translates well to CPAP components, which, like camera gear, consist of several individual pieces. NelsonM experimented with the Peak Design 13L Messenger bag, finding it a tight but workable fit for a ResMed 11 and a laptop. However, they concluded that a slightly larger 15-18L bag might offer a more comfortable balance of space. Another user, arkona12, suggested Peak Design’s camera cubes as inserts within a larger backpack or duffel, offering another way to organize CPAP equipment within a travel bag setup.
Beyond specialized CPAP or camera bags, general laptop bags can also be adapted for travel with a CPAP machine. User aktmdn successfully used a Lenovo laptop bag to carry their CPAP AirSense 10 alongside their laptop. This approach leverages the existing laptop compartment and utilizes the remaining space for the CPAP device and accessories. Similarly, patlink recommended a leather laptop travel bag from Von Baer, praising its durability, style, and separate laptop compartment, which also accommodated their CPAP machine without feeling bulky. These examples illustrate that bags not specifically marketed as CPAP bags can be effective solutions, provided they offer the right size and compartmentation.
However, it’s crucial to consider airline policies regarding medical devices. As PaulaO2 pointed out, airlines generally permit CPAP machines as exempt carry-on items, meaning they don’t count towards your baggage allowance. This exemption typically applies as long as the bag contains only medically related items. Combining a CPAP machine with non-medical items like a laptop in the same bag might technically negate this exemption, although practical enforcement can vary. PaulaO2 prefers carrying her CPAP in its own bag and a separate bag for her laptop to ensure compliance and keep her CPAP bag undisturbed in the overhead compartment.
Ultimately, the “best” small travel bag for your CPAP machine and laptop depends on your individual needs and travel style. If maximizing compactness and consolidating to a single personal item is paramount, exploring options like the Philips PAP Travel Briefcase or Peak Design Messenger Bag (in a slightly larger size) is worthwhile. If you prioritize versatility and potentially leveraging airline medical device exemptions, adapting a quality laptop bag or using camera cubes within a larger travel bag might be preferable. Carefully consider the dimensions of your CPAP machine and laptop, the desired bag size, and airline regulations to make the most informed choice for your travels.
