If you are planning to fly with a CPAP battery, you may see the phrase UN 38.3 certification or UN 38.3 test summary come up.

It sounds technical, but the basic idea is simple:

UN 38.3 is a lithium battery transportation safety standard.

In other words, it helps show that a lithium battery has been tested for the kinds of conditions it may experience during shipping and air travel.

For CPAP users, this matters because most portable CPAP batteries are lithium batteries. If you are bringing one on a plane, especially a larger CPAP battery, it helps to know what UN 38.3 means and why airlines may ask about it.

What Is UN 38.3 Certification?

UN 38.3 refers to a section of the United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria that applies to lithium batteries.

Lithium batteries must pass a series of transportation safety tests before they can be offered for transport. These tests are designed to help confirm that the battery can handle real-world shipping and travel conditions.

UN 38.3 testing may include things like:

• Altitude simulation

• Thermal testing

• Vibration

• Shock

• External short circuit

• Impact or crush testing

• Overcharge testing

• Forced discharge testing

You do not need to memorize those tests. The main thing to understand is this:

UN 38.3 helps verify that a lithium battery has been tested for transport safety.

That is why it matters for CPAP batteries, power banks, camera batteries, medical batteries, and other rechargeable lithium battery products.

What Is a UN 38.3 Test Summary?

A UN 38.3 test summary is the document that shows a lithium battery has gone through the required transportation safety testing.

People often call it a:

• UN 38.3 form

• UN 38.3 certificate

• Lithium battery test summary

• Battery travel document

• Airline battery document

Technically, the most accurate term is usually UN 38.3 test summary.

According to PHMSA, lithium cells and batteries offered for transportation must have passed the design tests found in Section 38.3 of the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, and battery manufacturers must make test summary documents available upon request.

Do You Need a UN 38.3 Form to Fly With a CPAP Battery?

Most travelers will not be asked for a UN 38.3 test summary at TSA.

That said, we still recommend having it available when flying with a CPAP battery.

Why?

Because CPAP batteries are usually larger than regular phone chargers or small power banks. If an airline employee, gate agent, or security officer has questions about your battery, having the battery travel document ready can make the conversation much easier.

This is especially helpful if your CPAP battery is between 101Wh and 160Wh, because that battery size usually requires airline approval before flying.

UN 38.3 Is Not the Same as Airline Approval

This part is important.

UN 38.3 certification does not automatically mean the airline has approved your battery for passenger travel.

UN 38.3 is about transportation safety testing.

Airline approval is about whether your specific battery is allowed on that passenger flight based on watt-hours, airline policy, and how the battery is packed.

For airline travel, lithium batteries are generally grouped by watt-hours:

Battery Size	General Airline Rule
0–100Wh	Usually allowed in carry-on
101–160Wh	Airline approval usually required
Over 160Wh	Not allowed on passenger aircraft

So even if a CPAP battery has UN 38.3 documentation, the watt-hour rating still matters.

What CPAP Battery Paperwork Should You Bring?

When flying with a CPAP battery, we recommend bringing:

• The battery’s UN 38.3 test summary or travel document

• A battery specification sheet showing watt-hours

• Airline approval if your battery is over 100Wh

• Your CPAP prescription or doctor’s note, especially for international travel

• Your CPAP machine information if you plan to use it during the flight

You may not need to show all of this. But if someone asks, you are prepared.

Does the EXP48PRO APEX Have UN 38.3 Documentation?

Yes. The EXP48PRO APEX is designed for CPAP travel and has supporting battery travel documentation available.

The EXP48PRO APEX is 153.6Wh, which puts it under the 160Wh airline limit but above 100Wh. That means you should contact your airline before flying and request approval.

Need the UN 38.3 Form?

If you are flying with an EXP PRO CPAP battery, we recommend downloading the UN 38.3 documentation before your trip.

Save a copy on your phone and print one for your travel folder. Most travelers will never be asked for it, but if an airline employee or gate agent has questions, it is nice to have the paperwork ready.

[Download the EXP48PRO UN 38.3 Form]

The simple version:

EXP48PRO APEX: airline travel battery, with airline approval.
EXP96PRO APEX: not for passenger airline travel because it is over 160Wh.

The EXP96PRO APEX is excellent for camping, RV travel, road trips, and home power outages, but it is too large for passenger airline travel.

What Should You Say to the Airline?

Here is a simple message you can send before your trip:

Hello, I use a CPAP machine and will be traveling with a lithium CPAP battery in my carry-on bag. The battery is 153.6 watt-hours, which is under the 160Wh limit. I understand that batteries between 101Wh and 160Wh require airline approval. The battery has UN 38.3 transportation safety documentation available. Can you please confirm approval for me to bring this battery in my carry-on luggage?

Save the airline’s response on your phone. Printing a copy is also a good idea.

Final Takeaway

UN 38.3 certification is one of the key things to look for when choosing a CPAP battery for travel.

It helps show that the battery has been tested for transportation safety, and it can be helpful if an airline or security employee asks questions about your battery.

But UN 38.3 is only one part of flying with a CPAP battery.

You should also check:

• The battery’s watt-hour rating

• Whether airline approval is required

• Whether the battery is packed in carry-on luggage

• Whether you have the right CPAP power cord

• Whether your airline has any extra rules

For EXP PRO customers, the airline-friendly option is the EXP48PRO APEX. It is 153.6Wh, CPAP-focused, and designed for travel. Just remember to contact your airline before flying because batteries over 100Wh require approval.