While the amount of sound a CPAP makes is not the only concern it is probably one of the most important. If your CPAP is too loud, then you probably will not sleep well. In this blog we compare each Travel CPAP model on a decibel meter. All of them were set exactly the same at 10cm with the same setup.
In our comparison we ran the ResMed AirMini, the Transcend Micro, and the Breas Z2 on a decibel meter. Each of them were hooked up with 6ft slim style CPAP tubes and attached to a ResMed N20 nasal mask. The Micro and the Z2 both were connected with their tubing muffler which are included. The AirMini was hooked up with it’s own proprietary tube. The findings are listed below.
Transcend Micro Travel CPAP sound levels:
The Transcend Micro fluctuated between about 46-55 decibels when running at a setting of 10cm. On inhalation the sound was about 55 decibels and on exhalation is backed off to around 46. We did use the Transcend tubing muffler in line to give the lowest sound that we could.
Breas Z2 Travel CPAP sound levels:
The Breas Z2 was a bit more stable from inhalation to exhalation and ranged from about 55-60 decibels. This unit was also set at a pressure of 10cm and attached to me with an N20 Nasal Mask. We also used the Q-lite tube muffler on the Z2 to have the lowest sound possible.
ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP sound levels:
The AirMini was the quietest in our comparison. On inhalation it topped out at around 51 decibels, and on exhalation it dropped to about 42. This was also hooked up to the N20 Nasal mask at 10cm using the AirMini N20 adapter.
We have quite a few customers that use oxygen in addition to their CPAP or BiPAP. Many of them over the years have asked us if they can use their Portable Oxygen System with the CPAP. The answer is yes, and no, and the answer depends completely on what Oxygen System you are using. So, let’s take a deeper dive.
What type of Oxygen Systems will not work with CPAP?
This predicament seems mostly to be surrounded by the complication of traveling with CPAP and Oxygen together. That is because most people using this combination have a very large Home Oxygen Concentrator that connects to their CPAP at night. That is a very difficult thing to transport for sure. Many customers have tried to use their Portable Oxygen System while traveling only to have significant issue. So, why don’t the portable systems work.
Why don’t Portable Oxygen Systems work with CPAP?
Almost all of the Portable Oxygen Concentrators or tanks work in a Pulse Dose or Pneumatic fashion. This means that they will only dose the oxygen as they sense the person breathing. This allows a very small system to generate enough oxygen without having to waste any. Because of this it is not capable of delivering enough oxygen to bleed into the CPAP. In fact, most will not work at all. If it is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator, it will probably start alarming. So, what can you use?
What type of Oxygen Systems will work with CPAP?
If you have been prescribed both Oxygen and CPAP or BiPAP therapy, then probably have the large Oxygen Machine connected to the CPAP on your nightstand. The Home Concentrators are designed to provide continuous flow of up to 5 liters per minute of oxygen (for most models). This is a great option for bleeding in the Oxygen to the CPAP device. However, it stinks for travel. Which leaves you wondering if there is a way to use a smaller option for Oxygen.
What type of Portable Oxygen Systems will work with CPAP?
While almost all of the really small “over-the-shoulder” Oxygen Systems will not work with CPAP, there are still options. The catch is that your Portable Oxygen system must have a Continuous flow setting. There are only a few that do, and they are usually a bit larger. However, they are not nearly as big as the Home Oxygen Concentrator. They range in size from about 9 pounds to about 20. Usually, they are designed to be transported and are on carts or carry cases. With one of these options, you can switch to the Continuous flow setting when you get settled and connect it to your CPAP.
Which Portable Oxygen Models work with CPAP?
There are a few options that work very well with CPAP. As stated above, they will have to have continuous flow settings. Additionally, you will want to be sure that the settings are high enough to suffice whatever liter flow setting you have been prescribed. Below is a list of models that will work for you:
Portable Oxygen Model Options for CPAP:
Zeno Portable Concentrator– This model is very small and lightweight. It will go up to a continuous flow setting of 2 LPM.
Oxlife Portable Concentrator– This model is a bit larger than the other two here. However, it will go up to a setting of 3 LPM for those on slightly higher oxygen prescriptions.
