There are a few Travel CPAP options available these days. Many of which are limited in availability due to nationwide CPAP shortages. However, there are options and it is important to make a good decision. Below is a breakdown of our top 4 Travel CPAP picks for 2022.
AirMini Travel CPAP
The AirMini has been around for about 5 years now and I can think of maybe 2 or three units that have ever had an issue over that period of time. We can confidently say that it is a VERY reliable Travel CPAP. Additionally, it is the smallest and the lightest available today. Weighing in at just 0.66 lbs you probably will not even recognize that you packed it in your bag. It is 5.4″ x 3.3″ x 2″ dimensionally, so it literally can fit in the palm of your hand. You are restricted to ResMed brand masks on this Travel CPAP. While that is a limiting factor, ResMed does make some of the best masks on the market. Meaning that quality will not be an issue in your mask selection. It operates at just 25 dBa which is very quiet for a Travel CPAP.
AirMini Pros:
Very Small and lightweight– You really cannot get any smaller and lighter for a Travel CPAP
Quieter than some of the cheaper models– We have heard some negative feedback on cheaper Travel CPAP models. Many of those customers chose to upgrade later to the AirMini and noticed much improvement.
Great AirMini app and connectivity for reporting– You can download the “AirMini App” in iTunes or the google store. It connects via Bluetooth to the AirMini and works really well.
Very Reliable– We have had so few issues with the AirMini that we would score it a perfect 10 on durability. We even have customers that use it as their primary device. This Travel CPAP is genuinely tried and true.
AirMini Cons:
You can only use AirMini Masks and accessories– You are restricted to the AirMini Humidx HMEs, the ResMed compatible masks (F20, F30, N20, P10, N30). Additionally, you must use the AirMini Tubing designed to attach to the AirMini.
HME can be a little loud– While the AirMini itself is very quiet, we have had some complaints on the sound of your breathing in the HME. It still is one of the quietest options but keep that in mind.
Can be a little pricier– If you are looking for the cheapest option, then this one may not be for you. ResMed is known for quality and durability. So naturally, they are usually a bit more expensive.
DreamStation Go Travel CPAP
This has been one of our favorites for a very long time now. Unfortunately, at the time we are writing this blog it is unavailable. We hope to have it as an option again very soon. The DreamStation Go Travel CPAP is our “Go To” for CPAP users that want a travel CPAP for everyday use. That is because it is quiet, durable, and can be paired with a Heated Humidifier. Many other Travel CPAPs can only use an HME. While an HME can work well it is not the best option for everyday use. It has a really nice touchscreen, and a very simple operation. While it is a little larger than some other options you have to keep in mind that the converter brick is built in to the DreamStation go. That means that you don’t have to have that bulky power cord. It weighs 1.86 lbs and is 5.94″L x 5.94″W x 2.32″H dimensionally. Another great feature on this Travel CPAP option is that you can pair it with a home DreamStation CPAP in the software. This means that your compliance information can be combined into one report on both devices. This is great for truck drivers, and users that require compliance reporting.
DreamStation Go Pros:
Reliability– This travel CPAP is also extremely reliable. We have had very few issues over the years.
Very quiet– The DreamStation Go is very quiet and does not have any noisy HME. Probably the quietest Travel CPAP option that we carry.
Use any CPAP mask or HME– It has a standard 22mm tubing connection. This means that you can use any standard CPAP tubing, any CPAP mask, and any HME with 22mm connection. That is pretty much everything.
Great Compliance reporting– Whether you are using the DreamStation Go alone or in conjunction with a home DreamStation CPAP, you can get great compliance reporting. It connects easily to the DreamMapper app via Bluetooth and relays great reporting directly to your smart phone.
Smallest and lightest tubing available– The DreamStation go comes with a 12mm tubing that is so thin and lightweight you probably won’t feel tube drag at all. This tubing only fits the DreamStation Go so you can only use it with this Travel CPAP.
Heated Humidifier Option- You can connect the Heated humidifier when at home and leave it when you hit the road. This gives you a lot of versatility.
It is a little heavy– While it isn’t heavy in comparison to a home CPAP it is to other Travel options. At 1.86 lbs it is almost 3 times heavier than the AirMini Travel CPAP.
Currently unavailable– After an issue with the foam Philips has decided to replace or repair all of these unit. Until they have completed the recall this unit will be unavailable. You can click here to check current stock any time. We hope to have them back in stock in the months to come.
Not the smallest option– In addition to the weight it is also a little larger than other options. We think the versatility outweighs the size difference, but it is something to consider.
Transcend 3 Travel CPAP:
The Transend 3 Travel CPAP is made by Somnetics. Somnetics was the original Travel CPAP maker. They have a great track record of durability and longevity. They even have the longest warranty of any Travel CPAP made. The Transcend 3 is a very simple design without a whole lot of bells and whistles. For those needing a good CPAP for an affordable price this model is worth considering. It weighs just over 1 pound and is 7.5″ x 3.7″ x 3.7″, so it packs away with ease. Additionally, the Transcend 3 comes with universal power adapter for the entire world. No need to source adapters and connectors.
Transcend 3 Pros:
Less costly than high end models– The Transcend 3 gives you the ability to travel much easier than with a home CPAP at a very affordable price.
Simple use and design– There are no special bells, whistles, settings or buttons. This Travel CPAP is as simple as on and off.
Universal power supplies– The adapters for all mainstream areas in the world are included. Hit the road to the UK, or to India without having to purchase extra electrical adapters.
Universal connection– It incorporates a standard 22mm connection. This means that you can use any standard CPAP tubing as well as any CPAP mask. No Special parts needed.
Transcend 3 Cons;
No reporting ability– There is no special app or easy to use compliance software. If you need compliance reporting, this may not be the model for you.
A bit more audible– I can’t say that the transcend 3 is loud, it just isn’t as quiet as the higher end models. If you are a very light sleeper or sleep next to one, you should consider the noise level.
No humidifier option– Somnetics no longer makes a heated humidifier for this model. This means that you can only use an HME (heat moisture exchanger) for humidification on this Travel CPAP.
Z2 Travel CPAP
The Z2 Travel CPAP is another very lightweight and small device. It weighs just .5 lbs and is just 6.3″ X 3.5″ X 2″ dimensionally. You would probably have an easier time losing it in your travel bag than noticing that it was there. It does have Bluetooth for connection to the nitelog app where you can track your results. It also has a universal 22 mm connection so that you can use any mask on the market with your Z2.
Z2 Pros:
Very small and lightweight– You really can’t get much smaller or lighter in the CPAP world. This is a great option for those with limited space or weight restriction while traveling.
Affordable pricing– The Z2 is a great mid-level priced Travel CPAP. It is affordable and still has some great features that make it very modern.
Universal connection– With the universal adapter the Z2 Travel CPAP can connect to any standard tubing and CPAP mask.
Great battery setup– The Z2 power shell integrates really well with the Z2 and will run the CPAP up to two nights without power.
Z2 Cons:
Can be a little loud– The Q-tube adapter (included with Z2) helps, but we have had enough noise complaints on this model to mention that for sure.
Different algorithm– In the auto mode we have had a few customers that did not like the way that it adjusted to their breathing. You do have the option of setting your algorithm to be more or less aggressive, but many have had trouble navigating that setting.
Not a great primary unit– We have not had a very good track record on this unit when used as a primary unit. Great for travel, but not so great if you work it too hard.
