In this blog we are going to run through all of the Travel CPAPs available today. As with anything there is not a “one size fits all” best option. You need to consider things like size, price, weight, and available accessories. All the Travel CPAP options today have variations in those categories, and you should consider them all. So, let’s take a deeper dive on each option and see what might work best for you.
What do all Travel CPAPs have in common?
There are a few things that you need to keep in mind about all Travel CPAPs. They do not have many shortcomings, but the few that they do are things that you should know up front. Let’s look into a few common things about all Travel CPAPs.
Travel CPAP Similarities:
No Heated Humidifiers– All of the Travel CPAPs listed here are designed to work with HMEs. They recycle the humidity from your exhalation to keep you from drying out as opposed to adding humidity with a heated humidifier. This saves on room and the need to carry water. Learn about HMEs here.
No Bipap option– All Travel CPAPs are just that, CPAPs. The closest thing that some doctors we work with have recommended get to a Bipap setting would be to match your IPAP setting to the CPAP setting in the Travel CPAP and maximize the exhalation relief of the travel CPAP. Outside of that, there is no Travel Bipap option.
Slightly louder than home CPAPs– Home CPAPs have a lot more insulation than their smaller Travel counterparts. That means that you will hear a little more blower motor noise. Very few people have an issue with it, but if it is concerning you should check out our blog on the quietest Travel CPAPs compared here.
ReactHealth Luna TravelPAP:
Let’s start with the latest addition to the Travel CPAP world. The Luna TravelPAP was introduced early 2024 and promises to have the same quality and durability as their Luna home CPAP machines. It measures just 6.26″ x 2.6″ x 2.83″ and weighs just 0.88 lbs 1(4 ounces). You can set it to Auto CPAP or fixed pressure CPAP and has the industry standard 2-year warranty. Apples to apples it is at least very comparable to most models already out today. With that being said, let’s take a look at the TravelPAP’s highlights and shortcoming.
TravelPAP Pros:
Very Simple– No difficult connections, complicated setup, or difficult maintenance. It is simpler than most home CPAP machine.
Universal Connection– Use any standard tubing and in-turn use any standard CPAP mask. No limitations.
Unique design– The pill shaped look is a complete departure from a piece of medical equipment. To me it looks more like a bluetooth speaker or nightstand sound machine than a CPAP.
TravelPAP Cons:
No Battery Integration– Outside of a generic battery like the Portable Outlet CPAP battery, there is not battery integration for off-grid use.
Power supply connection point– I do not like when the power cord plugs in to the same side as the CPAP tube outlet. It presents weird setups on the nightstand.
ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP:
If you have looked into Travel CPAP Machines at all, then you will likely have seen the AirMini. It is by far the most popular due to the success of the ResMed brand on almost all fronts. The AirMini measures 5.4″ x 3.3″ x 2″ and weighs in at just 0.66 lbs (10.6 ounces). It also can be run in Auto CPAP or fixed pressure modes, but also has the “AutoSet for her” setting for ladies. AirMini comes with the standard 2-year warranty. It has been out for years now and has had tons of visible feedback from customers everywhere. Let’s look at what I like and dislike most about this particular model.
AirMini Pros:
Very Durable– We have had customer use the AirMini as their primary CPAP for years without issue. It is truly built to last and has proven that to us.
Quiet– In our side by side comparisons, the AirMini puts out the lowest amount of noise of all the Travel CPAPs we looked at.
Comfortable and effective– It uses the same algorithm as the ResMed home CPAP models. It has proven to be one of the most effective and comfortable algorithms for treating people’s sleep apnea.
Great Accessory Selection– From AirMini battery options and mounting systems to HME integration and off brand adapters, this unit is very versatile.
AirMini Cons:
Tricky Filter Housing– It can be really tricky to get the filter housing off. I have even had older customers with dexterity issues incapable of getting the filter out.
Power Supply Connection– As with the previous model, I do not care for the power supply and tubing on the same side of the machine.
2 Year Warranty– They all have a standard 2 year warranty on the Travel CPAP machine itself.
Transcend Micro Travel CPAP:
As the smallest Travel CPAP machine available the Transcend Micro always catches people’s eye when they start shopping. The Manufacturer Somnetics was the original Travel CPAP maker, and this is their latest model. They have a long track record in this arena, and it is actually the only CPAP they make. The Micro has a round shape that measures 2.4″ tall with a diameter of 3.6″. It weighs just .48 lbs (7.7 ounces). So, it is really small and light for sure. It also has the standard 2-year warranty. So, what are the upsides and downsides of the Transcend Micro.
Transcend Micro Pros:
Super Small– As mentioned, the Micro is the smallest Travel CPAP available today. If that is your largest concern, then this is a top consideration for you.
Use any mask– While the tubing is not a standard tube, the mask connection point is universal. Connect and use any CPAP mask.
Simple Maintenance– There is nothing difficult about maintaining this unit. Very easy.
Power Connection– The power supply connects in a normal way and does not interfere with the tubing at all.
Transcend Micro Cons:
Unique tubing connection– You cannot attach a standard tube to the micro. You must use the Micro CPAP Tube. The tube will connect to any mask, but it must be that tube.
Setting changes– We can only change settings from the clinical software on the Micro. So, if you need any changes it has to be done at our office.
Breas Z2 Travel CPAP:
The Z2 Travel CPAP machine has also been around for quite some time. It is made by a company called HDM Breas. It is also very small at 6.3″ X 3.5″ X 2″ and weighs only 0.5 lbs (7.9 ounces). This makes it one of the very lightest Travel CPAPs available. The Z2 also comes with the standard 2 year warranty.
Z2 Pros:
Very lightweight– There will be no issue in the case where you are strapped for space or close to max weight in that carry on.
Display Screen– None of the other options have a scree for display. Some users like to be able to see what is going on and make adjustments from the CPAP itself. The Z2 is the only one that allows that.
Universal Tube Connection– The adapter that is included with the Z2 connects to any standard CPAP tube and in turn any CPAP mask.
Great Accessory options– The Z2 has a great battery integration as well as other great accessories.
Z2 Cons:
A little louder– The Z2 ranked a little louder than the others in our comparison. Not by much and the Q-Lite tube muffler that is included does help.
Must use adapter– The unit will not function without the tube adapter, and it is easy to misplace.
Not an everyday use choice– The customers that have put heavy use on the Z2 have had some issues with longevity. It is by no means unreliable, but I would not recommend it as a primary CPAP.
