The Benefits of the Traveling CPAP Machine

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It’s also used to treat COPD and overlap syndrome, a term used when OSA and COPD occur together. CPAP promotes better breathing by providing continuous airflow and applying a gentle pressure to the throat area. CPAP keeps the air passages open so you can rest easily and get the quality sleep you deserve.

For years traveling with a CPAP machine was restrictive and cumbersome. The traveling CPAP machine has changed all that and users who need to use CPAP during sleep now have an important advantage – they can sleep anywhere they’d like without having to worry about experiencing a drop in their oxygen levels. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular traveling CPAP machines available for purchase online.

1. HDM Z1 Travel CPAP – 10 ounces

The Z1 Travel CPAP boasts of being the world’s smallest, lightest, most integrated fixed-pressure CPAP machine on the market today. Weighing only 10 ounces and measuring less than 7 inches tall, the Z1 comes with an optional, fully integrated “PowerShell” battery solution that provides enough power for a full night of cord-free CPAP use for most people. Additional features include:

• Available pressures 4-20 cm H2O
• Sound level 26 dBA
• Z-breath pressure relief relieves pressure on exhalation
• Auto-adjusts for altitude; operates at up to 8000 feet
• Leak compensation
• Ramp feature allows therapy to begin at a lower pressure and work up to the prescribed pressure over 45 minutes (in 5 minute increments)
• Comes with a 4 foot, slim-style tube, a disposable filter, a tube adapter, an AC power supply and power cord, a USB cable, a heat moisture exchange unit and instructions
• 3 year warranty

2. Transcend Auto Mini CPAP – 0.9 pounds

With a 21-day risk free trial, you can’t go wrong with the Transcend Auto Mini CPAP. At 0.9 pounds and less than 7 inches tall, the Mini CPAP is compared to the size and weight of a soda can. The Transcend Auto Mini CPAP is a good fit if your current machine is a fixed pressure PAP device. Best of all, it allows you to sleep anywhere! Additional features include:

• Pressure range 4-20 cm H2O
• Sound level 26.6 dBA
• EZEX pressure relief for comfort during exhalation; adjusts automatically to your needs
• FDA approved for in-flight travel
• Auto-adjusts for altitude up to 8000 feet
• Ramp feature allows therapy to begin at a lower pressure and work up to the prescribed pressure over 45 minutes (in 5 minute increments)
• Advanced therapy tracking
• Optional multi-night battery and portable solar charger
• Comes with a Transcend Quick Guide, a sleep apnea CD, a 6 foot hose and hose adaptor, an AC adaptor and a travel bag.
• 3 year warranty

3. Apex XT Fit Travel CPAP – 1.76 pounds

At only 1.76 pounds and less than 6 inches tall, the Apex ST Fit Travel CPAP comes with a free face or nasal mask and makes little to no noise. It has a built in power supply and a user friendly interface making it an affordable, lightweight choice for home or travel. Additional features include:

• Pressure range 4-20 cm H2O
• Sound level 28 dBA
• Ramp pressure that starts at 0 and increases over 45 minutes (in 5 minute increments)
• Leak compensation
• Optional heated humidifier
• Comes with a power cord, a 6 foot hose, a reusable foam filter, user guide and travel bag
• 2 year warranty

4. ResMed S9 Escape – 1.79 pounds

Whether at home or on the go, the ResMed S9 Escape is ideal for any nightstand. Additionally, it has a mask-fit system that allows for presetting your mask type. Weighing only 1.79 pounds and 6 inches tall, this travel CPAP can easily tuck into a suitcase making it an ideal travel companion. Additional features include:

• Pressure range 4-20 cm H2O
• Whisper quiet at only 24 dBA
• Ramp pressure increases over 45 minutes at 5 minute increments
• EPR pressure relief on exhalation; reduces motor speed on exhalation to drop pressure
• Auto-adjustable for altitude; operates up to 8500 feet
• Optional SkinIT Cover and climate controlled heated humidifier
• Comes with power supply and cord, Slimline performance tubing, disposable filter, patient manual and an SD memory card
• 2 year warranty

5. PR SystemOne Remstar 60 Series Auto CPAP with Bluetooth – 3 pounds

The PR SystemOne Remstar 60 Series Auto CPAP auto-adjusts therapy pressure on a breath by breath basis and allows you to view and track therapy data over a Bluetooth connection. Additional features include:

• Pressure range 4-20 cm H2O
• Sound level less than 30 dBA
• Ramp time from 0 to 45 minutes in 5 minute increments
• 3 pounds; 7 inches tall
• Automatic altitude adjuster up to 7500 feet
• Optional heated-tube humidifier
• Comes with power supply and cord, hose, carrying case, reusable foam filter, SD memory card, patient manual and quick start guide.
• 2 year warranty

By Deborah Leader RN, BSN, PHN