People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea can benefit from CPAP therapy. This treatment is delivered via different types of CPAP machines, including portable ones that ensure you can follow treatment even when you are away from home.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best portable CPAP machines in 2023.
Why choose a portable CPAP machine?
There are several advantages linked to this type of CPAP device. Here’s an overview of the most important benefits:
- More freedom: You don’t have to turn down invitations to visit family or limit your travel and vacation options because a standard CPAP is too cumbersome.
- User-friendly design and operation: These machines are designed so that even first-time users can set them up and operate them quickly and easily.
- Compact and lightweight design: Packing and unpacking your portable CPAP is easy as they have been created with portability in mind.
With this in mind, let’s look at the best travel CPAP available in the market in 2023.
1. ResMed Air Mini
This is one of the most popular travel CPAP devices, as no other company manufactures a smaller CPAP. You may want to invest in this machine if:
- You’re after a compact design.
- You already use ResMed masks, as the Air Mini is compatible only with a select few ResMed masks.
- You’re going to a place where you’ll have access to a standard socket.
Features to highlight include:
- Two pressure modes: consistent or auto-adjustable.
- Companion app to manage your machine remotely.
- Waterless humidification system for better comfort.
- Ramp time (gradual increase of pressure to the recommended settings, to make it more comfortable).
- Approved to be used during air travel.
- Weight: 10oz or 300g.
- Noise level: 25-28 dB max (like a whisper!)
2. Breas Z2 Auto
This is an updated and improved version of a previous Breas model. In this version, the manufacturer focused on achieving a quieter operation thanks to a combination of a gentle motor and a muffling element near the mask.
In addition, this improved model offers five treatment modes, including consistent pressure, standby, auto, and ramp time with both consistent and auto pressure modes.
- Automatic voltage conversion 100 to 240 volts, so it’s perfect if your trip takes you to another country or continent.
- Waterless humidification.
- Compatible with all kinds of masks, as long as they have a standard connector.
- Ramp mode can be programmed to suit your comfort needs.
- Companion app to record sleep data.
- Data can also be stored in the machine’s internal memory.
- Battery available (optional). When battery operated, this machine can do its job for an entire night even at the highest pressure settings.
- Made with flame-retardant materials for extra safety.
- Approved to be used during air travel.
- Weight: 10.5oz under 300g.
- Noise level: 26 dB.
3. Transcend Micro Travel Auto-CPAP
This machine is the lightest of its kind in the market, and it offers outstanding convenience to those who need a compact and lightweight option. Moreover, it offers compatibility with all kinds of masks via hoses of different lengths, so you don’t need to buy and get used to a different mask.
Features to highlight include:
- Two power options: wall mains or battery.
- Ramp time (called GentleRise) over a period of 45 minutes.
- Mask and hose morning drying cycle at the push of a button.
- Companion app with usage data (useful to your sleep specialist).
- Approved to be used during air travel.
- Weight: 0.5 lbs or 226g.
- Size: 4-inch diameter.
- Noise level: 27 dB.
4. Apex Medical XT Auto
The Apex XT Auto might not be the lightest CPAP device out there, but it’s still compact enough to be carried around comfortably. However, its biggest selling points are versatility and affordability.
This device has been designed both for regular use at home and for occasional use when you’re away – and the price is substantially lower when compared to other portable CPAPs, especially if you can purchase it when it’s on sale.
As a trade-off, some features aren’t available, including auto on/off or the companion app. But otherwise, the XT Auto does its job and gets good reviews among users who prefer a heated humidifier.
Features to highlight include:
- Built-in main power.
- Built-in clock with alarm.
- Ramp time over a period of 45 minutes in 5-minute increments. Only available when on fixed pressure mode.
- Easy Breathing function that adjusts pressure settings to your breathing patterns.
- SD card slot to record sleep data.
- Waterless humidification available, but only with certain masks.
- Approved to be used during air travel.
- Weight: 1.8 lbs or 800g.
- Noise level: 28 dB.
Final thoughts
Being consistent with CPAP treatment is essential if you want to see improvements to your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Portable CPAP devices give you greater freedom and don’t interfere with treatment, so you get the best of both worlds. Ask our Sleep Care Specialists for recommendations.
Sources:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-cpap-machines/best-travel-cpap-machine
https://thesleepdoctor.com/cpap/best-travel-cpap-machine/