Are There Any Decent Travel CPAPs?

RCurtis wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:18 pm

Now I'm hearing that it's not that bad...you get used to it. I don't know what to think!

Think about what he said.

How can he, or anyone, tell *you* that the sound is no big deal, and you'll get used to it in a night or two.

The fact that so many do find the AirMini's noise to be problematic, is pretty compelling evidence that for some, it is a big deal.

I don’t know your specific reason for sleep apnea, but if it relates to palate/throat restrictions when sleeping you might also look into the AlaxoStent. For the cost of a travel CPAP, it props open the airway from inside. It gets inserted through the nose before bed, and then taken out in the morning.

I’ve used it alone for naps just fine, and would use it for travel or camping if I couldn’t bring along my VAuto (I use the stent and VAuto combined at home for perfect 0.0AHI treatment).

Of course, the stent might not address your particular condition. But if it does, it might be the easiest item to carry on a trip.

booksfan wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:24 am

RCurtis wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:23 pm

Here's a secondary concern that I have... Is it possible to use my existing Mirage FX mask with an Airmini. I'm hearing of adapters that are available as well as "mufflers" and in-line accessories. What could I reasonably expect to do to make an Airmini as quiet as possible? I'm a fairly adept guy when it comes to making things...I feel I could probably make some type of hose adapter unless there's something in which I'm not aware.

I am just a (mumble under my breath 60+ ) grandma who has been crafting all her life. I hacked the AirMini hose to be able to use my Bleep mask with the AirMini, quite successfully! And my hack had the unexpected side benefit of reducing the noise level, quite significantly I thought. It is still noticeably louder than the AirSense 10, but since that one is completely silent...any noise would be louder!

I am attaching pictures of my hack (first time using imagur so hopefuly I did it right!) . I did have to buy a couple of adapters and the "oxygen" version of teflon thread tape but easy and worth giving up the HME to be able to use my mask of choice!

https://imgur.com/a/mcCRz6o

Looks pretty handy! Well done!

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:54 am

The fact that so many do find the AirMini's noise to be problematic, is pretty compelling evidence that for some, it is a big deal.

The fact they sell like hotcakes is pretty compelling evidence that for so many its not a big deal at all.

billbolton wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 17, 2022 8:19 pm

Dog Slobber wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:54 am

The fact that so many do find the AirMini's noise to be problematic, is pretty compelling evidence that for some, it is a big deal.

The fact they sell like hotcakes is pretty compelling evidence that for so many its not a big deal at all.

The fact that Resmed gets their asking price for them indicates something . . .

OK...let's take a sharp turn here! What about the Breas Z2? I finally found some specs that seem to indicate that it is a (very) few db quieter than the Resmed. I don't want to base a decision *solely* on db ratings...unless there is no other compelling reason NOT to. Is there anything that I should be aware of in regards to the Z2? I know:

1) It will not have the "seamless" therapy crossover that many tout. However, my particular setting with the Airsense 10 is only 6. I really didn't understand the significance of how low this is until I started reading other posts on this forum.
2) It seems that the Z2 can use ANY mask...which appeals to me so that I could just swap my normal mask over when traveling.
3) The Z2 does noy use a humidifier "chamver"...but then neither does the AirMini.

I'm sure I'm probably missing something to consider...but that's why I'm here...asking!

RCurtis wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:14 pm

OK...let's take a sharp turn here! What about the Breas Z2? I finally found some specs that seem to indicate that it is a (very) few db quieter than the Resmed. I don't want to base a decision *solely* on db ratings...unless there is no other compelling reason NOT to. Is there anything that I should be aware of in regards to the Z2? I know:

1) It will not have the "seamless" therapy crossover that many tout. However, my particular setting with the Airsense 10 is only 6. I really didn't understand the significance of how low this is until I started reading other posts on this forum.
2) It seems that the Z2 can use ANY mask...which appeals to me so that I could just swap my normal mask over when traveling.
3) The Z2 does noy use a humidifier "chamver"...but then neither does the AirMini.

I'm sure I'm probably missing something to consider...but that's why I'm here...asking!

the airmini has an in line humidifier as opposed to a chamber attached directly to the machine. Humidx or xplus.

someone here once suggested that if you think that you can run your CPAP without humidity and to just fine with it that you should turn off the humidity on your home Cpap and see how you do.

I know there are people here who don’t use a humidifier at all, but I don’t know how that would work when you travel to someplace where you might need one.

RCurtis wrote: ↑

Sat Dec 17, 2022 9:14 pm

OK...let's take a sharp turn here! What about the Breas Z2? I finally found some specs that seem to indicate that it is a (very) few db quieter than the Resmed. I don't want to base a decision *solely* on db ratings...unless there is no other compelling reason NOT to. Is there anything that I should be aware of in regards to the Z2? I know:

1) It will not have the "seamless" therapy crossover that many tout. However, my particular setting with the Airsense 10 is only 6. I really didn't understand the significance of how low this is until I started reading other posts on this forum.
2) It seems that the Z2 can use ANY mask...which appeals to me so that I could just swap my normal mask over when traveling.
3) The Z2 does noy use a humidifier "chamver"...but then neither does the AirMini.

I'm sure I'm probably missing something to consider...but that's why I'm here...asking!

I have a Z2 auto, and I’m happy with it. Keep in mind that there are trade offs with any travel unit. If you search my user name, you will find multiple posts from me with detailed information. I do suggest that you might want to see if you can purchase with a trial period. I had that with my original purchase of the Z1, which I swapped for the Z2. You can get the humidifier discs for the Z2 as well.

I use the resmed air sense 11. I power it with the portable outlet battery. battery last one night, 50 percent discharge with air only. once resmed decides to release the dc converter. this machine should be better. if you have some extra money laying around. go for the mini. air sense 11 is all I need.

If not wanting ANOTHER bag to drag around, consider putting it in your carryon vs having that extra bag. I do that and it works fine. We do travel with friends that also carry their CPAP bag. It is so nice NOT to do that.

kellygary76 wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 02, 2023 9:32 am

If not wanting ANOTHER bag to drag around, consider putting it in your carryon vs having that extra bag. I do that and it works fine. We do travel with friends that also carry their CPAP bag. It is so nice NOT to do that.

I agree. Not having to carry an extra bag was my primary motivation for purchasing my Z2 Auto. It fits easily in my carry on bag. My Airsense 10 or 11 would not fit that way. If I was heading somewhere by car, I would consider bringing my Airsense 11. But... when traveling by air, the convenience of having the small unit in my roll aboard bag is worth the small trade offs. I did not post all of my details here, but I used the Z2 Auto for some months while waiting for a repair, and eventual replacement of my original Airsense 10. (It had developed a defect) The therapy was very good, and while there is a bit more noise, it was easy for me to get used to it. Having a portable AC on in my bedroom at the time totally masked that noise anyway. I have used the Z2 in a quiet environment as well. There is some noise at first, but I have always been able to fall asleep pretty quickly.

Of course YMMV, so if you can purchase with an exchange period, that is ideal.

As a final follow up, currently there are some providers who are offering either a 15 day or 30 day trial on the Z2 Auto.
These can be found with a search on the internet.

One consideration for those who want to carry their pap in their carry on bag-for some smaller connecting flights they may require carry on bags be checked.

That being the case, I know for me personally, I would NOT want to be apart from my cpap.

JAT

lynninnj wrote: ↑

Fri Jan 06, 2023 12:49 pm

One consideration for those who want to carry their pap in their carry on bag-for some smaller connecting flights they may require carry on bags be checked.

That being the case, I know for me personally, I would NOT want to be apart from my cpap.

JAT

Very true. IF I were in that situation, I would tell them I needed to remove my CPAP befoe checking. But my travel CPAP, packed in its little soft-side lunchbox, is small enough to fit in my personal item (backpack or tote), along with my meds, jewelry, knitting, kindle...

I have the Airmini. As a previous C19 Untited 1K flyier, I can say it works like a champ. Is it louder than the full size, yes, but there is not room for a bigger air chamber muffler. I got use to it quickly. Using a F20 without humidity was a drag. But now have the new humidity modules that help. I often would put the mini in my carry briefcase and check the rest for longer trips or if needed a bigger bag. For just carry on, 3 business trips were fine with having it in the carry on suitcase. No need to have the big resmed bag and have to find a place to jam it in on flights.