Travel Machine, what should I buy?

[ElKabong]

I am looking to buy a new travel machine. I presently carry my 8 year old ResMed Tango. It “works” but is old and large. I do not use a humidifier when traveling. My main home machine is a Philips Respironics System One RemStar Pro with C-Flex+ (460P) with humidifier. I travel about 20%. So I was looking for some opinions. Should I go frugal with the $200 XT Fit CPAP Machine, but concerned it does not have “C-Flex”. Also looked at the Transcend machines but thinking if I spend around $500, why not just spend a few bucks more and get a ResMed S9 Elite or S9 Escape for $600-$650? The S9’s are pretty small. Also what is the difference between Elite and Escape? I don’t need an Auto machine. Thanks a bunch.

[mthespian]

I don't have any info on the rest of your questions (interested myself, actually), but I can answer the s9 differential.

The escape is the bottom end unit.
The elite adds smartstart, mask fit test, and data logging.

[Pugsy]

why not just spend a few bucks more and get a ResMed S9 Elite or S9 Escape for $600-$650?

I wouldn't ever pay that much for the S9 Escape...$200 tops if for travel only and it was low hour or new.
The Escape is their entry level bare bones machine...blows air and that's about it but sometimes for travel that's all we need.

Have you checked secondwindcpap.com for a new open box special or maybe a gently used low hour machine?

If you don't have a back up to your PR S1 machine..maybe consider something that could be used full time in an emergency if your current machine got sick and died. Especially if you like your CFlex relief and worry about not having it.

[grayghost4]

I have a DS560 with 20 hrs on it I can sell for $300:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/hab/4880591855.html

or a new one for $350

PM me if intrested

[palerider]

Also what is the difference between Elite and Escape? I don’t need an Auto machine. .

resmeds s9 line goes:
escape, escape auto (both no data), elite, autoset, vpap s, vpap auto, and then gets kind weird and specialized.

respironics line is roughly
plus (260)(no data), pro (460), auto (560) bipap (660) auto bipap(760). (replace the 6 with 5 for the older prs1 line).

you can pick up samples of either off craigslist (grayghost4 is a great resource for that) for not a lot of money.

one reason to consider the auto is that the conditions while traveling might benefit from the auto pressure capability, in the event that for some reason you needed more pressure due to different beds, etc.... (ok, so, that may not be a thing )

[bill-e]

Airplane or car travel? 20% isn't a bunch but it is significant especially if you're dealing with airlines, airports and TSA

[bill-e]

There's a used Z1 here, viewtopic/t103680/HDM-Z1-CPAP-Machine-n ... ition.html

Cant get any smaller than that.

[OkyDoky]

Since you are currently using a 460 you know the size of the blower. If that is ok for your travel, I would second the choice of a unit that you already have accessorys for and can use for backup or travel. The auto units that grayghost has can be run in cpap mode. And the respironics are happier on battery power if you need to go that route.

[archangle]

Realize that you carry a lot more than just the CPAP machine. With the hoses, mask, power supply, case, etc., you may find that the travel machine doesn't really reduce the burden that much.

[ElKabong]

I took the advice of some and went with a duplicate machine, as it is pretty small and now I have a backup. Went with Philips Respironics System One with C-Flex. Great price and service from cpap.com. Thanks for the advice.

[dave154304]

I bought a Z1 about a year ago for travel use.

Positives:
- TSA doesn't ask for it to be removed from security - I don't think they know what it is compared to the more traditional CPAP machines.
- It is small

Negatives:
- My at home machine works better than this one does...used to an auto-PAP at home. It does give me a good night's sleep though.
- It is louder than I used to. Not a problem when travelling alone for business...but more of an issue on family vacations.