Are travel CPAP machines worth it?

[JJR]

1. A thousand dollars or so is a lot to spend on something I’ll probably only use for a week.

2. I still have to pack the mask and hose. How much room (or weight) does it save?

3. This is an overseas trip, long flight, then train travel, so traveling light is desirable.

4. If I buy a smaller machine (not covered by insurance), why not use that full time instead of my Resmed Airsense 10?

[Dog Slobber]

4. If I buy a smaller machine (not covered by insurance), why not use that full time instead of my Resmed Airsense 10?

Ding Ding Ding - We have a winner.

If travel machines are everything a full sized machine is, then all machines would be the size of travel machines.

Travel machines are a compromise, you sacrifice one or more:

• Noisier
• Humidity
• Expensive
• Durability
• Mask options
• Data

[Goofproof]

It depends on how much money you have to waste and your needs. They are a very poor replacement for a Real XPAP for full time use. Jim

[raisedfist]

No unless maybe if you're camping in the woods or something. Should you have access to electricity, a regular machine will make one much happier.

[rick blaine]

Hi JJR,

You ask: "I still have to pack the mask and hose. How much room (or weight) does it save?"

Weight of a 800gm travel machine = 800gm

Weight of a ResMed AirSense 10 = 1200gm

(400gm is 0.88 lbs.)

Whichever machine, you still have to carry: mask, hose, lead, power 'brick' and lead – and something which experienced travellers say is a must, a power extension lead.

You ask: "Why not use that smaller machine full time instead?"

Noise. Wives, partners – ourselves.

[jsmit86]

Travel machines do have some compromises, but they also have benefits depending on your needs.

I have an HDM. Z2 Auto CPAP.
It allows me to travel with just my carry on bag. I can easily fit the unit along with my mask and hose in my roll on bag. I have also traveled with my full size Resmed unit. When I do that, I must pack a separate bag with my clothes.

The Z2 provides very good therapy for me. My AHIs are low using the machine, and I can sleep well. The downsides are that it’s a bit noisier, and it does not have built in humidification. Both of these are not deal breakers for me, but could be for you.

I also used the Z2 machine for a couple of months when my Resmed unit went on the fritz. It was unsuccessfully repaired, and eventually replaced. The Z2 was a decent backup while I was waiting for the Resmed to be replaced.

I will say that the Resmed therapy is outstanding, and the Z2 is more like very good. YMMV.

The Z2 can be purchased from the sponsor. It’s usually $589, but it’s on special now for $499. They offer a 30 day trial.

[Islandwoman]

I wouldn't buy one. Never had a problem in eight + years. On planes they don't count toward carry on limits. Mine have gone to Europe,Hawaii and Canada by plane,train and automobile.

[Biomed_ZZZ]

People with far more experience than I have have answered but just wanted to say that the Resmed Airsense 10 is not that large of a machine as you know, what is the physical size difference between it and a travel machine? The posted weight difference wasn't much; you can purchase a side cover to eliminate the humidifier which would make it physically a little smaller for about $20.

[billbolton]

2. I still have to pack the mask and hose. How much room (or weight) does it save?

It does save appreciable weight, but more importantly it saves SPACE, which is the most significant thing for me. I can easily fit my full AirMini "kit" into my cabin bag with lots of room to spare for other things. It don't need to carry separate CPAP bag.

Also the AirMini itself can easily just sit on any small level space, or it can be hung from the included hook accessory off a seat back etc.

3. This is an overseas trip, long flight, then train travel, so traveling light is desirable.

That is exactly how it has turned out for me. It is a HUGE improvement over travelling with my A10.

4. If I buy a smaller machine (not covered by insurance), why not use that full time instead of my Resmed Airsense 10?

An A10 gives you more direct-access to your sleep data (via ResScan of OSCAR) and the humidification is better/cheaper for the long term use..

[zorki1c]

We’ve traveled to Europe, Russia, China, Panama cruise and Hawaii. Took our full sized CPAPs with us everywhere. No big deal. We always carry them on. Why spend money on a machine with less features that won’t be used that often? We’ve taken the S9 and the A10 on our trips.

[squid13]

I've took my S9 ASV and my Aircurve ASV to Europe a couple of times with no problem, like Islandwoman said it doesn't count as carry on so stick it in the overhead or under your seat. I never sleep on a long fight anyway.

[ragtopcircus]

I have a Dreamstation Go, which works as well as a regular Dreamstation except for a little more noise. It doesn’t even need a brick.

However, I’m now using an Aircurve 10 Vauto, and the Go just can’t provide comparable therapy. The Airmini would be closer, albeit with epr/pressure support limited to 3, but really it’s worth carrying the Vauto to feel better in the morning.

[TropicalDiver]

I have an HDM. Z2 Auto CPAP.
It allows me to travel with just my carry on bag. I can easily fit the unit along with my mask and hose in my roll on bag. I have also traveled with my full size Resmed unit. When I do that, I must pack a separate bag with my clothes.

At least in the US (not certain of international rules), you can carry on your CPAP as a medical device and not have it count as your carry on. So, you could have your roller and the resmed shoulder bag.

[jsmit86]

I have an HDM. Z2 Auto CPAP.
It allows me to travel with just my carry on bag. I can easily fit the unit along with my mask and hose in my roll on bag. I have also traveled with my full size Resmed unit. When I do that, I must pack a separate bag with my clothes.

At least in the US (not certain of international rules), you can carry on your CPAP as a medical device and not have it count as your carry on. So, you could have your roller and the resmed shoulder bag.

... and my Computer bag.
So.. juggling 3 bags.
As I have said, I have traveled with both the Resmed, and the Z2. Of course I could check a separate suitcase with my clothes, and then carry the computer bag and the CPAP. Or... I could accept the small compromise of noise, and lack of humidity, and have a much easier time getting through the airport.
Regarding the Z2 lack of humidity, my most recent trips were to Las Vegas and Phoenix. In both cases, not having the humidifier was not a problem for me.
I also used the Z2 for 2 months during the summer, and I was fine without the humidity.

I also can easily use the Z2 on international flights much easier than the Resmed unit.
I haven't yet, but I used to travel extensively. It's about 16 hours to Hong Kong from ORD, and I do sleep on flights to Asia.

Again, I don't disrespect anyone who travels with their full size unit. It's probably easy enough especially for leisure travel. For business travel with multiple planes, trains and automobiles, there is a benefit especially for the space savings, and the convenience not to have an additional bag. Of course there are some trade offs, but in my case during travel, I'll gladly accept the small downsides of the Z2, since in my case, it's not impacting my sleep. If it did, I would not use the Z2. YMMV.

[JJR]

Good info so far, thanks.

The Resmed’s carry bag works well for portability, but it’s another bag to carry.