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Which Travel CPAP Device is Right For You?

As helpful as a CPAP machine can be for mitigating your sleep apnea, ensuring that you get quality treatment when you’re away from home isn’t always easy. Whether you’re going on a business trip or a long-awaited family vacation, you shouldn’t take a break from your sleep apnea therapy!

If you have been using a CPAP device for some time, you’ve undoubtedly begun to appreciate how you feel more refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning. Better still, you are protecting yourself against some of the long-term consequences of sleep apnea, such as heart disease, depression, and diabetes. This is all thanks to your machine’s capabilities in preventing or mitigating interruptions to your breathing during the night.

When you are going on a trip, the last thing you need is for everyday symptoms of sleep apnea (like excessive fatigue and headaches) to return, causing you to stumble through an important business meeting or not feel fully “present” for family activities.

Unfortunately, most standard CPAP devices are simply too bulky to fit into your luggage, especially when you have a lot of other things you need to pack. Thankfully, travel CPAP devices offer a miniaturized solution that will deliver great results no matter where you might be spending the night.

Here is a closer look at some of the most popular travel CPAP devices on the market today. Adding one of these convenient devices to your travel routine is a surefire way to get quality sleep so you can get more out of your trip.

Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine

The Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine is one of the latest devices from Human Design Medical. Building off the strong foundation established by the Z1 Auto Portable CPAP Machine, this device offers several key improvements that make it more travel-friendly than ever.

The small size of the Z2 is one of its most immediately noticeable features. Weighing 10.4 ounces and measuring 6.48” x 3.30” x 2.02”, the Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine is more or less the size of an extra-thick smartphone. It can easily fit into your hand or pocket, which makes it that much easier to slip into your carry-on luggage or a backpack.

The Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine functions at pressure ranges of 4 to 20 cm H2O, with automatic altitude compensation available for elevations from sea level to 8,000 feet. The device is also suited for use in a pressurized airplane cabin, meaning you can use it in all but the most high-elevation adventures!

Among the improvements made from the original Z1 model are quieter operation and the addition of an Auto Start/Stop feature. As with many other CPAP devices, the Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine detects when you take your first breath in the mask, or when you remove the mask to automatically start or stop therapy. A quieter motor and an in-line Qtube muffler reduce noise by an additional 29 percent in comparison to the Z1’s 26 dBA output.

Z2 Auto Travel CPAP devices also use the proprietary Z-Breathe algorithm. This system is designed to improve the comfort of CPAP therapy by responding to your breathing patterns. When you exhale, the Z2 CPAP delivers reduced pressure for easier breathing. The Z2 also utilizes a Ramp feature that gradually increases the delivered air pressure over a period of zero to 45 minutes (based on your preferred settings). A backlit LCD screen makes it easy to adjust these settings as needed.

In addition, the Z2 Auto Travel CPAP machine uses a Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME) rather than a standard humidifier chamber. A small removable cartridge captures moisture during exhalation and releases it when you inhale, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing distilled water. Better yet, the Z2 is compatible with all standard CPAP masks. Unless the mask has a proprietary connection, it can work with the Z2. A Fixed Pressure Travel variant of the Z2 is also available if you only need fixed-pressure therapy.

Philips Respironics DreamStation Go

At 1.86 pounds, the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go is a little heavier than the other travel CPAP devices on this list, but with measurements of 5.9” x 5.9” x 2.3”, it is still more than compact enough to fit in your carry-on luggage.

The Philips Respironics DreamStation Go is designed with your comfort in mind. The device is compatible with C-Flex, C-Flex Plus, and A-Flex technology. C-Flex and C-Flex Plus are geared for individuals using a fixed pressure setting. By gradually decreasing air pressure delivery during exhalation, you can enjoy more comfortable breathing. A-Flex offers similar features when using an auto setting, adapting to your breath throughout the night as you inhale and exhale.

The Philips Respsironics DreamStation Go utilizes a pressure range of 4 to 20 cm H2O, and offers automatic altitude compensation for elevations up to 7500 feet. With quiet operation below 30 db, you can use this device in almost any location without having to worry about it disturbing you or those around you. Better still, the DreamStation Go’s optional overnight battery pack is one of the most powerful available, with an average life of 13 hours when set at 10 cm of pressure.

Like the Z2 Auto CPAP, you are nearly unlimited in your choice of masks for use with this device. The Philips Respironics DreamStation Go uses a universal adaptor that allows it to work with all masks that use standard 22 mm connections. The device itself comes with micro-flexible tubing, which is specially designed for easier transportation during travel.

The Philips Respironics DreamStation Go is also Bluetooth compatible, allowing you to sync with the Respironics DreamMapper app so you can better track your treatment. Thanks to the device’s app compatibility, you can connect both your travel and home CPAP devices to the same profile so that you always have a full understanding of how your treatment is going.

The Philips Respironics DreamStation Go is also compatible with an optional heated humidifier for travelers who desire more comfortable treatment. This humidifier is proprietary to the DreamStation Go, but unlike other humidifiers, you aren’t limited to distilled water. The DreamStation Go humidifier can also use tap and bottled water, making it that much easier to continue with your normal therapy routine. Keep in mind, however, that you should probably avoid using tap water in areas with very hard water or water with high levels of bacteria.

ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP

The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is another amazingly compact travel CPAP device, weighing 10.56 ounces and measuring 5.4” x 3.3” x 2.0”. Despite its small size, a lot of features are packed into this quality travel CPAP device.

The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is made possible thanks to ResMed ActiveAir technology, which caps therapy flow without disrupting any necessary increases in therapy pressure. This helps the system provide efficient, consistent performance while continuing to operate quietly throughout the night.

As with other travel CPAP devices, the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP uses heat and moisture exchangers instead of a humidifier water chamber to provide a more convenient approach to humidification during travel. The device’s proprietary HumidX and HumidX Plus use paper ridges to capture moisture, and can be used for up to 30 days. The HumidX Plus is optimized for high altitude or dry weather use, ensuring you can enjoy comfortable treatment anywhere you go.

The most exciting aspect of the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP, however, is the fact that it incorporates all three therapy modes from the AirSense 10 line into a single unit. Travelers can enjoy the fixed-pressure air delivery system of ResMed’s standard CPAP mode, the automatic air pressure adjustments of AutoSet, and even the gender-specific algorithms of AutoSet for Her. No matter which type of therapy you use at home, you can continue with the same form of treatment on the go.

Other features like AutoRamp further improve comfort and treatment efficiency. No matter what type of CPAP therapy your doctor has prescribed, you can enjoy quality outcomes with this device.

One thing to be aware of with the ResMed AirMini Auto Set Travel CPAP is that it is only compatible with a few select masks. Users of this device can choose between the AirFit F20 and AirTouch F20 (full face masks that are not compatible with HumidX or HumidX plus), the nasal mask AirFit N20, and the nasal pillow AirFit P10 for AirMini. Be sure to pick the right mask to ensure the most effective treatment!

Additional Travel Considerations

Having a convenient, easy-to-transport travel CPAP device on-hand for your trip is a good start, but this isn’t the only thing you should consider when planning for your travels.

For one thing, you will need to keep up with continued maintenance throughout your trip. If you are approaching the period when you would replace filters, tubes, or other CPAP components, be sure to bring extras. This is especially important for longer trips, when you may need to replace filters or other parts several times. It’s much easier to have these spare components already on hand rather than try to purchase compatible parts when you are far from home.

Battery packs and travel cases are essential accessories when spending the night away from home. Most travel CPAP devices can also be used “off the grid” with their own proprietary battery packs, which can be used to provide power to your device for an entire night. These batteries are ideally suited for those times when an electrical outlet won’t be available, such as camping or taking a red-eye flight.

Travel cases seal tightly to your CPAP device, holding both the machine and its accessories in place and providing protective cushioning when the equipment is packed into your carry-on or checked luggage. You won’t have to worry about equipment getting jostled by other items.

If you are traveling outside the country, be aware of the different plug types you may encounter. The United States uses what are referred to as “Type A” and “Type B” plugs, delivering an electric potential of 120 V and a frequency of 60 Hz. However, if you go to the United Kingdom, you will encounter “Type G” plugs delivering an electric potential of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Some countries, such as South Africa or Thailand, use four different types of plugs!

Needless to say, there is a good chance that you will need an adaptor to plug in and charge your travel CPAP device in many places. This convenient list will help you identify the types of plugs used in different locations around the world so you can plan ahead by purchasing the right type of adaptor.

Finally, it never hurts to contact your airline in advance before you attempt to take your travel CPAP device onboard. While the machines discussed in this article are FAA approved, double checking with your airline regarding their specific regulations for the use of a CPAP device onboard can help you avoid potential misunderstandings.

Parting Thoughts

The world is full of adventure — don’t let sleep apnea keep you from enjoying the sights and experiences you’ve always dreamed of! With the right travel CPAP device and accessories, you can have confidence that you will enjoy an amazing night’s sleep, even when you are far from home. Whether you are visiting the next state or a country on the opposite side of the globe, a travel CPAP device will ensure that you don’t miss out on the things that matter most.

Here at No Insurance Medical Supplies, we understand that purchasing vital CPAP equipment isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t have insurance, or your insurance policy refuses to provide full coverage for your medical equipment.

This is why we offer the latest in CPAP technology — including travel CPAP devices — at discounted prices off MSRP. Our low prices can help you save hundreds of dollars off the normal price for this amazing technology, and with free shipping on orders over $89, you will save even more.

Does your current financial situation prevent you from being able to make a full payment for a new travel CPAP device? With financing options through TimePayment and CareCredit, you can get the equipment you need through an affordable lease. Spreading your purchase out with affordable, fixed monthly payments will ensure that getting the medical therapy that you need won’t cause undue financial stress.

No matter which travel CPAP device you think is best for you, you will get a great deal at No Insurance Medical Supplies. Place your order today so you can start living out your travel goals to the fullest.

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