What is the best travel PAP with humificiation setup for me?

[jpek]

I currently use a Resmed AirSense 11 (auto PAP) with auto climate control and a DreamWear mask. I periodically travel to a high altitutde (5,000 ft) location abroad where there are periodic power outages. I would like to invest in a travel solution that still lets me have decent humidification but uses less power, so that I can use it with a backup battery in case of a power outage. Cost is also a factor. What is my best bet for a PAP and mask solution?

Here's the somewhat longer story. Last year I got caught in an 18 hour power outage and I didn't sleep at all because of not being able to use my CPAP. Since then I've gotten a travel backup battery, but my AirSense still won't last long on it with the humification turned on. I could disconnect the humidifier, but I really need the humidification. As a further emergency prep measure I got a generic HME adapter, but, since that won't work well with my DreamWear mask I had to get a backup mask that plugs directly into the main hose. I got a ResMed AirFit F30 maks for that purpose, but it's a full face mask, which is not my favorite, and I'm not as used to or comfortable sleeping with it as I am with my DreamWear. Furthermore, I recently learned that HME adapters don't work as well at elevation because of the dry air. I've only tested this setup at home, which is at sea level, so I don't even know if my setup will provide proper humidifcation in the mountains.

[mlmollenkamp]

Unfortunately the laws of physics pretty much set how much energy is required to vaporize water, and it's more power than the machine draws, 20 to 30 watts continuous. A heated hose s less than half that, the machine alone is only 5 to 10 watts. You can try putting water in the chamber but turn off the humidification function, the passover evaporation will add a little humidity. You might also try using the water without heat but with heated tubing. I traveled for many years using a heated tube without humidification, it's much more tolerable than cold dry air. Failing that you need a bigger battery. I've had the same experience during power failure and for a long time I had a large deep discharge boat battery in my basement for backup power.

Resmed has the P10 nasal pillow mask that's specifically made for the air mini. Its designed for the HME humidifier cartridges. That's probably the best mask option.