CPAP Traveller

[Fredman]

I have one and a half more years before my Insurance plan will pay for a new CPAP, Humidifier and mask.

When I first got my Respironics REMSTAR Auto, I had no idea that there were a variety of auto CPAP machines available on the market. I was unaware of this community nor aware of what kind of involvement I could have in my treatment of Sleep Apnea.

When I took my first business trip with my CPAP, I was surprised at how easy it was to take as carry on and would place it in under the seat in front of me. After now four years of business travel, albeit only 2-3 trips per year, I am tired of lugging my classic Respironics tank.

Even on vacation travel, I find it a pain to lug around as carry-on. My next unit will hopefully be small enough that I can place it inside a carry on bag so that I don't have to carry two pieces of luggage. I am leaning towards the Sandman because of size and the fact the display is on the side as opposed to the top. A great feature if you need to hit the RAMP button in the middle of the night. I know that for some even the location of the humidifier is something they are concerned with.

I am wondering how many folks if they are considering a second or replacement unit, would be looking for a smaller compact unit and if the location of the display and even the humidifier will be variables that will influence their purchase.

[bdp522]

I got the Everest for a backup/travel machine. I bought the bundle with humidifier and battery. The buttons are on the front, and it all stacks together. I love this little machine! Having the battery is wonderful, and has come in handy more than a few times!

Brenda

[Hawthorne]

Some say the Everest is very noisy. bdp522 - how does the noise level of the Everest compare with your Remstar auto? I am assuming that your Remstar auto is the Legacy and not the M Series. Is that right?

[plr66]

Some say the Everest is very noisy. bdp522 - how does the noise level of the Everest compare with your Remstar auto? I am assuming that your Remstar auto is the Legacy and not the M Series. Is that right?

Ditto bdp522 except that I haven't had a situation calling for the battery to kick in yet. I love this machine as well. The package is so compact and light! And during my first 2 weeks traveling with this new back-up machine, I absolutely could not hear any more loudness than with my M Series or my PB 420E. (Not sure if the Remstar Auto is more or less loud than the M Series). I bought it primarily for the benefit of having a light and portable battery in a cpap bundle for traveling. Highly recommend it.

[bdp522]

I find that the Everest is no louder than my 'tank' but it does seem to be a slightly higher pitch. Doesn't bother me at all. If it had full data I would use it as my main machine. It doesn't have c-flex or EPR, but but I do fine without.

Brenda

[Gerryk]

I have an M series and I guess you could say I travel alot with it. I am a firemen and I take it to work with me every third day. It is compact enough that the storage bag it came in fits in my gym bag. I keep a separate humidifier chamber at work so I don't risk getting moisture into the blower. I have also taken it on vacation. I didn't fly but rather drove and it's small size was nice because my wife and kids tend to overpack and leave only the kitchen sink at home.
I would not recommed using just the storage bag that came with this unit for travel. When I move it, I have it inside another bag with padding around it IE clothes.
Gerry

[Bert_Mathews]

It's NOT just the machine ----- It's ALL the other JUNQUE you seem to haul that adds weight and SIZE???
Don't know how people that fly do in... I travel by car or train <the BEST!> and drag my M Series or PB 420E
with humidly chamber separate....... Just the add-ons and backup STUFF Just accumulates.


BERT

[SleepyInIndy]

I guess I am lucky. When I travel, so far everything I need is contained in the case that came with my auto. I use an Opus nasal pillow that breaks into two pieces, a hose tube and the pillows and headgear, almost flat. The pocket on the outside of the case holds the hose, 15 ft. extension cord, pap-cap, mask, and I am adding a small 3 prong to 2 prong electric plug adaptor. I do not carry water with me but will acquire some at the destination. In a pinch, I will use tap water, but do empty and dry the tank every day.

So everything is pretty compact. I just wish the shoulder strap fit me better.

At some point, I would like to have a second travel-only/backup unit so I don't have to tear down the home setup when I travel. There size and noise will matter.