Travel CPAP Machine Questions

[Steviemain]

Ok - I've managed to read and read and read about travel masks and have come to this conclusion....I'm now totally lost.

I thought I had narrowed this down to the AeioMed Standard Travel CPAP with HH and rechargable battery or the Intellipap Standard CPAP with HH and battery backup....now enter the confusion.

- Neither of these have the exhalation relief functions and I'm quite fond of the C-Flex on my M-Series, but my settings are low, 7cm, so this may not be an issue since I programmed my machine to ramp at 6cm's because I like it there.

- Then I read that if one brand of machine is working for me another brand may not work because different manufacturers use different algorithms. This makes sense, but since I am not able to test machines how would I know which machine's algorithm would best fit my M-Series?

- Then....I started looking at the db levels and I find the 31db's of my machine to be somewhat loud and my interest got peaked by db levels of 24 and 26 on some machines. So this makes my decision-making process a bit more difficult. Pity party invitation...my wife still isn't sleeping in the same bed with me yet becuase I haven't mastered this process yet, but less sound might help the cause.

- And then.......I saw several recommemdations for the Resmed Elite II, but it doesn't show up as a travel machine on CPAP.com. Is the size of this machine really not an issue relative to the travel machines listed at CPAP.com or is it just a great machine? I really don't want to lug the M-Series around, but I also want a good back-up machine that travels relatively easy (or is there for power outages or breakage). I don't travel a lot, but I've already learned I don't want to sleep without my machine...ever....and I do mean EVER!

Note that I referenced Standard CPAP machines and not Auto machines because although I got my Doctor to write my prescription almost verbatim using Slinky's recipes in "Our Wisdom" she wouldn't budge on the "Auto" choice and wrote "CPAP". Not a big deal because I'm overall happy with my M-Series Pro.

I really want a good, durable machine with a HH and rechargeable battery, but as you can see I have studied to the point of confusion. I would really appreciate some feedback based on the questions above with this final thought; Which machines would some of you recommend if price wasn't a factor, and if price was a factor?

Chat atcha later....thanks,
Steve

[travlr]

I have traveled with the Everest and have found it reliable and lightweight. Dual voltage so I have used it in Asia as well as the USA.

[plr66]

You might want to edit your thread subject to read Travel CPAP Questions, since you seem not to be asking about masks here.

[Steviemain]

Give me a "duh"...subject line edited...thanks plr66 for bringing this to my attention.

[SleepyInIndy]

Everything is a trade-off isn't it? While I am not ready to make my backup machine purchase yet, I was starting to confuse myself also. I think it will end up being a personal choice for each of us. All of the machines you discussed seem to be from reputable companies and will probably give good therepy.

Your pressure is close to mine. To find out about the pressure relief, do what I am trying. I am turning off my pressure relief and see how I tolerate it. Can I do it for a few days? I don't know. Check back with me in a week or two. If I don't need the relief for my tavel other factore become more important. I think all of the machines still provide a ramp feature if needed, I don't.

So what matters most to you? Noise? Size? EPR? Cost? Battery? Once you prioritize your list I bet the machines sort themselves out. Since my machine will come out of my pocket, I'm still revising my list.

[plr66]

Great suggestions by SleepyInIndy above.
Steve, I have become a broken record about this, but I really love my Everest 2 for travel. I have a Puritan Bennett 420E (I believe this model has been discontinued, but 420G is still available), and use it exclusively at home now. I actually bought the Everest in a sort of last minute panic, a week before my recent trip to Egypt, after learning that power outages or brownouts might be common. So there was no question in my mind that I had to have a portable battery, and fast. My Respironics battery pack does not fall into that "portable" description, due to its weight; and the PB has no battery.

I usually obsess over things just as you are (appropriately ) doing, and enjoy the process of comparing and narrowing down choices, then comparing some more. But with so little time, I basically narrowed my choices down to the 4 simplest cpap machines, with a decision not to bother with software I have no time for when traveling. (When at home, I read my data daily, without fail. But I have at least for the past 4 months achieved a really consistent pattern of no leaks and AHI around 0.5--1.5 YAY!; so I knew I could do without the data-readings during travel). The incredibly small size & light weight of the battery pack, the low noise level, and the compact size of the whole package sold me quickly on the Everest2. I went for the Traveler's Special package at cpap.com. And did I mention that I love it?!

Caveat: I would strongly suggest that if you have some time before traveling, you should wait until you firmly decide upon your optimal form of xpap therapy. I may be reading you wrong on this, but it sounds like you are still considering whether certain features are necessary for your comfort and effective therapy. We're all very different--and I was really surprised to learn after my first 3 months of using both auto cpap and apap flex settings on my M Series Pro, that I do significantly better on straight single pressure cpap with passive humidity. So the simpler machines were my choices for travel. If you need the auto flex features, these cpap machines would probably not work well for you.

[Aero Man]

Hmm, I'm in the same boat; ready to buy that 2nd unit for travel. I was set to rule out the Everest II because of it's static pressure - I like the auto capabilities of my Respironics Auto M-Series. But I'm willing to reconsider, if appropriate. How is the sound (loudness)of the Everest II, as compared to the Respironics Auto M-Series?

[deglorious]

Hi, I use an Elite for a travel machine and I think it's great. Not too heavy or bulky. I also use the humidifier with it. It fits nicely in the case. I've been on cruises, to Costa Rica, to Mexico and such with it--no problems.

Deglorious

[bdp522]

I have the Everest and find mine to be no louder than my regular machine, just a higher pitch. I do like c-flex but do just as well without it. If the Everest was fully data capable I would probably use it every night. As it is I use it for travel, power outages and occasional naps on the porch.

Brenda

[Hose_Head]

Ok - I've managed to read and read and read about travel masks and have come to this conclusion....I'm now totally lost.

I thought I had narrowed this down to the AeioMed Standard Travel CPAP with HH and rechargable battery or the Intellipap Standard CPAP with HH and battery backup....now enter the confusion.

Chat atcha later....thanks,
Steve

Why don't you first try traveling with your M-Series Pro? With some experience, you'll quickly sort out what's important to you, and not important, in a travel machine.

Personally, I use the M-Series Auto (same form factor as the Pro that you have) and have traveled with it about 40 times in the past year (twice by air, the rest by car). I find that it travels quite well. Yes, you have to deal with the power brick. But once you pack it in it's case, including hose and mask, it's really not much different than most of the other options that you've listed.

True, there are some specialized travel cpaps available, but none offer the exhale-relief (cflex) that's on your current model.

If you insist on having Cflex, or similar, then there are only two manufacturers to consider. You already own the Respironics model. The other option is the Resmed S8-II. The Resmed is an excellent machine, and some swear it's a better traveler than the M-Series. However, the M-Series offers you wider options for power because it will run on 12 volt dc without an inverter; the Resmed S8-II requires use of an expensive modified sine wave inverter if you want to power it from 12 volt dc. That flexibility may or may not be an advantage for you.

Word of caution: no cpap likes it when water gets into the blower from the humidifier. Make sure that you drain and dry the inside of your humidifier before traveling with it.

[Hose_Head]

- Then....I started looking at the db levels and I find the 31db's of my machine to be somewhat loud and my interest got peaked by db levels of 24 and 26 on some machines. So this makes my decision-making process a bit more difficult. Pity party invitation...my wife still isn't sleeping in the same bed with me yet becuase I haven't mastered this process yet, but less sound might help the cause.

Note that I referenced Standard CPAP machines and not Auto machines because although I got my Doctor to write my prescription almost verbatim using Slinky's recipes in "Our Wisdom" she wouldn't budge on the "Auto" choice and wrote "CPAP". Not a big deal because I'm overall happy with my M-Series Pro.

Chat atcha later....thanks,
Steve

You've made two points here:

RE the noise of your M-Series: Where do you have your cpap when sleeping? Is it on your night table? I've found (any many here will agree) that you can reduce the noise by setting it up so that the cpap is below the level of your mattress. This way, the bed will deflect some of the noise away from you (and your wife). Personally, I have my M-Series Auto on a small footstool beside my bed that places it mid way between floor and the level of the mattress. When traveling, I either set it up on my roll-on suitcase, or in the bottom drawer of the hotel's night table.

Re: your Doctor's unwillingness to write a script for an auto, you should be aware that our host, cpap.com, will accept your current prescription for an auto-cpap. The rationale is that the auto-cpap can be set up as a straight cpap.

You may find that the added comfort from an auto cpap may offset the loss of cflex. In this fashion, the intellipap auto (see what users have said about it in the latest challenge!) may be a viable alternative for you as a travel machine.

[Debjax]

I traveled with my Pro when I had it, but would definitely get a different bag for it, the one that comes with it really sucks. I think Elader had a pretty good bag suggestion...Den?

I now have an Elite II and I find travel with it to be pretty easy. The bag is about the size of a small laptop bag, looks like a small laptop bag and travels very well.

[Fredman]

I traveled with my Pro when I had it, but would definitely get a different bag for it, the one that comes with it really sucks. I think Elader had a pretty good bag suggestion...Den?

I now have an Elite II and I find travel with it to be pretty easy. The bag is about the size of a small laptop bag, looks like a small laptop bag and travels very well.

I agree about the bag for the Respironics Pro. I have travelled quite a bit with it. I barely can fit the unit, HH, hose and mask into it. It does fit under the seat in front of me when flying but it is long and sticks out a bit. I have to straddle it between my feet. I don't trust putting it in the overhead as people push and crush stuff into the overheads.

I am in the same boat as many here. I will be ready to buy my backup in about 17 months when I will be eligible under my insurance to buy a new unit.

I am intrigued, excited, confused like a kid in a candy shop. Really I need to decide if exhalation relief is really important to me. Once when I put my unit on straight CPAP, I hated it! So I am not sure if I can tolerate straight pressure.

[georgepds]

I travel for work and carry the bipap (respironics)with me in my checked luggage.

Sure there is a risk that the airline will loose luggage, but any time that has happened to me , they've found it and delivered it. Beats hauling it around and explaining to security what it is.

[Fredman]

I travel for work and carry the bipap (respironics)with me in my checked luggage.

Sure there is a risk that the airline will loose luggage, but any time that has happened to me , they've found it and delivered it. Beats hauling it around and explaining to security what it is.

Your prerogative, but Security at Airports are very good and these units are so common now that for the most part, most airport staff have dealt with them many times. Worst case scenario, your CPAP gets swabbed.

I do wish I could check it in my luggage, but I can't imagine going without it for night while it is being recovered. Or worse, never being recovered and being on the hook for buying a replacement unit. The airlines won't pay you the equivalent, you will be lucky to get any compensation from them!