Need recommendation for a travel CPAP

[sunnyway]

I do a fair amount of traveling for business and cruise at least once a year. I hate carrying my bulky CPAP paraphernalia. Can someone recommend a good small lightweight CPAP with humidifier?

[Jay K]

The AEIOmed Everest 3 Travel CPAP is small, and can be equipped with a small battery as well. However, it does not have exhale relief, if that matters.

On the other hand, the Resmed S9 (auto or CPAP) has all the bells and whistles and comes in a travel case that is not all that big (unlike the Respironics System One, which has a bulkier travel case). The downside is the S9 is a bit more complicated to power using batteries, although it is possible.

I have both, and originally was going to use the Everest 3 for travel. However, because the S9 is a much superior machine, and is not so difficult to travel with, I rarely use the Everest.

Parenthtically (an as you may know), if you are traveling in the U.S., the CPAP when in its own case does not count towards the carry-on allowance for baggage on an airplane (pursuant to DOT regulations). Outside the U.S., the airline policies in this regard seem to be variable.

[dtsm]

My S8 auto II without humidifier is plenty small and travels well. If you want a battery pak, go to cpap.com, they sell to match the S8.

[PetrusKy]

Sunny, I think the machines now are so small already that anyone of them can be used for travel. Both the ResMed S8 II and S9 have a laptop-type carrying case with separate compartments for machine, humidifier, hose and mask - really convenient and stylish.

[plr66]

The great thing about the Everest is its tiny footprint with an amazingly small integrated battery. I've been doing a fair amount of traveling to 3rd world countries where power is often dicey, so for me this is an ideal machine. (I'm one who has been successfully using straight cpap (no A-flex) and passive humidifier for a year and a half, so its lack of bells & whistles works for me).

[bearded_two]

I like the IntelliPAP (available as either a CPAP or autoPAP) for everyday use and for traveling. It is small and has a well integrated humidifier that docks to the bottom of the machine without an external hose or wires. The IntelliPAP machine (without humidifier) is also easily battery powered and can be powered with both an AC power cord and a standby battery at the same time -- there is no power brick.

When powered with both the AC power cord and a standby battery; the machine (and humidifier if there is one) operates from AC power when it is available. The machine automatically switches to battery if the AC power fails and back to AC power when it is restored (the humidifier does not run from battery).

[plr66]

I like the IntelliPAP (available as either a CPAP or autoPAP).......there is no power brick.

When powered with both the AC power cord and a standby battery; the machine (and humidifier if there is one) operates from AC power when it is available. The machine automatically switches to battery if the AC power fails and back to AC power when it is restored (the humidifier does not run from battery).

The Everest also switches automatically from AC to battery and back. It does have a power brick which the IntelliPAP does not. Bearded_two--does the IntelliPAP really shut down the humidifier when it switches to battery from AC? I don't use active humidifier, but think this is a neat feature for those interested.

[jdm2857]

Both the ResMed S8 II and S9 have a laptop-type carrying case with separate compartments for machine, humidifier, hose and mask - really convenient and stylish.

Stylish? Not so much.

[KristieCA]

I just purchased the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust Travel CPAP from here at CPAP.com in May. I am traveling alot this summer, and was tired of hauling my Remaster Auto. I decided it was time for a travel cpap, and one I could also use at home. I highly recommend this one, and it has been great for my trips so far. I also purchased the humidifier. The case is small and easy to handle, especially when taking it out for security at the airport. I'm also considering the SmartCode to round out my purchase. The big plus-set up is a breeze

[bearded_two]

plr66, I don't have a heated humidifier for my IntelliPAP so I can't test it for myself; the specifications say that the humidifier only works on 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz -- it won't work on 12 volts.

[NickM]

Both the ResMed S8 II and S9 have a laptop-type carrying case with separate compartments for machine, humidifier, hose and mask - really convenient and stylish.

Stylish? Not so much.

I love the case on my S9 - I'm looking forward to traveling with it. To me, the disadvantage of carrying a larger home machine (if you can call the S9 large) is outweighed by being familiar with it and getting the same therapy you get at home. Just IMO - but I don't travel a whole lot.

[roncron]

To me, the disadvantage of carrying a larger home machine (if you can call the S9 large) is outweighed by being familiar with it and getting the same therapy you get at home. Just IMO - but I don't travel a whole lot.

I agree.

But if that's too much bulk or weight, you might try leaving the humidifier at home. (First, try at home to make it through a night w/o the humidifier to see if it's tolerable.)

Another thing is just call cpap.com and tell them what you're looking for (how important is exhale relief? how important is quietness? how light/small do you need? etc) and they will tell you the machines that best match your preferences. Then you could read the user reviews of those machines at cpap.com or of course come back here and ask people who own those machines if they like them.

Good luck!

[sleeplessguy]

plr66: hope it's OK for me jump in and answer your question. Yes, my Intellipap Auto automatically shuts off the humidifier when it's on battery power. I thought that was a pretty cool feature. That gives you passive humidification on battery. I tested out my new battery a couple of nights ago, and just wanted to see how it would do with just the battery for camping. It worked great! It did turn the humidifier back on when I plugged the A/C cord back in. I haven't tested it as a back up battery with A/C connected yet, but would guess it would automatically turn the humidifier back on when it switches back to A/C.