Is the BreatheX machine any good?

[littlebaddow]

I'm considering the BreatheX as I want a machine that can be used away from power sources when travelling (especially on a plane or train) and can also serve as a back up at home in the event of a power cut.

Does anyone have one and what do you think of it?
Are there any alternative battery operated machines on the market?

Thanks

[Snoredog]

did you read the reviews of it from cpap.com? sure doesn't seem to get that high of ratings, then it looks like you still have to drag spare batteries around to keep up with it.

A Remstar machine will run directly off of 12vdc as will many others including the 420x. You can buy 12VDC gel cell and litium batteries fairly cheap from various sources then all you need is a Battery Saver as a charger, rig up the connection plugs and your set.

This sealed ATV battery only costs $55 bucks:

Then all you need is a charger, one of these Battery Tender Jr's work great, it only costs $30 bucks from Cabelas:


The point is you can probably do a better job for a lot less money, battery backup for under $100 bucks.

This one seems to have a lot better reviews, battery is optional but all one unit when it is together:
https://www.cpap.com/productpage-advanced.php?PNum=1589

[littlebaddow]

Thanks snoredog
Yes, I've read the reviews and had csome oncerns so wanted opinions here too.
The main purpose will be use whilst travelling, ie on a train, bus or plane, so part of the appeal of the breathex is that it looks fairly small and discrete as well as battery operated.
Having a bettery back up at home is an added bonus rather than essential.

[puffing billy]

Hi Littlebaddow
I understand your views, but with a reasonable battery supply a PB420e is compact, I believe the bigger problem is a discrete mask.
I quite like the idea of a laptop battery, but they are expensive.
As you are based in the UK (like me) if you want a battery try CPC as they have quite a few. If you PM me I would be pleased to help.


Billy

[Mile High Sleeper]

I just bought an AEIOMed Everest machine from cpap.com with rechargeable battery pack; very small and relatively light.

[bdp522]

Here is rested gals review of the breatheX


viewArticle/Hoffman-Labs-BreatheX-CPAP- ... eview.html


Hope it helps

Brenda

[littlebaddow]

Thanks to all for the tips.
I also found Mike Moran's review so if he and Rested Gal are both positive about the machine, that's good enough for me.

[ColoZZZ]

FYI - I don't know the model info but I was just on Craig's List for Denver and there's a Breathe-X selling for $125, along with a bunch of Remstar Pros (straight CPAP) for around $300 - $500.

[mikemoran]

Littlebaddow,

Just a few things to keep in mind before you invest in one. It is just a straight CPAP and does not have any humidfier. Weight wise, with the battery it weighs as much as regular APAP and is about the same size for packign purposes. I have used it on road trips and its nice to be able to take a good nap when a passenger. Haven't gotten up the guts to use it on a plane or train. The unit does look like a travel pillow on steroids so it camoflauges well, but the mask is anything but discreet.

Since it is so well padded I do feel I can even check it. So if you can live with non-humidified therapy then this could be a gem for you. If you need a small humidified unit for when you get there then go with the Aeiomed.

[rested gal]

Ditto to Mike's comments.

The nicest thing about it, imho, is that it doesn't look like a cpap machine at all. But then there's a mask...hard to make a mask not attract attention. Especially the way I wear one!

I like my BreatheX, but for travel it is an odd shape to pack -- is not lightweight nor small. I happily use it here at home for occasional naps. If I want to pack a battery operated cpap along for a trip, I'd take my Aeiomed "Everest" (now called the Invacare Polaris TR.)

You didn't mention what pressure you'd use with a straight cpap, littlebaddow. I guess you've already read in the BreatheX specs that 12 cm's is the maximum pressure it can be set for.

[littlebaddow]

Mike & RG, many thanks for your input.

The main reason for the purchase is for long haul air travel. We've only taken short trips in Europe in recent years, but next year is our silver wedding anniversary and Mrs littlebaddow wants to go to either USA or Asia to celebrate. I did a lot of long haul flying in pre-OSA days (or more probably pre-diagnosis days!) and found it very hard to stay awake on longer flights, so feel very nervous about being pap-less during the flights.

I did look at the Everest, but there's no significant price differential with the braethex and the appeal of the latter is the ability to use it as a pillow too. The limited pressure range is no problem as I spend most of my apap time at 7 or 8cm (depsite a prescibed 10cm). I'm also not put off by the weight or size, as I shall simply carry it as my hand luggage in place of my regular machine. I will probably manage without humidification, which I often do when travelling with my apap.

There's no getting around the mask visibility, but I'd rather look a little odd that not breathe

Talking about masks, I've been in the habit of replacing my favourite mirage vista every year, but the price has shot up following resmed's antics I also have a resmed full face and the breeze nasal pillows, but much prefer my vista. Any idea what the nearest equivalent to the vista is? The comfortlite 2 looks very popular and gives me 2 for the price of one (well, one and a bit anyway). I'd obviously go for the traditional simple nasal cushion and would probably try the direct seal cushion too.

Regards

[rested gal]

The comfortlite 2 looks very popular and gives me 2 for the price of one (well, one and a bit anyway). I'd obviously go for the traditional simple nasal cushion and would probably try the direct seal cushion too.

Good choice, imho.