Need Advice - Planning to buy a second CPAP for travel

[jmcd]

I have a Resmed S9 Elite and am VERY pleased with it. However I travel frequently for work and am finding that the S9 and humidifier isn't as "travel sized" as one might think. Yes it comes with a very nice, discrete (although I'm in no way embarrassed by the fact that I'm using equipment to prolong my life) travel bag but when I add that to my roller laptop bag, suitcase, and purse it is a little much. I also think it would be simpler to grab my travel CPAP rather than crawling on the floor to unplug my S9 and packing it up each time I leave on a business trip.

I'd be interested to know what other frequent travelers are using and if you've found a good CPAP/APAP machine that will rival the S9 for a few nights on the road. I've been looking at the new Fisher & Paykel that is just now coming out. It looks more compact with the integrated humidifier. What other machines do you suggest. Would like a data capable machine as I want to continue to monitor my health even while on the road.

Thanks in advance!

[suretyman]

I use the Resmed S9 autoset with the w/H5i™ Humidifier & climate control at home, on the road I dis-connect the humidifier & switch to the slimline hose. Half the size, I visited a camera store and purchased a camera bag that fits the S9, hose & mask, about half the size. I tolerate the S9 without the humidifier without any discomfort. If you can do without the humidifier for your travel period, this might just work for you.

[msla]

If you do what suretyman suggests, just buy the power cord for the S9 and you will not have to crawl to unplug from the wall. Just keep the spare cord in the case/luggage with a short extension cord for the outlet that is not near the bed.

[BigNortherner]

One tactic I've thought about but not tried yet is to have a plate of water not far from the machine, if you don't take the humidifier.

For example, in the typical hotel room with a small table put it there so you don't bump it during the night. Amount of vaporation will depend on the surface area, hence a plate is good, as well any room air air circulation should flow over it more easily than for example an ice bucket partly full.

[Emilia]

Did you peruse the travel machines on our host's site? https://www.cpap.com/cpap-machines/trav ... achine.php

You'll also notice that several of the 'travel' machines are also the highest sellers in the consumer trends page: https://www.cpap.com/cpap-user-preference.php

[LoQ]

One tactic I've thought about but not tried yet is to have a plate of water not far from the machine, if you don't take the humidifier.

For example, in the typical hotel room with a small table put it there so you don't bump it during the night. Amount of vaporation will depend on the surface area, hence a plate is good, as well any room air air circulation should flow over it more easily than for example an ice bucket partly full.

I have not tried this, but I suspect an easier solution is to buy one of those oxygen humidifer bottles. Fill it up to the fill line (I assume it has a fill line, I have never seen these bottles in person) with distilled water. Connect the lid to a bleed-adaptor fitted between your hose and machine, if that is possible, or between the hose and mask if not. The connection on the lid that has the tube going down to the bottom with the aerator should be left unconnected to anything, and open to the air outside the bottle.

That should create a mist that would be sucked into your airstream. Mist is different from water vapor, and I don't know if it would have a tendency to "rain" or not. It would not create rainout in the normal way because it's not vapor. It's like a mist that you walk through, as the droplets land on your skin, it might make you feel wet. And if the droplets settle down in some place, you might get an accumulation of water just like with rainout. I think it would depend upon how much mist is generated. And it looks like something useful particularly for people who need more humidity but can't stand the heat. (It is the heat that causes people's noses to get stuffy, not the water vapor.)

I also would have a concern, though not very large, that it might reduce your pressure a tad. I would be sort of surprised if it could reduce it by more than the accuracy of a titration study, but I suppose it is possible.

Perhaps someone who has such a bottle could perform a test and measure the output pressure with and without the bottle and let us know?

[plr66]

jmcd, I can't imagine you will find a slimmer or easier machine to pop into a computer case than the one you have, with or without humidifier. You should go to a site like cpap.com where you can compare machine specs side by side. However, I am completely sold on the multiple benefits of the little Everest machine for travel, if you do well with straight CPAP. Probably won't fit well into a computer case unless you have a wheeled one. But Everest has benefits of a decent integrated Lithium battery option and a tiny footprint for those tiny motel/hotel bedside tables that are already consumed by the phone and clock. The Everest case has a strap attached so you can slide it down tight onto the handle of your wheeled luggage. The light weight with battery & HH has no competition that I know of; and price is also amazing. No data capacity, but if you're stable and steady with your therapy, this is a great choice. Usual disclaimers.

PS--I just learned from Amy at cpap.com that the aeiomed company had a fire recently, and the battery option won't be available for a couple of months. I was actually going to order a couple of extra battery cells for camping, but will have to wait.

[this-sucks]

I haven looked up you model yet but being stupid I will throw my two cents
I have a resperonics bileval and beats me what humidifier and its all one compact square easy to move

[kempo]

JMCD, I like the idea of keeping my s9 auto next to my bed too and a extra unit for travel. I bought a PR One system auto off of cpapauctions for travel. The PR seems to be built like a tank compared to the s9. It just feels like it could take more abuse than the s9. If you remove the humidifier, like others have suggested, it really would be compact. Anyway here is a new PR One system in the cpap version that you might want to check on.

http://www.cpapauction.com/auction-list ... -flex.html