Difficulty picking out travel CPAP options

I'm having a devil of a time trying to figure out which travel machine I should look into.

So far, I've excluded the airmini and the dreamstation go solely based off price. I plan on being out of the country on vacation for at least 2 weeks per year going forward, with a goal of 4 weeks per year.

When I travel solo, I have no problem taking whichever machine and using it. My concern is with bed partners. I'd like to account for their comfort level regarding noise (and frankly, noise during sleeping is a pet peeve of mine, too). Neither one of us uses any ear plugs, and don't plan on doing so now. My most minimal concern is noise and length of the power cord if I'm forced to "slum it" in a hostel with dorm style sleeping.

I've also grown accustomed to the hose buddy, but will not be taking that along with me (nor the travel version), so the hose and mask situation have to be simplified, especially for travel purposes.

I think size and weight would be most important, then price.

Right now, a major DME is having a 20% off sale, and it brings the cost of the Z2 HDM auto CPAP machine down from $589 to $471.20 for a new unit. 2 year warranty, which may be possibly extended to 3 years if I use my AMEX. Reviews state that this is still loud, even with the free included muffler and that your partner will hear the machine on exhale.

I've looked into the Apex Medical XT Auto ($369) and Apex XT CPAP ($189), but they seem to be a little bit bulky? The Apex units don't have any humidification unless I buy the chamber, which I would not do for travel purposes. Reviews also say this is a bit loud? I think I do want PVA (which I understand it to be the EPR of my current airsense 10?). I think I have to pay a bit more for the Apex with the PVA option.

I'm not sure which other models I should be considering.

What do you guys suggest?

And more importantly, how are you guys able to try these machines before buying? I know a few online vendors have a 30 day return guarantee, but having to buy, ship, return, etc, all seems like hassle.

zoomzoom wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 18, 2019 4:32 pm

I think size and weight would be most important, then price.

Since you won't be taking a humidifier, why not take the machine in your equipment profile sans humidifier. The size and weight are not THAT much greater than a good travel machine, and the price is right ( ). As far as the length of the power cord, why not take an extension cord? It's always a good idea any time one travels.

What are your current APAP settings - min/max pressures, EPR, ramp? What are your humidifier system settings?

I find that the accessories carried with my machine take up more room than the machine itself. And, the machine sure isn't the least bit heavy.

ChicagoGranny wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 18, 2019 5:44 pm

zoomzoom wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 18, 2019 4:32 pm

I think size and weight would be most important, then price.

Since you won't be taking a humidifier, why not take the machine in your equipment profile sans humidifier. The size and weight are not THAT much greater than a good travel machine, and the price is right ( ). As far as the length of the power cord, why not take an extension cord? It's always a good idea any time one travels.

What are your current APAP settings - min/max pressures, EPR, ramp? What are your humidifier system settings?

I find that the accessories carried with my machine take up more room than the machine itself. And, the machine sure isn't the least bit heavy.

Hmm, you bring up a good point. I thought about taking the travel machines because they "fit in the palm of your hand" (i.e. really small) vs my current machine which is still bulky if you remove the humidifier chamber.

The other issue is the bulkiness of the case. The case for the resmed is pretty large when it's something that you need drag around with you while going all over the place.

I can use an extension cord, if electrically safe, so it would probably solve that issue. I just need to find a good extension cord that is rated for international use.

My current settings are 8-12 pressure, humidity set to 3, EPR on (full time). Ramp is off.

I ended up with a Z2 Auto for travel. I had a Z1 Auto, but upgraded to the Z2 Auto due to lower noise, and the Auto on/off feature.

While the machine is not silent, it's reasonable in my opinion. It won't bother me. The Z1 was not acceptable to my wife. Since she's not with me for business travel, I went ahead with the purchase. The machine does get a bit quieter after breaking in, and using a standard diameter hose along with the supplied Q tube also helps. I'll let her hear it again before our next trip together, and see if she is OK with it. If not, she can lug my Resmed unit along!

Many of the online providers offer a trial period, including cpap.com. They also price match.
If size and weight are important to you, this is probably about as good as it gets. If you have a trial period, you can decide if the noise is a problem.

In general, travel machines are noisier and have fewer "bells and whistles" than "standard" machines. Also, they generally don't have humidifiers. If it does, it's probably not much smaller than a standard machine.

If you're using a humidifier now, see if you can go without before even considering a travel machine.

Also, pack an extension cord regardless of your machine; you never know where the electric socket is.

All travel CPAPs (and as far as I know, all standard CPAPs), have international power compatibility. Thus, the fact that the voltage might be different in different countries should not be problematic. However, the shape of the sockets might vary from one country to the next (and sometimes within a country), so make sure that you have the correct adapter(s) for your destination(s).

zoomzoom wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 18, 2019 5:48 pm

The other issue is the bulkiness of the case. The case for the resmed is pretty large when it's something that you need drag around with you while going all over the place.

I carry my ResMed machine without the humidifier. (I don't use humidification at home either.) This leaves room in the ResMed case for mask, hose and a few other things I don't travel without.

I want some bulk in a case for protection of vital equipment. A damaged CPAP or mask shell could be devastating on a trip.