Which Travel CPAP Machine should I get? + a few other questions

The "compliance period" has to do with insurance. If your machine was purchased using your medical insurance, you normally have to prove you are actually using it in order for the insurance to pay for it. Compliance usage us normally satisfied within the first ninety days you have the machine. If you purchase the equipment out of pocket, there is no compliance requirements to prove.

Wow everyone, check out this CPAP supplier. It seems to have the lowest prices I ever seen!

https://www.secondwindcpap.com

Has anyone ever seen that site? What's the catch? How do they afford to price their CPAP's so much less than other suppliers?

I think I will either go with Airsense 10 or the XT Auto Travel CPAP. See here:

https://www.secondwindcpap.com/Open_Box.html
https://www.secondwindcpap.com/APEX_XT_FIT.html

Btw, I see a lot of Airsense 10 devices on the page above. Are they all the same? Are they all Auto CPAP?

Also, what is a ClimateLine Air Tube that comes with some of the Airsense 10's? It looks like a special hose that can keep some humidity inside of it? How does that work?

A few quick questions.

1. Are all CPAP machines able to be plugged into both 110v and 220v outlets? Some regions use 220v outlets. Like Europe or Russia for instance. If I am there, can any travel CPAP safely use that outlet? If not, which ones can use both and which ones can't? Is there a list of which ones can use both 110 and 220? Can the Airsense 10 be used on 220v outlet?

2. On the website of Second Wind CPAP store, some of the machines are used and some are refurbished. What's the difference? Which is better? I would imagine refurbished may be better since it has been worked on and modified to be as good as new right? See here:

https://www.secondwindcpap.com/Used_CPAP.html

3. They have Z2 and Z1 Travel CPAPs which are very small, almost the size of a Coke can. Wow. They start at only $260 too. Wow what a steal! (See the prices at the link above) The Z1 being an older model is cheaper of course. Is it ok to just get the Z1? What are the pros and cons of that device? Have any of you tried it?

4. The Z2 and Z1 also use a blue sponge humidifier that recycles your own moisture back to you. Is it ok to use that kind of humidifier long term for everyday use, even when you're at home?

Thanks.

For outlets in other countries, buy little adaptors either at home or in other ones - make sure they're the 'right' ones. OR, you could wait til you're in the new place and get adaptors there (presuming they have them).

Obviously new machines are 'better', but refurbs can be just as good depending on what was done, by whom, etc.

I would not use travel machines (except mine, that is advertised as one but is in fact more of a 'regular' machine than anything, just a bit smaller) because some are noisy, etc. and don't have all features of 'regular' ones.

Don't know about the recycling humidifiers... just saw that this a.m. but again, would not go with 'temporary' solutions for full time use at home.

WWu777 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 24, 2020 1:23 am

A few quick questions.

1. Are all CPAP machines able to be plugged into both 110v and 220v outlets? Some regions use 220v outlets. Like Europe or Russia for instance. If I am there, can any travel CPAP safely use that outlet? If not, which ones can use both and which ones can't? Is there a list of which ones can use both 110 and 220? Can the Airsense 10 be used on 220v outlet?

2. On the website of Second Wind CPAP store, some of the machines are used and some are refurbished. What's the difference? Which is better? I would imagine refurbished may be better since it has been worked on and modified to be as good as new right? See here:

https://www.secondwindcpap.com/Used_CPAP.html

3. They have Z2 and Z1 Travel CPAPs which are very small, almost the size of a Coke can. Wow. They start at only $260 too. Wow what a steal! (See the prices at the link above) The Z1 being an older model is cheaper of course. Is it ok to just get the Z1? What are the pros and cons of that device? Have any of you tried it?

4. The Z2 and Z1 also use a blue sponge humidifier that recycles your own moisture back to you. Is it ok to use that kind of humidifier long term for everyday use, even when you're at home?

Thanks.

My husband and I have both used our machines in Europe and Australia with needing converters. We did need adaptors, so we could plug into the wall. He always travels with his Airsense 10 Autoset. I use to travel with my Airsense 10 Autoset for Her, but now travel with an AirMini. I actually store my adaptor in the lunchbox with my AirMini so it's always available (not that we have traveled recently or have anything planned now ). No problems with either. Not sure if that answers your question about 110v vs 220v?

You know every machine I have ever researched has a specs page listed
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... #specs-tab
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/z2-aut ... #specs-tab
and on that page it always shows the AC input range or voltage requirement section that the machine is capable of handling

Those HME humidity things...
1....minimal added moisture and the nasal mucosa might not like that
2....designed for maybe 1 week of use so a potential breeding ground for whatever and the cost adds up over time.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/heat-m ... hange-unit

It would be nice if people would/could do some research because most answers to most questions can be found with a little finger work and time with the brain cells engaged.

Hi Everyone,
I have a question about masks. As I mentioned earlier, I prefer the nasal pillow or nasal cushion mask, because they are the least intrusive and the most comfortable without having a piece pressing on my face. These are the ones I need to choose from:

https://www.secondwindcpap.com/Masks.html

As you can see, there are a lot of choices and brands on that page. Many of them look like nasal pillow and nasal cushion type masks. Which one would you folks recommend? It's intimidating to see so many choices and brands, which are all about the same price too. Any suggestions?

I think I will just get the Z1 Auto Travel CPAP from that site above, because it's only $270. And if I need a bigger one for everyday home use, I can just get a second one later from that same site. At those prices, I can easily afford two. And based on my research, most CPAP machines do get past Taiwan customs, so the odds are good that it will clear. So that's my plan for now.

booksfan wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 24, 2020 9:48 am

WWu777 wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 24, 2020 1:23 am

A few quick questions.

1. Are all CPAP machines able to be plugged into both 110v and 220v outlets? Some regions use 220v outlets. Like Europe or Russia for instance. If I am there, can any travel CPAP safely use that outlet? If not, which ones can use both and which ones can't? Is there a list of which ones can use both 110 and 220? Can the Airsense 10 be used on 220v outlet?

2. On the website of Second Wind CPAP store, some of the machines are used and some are refurbished. What's the difference? Which is better? I would imagine refurbished may be better since it has been worked on and modified to be as good as new right? See here:

https://www.secondwindcpap.com/Used_CPAP.html

3. They have Z2 and Z1 Travel CPAPs which are very small, almost the size of a Coke can. Wow. They start at only $260 too. Wow what a steal! (See the prices at the link above) The Z1 being an older model is cheaper of course. Is it ok to just get the Z1? What are the pros and cons of that device? Have any of you tried it?

4. The Z2 and Z1 also use a blue sponge humidifier that recycles your own moisture back to you. Is it ok to use that kind of humidifier long term for everyday use, even when you're at home?

Thanks.

My husband and I have both used our machines in Europe and Australia with needing converters. We did need adaptors, so we could plug into the wall. He always travels with his Airsense 10 Autoset. I use to travel with my Airsense 10 Autoset for Her, but now travel with an AirMini. I actually store my adaptor in the lunchbox with my AirMini so it's always available (not that we have traveled recently or have anything planned now ). No problems with either. Not sure if that answers your question about 110v vs 220v?

Well those are two different issues. An adaptor is easy to get if you want to plug something into an outlet with different style prongs. There are even universal adaptor gadgets on Ebay now that contain every prong format in the world. Wow. I got one of those too. But the currency is a different issue and is about whether the device can safely charge from 110v and 220v currents. For example, your smart phone is designed to charge from both 110v and 220v and will adjust to both. But bigger devices such as appliances cannot do that automatically. That's why this is an issue.

Pugsy wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 24, 2020 10:30 am

You know every machine I have ever researched has a specs page listed
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... #specs-tab
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/z2-aut ... #specs-tab
and on that page it always shows the AC input range or voltage requirement section that the machine is capable of handling

Those HME humidity things...
1....minimal added moisture and the nasal mucosa might not like that
2....designed for maybe 1 week of use so a potential breeding ground for whatever and the cost adds up over time.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/heat-m ... hange-unit

It would be nice if people would/could do some research because most answers to most questions can be found with a little finger work and time with the brain cells engaged.

Sorry but not all of us are technically inclined or experienced with things like electric power and voltage specs.

So does this mean that it can charge from both 110v and 220v?

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... ifications

AC Input Range - 90W Power Supply: 100 - 240V, 50 - 60Hz, 1.0 - 1.5A, Class II

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/z2-aut ... ifications

Voltage Range 100-240V AC

That's the part you look for right? AC Input Range must mean the incoming power voltage and current right?

I guess most CPAP's can use both types of currents. That's good.

Update:

Ok I finally decided to get the Z2 Auto CPAP because it's a lot quieter it seems and has a muffler and an improved design. This comparison chart also shows why it's a little better than other travel CPAPs.

https://www.cpap.com/blog/z2-auto-cpap-machine-review/

This Australian CPAP supplier and reviewer also recommends Z2 in this review below of the top travel CPAPs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95UcUEbO3vE

Here's his explanation of the differences between the type of CPAP masks to choose from.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWSSyrkRfYI

Unfortunately, it does not appear that Z2 supports OSCAR. Oh well. You can't win them all.

Btw, I got a question about the masks. They appears to cost around $100. If I can get a cheaper one on Ebay, is that alright? I mean it seems like a simple gadget with a simple function, as long as it doesn't leak and is made of silicone, then it should work fine right?

Another question: This external battery for CPAP I saw on Second Wind CPAP store looks cool. It looks like it can power a CPAP machine for one or two nights, on a camping trip or on an airplane even, when no outlet is available. See here:

https://www.secondwindcpap.com/freedom- ... y-bps.html

It looks the same as an external battery to charge your phone though. Couldn't I just use an external phone charger to power my CPAP too? Or is that not enough power?

Btw, I was wondering, on airplanes they usually have USB slots in front of your seat so you can charge your phone now. Is that USB slot enough to power a travel CPAP machine? Or not enough? Anyone try it before? Hope that's not a stupid question. Was just curious about it.

Last question: What is a BIPAP and VPAP? I saw it in the online CPAP stores too. Do I need to worry about that? Are those any better than CPAP? I tried to read the description for what a BIPAP and VPAP were but it was way too technical and I couldn't figure out what they were. Can anyone explain in laymen's terms what those are? Sorry if this is a stupid question. But all these terms are intimidating.

Thanks.

I think I will choose a Z2 also. I will be wearing it in daytime to to help my tracheal compression. This will be a trial to see if a stent Surgery would work. I sure can’t strap a humidifier with water on me during the day. I use a Dreamstation at night. I need ideas how to carry this thing around at all times without it getting overheated in a bag. It will be challenging but at least I will be able to breathe. I am glad I am still restricted to the house except for Drs and hospital visits.Still undecided on the face mask. I am leaning toward the one that connects at the top of head so my field of vision will be better. I would welcome any suggestions.

Am I the only one getting annoyed?

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:07 pm

Am I the only one getting annoyed?

what's annoying you?

(serious question.)

Update:

Just got my Z2 Auto CPAP. It looks great. Good as new. However, I have a few questions and a problem issue. I'll email the supplier about it too of course, but I was wondering if any of you experienced the same or if it's normal.

1. The instruction guide says to change the filter every month. But I remember you guys said you can just wash the filter and reuse it long term. Am I right or did I misunderstand or misremember what you folks said about it?

Where do I get replacement filters? What's the easiest way?

Also I can't open the top to even see the filter. It seems dammed shut. I don't want to force it and risk breaking it.

2. What's the ramp pressure thing? Do I need to mess with it? Do most people just ignore it?

3. The problem issue is that the apap setting worked at first. It was set at apap 2 (the default setting) and when I put on the mask the pressure readings were varying between 13 and 14 range up and down. But when I manually set the pressure range from 7 to 20, as the forum members here suggested, and as the YouTube tutorial videos instructed, all of a sudden the CPAP pressure became fixed. It stayed at 7 throughout the whole night and wouldn't budge. And yes I made sure it was on apap 2 and not cpap mode. When I tried to change it back to the original settings between 5 and 7 it then remained stuck at 5. It seems to always remain stuck at the lowest setting. It seems the apap worked in the beginning but once I changed the range of high and low values, the auto mode no longer works, not even if I put it back to the original range.

How did that happen? Is this a software bug? I certainly hope it's not a hardware problem. Any of you experienced this before?

4. Should I try to reset the firmware by downloading it from the manufacturer's site?

Thanks.

WWu777 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 22, 2020 6:35 am

Update:

Just got my Z2 Auto CPAP. I Am I right or did I misunderstand or misremember what you folks said about it?



It seems dammed

Do I need to mess with it?

I remain stuck

How did that happen?



Thanks.

I wonder.

JPB