Travel CPAP machine recommendations?

Hi, I'm new to the forum and really appreciate the amount of info here - this is great! I've been using a cpap for 5 years with few problems, but now need some advice. Here's the deal:

I'm now beginning to travel more for business, longer trips (short stops in each city), more frequent trips, etc. My current cpap machine is a Remstar Auto and is pretty bulky at 7"x9.5"x10". I'm finding it increasingly annoying to pack for trips, knowing I will need to cart around another carry-on bag for this machine.

I'd like to either get a small machine for home/away use or an extra less expensive system strictly for use on the road. I don't really care about batteries vs. AC power, I'm looking for a durable unit that is as small as possible. So...

1. Does anyone have any particular compact machines they love (or hate) for traveling?
2. Does anyone out there put their machines in checked baggage (I was told to never do this as they are extremely delicate)?
3. Anything I should be looking for, or be careful about?

Thanks in advance for all of your help!

I am a newbie to CPAP, but I am a very experienced business traveler. I like my ResMed S8 with the Swift Nasal Pillow interface. It all packs up very neatly in a nice provided carrying case.

I would not check it, however and you shouldn't have to. The TSA and most airlines have written policies that state that CPAPs are exempt from the the two-carry-on rule. I have been flying with a computer case, a tote bag and my CPAP all as carry-on. I have had no hassles. I do take the precaution of talking to the gate agent prior to boarding and explaining the situation. That way, I don't even get questioned at boarding.

I would imagine the ultimate travel CPAP, though, is that new BreatheX. I am anxious for a few people to get them and report on them.

I also like the S8 Vantage AutoSet a lot. VERY small, very well built, nearly silent. Robust with features. And, it comes in a GREAT, very small and unobtrusive carry bag that looks like a modern laptop carry case in royal blue.

Also check out the PB 420E and the new Respironics M series, though the auto version of the M series won't be available until late June, they say.

Hope this helps.

Chuck

I am a recent cpap user. I just purchased the M series with humidifier specifically for travel. Just returned from a tour of central Europe. No problems with airports and the cpap worked well, using a plug adapter. Only problem is that the machine is larger and heavier than I anticipated. The specs fail to mention the electric connector box which is rather large and heavy. At home I use the Pro 2 which also has cflex, which is the reason I went with the M series. Little difference between the 2 machines in actual use.

I bought the Puritan Bennett 420E because the unit fits in my carry-on better than the others. An inch here and an inch there means it may or may not fit if you plan to carry it in something other than the manufacturers bag. Keep in mind, your total load will be at least double the size of the XPAP. I don't take the humidifier, takes up too much space. I take one mask, my Comfort Classic. It is one of the smallest and most durable masks you will find and it works well for me. By the time you add the hose, you have a lot to carry. Don't forget to take an extension cord and a multi-outlet plug. The clock and wall lamp generally fill the outlet behind the night stand beside most hotel room beds.