There’s no denying it: Having an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) can make you feel like you’re held back from any kind of long-term travel when it doesn’t have to.
Here’s our roundup of the best portable CPAP machines for travel this year –rated for quality, portability, battery capacity, sound level during operation, and what actual verified customers are saying.
Feel free to use the Table of Contents below to skip right to the machines we reviewed.
Table of Contents
What’s a Sleep Apnea?
“Sleep apnea happens when upper airway muscles relax during sleep and pinch off the airway, which prevents you from getting enough air. Your breathing may pause for 10 seconds or more at a time, until your reflexes kick in and you start breathing again” according to Jonathan Jun MD, a pulmonary and sleep medicine specialist at the Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center.
As a result, you could be prevented from getting restful sleep –the kind of sleep that makes you feel energized and ready to rock the shit out of your awesome life.
Or it could be worse and result in something like depression, memory loss, acid reflux, weakened immune system, high blood pressure, heart problems, low blood oxygen levels, abnormal cholesterol, liver problems, high blood sugar, fatigue, and even sexual dysfunction.
F**k around without a reliable CPAP on hand and find out.
Roughly 10% to 30% of females and 15% to 30% of males fit the criteria for a broad definition of obstructive sleep apnea –and 2% to 9% of the US population align with more stringent and precise definitions of OSA according to Sleep Foundation.
Good sleep is already hard to come by for the average person, throwing in a breathing-related sleep disorder is bad news bears. Especially when you’re on the other side of the planet, far from the safetynet of ‘home’.
Travel CPAP machines are an incredible way of ensuring you can enjoy your travel as much as you want without worrying about your OSA therapy. They offer that much needed breathing therapy on the go, ensure you travel as light as you possibly can, and enable quality sleep anywhere in the world, on or off the grid.
In this article, we’ve reviewed some of the finest travel CPAP machines based on both the opinions of our friends and readers, in addition to travel CPAP Reddit or online reviews –so you don’t have to go through a sea of options.
But before that, let’s discuss some basics.
What Does a Portable CPAP Machine Do?
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is often prescribed to treat various sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These devices treat upper airway obstruction by releasing a steady stream of pressurized air to help you sleep comfortably.
While bedside CPAP machines are standard for treating OSA, most people are concerned about travel because of their size, weight, operational noise, rigidity, and power consumption. So let’s look at the top portable CPAP machines for travel with these factors in mind.
Which CPAP Is Best For You – A Quick Checklist
Before we look at some of the best travel CPAP machines you can buy now, keep in mind that selecting the one depends on your unique requirements.
Here’s a quick checklist you should keep handy when investing in a portable CPAP.
1. Travel Requirements
An occasional tourist will probably have CPAP requirements different from a digital nomad. This is important to consider because it will define whether you should go for a minimal machine, buy a dedicated travel CPAP, or the one that can double down as both. Moreover, if you’re traveling to a higher altitude or drier areas, you may want to consider machines that can support that.
2. Healthcare requirements
CPAP machines are only prescribed by doctors, which also defines what kind of machine will work best for you. Do you want ones with auto-adjusting settings or a manual one with fixed pressure release?
3. Sound level
While travel CPAPs have come a long way in reducing noise, they may still be bothersome for you. Some devices, like the Breas Z2, come with tube mufflers for a whisper-quiet experience, and some users like to use earplugs to cancel out the noise
4. FAA approval
Even though most travel CPAP machines come equipped with FFA/TSA approval, it doesn’t hurt to double-check. Moreover, you must check in with your airline once to be sure about their CPAP policies.
5. Power Consumption
Checking device power requirements is crucial to ensure you aren’t interrupted by a device that’s out of battery. You may want to check for wall outlet options, universal adapters, battery backup, and more.
Top 5 Travel CPAP Machines
In no particular order, I’ve compiled a list of travel CPAPs covering their features, customer reviews, and specifications. They’re all a safe bet –let’s dig in.
1. Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP
The Transcend Micro is the smallest CPAP machine on the market, and it has an app. It looks both adorable and like a high end medical device –measuring less than 4 inches (9.1 cm), weighing less than a pound (0.5 lbs).
If you like the Apple aesthetic, this one’s for you.
Even though it looks too small to do anything well, it’s actually a beast. A random little factoid about this unit I found interesting was that it has an operational altitude of up to 8,000 feet.
Transcend Micro has a sound level of 27 dBa, the same as a person whispering or leaves rustling.
Finally, it’s FAA approved, which means it can be brought on all commercial flights in the US and all international flights that arrive or depart from the US.
Noteworthy Features
- With GentleRise technology, the machine delivers a lower air pressure at the start.
- Once you fall asleep, it gradually increases the air pressure until it reaches the prescribed levels. Plus, you have complete control over the ramp time that you can adjust or disable as you prefer.
- MySleepDash mobile app keeps a tab of your therapy, and AirRelief lowers pressure during exhalation, making breathing comfortable.
- The drying mode ensures your mask is dry every night before you use it. You can activate it upon waking up, and it will start moving a steady stream of air through your hose and mask for 30 minutes.
Mask Compatibility and Battery
The best part of this portable CPAP is that it’s compatible with any CPAP mask and connects to a 6-foot hose.
You can connect Transcend Micro with an AC (wall) power adapter or consider PowerAway P8 portable battery to ensure uninterrupted sleep even during power outages.
Should You Buy It?
This machine is small enough to be carried in your hand bag or easily in your backpack, and it comes with some of the most premium functions of any mobile CPAP machine on this list. For an avid traveler, this is a must-buy.
CPAP Rental
Check it out for yourself, you can rent this travel CPAP and others on this list if you want to try it out it for awhile in advance of your travel plans.
Customer Rating and Reviews
With the impressive average customer rating of 5.0, here’s what a couple of buyers had to say:
“Wow (..) Travel CPAPS have certainly come a long way from my original Everest (which I wish I still had). This one is amazingly small. I’m very impressed with it and can’t wait to sleep on the road. More to come!”
“Great little machine! Worked as expected. I used it with the muffler, and it wasn’t loud. The dry mode worked great, drying out the hose and face mask for 30 minutes. This will be a wonderful travel machine.”
Learn More About The Smallest CPAP Machine on the Market2. ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP Machine
ResMed AirMini Auto is another surprisingly small CPAP machine that makes for a perfect travel companion. Its small size and sleek design are just about the size of a smartphone, and it weighs just 0.6 lbs.
AirMini has a sound level of 30 dBa, similar to a silent library.
It’s FAA approved, works in an altitude above 8,500, and comes in a compact design that is sure to keep you tight throughout the night, regardless of the location.
Noteworthy Features
- The HME filters use heat and moisture from your breath and delivers it back to your airway, making it an ideal waterless humidifier. You would need HumidX or HumidX Plus Packs, which last for 30 days, to use this feature. You don’t need to carry distilled water which is one less thing on your travel backpack.
- Three intelligent modes make using AirMini a breeze. With Standard mode, you can run it as a manual CPAP, AutoSet mode runs as auto CPAP, and the AutoSet for Her is a premium feature with an algorithm specifically designed for women.
- This travel CPAP is also ideal for higher altitudes as it automatically adjusts pressure when you’re on an airplane or a mountain.
- Other features include AutoRamp, EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief), and leak compensation, all of which allow for CPAP compliance and aid in sound sleep.
Mask Compatibility and Battery
The ResMed AirMini is compatible with the F20 Full Face Mask, the F30 Full Face Mask, or the AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow.
While a battery is not included in the package, ResMed AirMini can be plugged via a wall outlet or into an external battery.
One CPAP battery we recommend can be found here.
Should You Buy It?
While the machine is quite silent and even acts as white noise, it can still be bothersome for some. Additionally, it is compatible with only select masks, and the investment can be similar to bedside ones –but if you travel a lot, it’ll be totally worth it.
This one is very fully-featured and fit for purpose, you can tell that the engineers of this medical device put a lot of thought into the end-user experience.
Customer Rating and Reviews
With an impressive average customer rating of 4.3, here’s what the users have to say:
“When my doc said I needed a CPAP, my first purchase was this unit, especially considering that I was about to be going on several trips in the next month. The picture doesn’t do it justice, it is TINY. I was reluctant at first, but when I turned the CPAP on, the tiny thing showed me how powerful it was. I slept like a baby and didn’t need to use the humidifier cartridge.”
Learn More About ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP Machine3. Breas Z2 Travel Auto CPAP Machine
It’s hard to find a portable CPAP that is small, lightweight, and comes with a decent display. So if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the Breas Z2 travel auto CPAP machine would be right. This is important, especially for camping or off-grid locations, since you wouldn’t need cell phone service to view or adjust your therapy details.
It weighs just under 0.65 lbs, is FAA compliant, and has a sound level of 26 dBa, similar to a person whispering.
Noteworthy Pros
- The AutoStart and stop make Z2 quite convenient and hands-free. It starts as soon as you put your mask on because it can sense you have put it on.
- The CPAP machine also automatically adjusts to higher altitudes of up to 8,000 feet above sea level, making it ideal on some flights or the mountains.
- Similar to Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini, this comes with an HME filter, making humidification hassle-free.
- Besides, the machine has a comfortable ramp feature, an intelligent LCD, and automatically compensates for leaks.
- And lastly, with Nitelog App, the information gets transferred from your device to the phone app with a Bluetooth connection, making it easier for you or your doctor to monitor your progress.
Mask Compatibility and Battery
The best part about Z2 is that it’s compatible with any CPAP mask on the market, which means you don’t need to buy an additional mask for your travel and can carry your favorite one along.
You can charge the battery using the standard power cord, so there’s no extra one to carry along. It also comes with optional PowerShell, which will kick in during a blackout and last for over 8 hours.
Should You Buy it?
While Z2 is an excellent travel CPAP machine, it does not come with a traditional humidifier, and the HME needs to be replaced every week. Besides that, it’s a great portable CPAP machine for camping, given its small size, display screen, and power backup.
Customer Rating and Reviews
With the impressive average customer rating of 4.0, here’s what the users have to say:
“Love how it’s a little smaller and lighter than a pound of butter and simple to operate. Seems to treat me apnea well.”
“This machine is perfect for traveling. It is much smaller than my Resmed Airsense 10 and allows for packing within my carry-on roller bag so I don’t have to carry a separate CPAP case on the plane. This unit has a visual display that doesn’t require an app. Importantly, it allows you to use your current mask which was most appealing to me since I didn’t want to have to get used to a different mask for the times that I travel. I think this unit creates more air movement noise than my Resmed Airsense 10, but the unit itself is quiet. I use a white noise app while I sleep which will more than cover the noise from the air movement.”
Learn More About Breas Z2 Travel Auto CPAP Machine4. ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP
With intelligent design, whisper-quiet sound, and adjustable features, this portable CPAP machine is perfect for patients who want a convenient CPAP machine with plentiful features.
And finally, it has a sound level of 26.6 dBA, similar to the sound of rustling leaves.
Noteworthy Features
- ClimateLineAir Tubing maintains constant humidity and temperature levels throughout the night by adjusting to the room temperature, pressure flow, and other variables. This ensures uninterrupted sleep, and you don’t have to worry about waking up with a dry mouth, throat, or chapped lips.
- Another stunning feature is its SlimLine CPAP tubing which is 40% lighter than traditional CPAP tubing.
- The HumidAir humidifier is built-in into the device, so you can easily navigate the hassle of conventional humidifiers.
It ensures a comfortable sleep without added bulk in your luggage and has adjustable humidity levels.
- Besides, this device has features like SmartStart and auto stop, ERP, Autoramp with sleep onset detection, and more.
Mask Compatibility and Battery
Although the battery is available separately, you can get an Air DC/DC converter that will work best in cars or boats. It’s compatible with the ResMed Power Station II (RPS II), which can work up to 13 hours during a power outage.
Should You Buy It?
For beginners, ResMed AirSense 10 is a great option. However, some drawbacks are that it’s not as small as the other options on the list. Besides, you may need to refill the humidifier every night. If that’s not a dealbreaker for you, go for this portable CPAP!
Customer Rating and Reviews
With the impressive average customer rating of 4.7, here’s what the users have to say:
“The one word to describe this unit is “AWESOME.” Easy to set up, the ramp-up feature makes adjusting to CPAP pressure easier. Easy to clean. I love the ResMed phone app. Using the DreamWear nasal pillow find it easy to wear and at least for me seals well. It’s a bit more expensive..But I feel well worth it. With care and cleaning, expect it to be serviceable for many years.”
Learn More About ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP5. APEX Medical XT Auto CPAP Travel Machine
So far, we’ve discussed travel CPAP machines that are ideal for frequent travelers. But, if you’re only traveling one time, do you still need to invest in a separate travel CPAP machine?
Luckily, no! Apex XT comes with a detachable humidifier that can double down as a bedside as well as travel CPAP.
It weighs just 1.76 lbs, is palm-sized, comes with a built-in power transformer, and is FAA approved.
The sound level is 28 dba which is slightly higher than others on the list but is still similar to the sound of a silent library, making it an excellent travel CPAP.
While this machine does not beat others on the list with its sleekest design or the latest technology, this sturdy beast has got loyal users using the device for years.
Noteworthy Features
- Its heated humidifier comes with 6 heating levels to provide you with the most comfortable sleep experience.
If you don’t want a humidifier on your travel, you can detach just the main machine and carry it with you. You can also opt for Heat Moisture Exchange (HME) to avoid carrying the humidifier.
- You can switch between auto adjustment algorithms so the machine can update the air pressure based on your breathing patterns. Alternatively, you can switch to manual mode if you prefer a fixed air pressure throughout the night.
- The ramp feature allows you to increase the air pressure up to the prescribed levels automatically.
- The pressure variation algorithm automatically reduces pressure based on three different settings so that you can sleep comfortably.
Mask Compatibility and Battery
The machine comes with a power cord and has an in-built battery, which means you don’t need to carry anything additional. Plus, it’s compatible with all standard CPAP masks so that you can carry your favorite mask on your journey.
Should You Buy It?
While Apex XT isn’t as cool as modern CPAP options considering it’s design, it still is a sturdy, reliable CPAP option for your travel as well as everyday use at home. Although it lacks comfort features like mobile app integration, lightweight, and HME, it can still be a decent buy.
CPAP Rental
Check it out for yourself, you can rent this travel CPAP and others on this list if you want to try it out it for awhile in advance of your travel plans.
Customer Reviews
With the impressive average customer rating of 4.2, here’s what the users have to say:
“Took it on my camping trip. It is so small and worked great. So glad that I don’t have to haul my big heavy machine anymore. Price is about half as other travel auto machines. Very happy with it.”
“I bought this machine to travel with, I work on the railroad and am in a hotel 3-4 nights a week. I’ve used it about 5 nights so far and am pretty please. I had to raise the ramp up pressure higher than it came but other than that it was set up great. It isn’t as smooth or refined (if that makes sense) as the AirSense 10 I use at home but it’s also half the price and takes up much less room.”
Learn More About APEX Medical XT Auto CPAPThat Is It
Battery operated cpap machines are an indispensable way of traveling without being stressed about your sleep getting disturbed. Bookmark this article so you can refer to it when making your purchase.