Weighing less than a pound, the ResMed AirMini is highly portable. We chose it as our “Editor’s Pick” CPAP machine for travel due to its compact size, advanced features, and positive reviews.
Best Travel CPAP Machines in 2024: A Complete Guide
A medical diagnosis of sleep apnea and a prescription from your healthcare provider are required to purchase and use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
If you’re one of the roughly 30 million people with sleep apnea,1 you may use a CPAP machine at night. These machines work with a CPAP mask and use gentle air pressure to keep breathing passages open while you sleep. But what should you use when you travel?
Travel can bring culture and adventure to people of all ages and provide numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits that contribute to healthy aging. Recent research highlighted how tourism can enhance cognitive function and improve mental health in older adults.2 Still, lugging your CPAP machine along on your trip might seem inconvenient. That’s where travel CPAP machines come in.
These portable models are smaller and lighter than standard CPAP machines, and they’re often designed with extra features to ensure you get the most out of your travel experience, whether you’re traveling by car, train, or plane. When our Reviews Team surveyed 600 CPAP users in July 2023, 30% of respondents reported using their regular CPAP machine when they travel, while just over 21% said they use a travel CPAP machine.
Quality sleep is essential for our overall well-being, which is why our Reviews Team researched the best travel-friendly CPAP machines, so you can prioritize your health and well-being during your adventures.
The best travel CPAP machines of 2024
- ResMed AirMini Autoset Travel CPAP Machine: Editor’s Pick
- Transcend Micro Auto CPAP Machine: Best Lightweight
- Breas Z2 Auto CPAP Machine: Best Value
- Apex XT Auto CPAP Machine: Least Expensive
The best CPAP machines for travel
How to choose a travel CPAP machine
When choosing a travel CPAP machine, there are several things you should take into account to ensure you find the right fit. Here are some important factors to think about:
- Machine type: While there are several types of positive airway pressure therapy machines, here are the key differences:
- CPAP machines deliver a constant and steady air pressure to keep the airway open during sleep.
- Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines provide two different set pressure levels: a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower pressure during exhalation.
- APAP machines are designed to automatically adjust the pressure throughout the night based on a person’s needs.
- In-flight use of CPAP machines is permitted by airlines. Some, but not all, CPAP machines are equipped for in-flight use.
- Price: Consider your budget and compare the prices of different travel CPAP machines. While cost is important, it’s crucial to balance affordability and essential features.
- Weight: Look for a lightweight CPAP machine that won’t add excessive bulk to your travel luggage, making it easier to carry and reduce strain while on the go. The machines in our review all weigh less than 1–2 pounds, while in-home machines are much larger and heavier.
- Noise level: Look for models offering quiet or near-silent operation to minimize sleep disruptions for yourself and your travel companions. Travel CPAP machines tend to be slightly noisier than at-home units because they lack the space for noise-masking technology, but even travel machines can be “whisper quiet.” Anything less than 30 decibels should be comfortable for sleeping.
- Pressure range: Check the pressure range of the CPAP machine to ensure it meets your prescribed therapy requirements. But if your prescription is outside the 4-20 range, it may be more difficult to find a travel machine to meet your needs. Some machines offer auto-adjusting pressure capabilities, which can be beneficial for accommodating changing needs during travel.
- Ramp settings: Consider whether the CPAP machine has ramp settings. These settings allow for a gradual increase in pressure, which can make it more comfortable to fall asleep.
- Physician recommendations: Your doctor may have specific recommendations for you based on your preferences and your prescription and needs. Most doctors work closely with a few brands and are more familiar and comfortable with those particular machines. Popular manufacturers are ResMed, Apex, and Phllips. Note: Phillips recalled all CPAP machines made before April 2021.3
- Data tracking: Evaluate whether the CPAP machine provides data tracking capabilities. Data tracking allows you to monitor your hours of sleep, pressure settings, number of apnea events, and quality of mask fit, providing valuable insights into your sleep quality and treatment effectiveness.
- Smart features: Look for CPAP machines with smart features, such as Bluetooth connectivity and mobile apps. These features can enable remote monitoring, data analysis, and customization of settings, such as auto-ramp and BiPAP/APAP/CPAP mode selection, for a more personalized experience.
- Accessories: Consider the availability of compatible accessories, such as portable battery packs, travel cases, or mask options. The type of travel will determine the importance of specific accessories.
How to purchase a travel CPAP machine
Do I need a prescription?
It’s required to have a prescription for a CPAP machine, including travel CPAP machines. A prescription ensures the machine is set to the appropriate pressure levels for your specific needs. Consult with your health care provider to obtain a prescription for a travel CPAP machine.
Will insurance cover the cost of a travel CPAP machine?
The coverage of a travel CPAP machine by insurance varies depending on your insurance provider and specific plan. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of a CPAP machine, including travel models if it’s deemed medically necessary. In our survey, 56% of respondents reported using Medicare or private health insurance to help pay for their CPAP machines. It’s advisable to contact your insurance provider directly to ask about coverage and any necessary documentation. If you already own a standard-size CPAP machine, insurance companies are unlikely to also cover an additional travel model.
Read our full guide to learn more about Medicare coverage of CPAP machines.
Where can I buy a travel CPAP machine?
You may purchase a travel CPAP machine at a medical supply store or online through the manufacturer’s website or a medical supply retailer. Here are three reputable medical supply websites:
Payment options
ResMed, Transcend, and Apex accept all major credit cards, and both ResMed and Transcend accept PayPal as well. Those three brands also offer financing. Breas doesn’t sell its CPAP machines on its website and instead refers customers to online and local retailers.
Medicare and some private health insurance policies may cover a portion of your CPAP machine. CPAP machines are always eligible for payment through FSA/HSA accounts.
Comparison of best travel CPAP machines
ResMed AirMini Autoset Travel CPAP Machine
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Transcend Micro Auto CPAP Machine
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Breas Z2 Auto CPAP Machine
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Apex XT Auto CPAP Machine
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Price | $773.50 | $860.00 | $799.00 | $449.00 |
Weight | 10.6 oz | 7.7 oz | 10.5 oz | 28.2 oz |
Dimensions in inches (L x W x H) | 5.4 ″ x 3.3″ x 2.1″ | 3.6″ x 3.6″x 2.4″ | 6.5″ x 3.3″ x 2.0″ | 5.7″ x 5.1 ″x 3.9″ |
Noise level (decibels) | 30 | 27 | 26 | 28 |
Warranty (years) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
How to travel with a CPAP machine
Traveling with a CPAP machine requires some preparation and adherence to certain guidelines. Here’s a guide on how to travel with a CPAP machine and the essential items to bring along:
- Ensure FAA approval: If you plan to use your CPAP machine during a flight, ensure your specific model is FAA approved. Most travel CPAP machines meet the FAA guidelines, but it’s always recommended to double-check with the manufacturer or your health care provider.
- Carry-on or checked baggage: It’s advisable to carry your CPAP machine as a carry-on item rather than checking it with your luggage. This helps ensure its safety and accessibility during the journey. Generally, CPAP machines do not count toward your carry-on limit because they are medical devices.
- Batteries: If you anticipate situations where you may not have access to a power source, consider bringing spare batteries or a portable battery pack for your CPAP machine. This is especially useful during flights, camping trips, or in areas with limited electricity.
- Humidifier: Depending on your personal preference and the environmental conditions at your destination, you may want to bring your CPAP machine’s humidifier. The humidifier helps add moisture to the air, reducing potential dryness or discomfort during therapy. Some machines even have climate control features that automatically adjust to humidity and temperature changes around you.
- Other accessories: Remember to pack your CPAP mask, headgear, and extra filters so you can replace them as needed during your trip. You may also want to consider bringing your preferred CPAP-compatible pillows, which are designed to accommodate the mask and tubing for comfort and stability while you sleep. Depending on your needs and preferences, additional accessories, such as tubing, chin straps, mask wipes, or power adapters, may also be a good idea. Remember to check the voltage compatibility of your CPAP machine if traveling internationally.
By following these guidelines and ensuring you have the necessary items and accessories, you can travel with your CPAP machine comfortably and maintain your sleep therapy routine while away from home.
Bottom line
Travel is important to the health and happiness of older adults, many of whom require the use of a CPAP machine to treat sleep apnea. We know untreated sleep apnea leads to many negative health effects. It has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack/stroke, obesity,4 and dementia.5 Fortunately, there are several well-reviewed, affordable options for travel-specific models.
- The ResMed AirMini is a dependable, well-liked model.
- The Transcend Auto is the size of a baseball, so it’s lightweight and easy to pack.
- The Breas Z2 Auto provides great value at just under $900.
- The Apex XT Auto is the most affordable machine on our list at $449.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Frequently asked questions
Generally, a CPAP machine does not count toward your carry-on limit when flying. It’s considered a medical device and allowed as an additional carry-on item. When traveling, make sure to carry your CPAP machine in a case. You can store it in the overhead bin or below your seat.
Yes, travel CPAP machines are designed to work as effectively as standard CPAP machines. They provide the necessary therapy and pressure settings to treat sleep apnea while offering a more compact and portable design for travel convenience.
Many travel CPAP machines can be used daily, despite being made for travel. Like standard CPAP machines, they are designed to provide consistent and reliable therapy for sleep apnea patients. But some travel CPAP machines may lack certain features, like humidifiers. Depending on your needs and preferences, it may be best to use your portable CPAP machine only when you travel.
The lifespan of a travel CPAP machine can vary depending on usage, maintenance, and the specific model. On average, travel CPAP machines can last five years with proper care and regular maintenance.
In most cases, you can use your regular CPAP mask with a new travel CPAP machine. But it’s important to ensure compatibility between the mask and the specific model of the travel CPAP machine. It’s recommended to consult the manufacturer or your health care provider to confirm compatibility or consider purchasing a mask specifically designed for travel CPAP machines if needed. Not all machines accommodate all masks.
In general, you can use a travel CPAP machine on a plane if it’s FAA-approved for in-flight use. Check to see if your model uses FAA-compliant rechargeable lithium batteries as well. Keep in mind that different airlines may have specific requirements, so it’s best to check with your airline before arriving for your flight.
Sources
- Qiao, Guanghui, et al. Understanding the Value of Tourism to Seniors’ Health and Positive Aging. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. February 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8834913
- CPAP Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched July 25, 2023.
- Berg, Sara. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Sleep Apnea. American Medical Association. April 1, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Certain Philips Respironics Ventilators, BiPAP Machines, and CPAP Machines Recalled Due to Potential Health Risks: FDA Safety Communication. June 2, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/update-certain-philips-respironics-ventilators-bipap-machines-and-cpap-machines-recalled-due
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sleep and Chronic Disease. Last Reviewed: Sept. 13, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/chronic_disease.html
- Guay-Gagnon, Martin, et al. Sleep Apnea and the Risk of Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Sleep Research. April 2, 2022. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35366021/