Best Travel CPAP Machines in 2024: A Complete Guide

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.

During our research, we found most users were happy with their purchase and the therapy they received from the ResMed AirMini, especially due to the features that enhance its usability and convenience:

• Bluetooth connectivity: With Bluetooth, you can connect your machine to the AirMini app on your smartphone or tablet, enabling you to track your therapy data (time of use, number of apnea events, and mask seal strength), adjust pressure and mode settings, and receive feedback with a nightly sleep score.
• Pressure modes/range: The ResMed AirMini offers a wide pressure range, which accommodates a variety of therapy needs. It can deliver continuous positive airway pressure, as well as auto-adjusting pressure (APAP) based on the user’s breathing patterns and prescription. APAP mode was designed for people whose sleeping patterns change during sleep and delivers lower pressure upon exhalation, often making it more comfortable for the user.
• AutoRamp technology: This technology can help you fall asleep easier because it starts out at a lower, more comfortable pressure while you’re awake and adjusts up to prescribed levels once you have fallen asleep.
• Waterless humidification: HumidX keeps your airways from drying out without adding water. It’s achieved by inserting special filters into the mask and is available with four of the five mask kit options offered by ResMed.
• In-flight use: The ResMed AirMini is FAA-compliant for use on airplanes. Since this model requires a power source, consider requesting a seat near an outlet. If you’re traveling internationally, ask your airline in advance if you should bring an adapter.

At $999–$1,349, this is the most expensive machine we reviewed, with the price depending on the mask you select. It’s important to note only ResMed masks are compatible with this machine. The five kits to choose from all come with humidification cartridges, tubing, and a mask. If you’re unhappy with your purchase, ResMed offers a rare 30-day, risk-free trial.

Customer reviews

ResMed has 4.3 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot with more than 4,500 reviews, as of December 2023. Customers repeatedly mentioned excellent customer service and quick attention to repairs or replacements when necessary.

On Google, the AirMini specifically has 4.5 out of 5 stars, with positive reviews praising the quality of therapy, quiet function, and the convenience of the waterless humidifier component. One reviewer noted how it fit in his shirt pocket, making it an effective travel machine. Complaints primarily focused on masks from other brands not being compatible, and while some people thought the machine was quiet, others complained it was louder than other machines they’ve used.

Customer service

To reach ResMed customer service, call 800-424-0737 Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. PT, or use the “Contact Us” form to submit your inquiry.

The Transcend CPAP machine takes the title of “Best Compact” travel CPAP machine due to its incredibly small size and lightweight design—it’s the approximate size and shape of a baseball. This machine is specifically built for travel, making it exceptionally portable and easy to pack. Despite its compact size, it offers a wide pressure range of 4–20 centimeters of water (cmH20)ⓘ This is the unit of pressure based on the pressure head of water. It’s most commonly used to measure breathing on respirators and ventilators.. , allowing for personalized therapy. Plus, its multiple power-source options make it ideal for use on an airplane.

The Transcend Micro Auto CPAP comes with the following features:

• Portable power options: The optional battery pack and solar charger make this machine versatile for use in different travel settings, especially where you may not have access to an AC outlet. The P8 battery lasts for two nights and costs an additional $319. You can also purchase a solar charger for $250 that will charge the P8 battery with the sun (even in low-light settings), so it’s great for weeklong camping trips or other extended time away from electricity.
• EZEX Pressure Relief: During exhalation, this function provides automatic reduction in pressure, which may make it more comfortable. This is a similar feature to the APAP mode setting on the AirMini.
• Gentle rise: This is an auto ramp feature, which lets you fall asleep to a lower, more comfortable pressure that ramps up gradually once you’re asleep. You can also adjust this feature, so you can set specific ramp times or even turn it off.
• Bluetooth connectivity: The MySleepDash app offers guided setup, setting adjustments, and records data, allowing users and health care professionals to monitor therapy progress.
• Drying mode: You can remove built-up moisture inside the machine and tubing by activating a 30-minute “drying mode” cycle in the morning. This helps it stay dry and can reduce contamination.
• WhisperSoft Muffler: This is an accessory placed in line with the tubing, so it functions like a muffler and reduces the sound of air passing through the tubing.

This machine does not come with waterless humidification, like the AirMini, but you can add the Transcend AirMist accessory for $18.95 for the same result.

Customer reviews

As of December 1, 2023, customer reviews for Transcend are minimal. The brand isn’t rated by Trustpilot and can’t be found on the BBB.

On Google, the machine has 4.3 out of 5 stars, with users praising how small it is and generally agreeing it’s an efficient machine for travel. It was also noted how quiet it is, even without the muffler. One negative review complained they didn’t like the fact you have to buy the humidifier separately.

Customer service

To reach Transcend customer service, call 866-978-9481, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT. You can also visit the “Contact Customer Care” section to fill out an online inquiry form.

We gave the Breas Z2 Auto CPAP Machine the title of “Best Value” due to its affordability and helpful features. This machine provides exceptional value for those seeking a cost-effective yet high-quality CPAP solution.

The Breas Z2 Auto CPAP comes with the following features:

• Bluetooth connectivity: The Nightlog app lets you adjust settings on your machine and view and download sleep-tracking data to share with your physician.
• Auto-adjusting pressure: This function uses advanced algorithms (a Breas algorithm called Z-Breathe) to automatically adjust the pressure based on the user’s breathing patterns. It will reduce pressure upon exhalation in order to be more comfortable for the user. This APAP functionality is in all of the machines in our review. Additionally, this machine can also be used with fixed pressure (standard CPAP) settings.
• In-flight pressure adjustment: The Breas Z2’s auto-adjusting pressure has you covered on land and in the air. On airplanes, it automatically adjusts to the cabin’s pressure.
• Auto start/stop: The machine detects when you put on or remove your mask and starts or stops accordingly.
• Ramp feature: Like the other machines in this review, the Breas Z2 allows the user to fall asleep at a lower pressure setting, then gradually ramps up the pressure once you have gone to sleep.
• Waterless humidification: Similar to how the AirMini has waterless humidification, this machine comes with a humidifier cartridge, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of added moisture during therapy without needing to search for water.
• Rechargeable battery option: When fully charged, the rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides one night’s use.
• Ultra-quiet operation: At 26 decibels (for reference, 30 decibels is like a whisper), the AirMini is the quietest machine on our list.
• Automatic voltage conversion: The power supply converts any voltage ranging from 100–240 volts; you just need the proper plug for the country you visit.

This machine is not quite as tech-savvy and easy to use as the first two on our list, with some reviewers complaining the interface isn’t always user-friendly. It’s also larger than both the AirMini and Transcend Mico, but it still offers a well-reviewed portable option for a decent price.

Customer reviews

Since the company is not profiled on Trustpilot or BBB, online reviews are hard to find.

On Google, the Breas Z2 Auto has 4.1 out of 5 stars. Reviewers liked its portability, with some even commenting how they could use it every day, while negative reviews were primarily about it being a noisier machine (despite it being a low-decibel machine) and with some complaining functionality could be better.

Customer service

Call 855-436-8724 for sales or technical support, or email sales at orderus@breas.com or technical support at supportus@breas.com.

We ranked the Apex Medical XT Auto Portable CPAP Machine as the “Most Affordable” on our list because it’s a cost-effective and versatile solution for your sleep apnea therapy while traveling. In our Reviews Team’s CPAP survey, price was one of the top five considerations when purchasing a CPAP machine for over 60% of respondents.

The Apex XT Auto comes with the following features:

• Pressure Variation Algorithm: Designed to relieve discomfort during exhalation, it works by automatically reducing pressure, making it easier to breathe out, similar to other APAP operation modes.
• Built-in power supply: With this model, you don’t have to deal with an external power brick. While this means you don’t have to carry around an extra accessory to power your CPAP, you do have to plug it into the wall, so make sure to have an extension cord if needed.
• Ramp feature: Like the other options on this list, this model offers a ramp feature that gradually increases pressure after falling asleep to prescribed levels over a 45-minute duration.
• Automatic altitude adjustment: If you need to use your CPAP on a plane, this feature will adjust pressure for different altitudes.
• Optional heated humidifier: Designed to prevent dry mouth and throat, this accessory comes as a tank that attaches directly to the machine. Unfortunately, it requires the addition of water and adds quite a bit of bulk.

While this machine collects data, it does not have an app, so your information is stored on an SD card, which can be inserted into a computer. For some, the lack of an app could be a deal-breaker.

Customer reviews

Apex has limited reviews online and doesn’t have a presence on BBB or Trustpilot.

On Google, the Apex Medical XT has 4.2 stars out of 5. While most reviewers found it a suitable machine for travel with good function, negative reviews centered on the humidifier being bulky and the pressure being too high at times.

Customer service

Apex doesn’t offer many ways to contact them for assistance. You can visit the brand’s website and fill out an online request form, or you can message the company through LinkedIn. No phone number or email address is provided on the website.

The company is in the midst of a merger with Wellell, which has its own website. Wellell can be contacted by calling 714-671-3818 or filling out an online request form.