Travel season is upon us, and whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally or by air or land, there’s one thing you can’t go without on your trip—a good night’s sleep.
Let’s start from square one.
Are you planning a vacation, a weekend getaway, or a trip to see your loved ones? Do you find yourself asking how you can get the best sleep possible when you’re away from home? Regardless of where you’re heading, now is the time to shop for a travel CPAP machine to take on your next adventure. From mini to portable, let’s dive into the key features to discover your ideal travel machine.
We’re going to highlight four of our favorite travel machines:
- Philips Respironics DreamStation Go
- ResMed AirMini
- Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP
- Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto miniCPAP
Grab a pen and paper and detail out which factors matter the most to you!
What Are The Best Travel CPAP Machines?
| Philips Respironics DreamStation Go | ResMed AirMini | HDM Z2 Auto Travel CPAP | Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto miniCPAP | |
| Noise Level | 30 Decibels | 30 Decibels | 26 Decibels | 26 Decibels |
| Machine Weight | 1.86 lb | 0.66 lb | 0.65 lb | 1.09 lb |
| Max Operating Altitude | 7,500 Feet | 8,500 Feet | 8,000 Feet | 8,000 Feet |
| Compatible Humidifier? | Yes | Yes | Built-In | None |
| FAA Approved? | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Average Customer Rating | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 4.4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
Key Features of a Travel CPAP Machine
As opposed to standard machines, travel-friendly CPAP machines are small, lightweight, and portable. An added bonus? If you’re a jet-setter, travel machines are TSA friendly and most are FAA approved for in-flight use. If your flight is short, travel machines make disassembly, packing, and reassembly a breeze!
It’s important to understand how mini CPAPs are different from other devices. Portable CPAP machines have some added benefits that will ease some of the stress while traveling.
- Can Plug Into a Car’s Cigarette Lighter and Run Off of the Car’s Battery
- Can Be Used With a DC Cable Converter to Allow You to Sleep On-the-Go
- Extended Battery Life—Perfect for Long Flights or Camping Trips
- Small, Lightweight, and FAA Compliant—Safe for Use on a Plane
Now that you know some of the common features of a travel CPAP machine, it’s time to find the right one for you!
Philips Respironics DreamStation Go
One of the newest travel machines to hit the market is the DreamStation Go. This machine is the ultimate go-to for air travelers. The DreamStation Go is a tiny and lightweight Auto CPAP machine that is almost perfectly square. It’s designed for traveling due to the USB charging port, micro tubing, and the easy on-the-go setup.
This simplistically designed machine is composed of the latest technology and is ideal for air travelers.
Machine Features
Noise Level: 30 Decibels
Compatible Humidifier: DreamStation Go Heated Humidifier
FAA Approved? Yes
Best Battery: DreamStation Go Overnight Battery
Other Battery Options: Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite with DreamStation Go Adapter Kit and Portable Outlet
Benefits
- Additional Overnight Battery Allows for Up to Ten Hours of Therapy
- Easy to Carry-On Due to Its Compact Shape and Lightweight Design
- Smaller Tubing for Increased Portability
- User–Friendly Touchscreen to Track Sleep Statistics
Drawbacks
- Not Whisper-Quiet
Our Review
If you’re a frequent flyer, then the DreamStation Go will be your easy choice. The machine weighs in at a light 1.86 pounds so toss it into your carry-on bag and use it on a long flight if needed. Are you always on-the-go? Well, lucky for you, the machine fully charges in five hours, which makes it a low maintenance and easily manageable machine. Use the sleep tracker on the touchscreen to track the quality of your travel sleep. It’s time to go off-the-grid with the DreamStation Go!
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ResMed AirMini
If you’re looking for a light and compact travel CPAP machine, then the AirMini by ResMed is currently one of the smallest on the market and, rest assured, sweet dreams will come from this 0.66 pound CPAP machine. Weighing just under one pound, this Auto CPAP makes traveling with a humidifier easy. ResMed has designed the HumidX™ Waterless Component to allow you to receive all of the benefits of a humidifier while leaving the distilled water at home. Three cheers for the AirMini, which is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a mess-free portable CPAP machine.
Machine Features
Noise Level: 30 Decibels—Same Noise Level As the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go
Compatible Humidifier: HumidX Waterless Humidification (For P10 and N20 Models)
FAA Approved: Yes
Best Battery: Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite
Other Battery Options: Portable Outlet CPAP Machine
Benefits
- Air Traveler and Camper Friendly
- Bluetooth Connectivity Transfers Sleep Data to Your Phone
- Currently One of the Smallest Machines on the Market at Just Under 1 lb
- Humidification Using Waterless HumidX Technology
- Works in Altitudes Up to 8,500 Feet
Drawbacks
- Not Whisper-Quiet
- Only Works With Select CPAP Masks
Our Review
Let’s start with the amazing news—when you buy the AirMini from us, you will receive a free mask! Talk about a win. This small CPAP machine fits in the palm of your hand, making packing your machine hassle-free. Since humidifiers can often be tricky to pack, the AirMini adds moisture while you sleep so that you can cross a humidifier off of your packing list. Want to continue tracking your sleep on-the-go? The AirMini connects to your phone via Bluetooth so you can track your leak rate, usage hours, and events per hour.
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Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP
Say goodbye to your fears of lugging heavy bags through the airport because the Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine is also one of the lightest CPAP models available, weighing just 0.65 lb! It’s small and compact, making it the perfect travel companion. You will have the option of utilizing a PowerShell with Extended Life Battery for 9+ hours of continuous use. It has a max altitude capability of 8,000 feet. Do you use a humidifier? With the Z2 Auto, leave your humidifier at home because this machine uses the humidity from your breath to moisten your sinuses, mouth, and throat. What’s not to love?!
Machine Features
Noise Level: 26 Decibels
Compatible Humidifier: Built-In
FAA Approved? Yes
Best Battery: Z1 and Z2 Powershell Extended Life Battery
Other Battery Options: Medistrom Pilot-12 Lite with Z1 & Z2 Mixed Cable Kit and Portable Outlet
Benefits
- Auto Altitude Adjusting With a Max Altitude of 8,000 Feet
- Built–In Bluetooth by Connecting to an App on Your Phone
- Easy to Carry-On—Extremely Lightweight
- Great for Camping and Backpacking
- Great Value for Value-Conscious Consumers
- Quiet Operation at 26 Decibels
- Ultra-Portable—Tiny Machine Fits Almost Anywhere
- Z-Breathe Pressure Relief
Drawbacks
- Limited Features
Our Review
Planning a camping trip or crossing a hike off of your bucket list? Well, if you’re looking for a machine that will fit the needs of most travelers, then the Z2 Auto CPAP machine may be the one for you! On top of its compact size, you can leave your humidifier at home because this crafty machine uses the humidity from your breath to add moisture to your sinuses, mouth, and throat, which makes sticking to your treatment off-the-grid simple!
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Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto miniCPAP
Don’t put off your next camping trip or international travel plans due to your fear of traveling with your machine. With travel machines, you will be able to go off-the-grid or across the world and stick to your therapy! The Transcend 3 Auto CPAP, like the Z2 Auto CPAP, has a max altitude of up to 8,000 feet above sea level. In addition, it has very flexible power options, including international plug adapters and the optional Transcend Multi-Night Battery. If you purchase from us, you will receive a free carrying case, charger with international plug adapters, and a CPAP hose!
Machine Features
Noise Level: 26 Decibels—Same Noise Level As the Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
Compatible Humidifier: None
FAA Approved? Yes
Best Battery: Transcend Multi-Night Battery
Other Battery Options: Somnetics Solar Charger for Transcend Batteries
Benefits
- Auto-Adjusting for Fewer Doctor’s Appointments
- Designed to Go Off-Grid With Optional Accessories
- Flexible Battery Options for Every Travel Need
- Great for Value-Conscious Consumers
- Lightweight and Tiny Design to Easily Fit in Bags
- Quiet Operation
- Ramp-Up Feature With EZEX Pressure Relief
Drawbacks
- Limited Options for Viewing Data
Our Review
Campers and hikers unite for the Transcend 3 Auto CPAP! The lightweight and tiny design with solar battery options make this machine ideal for throwing it in your rucksack and going on your way! There is a convenient drying mode available on the Transcend 3 so you can prevent the spread of germs or mold. The busy traveler in you will love this machine!
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Wherever you’ll be traveling, there is a CPAP travel machine suitable for your trip! Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep without proper sleep therapy.
Happy and safe travels!
Daniela has researched and published over 60 articles covering topics that aim to inform and empower people living with Sleep Apnea. As an avid reader and researcher, Daniela continues to grow her knowledge about Sleep Apnea and CPAP therapy everyday with the help of coworkers, CPAP.com customers, and members of other CPAP communities online.
19 Comments
Hello Daniela
Thank you for this review. Do you know it any of the portal machines are less efficient at delivering pressures greater than 10 cm water
Dr. Hamilton-Stubbs,
We’ll have a CPAP expert reach out to you regarding your question! Thanks for reading!
Thank you for providing the information and will be useful in determining my purchase. What is missing however are the negatives features of each type. I believe the level of noise and whether the hoses/mask accommodate all types or are proprietary are important to mention. Thank you very much
We’re coming out with a series of posts soon that will address some of these concerns. Thanks for the feedback! We actually recently published a post on the quietest masks, if you navigate to our blog homepage you should see it.
I have used the Z1 with the newer extended battery pack for camping and have been able to get 3 nights in warmer fall weather or 2 nights in colder weather with it. I keep the CPAP in my sleeping bag to keep it warm and the air that I am inhaling. The short hose is also helpful for keeping the overall weight and size down in my backpack.
Hi Mike, the Z1 is a great machine and we are happy to hear that you are getting great run time with your battery.
We wish you the best!
DreamStation Go now has a humidifier which in my opinion makes it the best choice.
In airplanes flying above 8,000 ft. Is use based on adjusted cabin pressure?
Hi Gail, most CPAP machines have the auto-adjust according to altitude feature built into the machine. In order for us to know for certain, if your machine has this feature, we would need to know which machine you have.
Please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you can e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.
Have a great day!
I have the transcend machine and I think it works well for my traveling, which has taken us around the world in the last several years.
Hi Pat, I am happy to hear that your Transcend is working out well for you.
We wish you continued success!
I have a Transcend mi ni and I feel like Darth Vader when I use it. It seems so loud, I don’t. Any suggestions?
Hi Susan, i’m sorry to hear that your machine is noisy. Please give us a call at: 1-800-356-5221, or e-mail us your contact information at: cpap@cpap.com Attn: Carol, for a callback so that we can go through some troubleshooting steps.
We hope to hear from you soon!
is the air mini usable on safari trips in AFRICA? do they work on cruise ships also?
I am considering purchasing the air mini for travel and not sure about its working capabilities outside the USA.
are their precaution needed for safety of the equipment?
Hi Ann, yes. The AirMini, will work in Africa and on cruise ships. Please keep in mind that you will need a power adapter for the power outlet of the country you will be traveling to. Please see the link below to get a better idea as to what I’m referring to.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/World-Traveler-Power-Adapter-Plugs-CPAP
Also, if you will be without power during your trip, you may consider adding a battery with your machine. Please see the link to view a battery that will work with the AirMini.
https://www.cpap.com/productpage/medistrom-pilot-24-lite-battery
Finally, keep in mind that you may have Bluetooth connectivity issues depending on the internet availability in the locations you’ll be traveling to. This will not interfere with your ability to use your machine, but your therapy data may not be available until you have access to internet connection.
For further questions, or concerns, we can be reached at: 1-800-356-5221.
I wish you safe travels!
Hello- Is there a machine on the market that is good for everyday use as well as compact enough for occasional travel? I know the travel only machines are super compact, but I’m really looking for something smaller then my Resmed 10 home machine so I can travel easier with it. Any suggestions?
Hey Mark, there are many compact machines available. Please see the link below to view a few machines that are small and easy to travel with.
https://www.cpap.com/compare-chart/all-Self-Adjusting-CPAP/2o35
If there are specific features the machine must have, please feel free to contact us at: 1-800-356-5221, to discuss your needs.
Have a great weekend!
What would prevent a CPAP user from purchasing a travel CPAP and using it at home and travel? What are the limitations, pros & cons?
Hey Deb, the functionality, of the home and travel machine are the same. They both blow the same amount of air according to the pressure settings. The main differences between a home and travel machines are the size. Most of the travel machines are smaller than the regular machines, but keep in mind that for the most part the travel machines will be a bit noisier than the regular home machines.
Also, most of the travel machines have an option for waterless humidification, but not a standard humidifier. There are a few travel machines, that have an option to add a humidifier, but they will add size to the unit, in some cases, making the travel machine almost the same size as the home unit.
If you travel a lot, and are looking for a smaller machine and don’t require a standard humidifier, the travel machine would be a great option for you.
If you wish to speak with us further regarding machine options, or anything else, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221.
Have a great day!