ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP Machine Review: How Does It Compare in 2023?

The ResMed AirMini CPAP continues to be one of the best travel CPAP machines in 2023. CPAP machines have come a long way since we started selling them in 1999. With modern technology, we’ve seen CPAP machines get smaller, quieter, more efficient, and more integrated into other parts of our lives. 

Despite these improvements, finding a machine that suits your needs—especially as a frequent traveler—can be difficult. While some traditional CPAP machines can double as portable devices, nothing beats the convenience of a machine that was designed from the ground up for traveling. 

Living your life on the go can be stressful by itself, but when you’re also living with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), your routine requires another level of planning and preparedness. Traveling with a full-sized CPAP machine isn’t ideal, which is why ResMed leaned heavily on research and feedback from frequent travelers like you to design the compact and portable Airmini Travel CPAP Machine. 

Although the ResMed AirMini may be small and compact, its features make it one that’s not easy to overlook.

At a glance, the AirMini distills the power and features of the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet into a highly portable package. In our ResMed AirMini review, we’ll be talking about the specs, features, benefits, and drawbacks of the AirMini, as well as comparing it to some other portable CPAP machines you might have seen on the market. 

ResMed AirMini Review Summary

In short, the ResMed AirMini is a light and extremely compact travel CPAP machine that is perfect for frequent flyers and road-trippers alike. We would recommend this product to anyone who needs a reliable and portable CPAP machine, doesn’t require a traditional humidification system, and isn’t bothered by white noise. 

Backed by the same powerful algorithm that powers the AirSense 10, the AirMini is perfectly capable of doubling as a bedside CPAP machine, too! Comfort features like Auto Start/Stop, adjustable Expiratory Pressure Relief, Waterless Humidification, and Ramp round out the offerings of this robust mini CPAP. To top it all off, you can easily adjust all of these settings at a moment’s notice thank’s to the AirMini’s intelligent smartphone app integration.

We’ll go more in-depth on all of these great features in just a moment. For now, here’s a brief overview of some of the more vital specifications:

ResMed AirMini Specs

Weight	0.66 Lbs
Sound Level	25-30 Decibels
Dimensions	5.4” L x 3.3” W x 2.1” H
Pressure Range	4-20 cm H2O
Operational Altitude	0-8,500 Ft (2,591 M)
AC Power Consumption	100-240 Volts, 50/60 Hz, 1.0-2.0 A

 

ResMed AirMini Features and Benefits

This popular, streamlined CPAP unit weighs in at just 0.66 lb. Designed with portability in mind, the lightweight AirMini Autoset is the perfect travel-sized CPAP machine. 

That doesn’t mean it’s light on features, though. While many of the features are travel-focused, you can rest easy knowing that your AirMini has the same powerful breathing algorithm that powers that hugely popular AirSense 10 AutoSet. 

Here’s what you can expect from your AirMini Travel CPAP:

AirMini App Integration

Since the AirMini doesn’t feature a built-in screen, ResMed made it Bluetooth compatible instead. Simply connect your smartphone to your AirMini device via the “AirMini by ResMed” app. Once connected, you’ll be able to track your therapy and adjust your comfort settings on the fly, all from the palm of your hand. 

Travel-Friendly Features

ResMed designed the AirMini with both portability and usability in mind. Thanks to feedback from customers who frequently travel with their CPAP machine, ResMed created the AirMini to be the ultimate travel CPAP device. 

The research seems to have paid off, as this impressive little CPAP offers many travel-friendly features:

• FAA-Approved – The AirMini meets Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements, which means you can get it through security with ease. The icing on the cake? If you have a long flight, you can even use it on the plane if you disconnect the machine from Bluetooth before takeoff.
• Compact Size – This mini CPAP machine measures just 5.4 inches long by 3.3 inches wide and is only 2.1 inches tall. It’s easy to tuck inside a carry-on bag, backpack, or purse, and it’s small enough to be discrete for users who might not want everyone to know they have a CPAP in tow.
• Travel-Friendly Carrying Cases – The AirMini has an array of accessories to ease travel worries. Carry and protect the AirMini and its components with the compact machine travel case, designed specifically to carry only the AirMini, or the premium carry bag, designed for keeping everything in your CPAP kit together, including tubing and masks.
• Waterless Humidification – To save on space and weight, ResMed designed the AirMini with the waterless HumidX unit, which comes standard with the ResMed AirFit N20 and AirFit P10 masks. The humidification function is built into the mask tubing, offering users the ability to breathe moist air without carrying a bulky humidification chamber.

Comfort Settings

The AirMini also comes with some key comfort enhancements. The ramp feature allows you to gradually increase air pressure at the start of your sleep session. The Automatic Start|Stop function allows your therapy to begin as soon as you place the mask on your face and start breathing, then stops automatically when you remove the mask. The pressure relief function has three settings for lower expiratory pressure, making it easier for you to exhale against your therapy pressure. The best part is that users can adjust these settings themselves via the AirMini by ResMed app. Depending on your needs, you can even choose whether you’re using CPAP or APAP mode for maximum comfort. 

Minimal Sound

With a sound output level of 30 dBA, this travel CPAP is less than half as loud as a typical snore. Though not as whisper-quiet as a full-sized CPAP, the noise on the AirMini compares favorably with other machines in this size category. Customers have compared the sound to white noise. Many customers who’ve reviewed travel CPAPs say it’s quieter than the competitors’ travel-size machines, which is a plus in the benefits category.

Multiple Power Options

The AirMini is Universal AC Power compatible, which means you can use it while traveling internationally. You can also use a DC converter to plug this little CPAP into a DC power source such as a car cigarette lighter. In areas where there are no such hookups or wall outlets, such as when camping or backpacking, you can run the AirMini off of a Freedom Battery that’s paired with an inverter.

What CPAP Masks Can Be Used With the AirMini?

The AirMini does not restrict you to a single style of mask. Five different types of ResMed CPAP masks (in all sizes) are compatible for use with this machine:

1. AirFit N20 (nasal mask)
2. AirFit F20 (full face mask)
3. AirTouch F20 (full face mask with an UltraSoft memory foam cushion included)
4. AirFit F30 (full face mask)
5. AirFit P10 mask (nasal pillow mask).

These mask options make it possible for a variety of users to benefit from the AirMini.

AirMini Drawbacks

Now that we’ve discussed all the benefits of the AirMini, there are a few things that may be off-putting about the device you’ll want to consider before making a purchase. 

Not Whisper-Quiet

While the AirMini is a quiet machine, especially compared to other travel CPAPs, it is not considered whisper-quiet like most stationary devices. Many of the negative reviews reference mask and hose sound. If you’re someone who likes to sleep with a white noise machine, the AirMini may be perfect for you. If, however, you need near-silence for restful sleep, you might try to get your hands on a Q-Lite Inline CPAP Muffler as some CPAPtalk forum members have mentioned.

External Power Required

We discussed multiple power options for the AirMini in the “pros” section, but the fact that there is no onboard power supply or internal battery may be a no-go for some people who prefer that added level of convenience without needing to worry about connectors and travel batteries. 

Not-So-Seamless App Integration

If you’re considering the AirMini as a backup or secondary ResMed device, you should know that data gathered by the ResMed by AirMini app cannot be synced with the MyAir app data from your existing ResMed device. The App Store also has no shortage of 1-star reviews citing connection issues, incompatibility with the MyAir app, and general inconsistency. Considering that this app is the only way to interface with your AirMini device, this is certainly something to be wary of. 

ResMed AirMini vs. DreamStation Go

When it comes to travel CPAP machines, the ResMed Airmini has one major competitor: the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go. While we go further in-depth on this machine in our DreamStation Go Review, here is a brief overview of how these two machines compare:

	ResMed AirMini	DreamStation Go
Weight	0.66 Lbs	0.76 Lbs
Sound Level	25-30 Decibels	30 Decibels
Dimensions	5.4” L x 3.3” W x 2.1” H	5.8” L x 5.9” W x 2.3” H
Pressure Range	4-20 cm H2O	4-20 cm H2O
Operational Altitude	0-8,500 Ft (2,591 M)	0-7,500 Ft (2286 M)
AC Power Consumption	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.0-2.0 A	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz

 

While these machines appear to be very similar at a glance, there are a few differences in the features. 

For starters, the DreamStation Go features a USB port for pass-through charging a mobile device or tablet while the machine is plugged in. It also features a modular integrated humidifier where the AirMini only allows for waterless humidification. 

In terms of app integration, the DreamStation Go uses the same software as other Respironics products, so syncing your existing sleep data shouldn’t be an issue. It’s also worth noting that App Store customer reviews heavily favor Philips Respironics’ software over ResMed’s. 

Lastly (and possibly most importantly), the DreamStation Go comes with a universal adapter, allowing you to use any mask you want, whereas the AirMini only offers a choice between 5 mask types.  

ResMed AirMini vs. Z2

The HDM Z2 is another popular travel CPAP machine. While it isn’t exactly cutting-edge technology, you can still expect a whole suite of similar features in a more affordable package. We go more in-depth in our HDM Z2 Review, but here’s how the two compare on a base level:

	ResMed AirMini	HDM Z2 Auto
Weight	0.66 Lbs	0.65 Lbs
Sound Level	25-30 Decibels	26 Decibels
Dimensions	5.4” L x 3.3” W x 2.1” H	6.4” L x 3.3” W x 2” H
Pressure Range	4-20 cm H2O	4-20 cm H2O
Operational Altitude	0-8,500 Ft (2,591 M)	0-8,000 Ft (2,438 M)
AC Power Consumption	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz, 1.0-2.0 A	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz

Like the AirMini, the Z2 features automatic starting/stopping with breath detection. It also features a waterless humidification system but doesn’t require a proprietary mask.

The Z2 PowerShell is a very popular optional external battery designed for the Z2, allowing it to be brought on the go more conveniently. While the HDM Z2 boasts a 26-decibel noise level on paper, customer reviews claim that it’s just about as noisy as other travel CPAPs. It does, however, come with a Qtube Inline Muffler to address noise complaints. 

Arguably the most significant drawback to the Z2 is its companion app, Breas Nitelog, which has a 1.5-star rating on the App Store. Overall, the Z2 is an affordable alternative to the pricier AirMini and offers almost identical benefits.

Final Thoughts

The AirMini by ResMed is small, lightweight, and easy to throw in your bag and go while traveling. Comfort settings like APAP or CPAP modes, a ramp setting, and a built-in humidification component in the mask tubing make it easy to carry a full CPAP kit on a vacation, outdoor adventure, or business trip.

The smartphone AirMini app saves on machine space while allowing users to view the machine’s settings and their sleep data from their Android or Apple iOS smartphones or tablets, though users report that the app suffers from usability issues. Overall, the AirMini is a solid choice for the frequent traveler or outdoors person who doesn’t mind a machine that isn’t whisper-quiet for taking therapy on the road.