CPAP machines have evolved a lot since the earliest models hit the market. What were once large, clunky devices that weren’t easy to travel with have now transformed into lightweight machines that often weigh less than a nice camera or laptop, making them easy to carry with you for business travel, family vacations, and more.
To provide a similar level of comfort to that of your traditional at-home unit, the best compact CPAP machines often include many exceptional comfort features, such as an adjustable ramp mode, automatic start/stop functionality, humidification (typically waterless), as well as adjustable pressure relief settings.
The smallest CPAP machine currently available is the Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP, which weighs less than half a pound at 0.48 lbs (7.68 oz). The portable Micro is about half the weight of a 12-ounce can of soda or a standard 300-page paperback book and is only slightly larger than a baseball in size, which makes traveling with your CPAP therapy in tow a breeze.
If you’re looking for the smallest traditional bedside unit, the AirSense 11 is incredibly compact for its class at 2.5 lbs (40 oz), which is slightly heavier than three 12-ounce cans of soda (36 oz). The AirSense 11 is also the most technologically advanced CPAP machine that ResMed has produced to date. Let’s explore the smallest CPAP machines currently available and the features that set them apart from other models.
A Quick Comparison of the Smallest CPAP Machines
Below is a quick look at each machine’s weight and size. We ordered the machines from left to right, lightest in weight to heaviest. To visually picture or test the weight of each machine at home, we added household items in ounces, so you can compare the weight differences before making your final decision. If you are wanting a machine with a small footprint for your nightstand or travels, get out the measuring tape and draw and cut out the size on a piece of paper. Keep in mind that some machines, like the Transcend Micro, have a spherical shape with a flat top and bottom for the machine to rest on.
Also, remember that the AirSense 11 and AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud are classified as standard machines, so they will have a few more comfort features and capabilities than the other four that are in the travel category, which explains the major weight differences.
| Transcend Micro | HDM Z2 Auto | ResMed AirMini | Apex XT Auto With Humidifier | AirSense 11 AutoSet | AirSense 10 AutoSet Card-to-Cloud | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Weight | 0.48 lbs (7.68 oz) | 0.65 lbs (10.4 oz) | 0.66 lbs (10.56 oz) | 1.87 lbs (29.92 oz) | 2.5 lbs (40 oz) | 2.75 lbs (44 oz) |
| Machine Size (Length x Width x Height) | 3.6 in L x 3.6 in W x 2.4 in H | 6.48 in L x 3.3 in W x 2.02 in H | 5.4 in L x 3.3 in W x 2.1 in H | 5.7 in L x 5.1 in W x 3.9 in H | 10.21 in L x 3.72 in W x 5.45 in H | 10.04 in L x 4.57 in W x 5.91 in H |
| Household Items Weight Comparison | About Half the Weight of a 12 oz Can of Soda | Similar Weight to a 12 oz Can of Soda | Similar Weight to a 12 oz Can of Soda | Slightly Lighter than Two 16 oz Cans of Soup (32 oz) | Slightly Heavier than Three 12 oz Cans of Soda (36 oz) | Slightly Lighter than Three 16 oz Cans of Soup (48 oz) |
An In-Depth Review of the Best Compact CPAP Machines
Let’s explore the smallest CPAP machines and their features. We’ve included some of these in our review of the best sleep apnea machines as well, so be sure to check that out.
Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP Machine
New in July 2022, the Transcend Micro earned the title of the World’s Smallest CPAP Machine at just 3.6” long by 3.6” wide by 2.4” high. It weighs a mere 0.48 lbs and is about half as heavy as an unopened soda can. With its sights set on the AirMini, the Micro Auto offers numerous comfort features, such as SleepStart to automatically start and stop your therapy (dependent upon your mask type and configuration), GentleRise Ramp Technology for an easier start to therapy by reducing your initial pressure, and AirRelief Pressure Adjustments for more natural breathing and exhalation. It also offers waterless humidification with heat moisture exchange units (coming soon) for an even more comfortable therapy experience.
Taking it above and beyond, Somenetics designed the Micro to have built-in sound and vibration dampening technology and an included WhisperSoft Hose Muffler, which shows their dedication to a quiet night. The Transcend Micro also has a unique 30-minute drying mode to make cleaning on the go that much easier, helping protect you from bacteria growth in your mask and tube. The Micro has PureFresh Air Filters (coming soon) that are reusable and should last around six months, though you’ll want to gently wash and dry them every two weeks to keep your air supply fresh. The Transcend Micro is compatible with any CPAP mask that wasn’t designed for another machine (like the AirMini), though you will need to use the included 6-foot AirFlex Hose to connect to the device.
Read Our Full Transcend Micro Review
HDM Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
Measuring just 6.48” long by 3.3” wide by 2.02” tall and weighing a mere 0.65 lbs, the HDM Z2 Auto is a remarkably capable machine that is well-liked by those who own it. It includes most of the comfort features that you’d expect from a modern CPAP machine, such as automatic therapy start/stop, a ramp setting for a smoother therapy start, and waterless humidification for those that prefer it. Like the Transcend Micro, the HDM Z2 also includes a tube muffler to reduce the overall sound of the device while in use.
The Z2 Auto also includes a tube adapter to make your device compatible with any non-heated standard tubing and any CPAP mask that’s compatible with standard tubing. In comparison to the Micro and AirMini, the Z2 has a display screen, so you can easily view your therapy data and settings right on the device, allowing you to not have to worry about cell phone service or additional technology. If you aren’t camping or traveling off-the-grid, you can use the NiteLog companion app to easily view and share your therapy data with your healthcare provider. Through the app, you’ll also be able to conveniently view your pressure setting, ramp progress, remaining ramp time, and power indicator or battery status if you’re using the optional PowerShell With Extended Life Battery.
The ResMed AirMini™ AutoSet™ Travel CPAP Machine
The AirMini AutoSet is the smallest ResMed CPAP machine available today. Weighing in at just 0.66 lbs, this lightweight travel machine uses a small 20W power cord and measures just 5.4” long by 3.3” wide by 2.1” tall, making it ideal for frequent flyers and campers alike. It can be easily paired with the AirMini by ResMed app to adjust your machine settings and track your therapy data. It also offers waterless humidification via HumidX or HumidX Plus cartridges that are compatible with AirMini masks like the AirFit P10 and AirFit N30. Backed by the same auto-adjusting algorithm as the AirSense 10, the AirMini is a compact and capable CPAP machine with excellent comfort features like adjustable pressure relief and the auto start/stop functionality.
Read Our Full AirMini AutoSet Review
Apex XT Auto CPAP With Integrated Heated Humidifier
The Apex XT Auto Travel CPAP weighs just 1.87 lbs and measures 5.7” long by 5.1” wide by 3.9” tall, making it lightweight and easy to transport when traveling. It isn’t the smallest or lightest CPAP machine out there, but its inclusion of an integrated heated humidifier helps it to stand out in a market of travel CPAPs that only offer waterless humidification. While this is generally a more barebones, low-frills CPAP machine, it does offer adjustable pressure relief and a built-in alarm clock function. Importantly, it’s also compatible with any standard tubing and any mask that wasn’t specifically designed for another machine.
Your therapy data, while not as comprehensive as what some other machines supply, can be conveniently downloaded via an SD card. Overall, this is a machine that gets the job done at an affordable price and can easily fill the role of either a travel CPAP machine or a dedicated at-home unit for your nightstand. However, we do want to note that the ramp feature is only available in CPAP mode.
AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP Machine
If you’re looking for a small, stay-at-home CPAP machine, the ResMed AirSense 11 is a compact and powerful option. Weighing in at just 2.5 lbs, the AirSense 11 AutoSet has a footprint of 10.2” long by 3.7” wide by 5.5” tall and is an excellent choice for travelers and homebodies alike.
This latest machine in the AirSense series is geared toward those who are just beginning their sleep apnea therapy experience. The Personal Therapy Assistant feature can help you get started with your therapy through the use of voice-guided videos. Another new-to-CPAP therapy feature, Care Check-In, is designed to help you better adhere to your therapy for treatment success. At predetermined intervals, Care Check-In will ask you follow-up questions about your experience and provide troubleshooting assistance when necessary.
Featuring both Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, the AirSense 11 benefits from automatic Over-the-Air software updates, ensuring you always have the latest feature updates and bug fixes as ResMed releases them. The full-color LCD touchscreen display allows you to effortlessly navigate menu options while the MyAir companion app seamlessly updates with your nightly therapy data, allowing you to easily stay on top of your progress and compliance reports.
Rounding out the offerings of the AirSense 11, the machine features numerous comfort features, such as AutoRamp with Sleep Onset Detection, EPR Adjustable Pressure Relief, heated humidification, and an Auto Start/Stop functionality. This latest machine from ResMed provides a truly modern and comfortable approach to CPAP therapy for new and experienced CPAP owners alike while requiring only a modest amount of nightstand real estate.
Read Our Full AirSense 11 AutoSet Review
AirSense 10 AutoSet Card-to-Cloud With HumidAir Heated Humidifier
Alternatively, the AirSense 10 AutoSet Card-to-Cloud is a well-loved machine that, like other quiet CPAP machines, operates at a near-whisper-quiet 26.6 decibels. The AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud was designed with comfort features, such as SmartStart Technology to detect when to begin your CPAP therapy based on if your mask is on or off as well as multiple humidification settings for optimal comfort in a compact and convenient package. EPR Pressure Relief and AutoRamp features bring added comfort while the auto-dimming full-color LCD makes navigating the menu options much easier in dark bedrooms. Weighing in at just 2.75 lbs and measuring 10” long by 4.6” wide by 6” high, the AirSense 10 Auto is a compact CPAP machine that’s capable of providing an excellent therapy experience whether you’re at home or on the road.
This particular Card-to-Cloud model only tracks therapy data via an included SD card and does not pair with ResMed’s MyAir companion app. It can still generate compliance reports, though, and you can even read your therapy information directly on the machine itself at a moment’s notice. However, getting therapy data to a healthcare provider will involve mailing or bringing your SD card to them when necessary. Apart from the missing wireless modem, this machine still has the build quality and fantastic features that originally made the AirSense 10 famous and is still very much worth considering if you’re looking for a small CPAP machine.
Read Our Full AirSense 10 Auto Card-to-Cloud Review
Get Your Smallest CPAP Machine Today
Did any of these models get you thinking? Small CPAP machines don’t have to be less capable just because they aren’t the size and weight of a microwave oven, and these machines do a great job of proving just that.
We love the Transcend Micro for its incredibly compact size and impressive list of comfort features and recommend the AirSense 11 to anyone that’s looking for a small yet capable full-time CPAP machine for their nightstand.
When it comes to the smallest CPAP machines, these two are our top picks, but rest assured that every other machine on our list is worth considering. If you need help choosing the right machine for you, give us a call at 1-800-356-5221—our award-winning customer service team is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST) on Saturday and Sunday. You can also text us at 832-308-2219 during the same hours or reach out using the Live Chat feature on our website for any help with an order or questions you might have about a product or your therapy experience.
What small CPAP machine is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
