Best Mini CPAP Machines: Compact Designs for Portability
Those who suffer from sleep apnea are often prescribed a CPAP machine to help provide oxygenation through the night. These machines are considered the best treatment for sleep apnea sufferers to aid in breathing without interruption through the night.
Unfortunately, the use of a CPAP machine can create a situation that keeps you tethered to it through the night, making travel challenging. But with advances in technology, these machines have become more and more compact and lightweight, making them portable and easy to travel with. The following mini CPAP machine reviews highlight some of the smallest, most popular options for daily or travel purposes.
| Rank | Product | Highlights | Warranty |
| #1 | 
ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP Machine |
| 2 years |
| #2 | 
Philips Respironics Dreamstation |
| 2 years |
| #3 | 
Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine |
| 2 year |
| #4 | 
Transcend 365 miniCPAP |
| 2 years |
| #5 | 
Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto miniCPAP |
| 3 Years |
Table Of Contents
- How a CPAP Machine Works
- CPAP Machine Benefits
- Why Choose a Mini-CPAP Machine?
- Features to Consider
- Top 5 Mini- CPAP Machines to Consider Reviews
- ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP Machine
- Philips Respironics Dreamstation
- Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
- Transcend 365 miniCPAP
- Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto miniCPAP
- Conclusion
How a CPAP Machine Works
Continuous Positive Air Pressure, otherwise known as CPAP, is the main treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder that is marked by constant interruptions to breathing patterns through the night. Sleep apnea is often first diagnosed due to concerns with loud snoring patterns and waking feeling tired even after a long night’s rest. Obstructive sleep apnea is even more dangerous and is defined by the relaxation of the throat muscles which cut off the oxygen supply to the body through the night.
CPAP machines draw in air from the surrounding environment using a small compressor and pressurize it to provide a continuous flow of air. This helps keep any breathing obstructions from becoming a problem, plus it also filters the air for a cleaner source and may even provide moisture to your respiratory system if a water tank is included.
The air from the compressor is transported to the sleep through a hose and mask the sleeper wears. There are various sizes and styles to provide individual comfort, and machines often have different features for personalization of their experience. Since sleep apnea can create 100 or more interruptions to sleep patterns each night, the use of one of the machines is crucial to getting the sleep you deserve.
CPAP Machine Benefits
You will reap the benefits of a CPAP machine after the first night of use. Although they make take some time to get used to physically, they are highly effective in providing the following comfort:
- Drastic reduction and/or elimination of snoring
- Receiving full, uninterrupted periods of sleep
- Reversal of cardiovascular disease influenced by poor body health and stress. Prevention if these are not problems.
- Lowers blood pressure
- Better focus through the day
Why Choose a Mini-CPAP Machine?
CPAP machines need a constant power supply, meaning you are tied to the location of your machine unless you have a portable version. Mini-CPAPs are getting more and more popular with advances in technology that allow them to have many of the same features as their larger counterparts, weight only a few pounds, and run off an alternative power source. This makes them popular for travel as well and provides mobility for those who have been worried about being away from their machines for long periods of time.
Features to Consider
Every machine has varying features; options you can choose from that affect the size and cost of your machine. Knowing what these are can help you decide which features are important to you or might be worth considering.
Masks
Differences in masks exist for comfort reasons, as well as to help control flow. Nasal masks, nasal pillows, and full face masks are the main types to choose from.
Noise Level
All machines are generally very quiet with a level below 30 dBA.
Humidifier
Some machines come with a humidifier either built-in or available as a removable add-on. These are helpful to moisturize the nasal passages, especially in drier climates.
Ramp Adjustment
The ramp describes the ability to gradually allow air pressure to built to keep from getting the full effect all at once.
Exhalation Relief (EPR)
Breathing against air can be difficult and this allows you to breathe out without pushing against the pressurized air.
Heated Tubing
Heating keeps condensation from building up in the tube and mask.
Mask Alert
Turns the machine off and alerts you when pressure is lost, or the mask has slipped.
Leak Compensation
Notices changes in pressure and adjusts when leaks occur to avoid pausing the treatment.
Data Recording
Data from your treatment is gathered in various ways to allow you the ability to map your breathing and how effective your treatments are.
Top 5 Mini- CPAP Machines to Consider Reviews
A CPAP does require a prescription and will need to be either ordered or picked up from a medical supply store once you have received one. Unfortunately, you cannot just get one delivered from Amazon. If you are interested in a specific model you will need to speak with your insurance about coverage, as well as see where it can be ordered from. The following mini-CPAP machines are popular for both daily use and travel. They vary in what they offer in way of features to showcase the variances in the model, style, and cost.
ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP Machine
Specs:
- Weight: .66 lbs
- Noise Level: 38 dBA
- Top Features: auto adjust, EPR, Bluetooth data
- Warranty: 2 years
The Airmini Travel made by RESMED is a lightweight choice that comes in just over a half pound lbs and has a removable patented waterless humidifier. Compact and efficient it has an auto adjust feature for natural breathing patterns, and EPR for a more comfortable experience. A Bluetooth connection collects data and transmits to the company app for review.
Philips Respironics Dreamstation
Specs:
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
- Noise Level: 25.8 dBA
- Top Features: Auto adjust, RAMP, Data, Bluetooth, auto on/off
- Warranty: 2 years
The Philips Respironics Dreamstation is one of the smallest, lightest weight machines yet to have similar features to a full sized option. Weighing in at just over 1.5 lbs with the heated humidifier removed, this is a sleek and compact design made for travel. Auto adjust features work with an option start and RAMP control for complete airflow control. It also collects data available through Bluetooth connectivity for download.
Human Design Medical Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
Specs:
- Weight: .65 lbs
- Noise Level: 26 dBA
- Top Features: Auto on/off
- Warranty: 2 year
Designed specifically for travel, this mini-CPAP made by Human Design Medical has limited features other than an auto on/off, but can be used with any standard mask and also allows for an AC power supply. Weight in at just over a half pound, this can slide easily into a bag and go anywhere you go. It also adjusts to altitude and has optional software features to collect data.
Transcend 365 miniCPAP
Specs:
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Noise Level: <30 dBA
- Top Features: integrated humidifier, RAMP, leak detection
- Warranty: 2 years
The Transcend 365 miniCPAP is currently considered the most compact, lightest integrated heated humidifier combination for use while on the go. At 1.7 lbs total (including humidifier), the smart management design allows for battery operation as well – making it perfect for travel without sacrificing the features you depend on. Data is also collected to view on the bright screen or you can download it to the provided software. RAMP and leak detection are also part of the design.
Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto miniCPAP
Specs:
- Weight: 1.09 lbs
- Noise Level: 30 dBA
- Top Features: RAMP, auto controls
- Warranty: 3 Years
Simple in design, but created for travel and stability, the Somnetics Transcend 3 Auto MiniCPAP is styled for user comfort no matter where you happen to be. With customizable battery options you can go anywhere you choose without restriction, especially since there are solar charging options! You also can use any mask and are not confined to one style for proper use.
You may want to read: Dangers of a CPAP Machine
Conclusion
Whether you simply need a more compact machine or are looking to be free from the constraints of electricity, a mini-CPAP is an excellent choice to consider. These machines have a wide variety of features and options, and are designed for easy travel in any situation. Lightweight, easy to tuck into personal bags, and battery operated capabilities are only a few of the highlights a mini brings to the table.