From the Guidelines
For travel, the best portable CPAP option is a travel-specific model like ResMed AirMini, Philips Respironics DreamStation Go, or Human Design Medical Z2, which are compact, lightweight, and offer similar therapy to standard CPAPs. When selecting a portable CPAP, consider factors such as battery life, noise level, compatibility with your existing mask, and humidification options. According to the British Thoracic Society recommendations 1, dry cell battery powered CPAP machines may be required by patients with obstructive sleep apnea on long haul flights. Key features to look for in a travel CPAP include:
- Weight: 10-13 ounces
- Size: approximately the size of a soda can
- Power options: standard electrical outlets (100-240V) and battery options for camping or flights
- Battery life: 4-8 hours typical
- Noise level: 24-30 decibels
- Mask compatibility: uses your existing mask
- Humidification: some models use waterless technology It is also important to note that when traveling internationally, a plug adapter may be necessary, but a voltage converter is typically not needed. Additionally, the TSA allows CPAPs to be carried through security separately from other luggage, and they do not count toward carry-on limits on most airlines. Overall, travel CPAPs are effective because they maintain the prescribed pressure settings that keep your airway open during sleep, just in a more compact form.
From the Research
Portable Options for CPAP for Travel
There are no specific studies provided that directly address portable options for CPAP for travel. However, the studies do discuss alternative treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) that may be more portable or travel-friendly.
Alternative Treatments
- Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices (MAD) and tongue retention devices (TRD), are alternative treatments for OSA that may be more portable than CPAP machines 2, 3.
- Positional therapy, which involves keeping the patient sleeping on their side, is another alternative treatment that may be more portable than CPAP machines 4, 5, 6.
- These alternative treatments may be effective for patients with mild to moderate OSA, but may not be as effective as CPAP for patients with severe OSA 2, 4, 5, 6, 3.
Key Findings
- A study found that oral appliance therapy significantly improved Apnea Hypopnea Index (AHI) compared with baseline before appliance therapy, but was less effective than CPAP 3.
- Another study found that positional therapy was effective in reducing AHI in patients with positional OSA, but was less effective than CPAP in reducing overall AHI and improving oxygenation 5.
- A randomized controlled trial found that positional therapy and oral appliance therapy were equally effective in reducing median AHI in patients with mild-to-moderate positional OSA 6.