Does Using A CPAP Make You Gain Weight

Does Using A CPAP Make You Gain Weight?

Nov 06 Bradley

Does using a CPAP make you gain weight? It’s a common question and there is a connection between sleep apnea and extra weight. Obesity greatly increases the probability of someone developing sleep apnea. We’ll explain that a bit more as we uncover other issues that make the weight gain and sleep apnea argument a bit easier to understand.

Why Am I More Tired After Using CPAP

Why Am I More Tired After Using CPAP?

Nov 03 Bradley

Why am I more tired after using CPAP, you ask. Well, considering that adding a CPAP machine to your sleep routine is very likely going to require some adjustment on your part, being tired after CPAP therapy is a common side effect. You may not realize it at first, but chances are, you are going to experience a period early in the use of CPAP apparatus where you are going to be tired.

Can A CPAP Machine Cause Headaches

Can A CPAP Machine Cause Headaches?

Oct 31 Bradley

Can a CPAP machine cause headaches? It is a fair question and headaches are often associated with CPAP therapy, but not in the way you may think they are. Before we look into the connection between CPAP therapy and headaches, let’s first learn a bit more about CPAP. Then we will explore the question, can CPAP cause headaches, and the headaches often suffered by CPAP machine users.

CPAP skin irritation How to Prevent it

CPAP Skin Irritation: How To Prevent It

Oct 28 Bradley

Just like introducing anything new to a routine, CPAP therapy is going to take a little getting used to. If you are a light sleeper, the noises coming from the machine will impact your sleep for a little while. But once you become comfortable with the changes, you should be able to sleep well. However, CPAP skin irritation is a very real side effect that may make the therapy even more difficult to get used to.

How To Prevent Nose Sores From CPAP Mask

How To Prevent Nose Sores From CPAP Mask

Oct 25 Bradley

Have you suffered from soreness inside or around your nose?. In this article, we will explore what the causes are of this type of pain and look at how to prevent nose sores from CPAP mask use. Before we dig into what may be the cause of your nose sores, we have to understand what they are. As it turns out, there are two different types of nose sores that can result from CPAP therapy.

What Causes Someone To Start Snoring

What Causes Someone To Start Snoring?

Oct 22 Bradley

For many of us who have to endure a night sleeping next to someone who snores, it can be somewhat of a mystery. Sometimes the snoring just appears out of nowhere and often it disappears without a trace. Or does it? Many different possibilities can answer the question of what causes someone to start snoring. In this article, we will go over the most common causes of snoring.

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CPAP Machine Reviews

Best Travel CPAP Machine Overview

Hey, how are you? I’m Bradley and I’m going to share with you some very important and interesting information on Travel CPAP machines. Particularly why you should have a travel one when you are not home and review what I consider to be the best cpap machines on the market today.

Then I’m going to tell you a bit more about the top manufacturers of CPAP machines. I’ll even tell you about the features you should look for when you are shopping for one. Believe me, my CPAP machine has saved my life and allowed me to sleep better when I’m away from home and we all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep. So let's get straight into it.

1. DreamStation Go CPAP by Philips Respironics

I’ve got to say that this is a really nice unit. My girls think the name DreamStation Go is cute and makes reference to the fact that you can just take it anywhere you need it. This is in actual fact a smaller version of the DreamStation machines manufactured by this company. Although they are a smaller version of a full-sized CPAP machine, these don’t skimp on any of the features.

Travel CPAP Machine Highlights:

  • There’s a very handy touch screen display that you use to view and change settings with.
  • The DreamStation also contains a USB Port so you can charge a handheld device while using the product.
  • One of the best features is the 12-millimeter micro tubing that runs from the machine to the mask. Typically the tubing is 12-millimeters or larger so the micro size allows for easy packing and doesn’t take up much room.
  • The DreamStation also has something called a flex pressure relief setting. What this does is reduces the CPAP pressure when you exhale and this makes breathing out somewhat easier than with machines that don’t have this option.

Best Travel CPAP Machine - Dreamstation Go Auto CPAP Machine

2. ResMED Airmini CPAP Machine

The ResMED Air Mini CPAP Machine is on my list for a couple of reasons. The main one is that it is actually the world’s smallest travel CPAP machine. It measures just 5.4 inches x 3.3 inches by 2.0 inches and weighs a mere 10.6 ounces. I point this out because sometimes you don’t have a lot of room to pack things.

I’m thinking along the lines of backpacking across a state or country or whatever. It would be nice to be able to have your sleep aid with you when you crash at a hostel or Bed & Breakfast somewhere along the way.

Travel CPAP Machine Highlights:

  • Just 3 parts make up this very travel friendly CPAP machine.
  • Is actually the world's smallest CPAP machine!
  • Features SmartStart which means the CPAP machine will start automatically when it detects your breathing.
  • The Expiratory Pressure Relief option with AutoRamp ensures an easy exhalation cycle, helping you stay asleep longer and breathing naturally.

Best Travel CPAP Machine - ResMED Airmini CPAP Machine

3. Apex XT Auto CPAP Machine

Promoted as “one of the lightest” CPAP machines on the market, the Apex XT Auto CPAP Machine is heavy with special features only. Aside from being designed to be travel size, it has a built-in power supply and comes with a padded travel bag (for some others, this is actually an extra option). There is a clock with and alarm, advanced data screen that you can read and use for settings and there is PVA pressure relief.

Travel CPAP Machine Highlights:

  • One of the items I like most about this specific model is that it has leak compensation and an automatic altitude adjustment feature, which will become extremely handy to have when traveling overseas to mountainous areas.
  • Direct data storage is on an SD card that you can download and review anytime.
  • Has an optional heated humidifier if you need to be breathing warm and moist air. (I recommend this)
  • Overall, I really think it has a lot of good features all bundled up into a nice, neat, little package.

Best Travel CPAP Machine - Apex XT Auto Travel CPAP Machine

4. Z1 Auto CPAP by Human Design Medical

The Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine by HDM is also promoted as “the smallest, lightest and most integrated CPAP machine available” and I’m not going to split hairs here. It is small and compact but it still does what it was designed to do. One of the main bonuses of the smaller size is that it is quieter. In fact, this unit has recorded levels of just 26 dBA of sound. While I can’t really tell you where that sits compared to say, your television volume, there is no doubt that 26 dBA is not very loud.

Travel CPAP Machine Highlights:

  • Weighs just 10 ounces and is not only meant for travel use, it can withstand regular use as well.
  • Has an optional integrated battery system (the PowerShell) which in my opinion is worth investigating if you worry about your battery usage levels.
  • This may be a very light weight and small option, however it certainly isn't light on when it comes to duty operation.
  • Only 26 dBA noise level. If you can sleep through your own snoring prior to using a CPAP than this is certainly not a factor to worry about.

Best Travel CPAP Machine - Z1 Auto Travel CPAP Machine

5. Transcend II Travel CPAP Machine

As it turns out, my wife likes the name Transcend II Travel CPAP Machine as she sees it as a positive, upbeat term. I have to agree but what really works here is the fact that the product is such a well designed, compact travel CPAP machine. It weighs under a pound and measures just 6.1 inches by 3.5 inches by 2.8 inches.

Plus, it is compatible with all masks. I haven’t had to try this feature yet, but it is good to know that if I didn’t pack all the right gear, this unit would still get me to dreamland without a hitch.

Travel CPAP Machine Highlights:

  • Comes with a standard 6 foot hose and hose adapter, as well as a trendy travel case.
  • Is one of the very few waterless humidification travel CPAP machines on the market, negating the need to constantly worry about distilled water on your vacation days.
  • Very quiet and vibration free based on user reviews.
  • Comes with automatic pressure adjustment and leak detection, ensuring you get a good nights sleep every time.

Best Travel CPAP Machine - Transcend II Travel CPAP Machine

6. ResMED AirSense 10 Autoset CPAP Machine

One of the features I really like on this lightweight ResMED AirSense 10 CPAP Machine is the AutoSet Algorithm setting. What this does is respond basically to the breathing pattern and adjusts accordingly. I know, that’s a very simplified explanation but that sort of gives you a bit of an idea of what that is.

Be sure to also invest in the carry case that is specific to the Airsense 10 as you're able to fit all of your accessories too.

Travel CPAP Machine Highlights:

  • Comes with a built-in HumidAir humidifier which reduces moisture build up.
  • Color LCD display for easy programming and data recording.
  • Flexible and easily adaptable tubing for an undisturbed sleep.
  • Has Expiratory Pressure Relief, Heated Tubing and noise level of just 26.6 dBA making it one of the quietest CPAP Machines on the market.

Best Travel CPAP Machine - ResMED Airsense 10 AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine

About Travel CPAP Machine Brands

There are a number of brand names you should get familiar with when you are looking to buy a Travel CPAP Machine. Several of them specialize in these kinds of medical devices where others are large corporate entities that eventually expanded into this market. I’m going to introduce you to the top cpap machine brand names to give you some assistance out there.

ResMED

ResMED started out in Australia in 1989 and relocated to San Diego, California the following year. The company focuses on medical equipment and actually centers its attention on equipment designed to treat sleep and breathing disorders including sleep apnea, COPD and other respiratory conditions.

It actually manufactures CPAP equipment rather than outsourcing and having their name applied later. ResMED has operations in over 100 countries and employs in the neighborhood of 5000 employees.

The Best Sleep Apnea Machine Brand - ResMED

Philips Respironics

Everyone knows the Philips Company. I have at least one razor and other personal grooming items with that brand stamped into them. The company was founded in 1891 in the Netherlands. The company started producing carbon filament lamps in 1892. Philips Germany was founded in 1926 in Berlin and employs close to 5,000 people in that one division.

It is under the Philip Germany umbrella that the Respironics products are found. They are considered medical equipment and include a line of CPAP machines and accessories.

The Best Sleep Apnea Machine Brand - Philips Respironics

Somnetics

This company is dedicated to the development and manufacture of medical devices. The primary focus is on devices used to treat sleep apnea and other sleep and breathing related conditions. The high quality products that are made by this company carry many different names but you and I would link this company to the Transcend CPAP product line.

Somnetics purposely designed the Transcend line to be the “smallest, lightest and most portable CPAP system” available in today’s marketplace.

The Best Sleep Apnea Machine Brand - Somnetics

Human Design Medical (HDM)

There’s not a lot I can tell you about HDM. I do like that the name is the initials for the statement “human design medical” which reflects on the company’s focus to create smaller medical devices that produce faster results and incorporate improved usability, an increase in accuracy and products that operate quieter than anything else currently available.

They do point out on their website that they are using “human focused design” as their foundation so you can be assured their products are tried and tested by real people.

The Best Sleep Apnea Machine Brand - Human Design Medical (HDM)

Apex Medical

This company is based in Asia and is a leading medical care industry company in Taiwan. Established in 1990, the company develops and manufactures a full range of healthcare solutions including a line of CPAP machines. Their products are now available in over 60 countries in the world and they say their total “devotion is to healthcare” which means this is what they intend to specialize at.

The quality of their products has earned global recognition and praise from medical organizations and authorities in both Europe and the United States.

The Best Sleep Apnea Machine Brand - Apex Medical

Reasons For You To Buy A Travel CPAP Machine

For me, this is sort of a no brainer. I use a CPAP machine at home. It has improved my sleep to the point where I can go the entire night without an interruption. But when I’m on vacation with my family or even out camping on a weekend I still need something to treat my sleep apnea.

Thankfully travel CPAP machines were invented and now I can go anywhere and not worry about whether or not I’m going to have a good sleep. Or if I’m going to get woken up by my wife Crystal because she noticed I had stopped breathing (this used to happen). My  Travel CPAP machine has solved that problem for me and now I don't travel without it.

Buy The Best Travel CPAP Machine

Travel CPAP Machine Features To Look For

Well, now that you know just about all you need to know about Travel CPAP Machines, are you ready to start shopping? Before you do, I want to give you a little more information on the things you should be looking for on a CPAP machine before you end up with the wrong one for your needs. I’m not going to discuss the bells and whistles, but instead, I want to share with you information on the basic things to look for.

Design

I know, Travel CPAPs are going to be smaller than what you are used to using. That shouldn’t also mean a sacrifice on performance. What I am saying here is that you should be able to tell the fine differences between looks and function. Hint: lean towards function on this one. Some of the lighter and smaller CPAP options are often packed with more features than your home CPAPs.

Performance

I’m not going to name names here, but when you are shopping for a CPAP machine, try not to fall for the claims you see in advertising and elsewhere. What you need to know is will it do what it says it is designed to do? That really is all that matters in this category.

Features

Yup. There are a lot of extras that can become part of a Travel CPAP Machine but you really don’t need all of them. That is especially true if you only use your travel machine a few times a year during vacation or some other reason that you end up sleeping away from your home. Of all the fancy do-dads that can come with these units, stick to the common and likely features you will use.

Sound

This can be a deal breaker if you happen to share your bed with a light sleeper. In our house, that is exactly the case so I had to put a serious effort into finding the right model that was quiet enough to not disturb Crystal when she was sleeping. When she’s on night shift it doesn’t matter.

Power

Batteries and battery life has improved greater across the complete spectrum of devices we use daily. This also means that your travel CPAP should have either long life batteries or a system in place that makes switching out batteries a breeze. Charging units also make the difference here.

Travel CPAP Reviews Buying Guide