Traveling could be disruptive to your usual sleep patterns, and a good night’s sleep is essential no matter where you are. Additionally, if you have sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea or such, then it’s all the more important to set yourself up for good sleep using a CPAP machine. You might be used to a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine at home, but investing in a travel-sized one could make your next trip more restful. A small portable CPAP machine with a battery will make travel much easier on your sleep pattern, no matter whether you’re in a hotel or camping outdoors. Not only does a travel CPAP machine weigh less and is smaller than a standard one, but also it typically has extra features allowing for easier travel both in the air and on the road.
In fact, even your road trips are made better since travel CPAP machines can be plugged into the auxiliary power outlet of the vehicle and can simply run off its battery. Plus, travel CPAP machines also have a typically extended battery life, which makes them ideal for even off-the-road excursions, camping, and longer flights as well. To that end, here are the 13 best options for a small portable CPAP machine, both with and without a battery.
How To Choose The Best Small Portable CPAP Machines?
Sleep is an important part of life, even more so when you’re traveling. That’s why sleep accessories or machines that assist you in sleeping well are important, whether it’s the Best Travel Sleep Masks, the Best Sleeping Earplugs, or even CPAP machines. What makes CPAP machines all the more important is if you have sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. So, what should you look for in portable CPAP machines? Read on.
Doctor’s recommendations
Since CPAP machines are considered as Class II medical devices, they require a prescription from the doctor who’s been treating you or who has recommended the machine to you. What’s more, your sleep specialist or sleep apnea doctor might recommend a certain mask model. So, you’ll have to double-check whether this mask type is compatible with the travel CPAP machine that you’re looking at or not. Moreover, if you find the mask to be uncomfortable or ill-fitting, then do ask your doctor to suggest a more comfortable and appropriate design.
Machine kind
When it comes to treating sleeping disorders such as sleep apnea, there are different kinds of CPAP machines since they differ in terms of pressure delivery. Firstly, there’s the APAP (auto-adjustable positive airway pressure) that provides various pressure rates while you sleep. Secondly, there’s the BiPAP machine (bi-level positive airway pressure) that features two pressure settings. One is for exhalation (EPAP), and the other is for inhalation (IPAP). Finally, CPAP machines provide continuous positive airway pressure (hence the name) and are the most popular ones for treating sleep apnea. Plus, they can have either an auto-adjust mechanism or a fixed pressure one.
Climate control
An important feature of a CPAP machine is climate control, for which a humidifier is one of the commonest added comforts. It can go a long way in helping prevent a dry nose and/or a sore throat. What’s more, humidifiers can be extremely useful when you’re traveling across dry climates. While some might be an outside component (external), others could be built right into the machine. Additionally, certain travel CPAPs utilize in-built humidifiers for reducing bulk, while others have convenient waterless humidifiers. Also, travel CPAPs using water might also have a small heating tube for keeping the water warm when the air travels up to the mask from the water chamber.
Pressure Range
The optimal pressure range on your travel CPAP machine with battery will largely depend on your unique health needs and sleep patterns. However, the default CPAP machine pressure settings usually range from 4 to 20 cm of water, with 10 being the average pressure value. However, in all cases, ensure that you consult your medical specialist or doctor if you have any questions about the ideal pressure range that you should be using.
Ramp and sound level
Travel CPAP machines with the ramp feature essentially begin with lower pressure that’ll help you greatly in falling asleep. Gradually, the machine will then increase it to the range that you need in order to prevent your upper airway from collapsing once you’ve fallen asleep. Additionally, it’s very important that you note the CPAP machine’s decibel rating, and ensure that it’s not so high or noisy so that it disturbs you and your partner. The range of the average CPAP machine is between 20 and 30 decibels, with 30 basically sounding like a whisper.
Accessories
Finally, many travel CPAP machines come with a plethora of add-on options for convenience. These include travel cases, integrated batteries, and external humidifiers. What’s more, you can also purchase replacement parts such as tubing or disposable masks separately.
What is the smallest travel CPAP machine?
Actually, the smallest travel CPAP machine with battery is The ResMed AirMini. Despite weighing less than 1 lbs and fitting right in the palm of your hand, the product still includes many of ResMed’s most popular features. These include comfort settings such as AutoRamp, SmartStart, and AutoSet, all of which can also be controlled from your smartphone with the AirMini app. Plus, the battery on this travel CPAP machine will last you a long, long time.
Most of the traditional CPAP machines from top brands such as ResMed, Philips, Somnetics, and HDM are only sold on their own or health websites. So, we have rounded up a list of more accessible and easy-to-store and carry mini CPAP machines that are available on Amazon. They’re very similar to traditional mini-CPAP machines and go a long way in battling OSA and helping you sleep peacefully throughout the night.
GoorDik Portable Compact Compressor Machine
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Weighing just 2.6 lbs, the GoorDik Portable Compact Compressor Machine is an excellent small portable CPAP machine. Measuring just 7.3 inches in length, 6.7 inches in width, and with a height of 4.21 inches, this excellent machine even comes with an external handle. It’s what makes it easy to carry just about everywhere, no matter how or where you’re traveling. What’s more, the compact design makes it easy to be used by adults and kids alike, while the single-button operation makes it easy to use as well. Despite working so powerfully, the machine is very, very quiet and makes no hum at all. The best bit is that this machine comes with all accessories – tubes, wires, masks, you name it, so you don’t have to go and purchase anything separately.
Pros:
- No hum, very quiet operation.
- Easy to store and carry.
- Comes with the entire set.
Cons:
- Slightly pricey.
SDOM Portable Compressor
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The SDOM Portable Compressor is yet another excellent portable CPAP for travel. This effective device comes with a two-year quality warranty, making for a great buy even if you’re buying such a device for the first time. What also makes buying this device amazing and convenient is that it comes with a kit containing all the essential accessories. The travel CPAP comes with everything from tubes and battery to the mask, thus ensuring that you don’t need to buy anything separately to ensure a good night’s sleep. It does emit a low hum, but it’s very easy to operate using a single button. Finally, it even comes with an in-built handle for convenience.
Pros:
- In-built handle for portability.
- Single-button operation.
- Two-year warranty.
Cons:
- It emits a hum which might be disturbing to some users.
Shed Protector Portable Compressor Machine
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You’ll find great satisfaction with the Shed Protector Portable Compressor Machine, which is a great small portable CPAP machine. There’s a lot to like about this nifty device, such as the two-year warranty that comes along with it. So, if you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, this is a great machine to invest in to ensure a good night’s sleep for both you and your partner. The high-quality device is easy and comfortable to use for allowing good-grade air to reach your lungs. In fact, you can even use it during the day to help breathe better, since it goes a long way in unobstructing your airway. Small but powerful, this is one device that’ll give you guaranteed satisfaction.
Pros:
- Easy to use and operate.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Two-year warranty.
Cons:
- Some users said that the tubing gets hot with use.
Only Warm Store Air Compressor Machine
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Yet another good portable CPAP for travel is the Only Warm Store Air Compressor Machine. This “snore-stopper” of a travel CPAP machine doesn’t work with a battery but rather plugs in directly. What’s more, it comes with a complete accessories kit, including five filters, a nose appliance, a reservoir cup, a mouthpiece with a T-adapter, air tubing, and masks for both adults and children. The small size and the lightweight nature of the machine are what make it so easy to carry for travel, especially given the in-built handle. It’s also equipped with an adjustable cap to meet the needs of all family members. Emitting a low noise of fewer than 58 decibels, this machine also ensures a small footprint with a low center of gravity thanks to the sound dampening technology.
Pros:
- Improves night sleep.
- Emits a very low noise.
- Comes with the entire kit.
Cons:
- Takes time to get used to.
EYL TRUneb Compressor Vaporizer Asthma Machine
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The small portable CPAP machine of the EYL TRUneb Compressor Vaporizer Asthma Machine is a great design for a CPAP and perfect for taking care of your obstructive sleep apnea. The device that’s lightweight and small in size comes with not just a compressor, but also a two-year warranty, filters, two disposable kits, and even a carry bag for storing and carrying it easily. With a good flow of 8 liters per minute, the device also has proper facial coverings so that you can inhale clean and healthy air properly without any obstruction, thus improving sleepy quality. Plus, this unit even comes with a bunch of little round pads that work as replacement filters for whenever you have to change them.
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Comes with the entire kit.
- Comes with replacement filters as well.
Cons:
- Some users might face sizing issues with the face mask.
MGLIFMLY Portable Compressor
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One of the best portable CPAPs for travel is the MGLIFMLY Portable Compressor. The machine has jet nebulizers connected to the compressor using tubing, causing compressed oxygen to flow at a high rate. It eventually turns the liquid into gas, which is what you breathe in an unobstructed manner, thus assuring you a good night’s sleep. This machine has a faster atomization rate and more power, which means it gets clean air to your lungs much faster as compared to others. So, it also ensures you quick and uninterrupted sleep sans snoring. Perfect for both kids and adults, this machine works at the click of a single switch. Rounding up the features is the one-year warranty.
Pros:
- One-year warranty.
- Faster and better than other machines in the market.
- Perfect for adults and kids.
Cons:
- Some users will need time to get used to it.
Unsvorns Anti-Snoring Device
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The Unsvorns Anti-Snoring Device is yet another great small portable CPAP machine. What’s excellent about this travel CPAP machine is that it comes not only with the compressor machine, but also a complete set of accessories. It doesn’t have a battery and needs to be plugged in for use. What you’ll also like about this machine is the huge 3.5-inch LCD screen that’s not only easy to read but also displays all information accurately. The machine emits sound levels, albeit a very, very low one of fewer than 28 decibels. With the user-friendly nuanced point design and interface aside, the compact machine is also easy to use with a one-button start and end operation. The best part? It’s lightweight and suitable to use both at home and for travel.
Pros:
- Easy to read 3.5-inch screen.
- User-friendly interface,
- Lightweight and compact.
Cons:
- Expensive.
HAIT CPAP Machine
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The HAIT CPAP Machine is yet another well-designed portable CPAP machine for travel that comes without a battery. This is one nifty anti-snore device that has a long list of positives, starting with the 3.5-inch large LCD screen. It shows all the aspects of the machine, helping you adjust your requirements quickly too. The one-button start and intuitive interface make it easy to use too. Moreover, the optimized and silent design emits sound levels of fewer than 27 decibels. The machine is extremely portable too, especially when you’re traveling whether it’s by air or by road. The best part is that it helps the air reach your lungs in an unobstructed manner and helps you sleep soundly at night too.
Pros:
- Optimized and silent design.
- Portable.
- One-button start.
Cons:
- Some users might take time to get used to it.
Hangsun Compressor Machine
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The Hangsun Compressor Machine is amongst the best small portable CPAP machines on this list. The first electronic snoring device with a one-of-a-kind design, the device maximizes airflow via the nasal passage, helping you feel good by being able to breathe smoothly. The device comes with an entire package of detailed instructions, a T-type connector, a medicine cup, mouthpiece, child/adult mask, air tube, and four filters too. The one-button operation ensures higher efficiency, while the size and weight are perfect for portability. Adding to the carrying comfort is the handle, which also helps you pack up the machine well. Besides being easy to use and carry, the machine is famed for its low noise technology, emitting a hum of fewer than 60 decibels.
Pros:
- Comes with the entire package.
- Carrying comfort in size, weight, and handle.
- Low noise technology.
Cons:
- Slightly larger in size as compared to the other products on this list.
MGH Life Compressor System
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The MGH Life Compressor System is yet another good portable CPAP for travel. The device features jet nebulizers that cause compressed oxygen to flow to your lungs at a great speed, helping eliminate snoring and ensuring a good and continuous sleep at night. What’s great about this machine is its practical and ergonomic design with reduced dimensions that make it an excellent portable travel CPAP too. Moreover, this can even be used to relieve respiratory symptoms arising due to respiratory issues such as asthma. Besides being economical, the machine is easy for both kids and adults to use. All in all, if you need a good travel CPAP, then this machine is a great bet.
Pros:
- Maximizes flow of clean air to lungs.
- Eliminates snoring and ensures a good night’s sleep.
- Portable.
Cons:
- You might take time to get used to the contraption.
JUWA Portable Nebulizer
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Behold the JUWA Portable Nebulizer, a small but nifty portable CPAP machine that’s perfect for your travel needs. It might cost $60, but this machine effectively keeps obstructive sleep apnea at bay and ensures you a good night’s sleep. What’s more, its NC technology effectively controls the noise emitted by the equipment, sounding more like a hum and not being an irritant. Moreover, the mask and the machine shell are made from a material that’s tasteless, non-toxic, and soft, and doesn’t cause any damage to your body. Aside from the intuitive interface and easy-to-use operation, the size of the machine is merely 8 x 8 inches, making it the most portable travel CPAP machine on the list.
Pros:
- Extremely compact, lightweight, and portable.
- Easy to use.
- NC technology for a nearly noiseless experience.
Cons:
- Slightly pricey.
EYL Compressor Vaporizer
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Featuring two particle sizes, the EYL Compressor Vaporizer is yet another great portable CPAP for travel. Costing just $47, the compressor/vaporizer comes with a carry bag for portability, filters, mask, and even a disposable kit. What’s more, it even comes with a two-year warranty, so you don’t have to be worried about its durability or longevity either. Plus, the compact and lightweight design make it easy for you to carry this on all your travels, whether by road, rail or by air. With a liter flow of 8 liters per minute, the machine ensures that clean air flows to your lungs at a high velocity, thus eliminating snoring and ensuring you a good night’s sleep.
Pros:
- Comes with an entire kit.
- Lightweight and compact.
- Two-year warranty.
Cons:
- Some people might take a while to get used to the masks and the fitting.
SDOM Portable Kit
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Occupying the top spot on the list of the best small portable CPAP machines is the SDOM Portable Kit. The kit is available with an entire set of accessories – tubing, masks, filters, et al. The contraption allows air to flow freely, thus smoothening your breathing and helping you fall asleep more naturally. However, what you’ll like best about this machine is that it’s portable, which means that you can easily carry it along on your travels, whether by road or by air. It’s also easy to install and use, maintain, and store, and lightweight as well. Rounding up the features is the two-year warranty, which means that this product will last you a long time.
Pros:
- Eliminate snoring and help you breathe easier.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Easy to install and use.
Cons:
- None!
