You don’t want your sleep apnea to limit your life. Because of this, using a CPAP device is vital for avoiding symptoms such as fatigue and irritability, while also staving off more serious health consequences like high blood pressure or diabetes.

While CPAP machines can be highly effective at preventing incidents of sleep apnea, they often have a significant limitation: their bulky dimensions make them difficult to use while traveling.

Unfortunately, your sleep apnea doesn’t take a vacation. You should never take a break from treatment, as your sleep apnea will likely disrupt your travels and make your trip far less enjoyable.

Thankfully, Philips Respironics has travelers covered with its DreamStation GO devices. These portable, compact CPAP systems ensure that you will be able to enjoy reliable treatment no matter where you go.

Philips Respironics offers two primary models of the DreamStation GO — the DSG400S11 (the Respironics DreamStation GO Travel CPAP with Bluetooth) and the DSG500S11 (Respironics DreamStation GO Auto Travel CPAP with Bluetooth).

Though both models share many similarities, there are a few important differences that can help you better determine which one is best for your needs. Here is a closer look at what you can expect from these innovative devices.

The Basics

Portability is an essential aspect of the DreamStation GO, and both units are quite compact. Weighing a mere 1.86 pounds (including the power supply), both the 400 and 500 measure 15 cm long, 15 cm wide, and 5.8 cm tall. This is approximately half the size of a standard DreamStation device, and because the GO uses two-thirds fewer parts than the original model, it is much easier to pack. For example, the power supply is built right into the unit.

Because both units are the same size, you can use the Respironics DreamStation GO Travel Kit with either model. The device itself is approved by the FAA for air travel, and can pass through airport security just like your smartphone. FAA approval also means that the device can be used during air travel, making it the perfect companion for red eye flights.

Adjusting for travel plans is built into both DreamStation GO models from the ground up — literally. Automatic altitude compensation adjusts to the varying altitudes you might encounter during your travels to ensure that you get proper treatment no matter where you are staying. This is great for travelers whose trips to take them to a diverse range of locations.

As with other Philips Respironics products, a color touchscreen display makes it easy to set up and navigate device settings. Even though DreamStation GO devices are designed with travel in mind, they also have the durability and power to serve as a full-time device, if desired. Both devices come with a two-year warranty.

Convenience Matters

As fun as vacations can be, there is no denying that traveling can often be much more stressful than we’d like. Thankfully, DreamStation GO products come equipped with an array of features to ensure that your sleep apnea treatment doesn’t add to your travel-related stress.

For example, DreamStation GO devices do not require proprietary masks. Instead, users can use any mask they want, as long as it has a standard 22 mm outer diameter connection. This allows you to find the most comfortable and effective mask fit for your treatment.

Another unique feature of DreamStation GO devices is their use of “patient preferred” 12 mm tubing. 58 percent smaller than standard CPAP tubing, Philips Respironic’s internal studies of its own products have found this tubing to be the most flexible and comfortable option for travelers. The smaller size further simplifies packing, while click-connections make it easy to connect or disconnect the mask.

Because both devices come integrated with Bluetooth technology, you also don’t need to worry about recording issues with your compliance data. The machines come with an onboard database that records breathing compliance information automatically, just like a standard Philips Respironics device. The DreamStation GO then uses its built-in Bluetooth to connect with the DreamMapper app.

This app connectivity allows data to be synced between standard and travel devices so that there aren’t any gaps in your records. Information from all synced devices is combined into a single easy-to-read report. A microSD card can also be used to store compliance data collected by the DreamStation GO.

DreamStation GO devices are also designed so they can be used almost anywhere in the world. The device can be powered by outlets delivering voltage ranging from 100 to 240 VAC, with 50/60 Hz. If you plan on traveling off the grid and will be without electricity, the Respironics DreamStation GO Overnight CPAP Battery Pack can power the device for up to 13 hours per charge (though the exact time will vary depending on pressure settings and other factors).

Though not directly related to your sleep apnea treatment, another unique travel feature of the DreamStation GO is the addition of a USB charging port. This port allows you to use your CPAP device as a charger for your phone or tablet — perfect for when you don’t have space for an extra power adaptor in your bag.

A Travel Humidifier

Another shared element of the DreamStation GO 400 and 500 models is their ability to use the Philips Respironics DreamStation GO Heated Humidifier. Specially designed to work with these travel-sized devices, this humidifier is designed to work with tap or bottled water in addition to the distilled water typically used by most humidifiers (though users should still avoid tap water in locations with very hard water).

The humidifier adjusts automatically to a wide range of factors, including the CPAP device’s therapy settings and ambient conditions. This allows it to adapt moisture delivery in a way that saves water and ensures that the device will be able to deliver comfortable, humid air throughout the night.

Another unique feature of this heated humidifier is its use of a heater plate shutdown feature. This system automatically detects when the humidifier wasn’t filled up enough (or at all). When this problem is detected, the heater plate will turn itself off to avoid sending excessively dry air through your device.

It should be noted that the humidifier can only be used when the DreamStation GO is plugged into an outlet — it is not compatible with battery operation.

Treatment Specifics

Up to this point, the features that have been discussed apply equally to both the DreamStation GO 400 and 500 models. As such, you might be wondering if there are any differences at all between the two devices.

Though they look the same and offer many of the same features, there is a core difference in how they approach CPAP therapy. The 400 model offers a fixed pressure setting that remains constant. The 500, on the other hand, provides automatic airway pressure.

This is an important factor to consider for your treatment. Both DreamStation GO devices utilize Philips’ proprietary C-Flex technology. This system allows users to adjust air pressure relief so that air flow is reduced by one to three cm during exhalation. The pressure is temporarily lowered when the user starts to exhale, which allows for more comfortable breathing throughout the night.

However, the 500 model takes things a step further. Other than the slight adjustment for exhalation, a standard CPAP device will deliver the same level of air pressure at all times. With an automatic device, the system’s programming will adjust air pressure based on your breathing patterns throughout the night — even adapting breath by breath if necessary.

As an APAP device, the DreamStation GO 500 model can even adapt treatment pressure to your sleep cycles or sleep positions, allowing it to deliver more effective treatment than a single pressure setting. Because of this, the 500 model is slightly more expensive than the 400.

It is typically best to consult with your doctor to determine whether a standard CPAP machine or an automatic device will better meet your therapy needs. If you have had trouble adjusting to a basic CPAP device, an automatic device like the 500 could improve overall treatment outcomes.

Another difference between the two devices stems from their filters. While both models use a reusable pollen filter, the 500 device also uses a disposable fine filter. In contrast, the 400 uses a combination fine filter. This is something to keep in mind when ordering filter replacements, as the right filter will ensure better performance from your device!

Other than these two important differences, both the 400 and 500 models operate very similarly. Both have an air pressure range of four to 20 cm H20, with base settings established from a prescription by your medical provider.

Both models also make use of the Smart Ramp feature. This system initially delivers pressure at a lower setting, gradually increasing until it reaches normal prescribed pressure levels. This makes it easier for patients to fall asleep when using higher pressure settings. Ramp time can be adjusted in five minute increments ranging from zero to 45 minutes. This way, you can fall asleep while the delivered air pressure is still relatively low.

The Right Pick

As you can see, the key difference between the DreamStation GO 400 and 500 models is that one offers continuous, fixed pressure, while the other is an automatic device that adjusts its pressure delivery system throughout the night.

Other than this crucial differentiating factor, the devices are practically identical. They are the same size and work with the same tubing, battery, and humidifier attachments. Both offer a wide range of features to ensure that continuing sleep apnea therapy while traveling doesn’t have to become a major inconvenience.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either device. It all comes down to whether continuous pressure or an automatic system will be better for your treatment needs. Consulting with your medical provider will give you the best idea of which device will work better for you.

Here at No Insurance Medical Supplies, we have you covered with everything you need to get the most out of your Philips Respironics DreamStation GO. In addition to providing the devices themselves, we also sell accessories, replacement filters, and more.

With discounted prices, financing on CPAP devices, and free shipping on orders over $89, our team is dedicated to helping you get the sleep apnea treatment you need at a price you can afford. Don’t let sleep apnea keep you from doing the things you love. With the DreamStation GO, you can travel the world.