While it is fairly easy to keep up with your sleep apnea therapy while at home, things can change dramatically when you travel. Whether you’re going on a campout or a business trip, staying compliant with your therapy needs can suddenly become a lot more challenging when you are away from home.
The problem, of course, is that you can’t afford to skip out on needed CPAP treatment. A single night of poor sleep could cause you to feel excessively fatigued the next day, depriving you of the energy you need for the day’s activities. This fatigue could even increase your risk of getting in an accident.
Missing one night of sleep apnea therapy is bad enough. But things can get even worse when going on an extended trip. Imagine missing a full week of sleep apnea therapy during a cross-country drive and subsequently getting in a drowsy driving-related accident. Or failing to deliver a winning presentation on your business trip because you are too tired to focus on your materials.
Even if you don’t have such dire consequences, there is no denying that failing to address sleep apnea therapy needs when you are away from home can keep your travels from being as enjoyable as they should be.
The good news is that going on a trip doesn’t have to disrupt your sleep apnea therapy. With the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP, you have a convenient travel CPAP that can go anywhere your travels take you.
True Travel-Friendly CPAP
While modern CPAP devices are more compact than in the past, the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP takes things to the next level. Measuring a mere 5.4 x 3.3 x 2.0 inches and weighing only 0.66 pounds, it isn’t much bigger than the average smartphone. Needless to say, this makes it quite easy to pack into your suitcase or a piece of carry-on luggage.
Unlike a full-sized CPAP device, the AirMini does not come with a water chamber humidifier. Instead, it uses a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) system. This setup relies on filtration inserts known as the HumidX and HumidX Plus. These HME components offer waterless humidification by trapping moisture from your exhalations in a series of paper ridges. This moisture is then released when you breathe in, ensuring that the air being supplied by your CPAP device isn’t too dry.
ResMed’s ActiveAir Technology also makes a difference during travel by capping the device's therapy flow, even as it continues to increase the therapy pressure. This ensures that the device still delivers the necessary level of therapy while operating quieter and more efficiently than other travel CPAP devices.
The AirMini CPAP machine also comes with an external 20W Power Supply, which allows you to plug in your device using an AC adaptor once you arrive at your hotel. A DC-DC converter is also in development. The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is also FAA approved, so you can use it if you plan on taking a red-eye flight.
Different Modes For Different Needs
Unlike other CPAP devices, the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users in a single package. This is accomplished by incorporating all three of the primary therapy modes from the AirSense 10 series into a single package.
The first therapy mode offers standard CPAP treatment. This option provides fixed-pressure air delivery, ensuring that you will receive a consistent flow of air throughout the night. This is the therapy option that is most commonly prescribed to those in need of sleep apnea therapy, particularly those who are first starting out with CPAP treatment.
The device’s AutoSet mode uses an advanced algorithm to automatically adjust air pressure delivery based on your detected needs. This system operates continuously to ensure that the user is receiving the lowest needed amount of air pressure at any time of night. This results in a more comfortable treatment experience, particularly for those who have struggled with standard fixed-pressure CPAP.
Finally, there is the AutoSet for Her mode. While women are believed to be less likely to develop sleep apnea than men, recent findings from the National Sleep Foundation suggest that the gender gap isn’t as wide as previously thought. However, the differences between men and women also mean that women also tend to have different treatment needs. AutoSet for Her automatically adapts to the user’s breathing patterns throughout the night. This setting is more sensitive to flow-limited breathing, making it better suited for providing comfortable and effective therapy for women.
In addition to these varied treatment options, the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP also includes many of the comfort-enhancing features you’ve come to expect from ResMed products.The device’s AutoRamp setting allows you to start the device at a lower air pressure than your prescribed level. The air pressure delivery will gradually increase over a set period of time. The device can also detect when you fall asleep based on your breathing patterns, at which point it will switch to the prescribed therapy level.
Another handy feature is SmartStart. With this setup, the device will automatically begin providing the needed air flow after you put on your mask and take your first breath. Finally, Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) is available for all therapy modes, slightly reducing air pressure during exhalation to ensure more comfortable breathing throughout the night.
Understanding Mask Options
One important thing to understand when purchasing the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is that its unique configuration requires the use of proprietary masks. These masks are designed to be compatible with the unit’s ActiveAir Technology — something that standard CPAP masks are lacking.
AirFit F20: The AirFit F20 is a full face mask designed to comfortably stay in place for the entire night, regardless of your preferred sleep position or how much you move around. Its soft, flexible frame is quite comfortable and rests below the eyes, allowing for bedtime reading or watching TV. The mask also uses a diffused venting system for quieter operation. Magnetic clips and a quick-release elbow makes it easy to connect or disconnect the mask from the tubing.
AirTouch F20: Another compatible full face mask option, the AirTouch F20 is distinct in its use of UltraSoft memory foam. This plush cushion adapts to your face’s unique contours, resulting in an airtight seal that feels light and comfortable. The use of memory foam greatly reduces the skin irritation and facial markings that are sometimes experienced with other full face masks. Despite being airtight, the seal makes it easier for sweat and heat to escape. The memory foam is also quite easy to clean, requiring little more than a quick wipe down.
AirFit F30: The AirFit F30 is another full face mask that can be compliant with the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP, but it does require a few adjustments. To work with the travel CPAP, the AirFit30’s original mask elbow must be replaced with an AirMini F20 connector elbow. This allows users to attach their AirFit F30 mask to AirMini tubing.
AirFt N20: The AirFit N20 is a nasal CPAP mask designed to move with you and maintain a tight, yet comfortable fit despite your sleep position. One thing that sets the AirFit N20 apart is its use of the InfinitySeal cushion. This adaptive cushion uses varied thicknesses to ensure comfortable contact with the nose without compromising the airtight seal. The mask’s headgear is also quite soft, with four adjustable areas to ensure a more comfortable, personalized fit. The AirFit N20 for Her is also available, with smaller sizing meant to better fit female face shapes.
AirFit P10 for AirMini: The AirFit P10 is a nasal pillow CPAP mask specially designed for the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP. This nasal pillow is 50 percent lighter than ResMed’s previous nasal pillows, allowing for a more comfortable fit. The QuietAir woven mesh venting system also reduces the noise from exhaled air. The mask system features color coded key clips and a three-piece design for easier assembly, cleaning, and fitting.
All mask connectors should be checked and cleaned on a daily basis. For best results, they should be hand washed with mild liquid detergent and warm water. A soft bristle brush may also be used if needed. The connectors should then be allowed to air dry. The AirMini’s proprietary tubing should be hand washed following the same guidelines on a weekly basis. Both the inside and outside of the tubing should be rinsed out and allowed to drain and air dry.
HumidX and Other Accessories
The HumidX and HumidX Plus inserts are another key part of the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP setup. These waterless humidification devices are inserted where the mask and tubing connect, allowing for the capture of moisture that is released when you exhale. This ensures more comfortable breathing so you don’t have to worry about a dry nose or throat. However, these inserts are not currently compatible with the full face mask options — they can only be used with the AirFit N20 masks or the AirFit P10 for AirMini.
So what’s the difference between the HumidX and the HumidX Plus? HumidX capsules are the “standard” humidification system, designed for use in most climates. The HumidX Plus capsule, on the other hand, is specified for dry environments or high-altitude areas, where more moisture will need to be produced to ensure comfortable breathing. If you’ll be spending time in the desert or the mountains, you’ll definitely want to use the HumidX Plus.
Both the HumidX and HumidX Plus inserts are easily inserted into the mask/tubing connector, and don’t require any washing or maintenance. They should be thrown out and replaced after 30 days of use for optimal performance.
The ResMed Bed Caddy Mount System is another helpful accessory for using your device on the go. Featuring a mattress module, hook module, and wall module, this convenient tool allows you to attach the device to a mattress or wall, or hook it onto a bed rail, night stand, or plane seat pocket. Pair it with the AirMini Premium Travel Bag, and you’ll have everything you need for convenient use of your device during your travels.
The AirMini App
One other noteworthy aspect of the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is its AirMini app. This free iOS and Android app is specifically designed for use with the AirMini, and allows you to use Bluetooth to pair your smartphone with your CPAP device.
The AirMini app is meant to help you get started with your new device and even assist you as you continue to use it for ongoing treatment. The app offers a step by step guide for getting the CPAP device set up with your therapy settings. You can also adjust settings for other features, such as SmartStart and AutoRamp.
After your device has been set up, you can use the app as an additional method for controlling the CPAP machine. The app allows you to start or stop air flow, or make adjustments to therapy settings so you can have a more comfortable experience.
The app also provides a 30-day usage history, alongside a “sleep score” that makes it easy to keep track of your progress. This will allow you and your doctor to evaluate important information like mask seal quality and the number of sleep apnea episodes you experienced while sleeping so you can take greater control of your sleep.
Ready For Travel!
With the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP, you’ll be fully equipped for future vacations and business travel. Of course, purchasing all the equipment you need can sometimes be a challenge in and of itself. This is where No Insurance Medical Supplies comes in.
Whether you wish to purchase a standalone CPAP device or a bundle that supplies you with three HumidX Plus filters, a travel bag, and your choice of mask and tubing, we have you covered. We also offer replacement HumidX and HumidX Plus filters, making it easy to keep your equipment ready for use at any time.
Even more important than having this CPAP equipment available is being able to save money on your purchase — especially when you don’t have insurance or your current policy doesn’t provide full coverage for CPAP equipment. We offer free shipping on all orders over $89, and financing is available on select purchases so you can make more affordable monthly payments.
Relying on CPAP therapy shouldn’t disrupt your ability to travel and enjoy the world. With No Insurance Medical Supplies and the ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP, you will be fully equipped for wherever your journeys might take you.