Looking for your new portable CPAP device? My Transcend Mini Travel CPAP review has all you need to know about the machine. This could be your next travel CPAP, so let’s see if it has everything you need and expect.
One of the unique features of this device has to be its adaptability. There are so many power options and different battery choices that it is very durable. This device will excel in an environment where mains power is limited.
Device Overview
The Transcend 3 is a travel CPAP device for users on a budget. Although it is a relatively inexpensive device, it packs a lot of features. You would be surprised to find out all the software it has under the hood. Even though it is a cheap device, your treatment won’t leave you feeling like you have cut corners.
This device is so practical in the wilderness. Fitting into the palm of your hand, it is easily transported. With all the options available for power and its rugged design, it can almost go anywhere!
Another CPAP device that has not got silent running. This device is rated at 30db, so not as quiet as some other travel CPAP’s. It does only weigh in at just over 1 pound though, so it’s not all so bad.
To try to look into some features of the Transcend 3 auto mini CPAP I will highlight some of these ideas with further details:
- Battery and power options
- Size and weight
- Humidifier options
- Functions and features
- Simplicity of the User Interface
- Flexibility during use
- Operating range and stats
By breaking down these items into some better detail, hopefully you can get a good idea if the Transcend 3 is right for you.
Battery Choices, Charging And Supply
This is the best topic to start on for this device! It really succeeds in being a device that you could easily rely on where power is limited. From the choice of either a P4 single night battery or the P8 overnight battery options you won’t be lacking on power.
These relatively small packs provide the Transcend 3 with power for extended periods. The P8 overnight battery has been stated by the manufacturer to be able to supply 14cm H2O for over 16 hours! Now, I would say that at that high a pressure it is pretty impressive for a travel CPAP device.
Another really excellent little option that has got be of great benefit is the solar charger. Imagine being away camping for a week. Armed with a P8 battery you can do this. Just charge up your battery during the day with the solar charger.
Worried there may be no sun? Well, they have thought of it all. Using the handy 12v power kit option you can charge your battery or even run your device off your car battery, or any other 12v source. Look at the battery stats on the manufacturer’s website.
Size, Weight And Noise
As you can see the device easily fits into the palm of your hand! This mini CPAP is a very compact device which can tuck away quite easily. The Transcend 3 comes in a handy little padded travel bag for ease of handling. The dimensions of the device are: 7.48 in x 3.74 in X 3.7 in (19 cm x 9.5 cm X 9.4 cm).
You won’t find yourself straining too much if you are carrying it around you while out walking or cycling, either. It has to be one of the lightest devices available at only 1.09 pounds! Now that is one light CPAP device.
Even though this device is rated at 30db, it really doesn’t sound that loud in operation. Maybe it has something to do with the tone of the motor, it seems quieter than some others rated at 30db. Maybe only from certain angles so if you find it is too loud just turn the CPAP machine round a little.
Humidifier Options
Unfortunately, the transcend 3 doesn’t have any water based humidifier options. But this has to be expected from such an inexpensive and lightweight machine. Another reason why the battery usage is so good with these devices.
Somnetics have come up with a solution, though. They have released their version of the HME (Heat/Moisture Exchange) cartridge for use with the Transcend 3. These work like similar devices from other manufacturer’s.
The cartridges are items that require regular replacement. As with other manufacturer’s, they have a recommended replacement time. Weekly or when moisture supply becomes reduced, is what Somnetics recommend.
While this machine doesn’t have a humidifier, it does have a special feature for after treatment. The device can be switched into drying mode to run the blower at a lower speed for 30 minutes to remove any moisture that has been built up inside the CPAP device.
Functions And Features
There are actually quite a lot of different features under the hood. These are all to help with the treatment quality that is provided. Many of the features included you would only expect to see on some more expensive CPAP machines.
For extra comfort in use the Transcend 3 uses a feature it calls EZEX. This allows extra user comfort by lowering the pressure on exhalation. This makes it feel better for the user by allowing you to feel less resistance while breathing out. The function is also variable or you can turn it off completely.
Another useful function that this mini CPAP device has is the ramp function. Again, this is to aid in the comfort during use. It does this by starting treatment at a lower pressure, then it gradually builds up the pressure as you fall asleep. This can really benefit some users who feel suffocated when putting this device on.
You would not know about any of these features by looking at the device. All the settings are configured by plugging it into a PC and using the software for the device.
This is also a great device for the air traveler. The Transcend 3 is fully FAA certified so you can safely use it aboard a plane. Another necessary feature if you plan to use it on board an aircraft to keep up your treatment mid-flight, so you don’t arrive at your destination feeling sleep deprived.
Simple To Operate
There are only 2 buttons on the device. There are also only 2 LED lights. Not too much to try to work out then! Well, there is the software to download if you do need to track any of your data. Or this is how you may be able to change the ramp up and EZEX settings, if you like.
The software allows you to be able to see some details about your treatment. These are:
- Usage
- Leak summary
- Pressure summary
- AHI – Events per hour of use
- Patient therapy setting
During your diagnosis you will have had a sleep study conducted by a sleep specialist. They will be able to make sure your air pressure and general CPAP therapy settings are correct. This ensures you will have to suffer the least symptoms of sleep apnea as your treatment is set to optimum for you.
Other data that can be accessed using the software includes the average leak percentile and average pressure use. This data can be filtered into rows or could even be set to display in graphs. This can help to let you see if your treatment is working correctly for you.
The two buttons that are on the device either turn it on and off, set the device into ramp mode or start the drying cycle. Similarly, the two LED’s basically indicate that the device has either powered up successfully or has developed a fault. The LED’s turn off after powering up, so as not to disturb your sleep.
Flexibility
Here is one of the greatest areas this mini CPAP device excels. Due to the different power options available it becomes a very flexible CPAP machine indeed. The batteries last a considerable amount of time given the pressure they are rated to operate at.
The P4 single night battery is stated as giving up to 9 hours usage at 14cm H2O, while the P8 multi night battery supplies up to 16 hours at 14cm H2O. Users have reported real life usage of these batteries can provide up to 30 hours at 6cm H2O! As described previously though, batteries and operating conditions all vary, so experiences can differ.
That is only the start of it with this CPAP device. Found yourself needing more power options? Why not have the option to recharge those batteries during the day via a solar charger. This is possible with the addition of the solar charger from Somnetics specially designed for the Transcend 3.
No sunshine? Think you won’t sleep? Somnetics has you covered again. Having the capability to be able to charge up or even operate your device from a 12v supply is of great benefit. Your automotive system is normally 12v so there are many other devices and systems that are 12v and are able to give you the power you need.
Another reason this machine is so flexible is the fact that it is not mask specific. You can basically just use your regular mask with this device. It means you don’t have to get used to using another mask. This can make a big difference if you only use it occasionally, as most people would. You can pretty much start using it and receive the benefits that treatment provides straight away.
Operating Range
The Transcend 3 mini CPAP has quite a good operating range. It is able to provide between 4cm and 20cm H2O. Also, it can supply this with an error tolerance of +-1cm H20 or 10% – whichever is greatest.
It can also supply this while taking atmospheric changes up to 8000 feet. As long as you are within this altitude then it can safely regulate and adjust the pressure according to the conditions.
Recommended operating temperature for this device is +5C to +35C. So this is something to be aware of. If you plan on using your CPAP outside in wintry conditions, you may find that it will not work properly. It should not be used if there is any chance of frost. It may be stored in colder conditions but it is not safe to use any colder.
The environmental humidity for the device to work correctly also has to be inside a certain range. This is stated as to be between 10% to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing for the positive airway pressure CPAP to work as desired.
Overall Thoughts
A really useful little travel CPAP device. Easily transported and even comes in its own carry case! This would be a great addition to your CPAP treatment if you sometimes need to use it where there is limited mains power.
Having the in-line humidifier cartridges does help towards providing some moisture in the air. Though not the greatest system, it does help. You will notice when the cartridge starts to deteriorate if you use it.
Having the ability to just grab your existing mask and use it is a real selling point. Not having to adjust to a mask that you may only use infrequently seems a real bonus. So, if you have a favorite mask, make sure your new device will allow to use it! This one will. This also suits any sleeper. If you sleep on your side it’s no problem. Using your own mask you won’t even notice any difference!
Although the user interface does seem a bit basic, under the hood the device does have some good features. This may be one of the reasons that the device can be so reasonably priced. I think it’s really good value for such a useful device with so many of these features.
Maybe this device isn’t the one for you. There are some other travel CPAP devices that may be worth looking at. Maybe these will be better suited for your needs.
If you have experienced these machines or suffer from sleep apnea, why not post a quick reply to help others with their struggle. Or even if you have used them and found they didn’t work for you, let others know what you found while using them. On that note, I wish you all a very good night!
Take a look at the device. Doesn’t it look so compact! As previously mentioned, this is a seriously small piece of kit. With stylish looks to go it also looks the part. Does it work too? Well, I would say, it does!
Even though the Airmini does not have a separate water tank, it does have certain humidifying properties. There is the option of using a cartridge in the hose which provides moisture. It does this by capturing the condensation and heat in the exhaled breath. This moisture and heat is then reused during inhalation to help avoid dry mouth and sinuses.
The cartridges are recommended to be changed 30 days after opening the pack. So, if you only use it sporadically, you may find that you have to change the cartridge every time you use it. There are also two different types of cartridges, HumidX and HumidX Plus. The latter cartridge has the ability of providing more moisture, useful in drier environments.
The Resmed Airmini is easily one of the smallest and lightest travel CPAP devices available. With the machine easily fitting into the corner of any carry-on luggage, it is super portable. No more feelings of being sleep deprived, as you can keep up your CPAP therapy while on-the-go.
From such a small device, you could be forgiven for thinking it would lack in features. But, this is not the case here. The software behind the therapy is quoted by the manufacturer to be 
There is also a wide range of operating pressures available. The device is rated to supply between 4 to 20 cm H2O (4 to 20 hPa) in either of the operating modes. This is quite a high pressure that this device is able to provide. Some devices only go up to 14 cm H20, so keep an eye out to ensure you have enough pressure for your needs. Your sleep specialist would be able to help advise you on your individual pressure settings.
As with any mini CPAP device these are generally noisier than home machines. This is caused by the motor and fan being smaller, so runs much quicker. This is generally a property that travel CPAP’s share. The device is not one of the quietest on the market as it is rated at 29db (+-2db).
Some users do find that this device has some limitations due to mask availability. There are only a few masks that are designed to work with the device. Though there are only a few types, Resmed has tried to make sure there is one for everyone.
Boasting Bluetooth connectivity, the device is able to communicate directly with your smartphone. By downloading the Airmini App you are able to see easily how well your therapy is going. The app will let you know if your mask is sealing correctly, how many events you had during sleep and even if you took your mask off, among many others.
This is one to be aware of. These devices run at 24 volts. You will find issues trying to run them off say, a car battery. Cars are generally only 12v. Trucks generally have 24v electrical systems and many boats. So, therefore your options for powering this device are limited.
It may not be the cheapest device available, but packed with features and stylish to boot, it should fit most peoples needs. And as with any CPAP device, it will take some time getting used to, so give it a chance. And above all – make sure you use it. No benefit will be had if it isn’t used 100% of the time.
When they thought these devices up, they were keeping the air traveler in mind. Packed with so many features, it makes them great for taking through security. They are FAA approved so there are no issues at check-in. They can be easily tucked into your hand carry and pulled out in-flight.
One of the good things about these devices is the that they take any mask. You won’t be stuck to a limited choice of masks when you have one of these. Many users get quite attached to a certain mask, and those who don’t may not like the few on offer! So, no problem there, Philips has you covered.
To compliment the Philips Respironics Dreamstation Go there are lots of handy upgrades available. Many of these provide additional benefits to the user. Base modals can feature fixed pressure or auto pressure. The humidifier is a great upgrade – essential if you suffer from dry, sore throats using CPAP.
There are so many things this device has got going for it. It even looks sleek and the touchscreen really makes it feel so modern. All round a well-built machine that feels like it has good quality. Really useful is the ability to use tap water instead of either bottled or distilled water. 
Bulging with features this device has a lot to offer. From the heated humidifier upgrade to the unique Microflex tubing it has tried to set new standards in portable CPAP technology. Lightweight and portable so its easy to carry around and user-friendly interfaces give it a heads up above the competition.
As you can clearly see there are not too many negatives when you look at these devices. Only issue is that if you are prone to that certain tone of noise, it will bother you. Or your partner, if you may be lucky enough to still have one.
Overall reports from users were really good. Many users liked these devices and did not find the noise to be an issue. Most instances of noise I think can be attributed to the casing at the air intake and the flow through the tubing.
With your condition I’m sure that you have been finding that you have been managing it pretty well up until now. But all that has changed due to you having to travel for work or maybe even a holiday. Dreading the time you will be away without power and your own device at home. Well, you need to find out where you can buy travel CPAP machine that will solve your problem, and we know how.
Obviously these are designed with portability in mind. It’s in their very nature. But how you are planning on using it may influence your ideal choice. Some of them do have options that others do not, so if you rush in you may find that the features you want or expect, are not included. So it pays off to do your homework and make sure that the features you want are included or can be added.
Another item that is quite important is the true battery life of each device. If you are going off the grid, then you want to know your battery isn’t going to let you down. You want as many other power options as you can like extra batteries or DC charging. This way you will never be let down when you are far out in the wild, at the mercy of the elements!
This machine has one of the best humidifying systems available. The optional upgrade system is stated by the manufacturer to be filled with only tap water! No more keeping stocks of bottled or boiled water this device. That makes this device a favorite with users who require a lot of moisture in their inhaled air.
While this device is chunky, that has to be expected from a machine that has an additional tank. That is if you take the upgrade. But I find that the upgrade is almost always taken as that is the feature that sets these devices apart from the rest.
The ResMed AirMini has to be one of the most portable devices around. It is also claimed between users to be one of the most comfortable to use as well. Ultra lightweight device and masks are the main benefits in this device and key to its success.
Although this device is one of the most portable, I feel it is let down with the battery issue. As it has no integrated battery pack, I think it lets it down a bit. The upgrades available for battery capabilities seem a bit of an afterthought with trailing cables between pack and device. Other manufacturers have come up with quite novel ways of getting around this with various integrated battery packs. Add the leads and battery it becomes less compact.
One of the features this device has is an improved noise function caused by a different tone of the motor. Most users find it quieter but there are exceptions. Some reports have come back from a few users who find that the tone is too close to the sound of white noise and they can’t sleep.
While it is also one of the quietest devices in measure of decibels on the market, it has very limited features on the app. So don’t expect some of the more advanced tracking features as available on the other devices listed above.
Somnetics have managed to produce a very adaptable device here. I feel with all the battery options and DC inputs it is a great device for users who find themselves off the grid for extended periods. I find it has one of the best batteries for what it does.
The device may have exceptional battery life and versatility due to the DC input options as mentioned, but sometimes one of the things that let it down is in the design quality.
I know how important it is to have the correct machine. But no matter what machine you decide to get there is something to make sure and not overlook. It must be used all the time.