Is the AirMini worth it vs. AirSense 11

[labrat]

Hi all,

I will soon travel to Germany and I started therapy on an AirSense 11 60 days ago. Overall, I am doing well and I would like to continue my therapy while I am traveling. I see myself traveling 3-4 times per year with 1 time international flight, 1-2 domestic flights, and 1-2 longer car travels with overnight stays.

Is it worth to buy an AirMini for my moderate travel plans? Or will I be just fine using my AirSense 11? I just got my AirSense and I therefore assume that I would need to pay for the AirMini out-of-pocket. The cheapest I have seen it for is $919 witout tax.

Any comments are appreciated.

[Sleeprider]

The Airsense 11 Autoset can get good run-time on a battery with a DC-DC adapter and turning off the humidifier. This basically makes it an AirMini in a slightly larger package. Do you plan to run this on a battery, or use it mainly plugged into an AC power source? I don't think your circumstances require a dedicated travel machine, and the Airsense 11 will work in either a battery or regular DC configuration.

[labrat]

I honestly plan to simply use it plugged into outlets. Everywhere I go will be wall power outlets and I essentially just need a simple plug adapter and a surge protector. I was thinking the Mini mainly for the smaller form factor, I guess. And I’m worried about somehow losing the machine and not having a backup at home.

[slowe]

I purchased an air mini for travel.  Cpap therapy is more comfortable for me with humidity.  I find the humidX cartridges to work well in that regard and often have a hard time sourcing water that I want to inhale while traveling.  Also, I don't recommend water chamber humidity on a plane due to turbulence.  The mini is louder but overall a good fit for my travels and the occasional night on the couch.  If you have the means, it is functional for travel and gives you a backup in case of emergency.

[Sleeprider]

I have traveled with the larger Airsense 10 Autoset and Aircurve machines on planes, trains and automobiles. I even carry it on my motorcycle touring from coast to coast. They can be carried on flights without counting against your carry-on allowance. For car trips it's not an issue. I can't imagine losing a machine. You have to be the judge whether you want to spend the extra money. I have a backup machine as well, and leave one at our summer cottage. I won't argue against a backup, but you don't "need" the airmini.

[StratCat48]

One of the online CPAP suppliers is selling the Airsense 10 Autoset Card to Cloud (no cell modem) version at about $450. If you can deal with its size for travel, it would also make a good backup machine and very similar to your Airsense 11 for function and operation. Or travel with the Airsense 11 knowing you have an Airsense 10 at home.

[labrat]

That would be an option. Only thing is that I’m on my third month and the third month is when my compliance is checked on my AirSense 11 - I just remember. I’ll probably need to bring the AirSense 11 then to clock in the hours. Will they transfer normally while I’m abroad or will they transfer once I’m back in the States? Should I let my insurance know about the travel?

[Domino96]

Regarding data transfer when traveling abroad--
Last April, just a few weeks after starting therapy, I traveled from US to France lugging my AirSense 10 with me. No problems with TSA security checks or customs. I was surprised to find that each night's results were available on MyAir each day I was traveling. I think that AirSense 10 uses T-Mobile to transfer data by cell service and that the 11 may even use wifi, so I guess that it would be depended what services were available where you are.

[labrat]

Since I decided to bring my AirSense 11, is there any recommendation for a smaller travel bag that fits the device and a mask? The one it comes with is relatively big for its function.

[hydra]

I use the Airsense 11 at home and the Airmini on the road. I don't like the humidity cartridges on the Airmini because it's harder to breathe, so my mouth will get a little dry. I've also used the Airmini on long flights. worked great! That would be difficult with the 11.