I know that a number of folks here use CPAPs when traveling, and now I must join their numbers (damn this whole 'getting old' nonsense!). Anyone here use a HDM Z1 auto portable? I have a nice Airmed, but it's too big to haul all over Europe.
Thanks,
-- Mike Beebe
"What a drag it is getting old . . ."
Will be soon. It’s on a Fedex truck right now.
Bets,
After you've had a chance to try it out, please let me know what you think of it.
Thanks!
-- Mike Beebe
Yes, i have been using the hdm z1 for several years now. Love it. But it doesnt have a humidifier, which i never use anyway. And I don’t have the battery pack. No problems using it in europe or australia. On short direct flights, busses or trains, I pack everything in a lunchbox size soft sided container. And put in my suitcase. on flights where i change planes, i carry it in my day pack carry on along with my laptop, etc.
Never had a problem with the xray machines. It passes right through.
I wont use my cpap on long flights because l’m too self conscious / embarrassed, so never needed a battery.
Derek,
What do you think of the noise level? Is it quiet enough not to wake up your partner?
-- Mike Beebe
I just used the Z1 for two weeks in Costa Rica.
it is significantly noisier than the AirSense machine I use at home, but I quickly got used to it and slept fine for the entire two weeks. I traveled alone, so I can't say if my travel partner was bothered by the noise. (The noise doesn't seem to come from the machine itself, but rather from the airflow around the mask, which is the same mask I use at home.)
There is a small power supply on the cord that adds a bit of weight and bulk. Not a lot, but it's hard to tell from reading the online info. I'd say all told the entire thing adds about a pound to your luggage.
It comes in a drawstring pouch that makes it easy to keep all the parts together. It fit easily in my carry-on. If you're really tight on space, you could skip the pouch and pack all the components individually.
I definitely recommend this for travel. I previously tried the Apex XT Fit, which is a lot less expensive and has a built-in power supply, but it's bulkier and noisier and the light stays on all night -- I eventually put tape over it -- and I didn't sleep well with it.
By the way, I've also traveled with Provent (https://www.proventtherapy.com/), which weighs next to nothing and takes up almost no room in your luggage. It's expensive (about $70 for a 30-day supply) and not covered by insurance. And it definitely takes getting used to. Some nights I woke up and had to remove it in the middle of the night. But it did work and if you can get used to it and don't mind the cost, it's probably the best choice for travel. You need a specific prescription from your sleep medicine provider. I had a couple left over from my last trip and used them on the plane. Made a big difference.
Mike
It's noise than my ResMed, but both my wife and I have gotten used to it. The noise comes from the air hoses, not the machine. the machine itself is quiet. I measured my soft case. It measures 9 x7x 4. I definitely recommend traveling with this one. I think they're on sale right now at places like cpap.com or sleep direct. com. I remember paying around $500 for it a couple years ago. Seems the sale price is nearly half that.
Lane,
The Provent sounds really interesting; this is the first time I've heard of that therapy. I'm definitely going to be checking that out.
Thanks!
-- Mike Beebe
Derek,
That's not a bad price for the unit. The battery is like $300, so I think the cheapest I saw both for was $800 (and, of course, insurance doesn't cover that). Thank you for the information!
-- Mike Beebe
