David Repasky - CPAP Advocate & Specialist
Written and edited by David Repasky. David is a CPAP Patient Advocate and Equipment Specialist who brings a unique and vital perspective to the field of sleep apnea treatment. Since his own sleep apnea diagnosis in 2017, David has been on a personal journey that has transformed into a mission to help others navigate the challenges of CPAP therapy. His firsthand experience as a CPAP user, combined with his extensive knowledge of equipment and therapy practices, allows David to offer invaluable insights and support to those embarking on their own sleep apnea treatment paths.
Our content undergoes rigorous expert review, evidence-based research, and regular updates for accuracy.
If flexibility is your number one priority when shopping for a travel CPAP, you might appreciate the Transcend line of miniCPAP™ Machines by Somnetics. Like the other portable CPAP models on the market, Transcend machines are small, lightweight, and quiet. They’re easy to pack in a carry-on bag or backpack, allowing you to continue your apnea therapy uninterrupted when you’re on the road.
However, this line of travel CPAPs has a unique selling point that helps it stand out from the pack: Transcend machines are compatible with all CPAP masks.
It may seem trivial, but it's why the Transcend miniCPAP™ line (including the standard Transcend miniCPAP™ - Transcend 2 CPAP, miniCPAP™ with EZEX, and an Auto miniCPAP™ with EZEX) is popular with frequent travelers, campers, hikers, and outdoors aficionados.
Is the Transcend line of portable CPAPs the right choice for your needs? Read on to learn more.
Sleek, Small, But Suitable for Every Day
The Transcend line of portable miniCPAP™ Machines is impressively compact and easy to bring just about anywhere. The machine weighs 0.9 pounds, making it one of the lightest CPAPs on the market. The dimensions are trim as well, coming in at just 6.1 inches by 3.5 inches by 2.8 inches. The machine can fit in your palm; tucked inside luggage or a backpack, it takes up about the same amount of space as a rolled-up pair of wool socks.
In spite of its compact size, the Transcend line of travel CPAPs boasts advanced features you’d expect to find on a larger everyday machine:
- Ramp feature and leak compensation. Pressure can be set to increase over a period of up to 45 minutes. Leaks are detected and offset, making sure users get sufficient pressure.
- Auto altitude adjustment. This feature adjusts pressure automatically up to 8,000 feet--making it a good choice for hikers and alpine campers.
- AHI and leak detection tracking for up to 12 months. An optional USB cable allows users to access the ramp feature and advanced data, including reports on patient therapy (therapy pressure, ramp starting pressure, and ramp duration) compliance, leaks, and AHI events per hour.
These features are common to the full Transcend line of portable CPAP machines. The miniCPAP™ with EZEX goes a step further, offering three settings of EZEX Pressure Relief and email-capable data tracking. The Auto miniCPAP™ with EZEX offers four settings of Pressure Relief, along with the convenience and comfort of APAP therapy.
Both EZEX models feature an easy maintenance filter. All Transcend models allow you to try the product risk-free for 10 days.
Flexible AC & DC Battery Options
The versatile power options offered with the Transcend line really set it apart. No matter where you’re traveling in the world or how you’re traveling, you can keep using your CPAP without interruption.
If you’re plugging into a wall outlet, the attached power cord works with international plug adapters for use in the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and Australia and New Zealand.
For battery operation, Transcend CPAP owners can power their machine on the go with just about any battery with a standard AC outlet on it, several of which we discuss in our master guide to CPAP batteries.
The Transcend also has an optional DC Mobile Power Adapter kit, suitable for use with a cigarette lighter in an automobile.
Compatible with All Apnea Masks
All Transcend machines come with a standard six-foot hose and hose adapter that make the CPAP compatible with all CPAP masks. This means you can continue to use the mask you like best--no need to switch to a special mask custom-suited to the smaller-size machine.
Considerations (Possible Drawbacks)
What are some reasons you might prefer a different model over the Transcend? After looking over customer feedback and reviews, we’ve compiled the following list of potential downsides:
- Noise. Sound is a complaint, as it is for many of the smaller sized travel machines. Some users complain of a squeal that keeps them awake. Placing the machine farther from your head or using a muffler or white noise machine may help. (However, many users say they find the machine to be quiet; noise tolerance is relative.)
- Humidifier. The battery pack for the Transcend does not support the use of the heated humidifier (sold separately). If you’re going to travel with the humidifier, you will need to bring and use your transcend power cord.
- Not compatible with Apple products.The software for settings and reports is compatible only with Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, and 32-bit & 64-bit. It does not work with Apple iOS.
- Power button is hard to find in the dark. The machine’s on/off button is not lit, which can make it hard to turn on and off in a dark room. (On the other hand, some users may appreciate the lack of ambient light.)
Final Thoughts
For users who tent camp, RV travel, hike, or trek through the backcountry, the lightweight, easy-to-carry Transcend line of travel CPAPs is a solid entry that gives options when traveling through places where power is variable.
The availability of multiple AC and DC adapters and a range of battery compatibilities makes this line a reliable offering for travelers who need backup when going abroad or sleeping in areas with storms, heat waves, or unreliable power.
Plus, the ability to keep your favorite apnea mask when using the Transcend is a big plus. Some brands of travel CPAP restrict users to just a handful of proprietary masks; with the Transcend, you can keep your existing mask, cutting down on both expense and acclimation periods as you get used to a new fit.
The portable Transcend line also boasts machines for variable air pressure needs: the Transcend miniCPAP™, the Transcend miniCPAP™ with EZEX pressure relief, and an Auto miniCPAP™ with EZEX.
Overall, the Transcend line is a popular choice for travelers among the many portable CPAP machines available today. It offers quality therapy in a small size and can be used both for travel or as an everyday machine.
