Imagine being on the road, ready for adventure, and all you need is a dependable companion for your nightly sleep routine. Enter the APEX XT Auto CPAP machine, a respiratory wonder ready to reshape the way you view portable sleep therapy.
This compact powerhouse of a CPAP doesn’t just fit snugly into your suitcase – it promises a peaceful night’s sleep, making it the perfect travel companion for your adventures.
But does the APEX portable CPAP machine truly live up to all its promises? In this APEX XT Auto CPAP machine review, we’ll delve into the heart of this small and practical travel CPAP.
For a more visual guide, watch this 10 minute APEX Medical XT Auto CPAP machine review video:
At a Glance: APEX XT Auto CPAP Machine Review
Let’s explore the essential specs that make this portable CPAP device a standout choice for your on-the-go sleep therapy.
| Size (L x W x H) | Weight | Humidifier Type | Pressure Range | RespShop’s Price | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPAP: 5.7″ x 5.1″ x 3.9″ CPAP & Humidifier: 6.8″ x 10″ x 9.5″ | CPAP: 1.76 lb CPAP & Humidifier: 3.63 lb | Optional heated humidifier | 4-20 H2O | With Humidifier: $499.00* CPAP Only: $499.00* | 28 dBA |
*Price at the time of writing.
In This APEX XT Auto CPAP Machine Review:
Key Features
The APEX Medical XT Auto Travel CPAP is a wonderful sleep apnea machine for your travel needs. Designed for road trips, camping, and plane rides, the APEX XT Auto CPAP is a reliable solution for sleepless nights away from home.
However, with so many different brands of portable CPAP devices on the market, what makes the APEX XT Auto a better choice? To answer this, we’ll start our APEX XT Auto CPAP machine review with the best features of this device.
Optional Heated Humidifier
CPAP machines help people achieve better sleep. But the same device we rely on can also have some uncomfortable side effects. The constant stream of air from a CPAP machine can irritate the throat and dry out the nasal passages, making it difficult for many to keep using their CPAPs. Recognizing that many sleep apnea patients struggle with these issues, APEX offers a solution in the form of an optional heated humidifier.
One of the highlights of this APEX Medical XT CPAP review is the optional APEX XT CPAP heated humidifier, which helps you bid farewell to some of the unwanted side effects of sleep apnea therapy. The heated humidifier on this portable CPAP device works as well as that found on any home CPAP machine. It even has 6 adjustable levels of humidity to suit your humidification needs anytime and anywhere. Overall, this is an effective device that provides up to a whopping 8 hours of humidification per 450 ml of water.
If you’re looking to save money and space, then this sleep therapy device is just for you. That’s because the humidifier is completely optional. If dry mouth and nose don’t bother you, then there’s no need to shell out extra cash for the humidifier. You can also save plenty of space by opting out of the humidifier – the APEX XT Auto literally fits in the palm of your hand (for the average male).
Overall, this sleep apnea machine was designed for multiple purposes: home and travel use. The optional add-on heated humidifier combines the convenience of a travel CPAP with the comfort of a home-use CPAP machine.
Light and Compact
If you’re a frequent traveler seeking a compact yet powerful solution for sleep apnea therapy, look no further than the APEX XT Auto CPAP machine. This CPAP machine stands out as one of the smallest on the market, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer not to carry a bulky, full-sized CPAP during their travels.
Even if you add in the heated humidifier, the APEX XT Auto still weighs just 3.13 lbs. If you prefer a lighter load, you can leave out the humidifier and reduce the weight to a mere 1.76 lbs.
And, there’s more! The APEX XT Auto also features a built-in AC power supply, removing the need for a cumbersome external power brick.
In addition, operating this portable CPAP machine couldn’t be easier – just plug the supplied power cord into a standard wall outlet, and voila! You’re all set for a good night’s sleep, no matter where your travels have taken you.
This little machine is dual voltage (100-240V) so there’s no need to worry about damaging your CPAP when using it in a different country. If your destination country doesn’t use a 2-prong plug, however, you’ll need a travel plug adapter.
Pressure Variation Algorithm (PVA)
APEX XT Auto CPAP Machine’s PVA is a transformative feature that enhances your sleep therapy experience. PVA helps relieve CPAP therapy discomfort by lowering the airflow pressure during exhalation. Many new CPAP users find it challenging to exhale against the pressure delivered by their machines and this discomfort can even discourage some from continuing with therapy.
We’d like to mention in this APEX XT Auto travel CPAP review that the PVA settings in this device are turned off by default and the reason for that is simple. It’s not a feature that everyone needs and is really only necessary for those who have difficulty breathing out against their CPAP machine pressures.
However, if you are experiencing discomfort or pressure during exhalation, you can turn on the PVA feature in the settings menu. You can also adjust the level of PVA to find what works best for you. Simply change the pressure relief level from 1 to 3, with 1 being the minimum and 3 the maximum pressure relief.
Auto Adjusting Algorithm
In this next part of our APEX XT Auto travel CPAP review, we’ll explore the machine’s therapy modes. Can you picture a device that responds to your breathing? That’s exactly what the APEX XT Auto CPAP machine does with its auto-adjusting algorithm, otherwise known as auto CPAP mode.
This intelligent technology detects subtle variations in breathing patterns as you sleep. By keeping an eye on your breathing, this auto algorithm knows exactly when to increase pressure to keep your airway open and when to keep pressure at a constant level to prevent awakenings.
It’s amazing that such a compact device can have so many features. Also worth noting in this APEX XT Auto CPAP machine review is that the device doesn’t arbitrarily increase pressure. Instead, it responds only when necessary, enhancing your overall comfort and compliance with sleep therapy. CPAP users prescribed a fixed pressure will be happy to know that the APEX XT Auto also comes with a CPAP mode.
Ramp
When using the APEX travel CPAP with a humidifier, you can expect to fall asleep easier with the ramp feature. Ramp initiates therapy with a gentle starting pressure of 3 cm H2O, gradually increasing to the prescribed pressure over your set time interval.
You can adjust the ramp time in 5-minute intervals, starting from 0 min to the maximum 45 minutes. You can also adjust ramp pressure to start anywhere from 3 to 19 cm H2O.
It’s important to note that ramp is only available on CPAP mode. If you’re on auto CPAP mode, the APEX XT Auto will start at the minimum pressure setting.
Overall, if you’re new to sleep apnea therapy, experimenting with the ramp setting can serve as a useful first step towards a seamless and more restful sleep experience.
FAA-Approved
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of jetting off to new destinations or even just comfortably dozing off during a long flight. But for individuals who rely on CPAP machines to manage their sleep apnea, taking to the skies can be challenging.
Thankfully, the APEX XT Auto CPAP machine is FAA-approved. That means it is deemed fit for use on commercial airplanes by the Federal Aviation Administration.
For clarity, FAA-approved CPAP machines are designed to withstand the vibrations and changes in pressure that occur during flight. They also emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation that are safe for use on airplanes.
In addition, the APEX XT Auto CPAP can also adapt to various altitudes with its Automatic Altitude Adjustment feature so you don’t have to worry about fluctuations in therapy pressure while in the sky.
For more information on how to pack your CPAP for a flight and how to use your CPAP on a plane, check out our CPAP traveling guide.
Maintenance Requirements
Keeping your CPAP machine in good working order is crucial for successful sleep therapy. So in addition to our APEX Medical XT Auto CPAP machine review, we’ll explore important maintenance requirements to help you keep this device in top condition.
| Cleaning | Replacement | |
| Machine Exterior | At least every 30 days | Every 5 years or as needed |
| Standard 6 Ft CPAP Tubing | Every week | As necessary* |
| Air Filter (Reusable) | Every 2 weeks | Every 6 months |
| Humidifier Exterior (Optional buy) | Every day | Every 6 months |
| Water Chamber | Every day** | Every 6 months |
* As per the APEX user instruction manual, tubing needs to be replaced if damaged as it is subject to daily wear and tear. The general recommendation for replacing CPAP tubing is every 6 months.
**The manufacturer recommends cleaning the water chamber every day. The general recommendation for cleaning humidifier water chambers is once a week.
Learn how to clean your CPAP equipment such as tubing, water chamber, mask and filter.
What to Know Before You Buy the APEX Medical XT Auto Travel CPAP
Before you buy the APEX Medical XT Auto Travel CPAP, it’s essential to think about several crucial factors.
To help you make an informed decision when buying a travel-sized CPAP machine, let’s review APEX XT CPAP’s best features and compare them with the device’s drawbacks.
Pros
- FAA-approved for use on airplanes
- Lightweight, easy to use, and portable
- Gradual pressure increase after a preset time with Ramp
- Quiet operation
- Humidifier is optional at no additional cost
- Budget-friendly – buy both CPAP and humidifier for just $499
- User-friendly LCD display and integrated power supply
- Auto-adjusting algorithm (Auto CPAP/APAP)
- Pressure relief during exhalation for greater comfort
Cons
- Not battery-operated
- Some accessories are sold separately
- Louder than some other travel machines
- Lacks more advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and remote setting adjustments
- Not compatible with third party CPAP data compliance software such as OSCAR
Conclusion: APEX XT Auto CPAP Machine Review
The APEX XT Auto Travel CPAP presents an appealing solution for those seeking effective sleep therapy, whether on the go or at home. Its compact and reliable design, coupled with FAA approval for air travel, make it a promising choice.
However, as with any investment, it’s essential to consider both the pros and cons before making a decision. Understanding the device’s strengths and limitations allows you to make an informed choice that aligns with your unique needs and preferences.
If you find yourself uncertain about which CPAP machine suits you best, don’t hesitate to reach out to the RespShop team of respiratory specialists. We’re here to provide personalized recommendations to help you find your best portable CPAP device.