Which Travel CPAP Should You Buy? Breas Z2 Auto vs ResMed AirMini Review

In This Review:

• Specifications Comparison: Breas Z2 Auto vs ResMed AirMini
• Similarities: Breas Z2 Auto and ResMed AirMini
• Differences: Breas Z2 Auto and ResMed AirMini
• Pros and Cons: Breas Z2 Auto
• Pros and Cons: ResMed AirMini
• The Ultimate Decision: Which Travel Auto CPAP Should You Choose?

	Breas Z2 Auto	ResMed AirMini
Machine Weight	0.65 lbs	0.66 lbs
Machine Size (LxWxH)	6.48″ x 3.3″ x 2.02″	5.4″ x 3.3″ x 2.1″
Humidification System	Waterless HME (heat moisture exchanger)	Waterless HME (heat moisture exchanger): HumidX/HumidX Plus
Ramp	Set Time 5-45 mins	Auto, Set Time 0-45 mins (5-minute increments)
AC Power Supply	30W	20W
DC Converter	No	Yes
Battery	Breas PowerShell Battery	Medistrom Pilot 24-Lite CPAP Battery, Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery
Supports Remote Monitoring	No	Yes
Smartphone App	Breas Nitelog app (iOS/Android)	AirMini app (iOS/Android)
Data Download	Yes via USB port to Breas Dataviewer PC Software	No
AHI Display	App, PC software	App
FAA-Approved	Yes	Yes
Altitude Adjustment	Automatic up to 8000 ft	Automatic up to 8500 ft
Compatible with All Masks	Yes	No, AirMini-specific masks only
Warranty	2-Year Manufacturer Warranty	2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Sound/Noise Level	26 dBA	30 dBA
Carrying Case	Yes, available separately	Yes, available separately
Expected Service Life	5 years	5 years
Filters	Disposable filter (2 included)	Disposable filter (1 included)
Operation Modes	CPAP, APAP	AutoSet/APAP, AutoSet/APAP For Her, CPAP
Effective Bluetooth Range	10 m	10 m
RespShop’s Price	$799.00 (as of the time of writing)	$910 (as of the time of writing)

Designed for simplicity, efficiency and portability, the Z2 and AirMini are your tickets to restful nights and refreshed mornings while on the road. Dive in as we explore the similarities between these two leading travel-sized auto CPAPs.

Waterless Humidification System

The Z2 Auto and ResMed AirMini both use a unique waterless humidification system called a heat moisture exchanger (HME). Say goodbye to carrying distilled water as these devices recycle your breath’s warmth and moisture to prevent dry mouth, nose, and throat with no extra effort required on your part!

The Breas Z2 Auto boasts a versatile Z1/Z2 Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME) that’s compatible with all CPAP and BiPAP devices except the AirMini. It seamlessly connects to any standard non-heated CPAP tubing and masks with 22mm connections.

Meanwhile, the ResMed AirMini offers its very own HumidX and HumidX Plus HMEs. Picking the right one is easy: use the HumidX at standard room temperatures and opt for the HumidX Plus at higher altitudes and/or drier climates.  

Quiet Operation 

Achieving a peaceful night’s sleep is essential for good health, and both the Breas Z2 Auto and ResMed AirMini are designed to do just that. These devices employ cutting-edge noise reduction technology, ensuring noise levels remain at an absolute minimum during sleep therapy.

The Z2 Auto operates at a mere 26 decibels, while the AirMini is slightly louder at 30 decibels. However, both offer nearly silent operation, ensuring an undisturbed rest.

Ramp and Pressure Relief

Both the Z2 and AirMini come equipped with a handy ramp feature that starts therapy gently, making it a welcoming experience for those new to CPAP. This gradual increase in pressure eases users into therapy, ensuring a smooth transition into the land of dreams.

Additionally, both devices offer expiratory pressure relief, reducing pressure during exhalation. This makes CPAP therapy more comfortable, especially for those with respiratory issues or a preference for a softer breathing rhythm during sleep.

Auto Start/Stop

Both travel CPAP machines also come with a convenient Auto Start/Stop feature. This feature activates therapy when you take your first breath with the mask on and stops therapy when you remove the mask, eliminating the need to fumble with machine controls. 

Additionally, it also acts as a safeguard, pausing treatment if a significant leak is detected, ensuring effective sleep apnea therapy.

Sleep Data Reporting 

The Breas Z2 and ResMed AirMini elevate your sleep therapy experience with seamless sleep therapy tracking via Bluetooth connectivity.

Z2 users have two tracking options: the Nitelog app (available for both Android and Apple) which provides Bluetooth tracking of AHI, sleep hours, and therapy pressure; and the Dataviewer PC software, which gives insights into usage and sleep quality data. It’s worth noting that using the desktop software requires syncing the Z2 to a PC via a USB-C cable.

On the other hand, the AirMini, lacking a screen, relies solely on the AirMini app for data tracking and setting changes. Through this app, users can tweak comfort settings and review their therapy score, usage, mask seal, and events per hour. See how the AirMini app works in our video:

Both machines allow users to adjust the ramp and exhalation pressure relief settings directly from their respective apps. In essence, whether you prefer a mobile or desktop approach to CPAP data tracking, both portable CPAPs make monitoring your sleep data easy and convenient. 

To help you decide which travel-friendly CPAP device is better, we compiled some key differences between the Breas Z2 Auto and ResMed AirMini. 

Let’s take a closer look at what sets these CPAP devices apart. 

CPAP Mask Compatibility

When selecting a CPAP mask, it is important to prioritize comfort, sleeping habits, and personal preferences. The Breas Z2 offers flexibility to use your preferred sleep apnea mask, regardless of brand – be it a full-face mask, nasal mask, or nasal pillow mask.

In contrast, the AirMini presents a bit of a challenge. Your mask options are limited to select ResMed masks that are specifically designed to work with the AirMini. If you don’t already own a ResMed mask such as the AirFit P10, N30, F20, F30 or the AirFit N20, you’ll have to make some additional purchases. 

If you don’t have a compatible mask, you have three options:

1. Invest in a new AirMini-specific CPAP mask and setup pack.
2. Purchase an AirMini connector to connect your existing AirMini-compatible mask to the machine.
3. Opt for the aftermarket AirMini Tubing Adapter to make your current CPAP mask compatible with the AirMini.

For more information on CPAP mask compatibility with the AirMini, check out our AirMini review.

Noise Reduction

For quieter CPAP therapy, consider using a muffler that’s designed to further reduce the noise of the airflow passing through the CPAP tube. 

The Q-Lite In-line Muffler is the specific noise reducer designed for the Breas Z2. In contrast, the AirMini doesn’t come with a muffler. However, the Q-Lite Muffler is compatible with CPAP machines that use standard non-heated 22mm CPAP tubing. This means the AirMini can be a perfect fit for it, provided you have the aftermarket tubing adapter. 

Operation Modes

As we continue to explore the differences between the Breas Z2 Auto Travel CPAP and the ResMed AirMini, it’s essential to take a closer look at their respective therapy modes. 

The Z2 Auto Travel CPAP streamlines your sleep therapy with two crucial modes: CPAP and APAP. CPAP mode provides a steady flow of air pressure to maintain an open airway, while APAP mode adjusts pressure according to your breathing patterns for a more comfortable and restful sleep.

In contrast, the ResMed AirMini sets itself apart with three therapy modes: AutoSet™ provides real-time pressure adjustments, AutoSet™ for Her caters to women’s unique airway challenges, and CPAP mode provides a steady and consistent airflow.

Compared to the Z2, the AirMini’s multiple modes provide more personalized and effective sleep apnea therapy.

Power Source

Both machines can operate on AC and battery power, ensuring uninterrupted sleep no matter where your travels take you. There’s a slight difference between the two travel units when it comes to battery pack compatibility, however. 

The Z2 is compatible with the Z2 PowerShell CPAP battery, while AirMini works with various aftermarket lithium batteries like the Medistrom Pilot 24-Lite CPAP Battery and Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery. It’s worth noting that batteries are completely optional purchases as both travel CPAP machines come with AC power adapters. 

In terms of power options, the Breas Z2 does have a minor drawback. Unlike the AirMini, the Z2 can’t be connected to a DC power source, such as a car battery, via a DC converter.

Altitude Adjustment

While both the Breas Z2 and ResMed AirMini are FAA-approved, there’s a minor difference in their automatic altitude adjustment capabilities. 

The AirMini can adapt to altitudes up to 8,500 feet, slightly higher than the Z2’s range of 8,000 feet, which is beneficial for frequent travelers or those living in high-altitude areas.

Remote Monitoring

Both the Breas Z2 Auto and the ResMed AirMini feature handy mobile apps for sleep data tracking. With the Breas Z2 Auto, you can use the Nitelog app to monitor your sleep therapy data. However, this is primarily for personal use, as it doesn’t allow remote data sharing with your doctor.

On the other hand, the AirMini app allows users to securely upload their sleep data to the ResMed cloud. CPAP providers and doctors can then access this information via AirView, a web-based monitoring program, to track patient progress and offer remote assistance.

Learn how RespShop sleep therapists can help make your therapy more comfortable and effective with our Remote CPAP Compliance and Reporting Service.

Another key difference between the AirMini app and the Nitelog app is the ability to generate compliance reports. Only the Nitelog app can generate reports. While the AirMini app does not currently have this feature, users can still view their therapy scores and summary statistics in the app. 

Data Download

The Breas Z2 Auto CPAP machine stores therapy data internally on a built-in flash memory. This flash memory securely holds your sleep therapy data, including information such as usage hours, AHI (Apnea-Hypopnea Index), and therapy pressure.

To access this data, simply connect your Z2 to a Windows PC using the USB cable provided with the device. Once connected, you can use the DataViewer program to view your sleep metrics and create CPAP compliance reports. 

On the other hand, if you’re using the AirMini, then you’ll have to use the AirMini app to access your data. ResMed’s portable CPAP isn’t compatible with any computer software.  

Pros

• Small, quiet, and lightweight. 
• Uses a waterless humidification system/HME.
• User-friendly interface
• HME is compatible with all masks and non-heated CPAP tubing.
• Optional Z2 PowerShell provides up to 9 hours battery life.
• Track your sleep data via the Nitelog Mobile App or the DataViewer PC software.
• Compatible with all CPAP masks. 
• FAA-approved for in-flight use.

Cons

• Changing the time zone will delete your Nitelog Mobile data. 
• Not ideal for sleep apnea patients who require supplemental oxygen therapy
• Does not support an SD Card. 
• Doesn’t support remote monitoring. 
• Doesn’t work with a DC converter. 

Pros

• Uses a waterless humidification system, which eliminates the need to carry and refill water.
• Offers seamless integration with smartphones through the AirMini app.
• Supports remote monitoring
• Multiple power options: AC, DC and battery. 
• Small, quiet, and lightweight. 
• FAA-approved for in-flight use.

Cons

• One of the more expensive travel CPAP machines on the market.
• Not compatible with all masks and requires an adapter for non-AirMini-specific CPAP masks.
• Limited onboard data storage.
• No SD card slot.
• AirMini app is required to change settings on the device.
• Not compatible with PC software; users are forced to use the AirMini app to access data
• Not recommended for use with supplemental oxygen.

Choosing between the Breas Z2 Auto and ResMed AirMini CPAPs depends on budget, mask compatibility, data tracking, and operation modes.

The Breas Z2 Auto presents an affordable option with an easy-to-use interface and support for a wide array of CPAP masks. However, it lacks some of the advanced features found in the AirMini.

On the flip side, the ResMed AirMini offers a premium experience with additional therapy modes and superior altitude adaptability. While it comes at a higher cost and may require specific ResMed masks or adapters, it provides advanced capabilities to enhance sleep therapy.

In the end, your choice should align with your unique needs, considering elements like your budget, mask preferences, and travel habits. And when you need guidance or personalized recommendations, remember that RespShop’s registered respiratory therapists and sleep technologists are here to assist you.

Connect with our experts today and embark on your journey to improved sleep health!