In the realm of travel-friendly CPAP machines, the ResMed AirMini and Transcend Micro reign supreme. Both are modern, sleek and incredibly portable.
To help you decide which travel CPAP is a better fit for you, our Transcend Micro vs AirMini review compares key features such as noise level, mask compatibility, sleep data reporting capabilities and more.
Specifications: Transcend Micro vs ResMed AirMini
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.48 lb | 0.66 lb |
| Size | 3.6″ x 3.6″ x 2.4″ | 5.4″ x 3.3″ x 2.1″ |
| Humidification | Waterless HME (heat moisture exchanger) | Waterless HME (heat moisture exchanger) |
| Works with All Masks | Yes | No |
| Operation Modes | Auto CPAP, CPAP | AutoSet, AutoSet For Her, CPAP |
| Ramp | Set Time 0-45 mins | AutoRamp, Set Time 0-45 mins |
| Pressure Relief | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Start/Stop | Yes | Yes |
| DC Converter | No | Yes |
| FAA-Approved | Yes | Yes |
| Compliance Reports | Yes (app & software) | Yes (through CPAP provider) |
| Smartphone App | MySleepDash app (iOS/Android) | AirMini app (iOS/Android) |
| Data Download | Yes via USB-C port to Transcend Desktop Software | No |
| AHI Display | App, PC software | App |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Sound Level | 27 ± 2 dBA | 30 ± 2 dBA |
| Carrying Case | Yes, sold separately | Yes, sold separately |
Transcend Micro vs ResMed AirMini: Similarities
Let’s start off our comparison review by exploring how these two travel CPAPs are alike.
Waterless Humidification
CPAP humidification prevents common side effects of CPAP therapy, such as dry mouth, nasal congestion and sore throat. Many home CPAP machines now include built-in heated humidifiers that use distilled water to create a gentle mist that soothes your nose and mouth throughout the night.
However, travel CPAP machines are designed to be compact and lightweight, so they often skip the bulky humidifier. Instead, they rely on heat moisture exchangers (HMEs) to add moisture and warmth to the airflow.
HMEs are small, disposable cartridges that fit between your CPAP mask and hose. They work by capturing heat and moisture from your exhaled breath and releasing it back to you with your next inhalation.
Both the ResMed AirMini and the Transcend Micro use HMEs to enhance your sleep therapy experience. Let’s take a closer look at how each machine handles waterless humidification:
AirMini: The AirMini uses HMEs called HumidX™ (HumidX Plus for the enhanced version) that are shaped like discs. HumidX cartridges only work with AirMini-specific CPAP masks because they must sit in a special compartment, which is only available in an AirMini-specific CPAP mask.
Micro: Called AirMist™, the Micro HMEs are round cartridges that sit inside a plastic adapter which connects between your CPAP mask and tubing. A major advantage of the AirMist™ HME setup over the HumidX is its universal compatibility with any CPAP mask.
Learn more about HMEs and how they work:
Power Options
Both travel CPAP machines come with universal AC power adapters that work with a wide range of voltages (100-240V) and are compatible with 2-prong outlets. But for true off-the-grid freedom, these machines can also be powered by CPAP batteries.
Micro: This CPAP pairs perfectly with the Micro PowerAway™ Battery, which provides up to 17.7 hours of runtime at 9 cm H2O. The battery is FAA-compliant for in-flight use and weighs only 16 oz, making it easy to travel with.
AirMini: While the AirMini doesn’t have a dedicated battery, it offers flexibility with third-party batteries such as the Medistrom Pilot 24-Lite CPAP Battery and the Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery. At 1.3 lb (560g), the Pilot 24-Lite Battery easily fits in a backpack and while the Zopec battery is bigger and heavier (2.5 lb or 1.13 kg), it boasts an impressive runtime of up to 20 hours on a single charge.
For an in-depth comparison of these batteries and their compatibility with different machines, check out our 2024 Best CPAP Battery Review.
Auto CPAP & CPAP Modes
Both machines offer both auto CPAP (automatically adjusting pressure) and standard CPAP (fixed pressure) modes so there’s no need to worry about incompatibility with your CPAP prescription.
Customizable Comfort
When it comes to comfort features, both the AirMini and Micro are equally well-equipped. They come with standard comfort settings you’d expect from a home CPAP including:
Ramp: Gently eases you into therapy by gradually increasing air pressure over a set time (both machines offer a range of 5 to 45 minutes).
Pressure Relief: Makes breathing feel more natural by lowering air pressure as you exhale (both machines offer a range of 1 to 3 cm H2O).
Auto Start/Stop: Therapy starts automatically when you put on your mask and stops when you take it off.
Smartphone App Support
Gone are the days where you have to insert a SD card into a computer to view your therapy data. With both the Micro and AirMini, you have easy access to important sleep metrics through each device’s dedicated mobile app. Both apps also let you adjust your machine’s comfort settings.
AirMini: The AirMini app displays your most recent therapy data (apnea hypopnea index, usage hours, mask seal and mask on/off events) on the Dashboard. You can also access your summary data for the last 30 days, giving you insights into how you’re responding to treatment.
Micro: The Micro’s MySleepDash app mirrors the AirMini app’s functionality with a user-friendly Dashboard displaying the same therapy data. However, the MySleepDash app provides access to your therapy data for a much longer period — a full 90 days compared to the AirMini app’s 30-day window.
Transcend Micro vs ResMed AirMini: Differences
While both the Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini are popular choices for travel CPAP therapy, there are some key differences that might influence your decision.
CPAP Mask Compatibility
A major advantage of the Transcend Micro is its universal CPAP mask compatibility. The Micro works with any sleep apnea mask with a standard 22mm connection so you can continue to use your preferred mask.
On the other hand, the AirMini requires specific AirMini masks and setup packs. If you have a favorite mask you’d like to keep using, it’s possible with an AirMini Tubing Connector Adapter and a non-heated CPAP tube (note: the AirMini tubing cannot be used with the adapter).
Unfortunately, if you choose to use the adapter and a regular CPAP mask, you won’t be able to use the AirMini HumidX cartridges. But if dry mouth or nose isn’t a problem, then the tubing adapter is a great workaround.
Noise Level
Travel CPAPs tend to be louder than regular CPAPs because their smaller size leaves less room for sound-dampening materials. They also have smaller motors that need to work harder to deliver the same pressure. When we compare the Transcend Micro vs AirMini, it’s clear that the Micro is the quieter unit at 27 decibels vs the AirMini’s 30 decibels.
The Micro takes noise reduction a step further with its included WhisperSoft™ Muffler Kit. This handy accessory dampens the sound of air flowing through the mask and hose, making the Micro a better choice for light sleepers.
Keeping in line with the Micro’s compact design, the WhisperSoft Muffler connects directly to the unit to minimize tube drag that can impact your mask seal. The other end of the muffler connects to the AirFlex 6 Ft Hose (included with the Micro), which then connects to your mask.
In contrast, the AirMini operates at a slightly higher noise level and doesn’t come with a muffler or any other noise-reducing accessories.
Drying Mode
Keeping your CPAP equipment free from moisture helps control the growth of bacteria. With this in mind, the Micro features a 30-minute drying mode that removes any moisture in your CPAP mask and hose.
Simply push the drying button, and the machine will gently circulate air through your mask and hose to effectively eliminate moisture buildup. No other travel CPAP offers this impressively convenient feature!
App-Free Sleep Data Access
If you don’t want to use an app to track your sleep therapy, the Micro is the better travel CPAP for you. The Micro provides the flexibility to access your sleep data and adjust comfort settings through either the MySleepDash app or the Transcend desktop software. This software is compatible with Windows OS only, so Mac users will need to rely on the app.
On the other hand, the ResMed AirMini requires its dedicated app to view any sleep data. So, if app independence is a priority, the Micro provides a clear advantage.
CPAP Compliance Reporting
Both the Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini allow you to generate compliance reports, whether for insurance requirements or personal tracking. However, it’s much easier to access your compliance report with the Micro CPAP compared to the AirMini.
With the Micro, you can view and download your compliance report on both the dedicated app and the desktop software. For extra convenience, the app even gives you the option to share your report (in PDF format) directly via email and various instant messaging apps.
AirMini users can get their compliance reports through their CPAP provider, who can access AirMini data stored in the ResMed cloud*. If your CPAP supplier doesn’t offer compliance reporting (this service requires the supplier to have an active subscription with ResMed), you can get a copy of your compliance report through RespShop’s Remote Data Downloading Service for a small fee.
*For your device to transmit data to the ResMed server, you must give ResMed permission to collect your usage data via the AirMini app.
ResMed AirMini vs Transcend Micro: Pros & Cons
ResMed AirMini
Transcend Micro
The Verdict: Which Travel Auto CPAP is Better?
The ResMed AirMini and the Transcend Micro Auto CPAP share several key similarities that make them great travel units. Both are small, lightweight and support CPAP and auto CPAP modes. Both also come with smartphone apps for data tracking and use HMEs for waterless humidification. However, there are some significant differences between the two that we can’t overlook.
If you don’t want to be limited to specific masks, the Micro is the better choice. And if you’re concerned about noise, the Micro is a few decibels quieter and comes with a muffler. The Micro CPAP also gives you more access to your sleep data, letting you download compliance reports and giving you two options (app and desktop software) to view data.
On the other hand, if you already use a ResMed home CPAP or are interested in the AutoSet for Her therapy mode, the AirMini might be a better fit. Different manufacturers use different algorithms so while an auto CPAP is an auto CPAP regardless of the brand, a Transcend machine will feel different from a ResMed one. Most people adjust to a different brand after a short period, but not all do. If this is a concern, a trial run with a rental CPAP can provide peace of mind.
If you’d like to try before you buy, RespShop offers rental options for both machines: the Micro for $69/month and the AirMini for $75/month. This allows you to experience each machine firsthand and ensure it meets your comfort and data needs. Best of all, there’s no contract so you can rent for as long or as short of a period as you like.
Visit RespShop CPAP Rental Service to learn more and view our selection of rental home and travel CPAPs.