The ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP is a small, sleek and highly popular travel unit that offers waterless humidification and all the standard auto CPAP features you’d expect from such a modern looking unit. In this review, we’ll go over all the features of the AirMini, examining its pros and cons so you can make an informed buying decision.
When ResMed unveiled the AirMini Auto Travel CPAP back in 2017, it caused quite a stir. At that time the AirMini was the world’s smallest CPAP (this title now belongs to the Transcend Micro Auto CPAP) and it made CPAP therapy more portable and accessible than ever before.
Sure, the AirMini wasn’t the first travel auto CPAP, but it was the first to incorporate all the features typically found in home units. Moreover, it was the first travel machine that allowed users to access their sleep data anywhere from their smartphones.
In this review, you’ll learn about the features of the AirMini and see why it is still popular, 6 years later. You’ll also learn about the pros of cons of this device so you can make an informed decision on whether the AirMini is right for you.
Ultimately, the key takeaway is:
The AirMini is a great choice if you are comfortable with technology.
Let’s dive deeper and see what the AirMini offers.
Features
Size
At 5.4″ x 3.3″ x 2.1″ (13.7 x 8.4 x 5.3 cm), the AirMini is truly pocket-sized. It fits very comfortably in the palm of your hand, in your trouser pocket, or in a tote bag. It is also very light and weighs only 0.66 lb (300 g), and can easily fit in an overnight bag with plenty of room left for other travel essentials. If portability is a main concern, the AirMini is definitely a great choice.
Waterless Humidification
As you can tell at first glance, the AirMini does not come with a traditional heated humidifier. This is common with travel units which are designed to save space.
While the absence of a heated humidifier normally means you’ll be breathing in dry, cold air, the AirMini prevents this discomfort by using small, portable heat moisture exchangers (HMEs). HMEs are designed to be connected between the CPAP mask and hose and they provide heat and moisture without the need for a heated humidifier. They work by trapping heat and moisture from the user’s exhaled breath and releasing it during the next inhalation, adding heat and humidity to the air delivered by the machine.
ResMed uses proprietary HMEs – called HumidX and HumidX Plus Capsules – with the AirMini. These disposable capsules are designed to fit in special AirMini mask connectors which then connect to the AirMini Tubing.
The difference between the HumidX and the HumidX Plus is that the Plus captures more moisture and is recommended for particularly dry climates.
These HME capsules are individually packaged and are effective for up to 30 days once opened. They don’t need to be cleaned, which is great for anyone on vacation where cleaning is the last thing on your mind.
AirMini Tubing and Compatible Masks
The AirMini comes with a unique air outlet design that is only compatible with the AirMini Tubing. This means you can’t just use any standard CPAP tube with the AirMini unless you have an adapter. These adapters are made by 3rd party manufacturers (ResMed does not make any tubing adapters) and are typically available at less than $20.
Before you go ahead and get yourself an adapter, keep in mind that you must use the AirMini Tubing to use the HumidX/HumidX Plus capsules. This is because the AirMini Tubing has a special connection end designed to connect with AirMini specific ResMed masks. These AirMini specific masks feature unique connectors which house the HumidX/HumdX Plus capsules.
AirMini Specific Masks
Here is the list of AirMini specific masks, divided by mask type. Respective mask setup packs or mask connectors are required to connect each mask to the AirMini.
Nasal Pillow: ResMed AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow Mask.
Nasal: ResMed AirFit/AirTouch N20 Nasal Mask, ResMed AirFit N30 Nasal Mask
Full Face: ResMed AirFit/AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask, ResMed AirFit F30 Full Face Mask
Read about the setup packs required for each mask in our AirMini product description.
You can connect a few of these masks to the AirMini by replacing the mask elbow with the corresponding AirMini connector. This means you can use the ResMed mask you already own with the AirMini as long as you purchase the AirMini connector and tubing. However, this only applies to the N20, F20 and F30 masks.
In other words, if you have an AirFit P10 or AirFit N30 mask, you can’t connect your existing mask to the AirMini just by purchasing a connector. You have to get a whole new AirFit P10/N30 For AirMini Mask which has the special AirMini connector built in.
AirMini App
Something else that you’ll notice on the AirMini is that there is no screen. In fact, there are only two buttons on this entire device – the Start / Stop button and a small Bluetooth button.
So, how do you operate this unit and get feedback from your sleep therapy? Well, it’s all done from the AirMini app which is iOS and Android compatible.
The AirMini app is a user-friendly interface that displays the most relevant sleep data on the dashboard. This at-a-glance info quickly gives users a snapshot of their entire night’s therapy. Users can conveniently view their AHI, mask seal, usage hours and mask on/off events right from the dashboard.
The app is also where you access comfort settings such as Pressure Relief, Ramp Time, SmartStart and SmartStop. You can also check your mask fit and even start therapy right from the app.
We like the simplicity of the app. It’s easy to navigate and pretty streamlined – everything you need to access is only a few taps from the dashboard, and the set up instructions are clear and straightforward.
Noise Level
Travel machines are typically noisier than standard units because there’s less room for soundproofing. They are also louder because their smaller motors need to work harder to produce the same air pressure as a home unit with a bigger motor.
The AirMini operates at 30 decibels, which is not loud per se, but still louder than other travel CPAPs on the market.
Power Options
If you’re in the market for a travel CPAP, chances are you’ll be using this machine at some point where you don’t have access to a power source. That’s not a problem with the AirMini, which can be powered via lithium batteries and by your vehicle or RV’s cigarette lighter port.
ResMed’s AirMini DC Converter allows you to power the CPAP from a 12V or 24V cigarette lighter port. While ResMed doesn’t have a battery specifically designed for the AirMini, there are many reputable aftermarket batteries available that can provide you with up to two nights of power, depending on your pressure settings. If you’re spending significant time off the grid, consider a battery that can be charged via solar panels, such as the Medistrom Pilot-24 Lite Battery.
Remote Monitoring
The AirMini uploads detailed therapy data to the cloud via the app, allowing your doctor to access your sleep data through ResMed’s provider monitoring program. This means your doctor can assess your response to therapy without needing to have you come into the office, saving time for everyone.
Is the ResMed AirMini the right travel CPAP for me?
Pros
- Literally pocket-sized
- Comes with 3 therapy modes: fixed pressure CPAP, AutoSet (Auto CPAP) and AutoSet For Her (ResMed’s unique algorithm for female CPAP users who tend to have more flow limitations than male users.)
- AirMini app is easy to use.
- Waterless humidification system prevents dry mouth, throat and nasal passages.
- Comes with all the comfort/extra feature (ramp, auto start/stop, pressure relief, check mask fit) that are available in home-use CPAPs.
- Remote monitoring feature lets healthcare providers view therapy data and compliance without needing access to the physical device.
Cons
- Too small and light to stay on the table. Yes, being too portable can be a problem too. Some users report the AirMini is so small and lightweight that they tend to pull the machine off the nightstand. Luckily, there’s a fix for this. The AirMini Mount System lets you secure the AirMini to the wall, mattress, nightstand and even airplane seat pockets.
- Requires a smartphone to use. There is no way to adjust settings without the AirMini app.
- You are limited to the AirMini specific masks if you want to use the HumidX capsules.
- Louder than other travel CPAPs on the market at 30 decibels.
- Does not support any external storage devices such as SD cards. Users cannot download compliance data and must rely on a DME provider or sleep doctor for compliance reporting.
Key Takeaways
The AirMini is a solid choice for new and veteran CPAP users looking for a compact and easily portable travel machine. It is essentially a home CPAP – in a much smaller size. You’ll find there are many useful accessories for the AirMini and plenty of battery options for it as well. It is also easy to set up once you have the correct parts.
However, the AirMini isn’t for everyone. If the thought of having to use a mobile app to adjust your CPAP settings seems excessive, the AirMini is probably not the right travel unit for you. Also, if you’re sensitive to noise, you probably won’t be very impressed with the AirMini either.
If either one of those applies to you, we recommend considering the Breas Z2 Auto Travel CPAP instead. The Z2 Auto is only 26 decibels and you don’t need an app to change settings!
See how the Z2 Auto compare to the AirMini: Should You Buy the ResMed AirMini or Breas Z2 Auto?
If you have any further questions about the ResMed AirMini – because let’s face it, everyone’s needs for sleep therapy are unique – feel free to contact us. Our customer service agents and medical staff are available by phone, email and online chat.
