Respironics DreamStation Go vs ResMed AirMini Travel CPAP
Travel season is officially here! Whether you are flying across the country or driving down the street, a portable, travel friendly CPAP machine is smaller, lighter, and easier to carry while guaranteeing that you get the sleep you need. Plus, today’s technology gives you nearly all the features of a home-based unit in a small, sleek, and portable design. But all travel machines are not created equal. Here’s a side by side comparison of two of the advanced and effective units now available: the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go and the ResMed AirMini.
In this video, we showcase both units side by side and walk through the different components and accessories of the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go, DreamStation Go Auto and the ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP.
Dimensions
To start, let’s look at the design. Both units are incredibly small and lightweight. The ResMed AirMini is 5.4” x 3.3” x 2.1” and weighs 10.6 ounces while the Respironics DreamStation Go is 6.1” x 3.5” x 2.8” and 1.86 pounds. These travel machines are approximately 50% smaller and 75% lighter than regular CPAP counterparts! Given these dimensions, their portability factor is quite high and it’s a breeze to get through airport security.
Design
The Philips Respironics DreamStation Go features an on/off button and an intuitive color touch-swipe screen. The filter cartridge is on the bottom of the machine and easy to access. This machine even is able to recharge your mobile phone through its USB charging port. More importantly, the power block is built right into the machine. No carrying around a power block as big as the machine; its just a power cord! An optional FAA-approved lithium ion battery integrates into the side of the unit for camping, biking, or boating.
The ResMed AirMini is the smallest CPAP available and literally fits in the palm of your hand. It features a one start/stop button and has no screen. Use your mobile app to control the machine. The small 20 watt power cord is unique with a built-in block and a thin, flat cord making it compact and easy for travel.
Both the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go and ResMed AirMini feature the latest built-in Bluetooth technology to easily integrate with free downloaded apps and share sleep data directly from the machine to your phone. Furthermore, both machines have a flex option—making it easier to breathe out against, auto altitude adjustment, auto pressure, and ramp feature.
Humidification
The Philips Respironics team has promised a humidification system for the DreamStation Go no later than January 2019. It will be the first travel unit with a true integrated heated humidifier.
The ResMed AirMini includes HumidX, a small disposable waterless humidifier that is about the size of the diameter of a quarter. It improves moisture levels without a fully integrated humidifier. However, it can only be used with the N30 and AirFit P10 masks.
Pressure Range
The Philips Respironics DreamStation Go and ResMed AirMini both have a pressure range of 4-20 cm H2O.
Voltage Range
The Respironics DreamStation Go and ResMed AirMini both have a voltage range of 100-240 VAC.
Mask Compatibility
The Respironics DreamStation Go comes with a 12mm tubing, which is extremely lightweight, flexible, and portable. The machine is compatible with any current mask available today.
The ResMed AirMini comes with a unique 6-foot slim line tube and is only compatible with three ResMed masks: AirMini P10 Nasal Pillow Mask, AirMini N20 Nasal Mask System, and AirMini F20 Full Face Mask.
Sound Level
The Respironics DreamStation Go measures 30.7 dBa. The ResMed AirMini measures 25 dBa with tubing and the N20 or P10 mask and 27 dBA with tubing and the F20 mask. However, there has been some issues with mask noise on the AirMini.
Warranty
Both machines come with a 2-year warranty.
Auto Travel CPAP Comparison Chart
Chris Vasta is the president of The CPAP Shop and an expert in sleep and respiratory therapy. He often provides insights on product design and functionality on various manufacturers’ prototypes and is frequently tapped to provide reviews on new releases.