Healthy living: CPAP, Help, I'm Shrinking!.

For any of you that have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea or think that you may have the condition, there is good news.  The size and weight of CPAP machines are getting smaller and lighter, allowing for a CPAP user more options for travel and use without access to the power grid.

Until recently, CPAP machines were mostly large, bulky, and loud.  You might get a good night's rest, but at the expense of quiet for you and your partner.  As well, the machines were, by and large, bulky and not easy to transport from point A to point B.  I have an older ResMed unit (which is touted as being small) but it weighs several pounds and, when packed in it's carrying case, takes up the space of a small carry-on suitcase.

Enter the realm of the ultralight CPAP machines.  In a recent post I referred to the Transcend CPAP machine (www.mytranscend.com) It's been on the market for over a year or so and has offered the option of a full CPAP machine that weighs just under one pound and can be held in the palm of your hand.  You can buy two types of battery modules for this machine; one for overnight use (8 hours) and a larger one for up to 16 hours of use (multi-night).  There is an option for a battery charger for users that are in to boating, hiking, climbing, or other activities that take them away from the power grid.

Just recently, a new ultralight CPAP machine was released to the market; the Z1 (www.smallcpap.com).  It too is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, and weighs in at only 10 ounces.  There is an option for a battery charger which fits together with the base CPAP in a modular arrangement.  I haven't had the opportunity to try the Z1 out yet, but will plan to cover that review in a future post.

Either of these two machines offer the convenience of light weight and extreme portability, but that comes at a price.  The machines' base prices start between $500 and $600 dollars and, with options, can top $1,000.  Yet, that price brings you the comfort of a great night's sleep equal to what you enjoy at home in your own bed.  For those of us who tend to travel a lot, that's a price worth paying.  One tip: if you keep your lightweight CPAP battery charged up, you're ready for a quick trip at the drop of a hat.

Watch for future CPAP machines to get even smaller and lighter while incorporating more options for less money.  I'll be the first in line for one of those.  Now, if only they could develop a mask that is so lightweight and soft that you aren't aware you're wearing a CPAP mask!  Sign me up for that one.

If you have any questions on or experiences with CPAP machines or masks,  let me know.  Meanwhile, breath safely my friends on your way to healthy living and healthy sleeping.