Travel CPAPs make it possible to maintain sleep therapy on the road, but not all portable machines are built the same. In this comparison, we put the Transcend Micro and the ResMed AirMini head-to-head across the features that matter most: size and weight, humidification method, mask compatibility, battery and power options, noise levels, and data or app support.
You’ll find a quick specs table for easy scanning, deeper dive sections that explain real-world pros and cons, and clear recommendations based on travel style and therapy needs. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an occasional traveler, or want a compact backup for home, this guide will help you choose the best portable CPAP for your sleep therapy.
At-a-Glance Specifications
Here’s a quick side-by-side look at the key specifications of both machines. This overview highlights the most important details so you can immediately spot the main differences between the Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini.
| Specifications | ||
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini | |
| Weight | 0.48lb 217gr |
0.66lb 299gr |
| Size | 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.4 inches 9.1 x 9.1 x 6 cm |
5.4 x 3.3 x 2.1 inches 13.7 x 8.3 x 5.3 cm |
| 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 |
Key Similarities You Should Know
Both the Transcend Micro and the ResMed AirMini share several features that make them reliable choices for travelers looking for a lightweight and effective CPAP solution.
In the following sections, we’ll review each similarity one by one so you can see how they compare in detail.
Waterless Humidification
One of the biggest concerns when using CPAP therapy is dryness. That’s why humidification is key: it helps prevent dry mouth, nasal congestion, and sore throat.
Home CPAP machines often solve this with built-in heated humidifiers that use distilled water. But travel CPAPs have a different approach: they use Heat Moisture Exchangers (HMEs).
HMEs are small, disposable cartridges that capture the heat and moisture from your exhaled breath and return it on your next inhale, providing hydration without the need for water.
Both the ResMed AirMini and the Transcend Micro rely on HMEs to make therapy more comfortable. Here’s how their systems compare:
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini |
|
• Uses AirMist™ cartridges, round and placed in a universal adapter. • Works with any CPAP mask, offering greater flexibility and compatibility. |
• Uses HumidX™ or HumidX Plus cartridges, shaped like discs. • Must be used with AirMini-specific CPAP masks, as the HumidX fits into a special compartment. |
👉 Want to see HMEs in action? Check out our video to learn more about 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.
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini |
|
• Pairs with Micro PowerAway™ Battery (16 oz / 0.45 kg), providing up to 17.7 hours at 9 cm H2O. FAA-compliant for in-flight use. |
• Can be powered with third-party batteries like Medistrom Pilot 24-Lite (1.3 lb / 560g) or Zopec EXPLORE 5700 Universal CPAP Battery (2.5 lb / 1.13 kg). • No dedicated battery included with the device. • Pilot 24-Lite fits easily in a backpack; Zopec battery offers up to 20 hours of runtime. |
Auto CPAP & CPAP Modes
Both the Transcend Micro and the ResMed AirMini support standard CPAP (fixed pressure) and auto CPAP (automatic pressure adjustment) modes, ensuring compatibility with virtually any CPAP prescription.
Customizable Comfort
Both the ResMed AirMini and Transcend Micro include a range of comfort features to make therapy easier and more natural:
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Ramp: Gradually increases air pressure over a set period to help you fall asleep comfortably (5–45 minutes on both machines).
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Pressure Relief: Reduces air pressure during exhalation, making breathing feel more natural (1–3 cm H2O on both machines).
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Auto Start/Stop: Automatically begins therapy when you put on your mask and stops when you remove it.
Smartphone App Support
Both the ResMed AirMini and Transcend Micro offer dedicated smartphone apps, making it easy to track your therapy without needing to remove an SD card. You can view key sleep metrics and adjust comfort settings right from your phone.
|
Transcend Micro |
ResMed AirMini |
|
•
App Dashboard shows recent therapy data: apnea-hypopnea index, usage hours, mask seal, mask on/off events. |
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App Dashboard shows recent therapy data: apnea-hypopnea index, usage hours, mask seal, mask on/off events. • Provides summary data for the last 30 days. |
What Sets These Travel CPAPs Apart
As you can see, both the Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini are reliable travel CPAP machines, but each has unique features and design choices. Understanding these differences can help you decide which machine best fits your travel and therapy needs.
CPAP Mask Compatibility
Not all travel CPAPs play nicely with every mask. Here’s how the Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini handle mask connections, and what that means for your comfort and convenience:
|
Transcend Micro |
ResMed AirMini |
|
•
Works with any CPAP mask with a standard 22mm connection. |
•
Requires AirMini-specific masks and setup packs. • Can use a regular mask with the AirMini Tubing Connector Adapter and a non-heated CPAP tube. • AirMini HumidX cartridges cannot be used with the adapter. |
Noise Level
If you’re a light sleeper, noise matters. While both the Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini are designed for travel, their compact size can make them a bit louder than standard CPAPs. Let’s see how each machine performs when it comes to quiet operation:
|
Transcend Micro |
ResMed AirMini |
|
•
Quieter at 27 decibels, making it better for light sleepers. |
•
Operates at 30 decibels, slightly louder than the Micro. • Does not include any noise-reducing accessories. • Standard AirMini tubing with no muffler; noise may be more noticeable in quiet rooms. |
Drying Mode
The Transcend Micro offers a convenient 30-minute drying mode that removes moisture from your CPAP mask and hose, helping reduce bacteria growth. Simply push the drying button, and the machine circulates air to gently dry your equipment. No other travel CPAP offers this feature.
App-Free Sleep Data Access
If you prefer not to rely on a mobile app, the Micro gives you more flexibility. You can access your sleep data and adjust comfort settings via either the MySleepDash app or the Transcend desktop software (Windows only). In contrast, the ResMed AirMini requires its dedicated app to view any sleep data, making the Micro the better choice for app-independent users.
CPAP Compliance Reporting
Both the Micro and AirMini allow you to generate compliance reports for insurance or personal tracking. The Micro makes this process easier, with reports accessible and downloadable directly from the app or desktop software, and shareable via email or messaging. AirMini users can obtain compliance reports through their CPAP provider or via RespShop’s Remote Data Downloading Service for a small fee, as data is stored in ResMed’s cloud.
Quick Pros & Cons
The Veredict: Which Travel Auto CPAP is Right for You?
The ResMed AirMini and Transcend Micro share many features that make them excellent travel companions. Both are compact, lightweight, and support CPAP and auto CPAP modes. They also offer smartphone apps for tracking therapy and use HMEs for waterless humidification. Yet, there are some key differences worth noting.
If you want flexibility with CPAP masks, the Micro is the better choice. It’s slightly quieter, comes with a muffler, and provides easier access to sleep data through both the app and desktop software. On the other hand, if you already use a ResMed home CPAP or want features like AutoSet for Her, the AirMini may be a better fit. Each machine feels different due to manufacturer's algorithms, so a short trial can help ensure comfort and compatibility.
RespShop makes it easy to try before you buy with rental options for both machines. No contract is required, so you can rent for as long (or as short) as you like.
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