Earlier, people with sleep apnea were required to carry large amounts of gear wherever they travelled. This means carrying bulky bags, untangling hoses, and getting less-than-adequate sleep. Today, compact CPAP devices have revolutionised the way we travel, particularly for frequent flyers, weekend road trip enthusiasts, and spontaneous weekend warriors. But, now that you know you can take your CPAP therapy with you, a big question has arisen: when you’re travelling, do you use a nasal mask or a full-face mask? Well, it depends on how comfortable you are with either option. You also need to consider your own breathing patterns and how portable you want your system to be.
Let’s take an in-depth look at how today’s travel-friendly CPAPs, including the Transcend Micro, make both options convenient when travelling.
Nasal Masks on the Road: Lightweight and Minimal
Travellers often prefer nasal masks (and nasal pillow masks) to carry them on board a plane or in their luggage. These masks are small and light; therefore, they take up little room in your luggage. If you breathe primarily through your nose and do not experience any congestion while travelling, then this type of setup should be easy for you to manage.
For people who are hopping between hotels or have limited carry-on space, a nasal mask combined with a travel CPAP mask can provide the same level of comfort and seal as a standard CPAP mask. Since this mask comes with fewer parts, you can get it set up quickly after a long day of travel. This is a huge bonus for anyone who has been on the road for some time and is experiencing fatigue.
Nasal masks may not be the best choice for those who tend to breathe through their mouths or for those with seasonal allergies. In such cases, the condition may worsen when travelling to different areas with varying climates.
Full-Face Masks: Stability and Versatility
A full face mask covers the nose and mouth. It is an excellent choice for those who breathe through their mouth when sleeping. While they tend to be a little bulkier than nasal versions, they offer a consistent level of treatment for all those who find it difficult to breathe due to nasal congestion. This condition occurs quite frequently while sleeping in an unfamiliar location or environment.
The extra reassurance that full face masks provide can help when travelling, especially on long journeys or flights, where dry air may irritate the nasal passages. The major disadvantage of using a full face mask over a nasal mask is size. Plus, it needs extra time to set it up. However, new compact CPAP units have significantly reduced these challenges.
Why the Right Machine Matters More Than Ever
Regardless of your mask preference, the entire experience ultimately depends on the quality of the machine powering it. A compact and intelligent travel CPAP machine can eliminate many of the downsides associated with using CPAP therapy while travelling. The Transcend Micro Travel CPAP Machine really stands out with regard to this.
Portability Redefined
The major advantage of Transcend Micro is its portability, because of its physical size, which is only 9.1 cm in diameter and only 218 grams in weight. It is one of the smallest and lightest CPAP machines currently available. There is no restriction on how the Transcend Micro can be packed into your carry-on bag, backpack or purse. Whether travelling for a weekend escape or for multiple countries, the Transcend Micro helps you manage sleep apnea easily while travelling.
Comfort That Adapts to You
Comfort is vital when travelling away from home. Transcend Micro’s advanced Air Relief system can automatically adjust its pressure as you breathe out. So, no more “forced” airflow into your lungs; instead, you will feel as if you are naturally breathing, whether you’re using a full-face or nasal CPAP mask. Therefore, this means that you will experience less discomfort, be able to relax better and have more restorative sleep. This is quite beneficial after long days of travel.
Whisper-Quiet Operation
When travelling, there is nothing more difficult than trying to sleep in a location you have never been to before. With Transcend Micro’s WhisperSoft Muffler, you will not have to worry about any noise from the device disrupting your sleep. For example, if you are sharing a hotel room or are in an area with many people, the quiet operation maintains uninterrupted sleep, without being disturbed by the noise of the machine.
Portable Travel Accessories
The Transcend Micro isn’t just a travel CPAP machine. It is an ecosystem that comes with carefully designed travel CPAP accessories, like travel-friendly carrying cases, compact power supplies, and replacement equipment that work harmoniously with your daily routine. These add-ons allow you to set up your equipment in a way that fits your travelling preferences, whether it be at hotels, on airplanes or when camping.
Final Thoughts
Consider your personal comfort and breathing habits when deciding between a nasal and a full face mask while travelling. Fortunately, with a device like Transcend Micro, you have the flexibility of using a compact, quiet, intelligent travel CPAP machine without giving up comfort or style. Both aesthetically pleasing and practical for travel, modern travel CPAP solutions make restful sleep possible no matter where life takes you.
