ResMed AirMini Travel Guide: Made For The Job

Embracing the spirit of adventure doesn’t mean sacrificing a good night’s sleep. If you’re an avid traveller who relies on the ResMed AirMini for uninterrupted CPAP therapy, then you have found your hub for all of the information you could possibly need. 

In this dedicated travel guide, we’ll unlock the secrets to a seamless journey with your AirMini. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip, jetting off to exotic destinations, or simply want to be prepared for unexpected travel, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore the travel-specific features, expert tips, and essential accessories that will transform your AirMini into your trusted travel companion. 

AirMini Travel Specifications

When it comes to travelling with the ResMed AirMini, a clear understanding of its specifications is essential for an enjoyable and hassle-free journey. In this section, we’ll delve into the key technical specifications of the AirMini, covering its size, weight, environmental conditions, and power supply unit.

AirMini Size and Weight

The AirMini redefines portability, making it an ideal travel companion for those who require CPAP therapy. Its compact design allows you to take your therapy wherever you go. Here are the dimensions and weight of the AirMini:

Dimensions: 13.6 cm (W) x 8.4 cm (D) x 5.2 cm (H)
Weight: 300 g

With its lightweight and compact form factor, the AirMini ensures that you can easily incorporate CPAP therapy into your travel routine.

AirMini Environmental Conditions

The AirMini is engineered to operate effectively in various environmental conditions, ensuring that your therapy remains uninterrupted. Here are the specified conditions:

Operating Temperature: +5°C to +35°C
Operating Humidity: 10% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)
Operating Altitude: Sea level to 8,500′ (2,591 m); air pressure range 1013 hPa to 738 hPa

Regardless of your travel destination, whether you’re at sea level or high altitude, the AirMini is designed to provide consistent and reliable CPAP therapy. It operates within a temperature range of +5°C to +35°C and a humidity range of 10% to 95% relative humidity without condensation.

When you’re not using your AirMini during your travels, it’s crucial to store and transport it properly to ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are the specified conditions:

Storage and Transport Temperature: -25°C to +70°C
Storage and Transport Humidity: 5% to 95% relative humidity (non-condensing)

Proper storage conditions are essential for preserving the integrity of your AirMini. Ensure that you store it within a temperature range of -25°C to +70°C and a humidity range of 5% to 95% relative humidity without condensation. These guidelines will help prolong the life of your device and maintain its performance.

By adhering to these environmental specifications, you can confidently use your AirMini during your travels, knowing that it will provide consistent and effective CPAP therapy, regardless of your destination’s conditions.

AirMini Power Supply Unit

Understanding the power supply requirements of your AirMini is essential for ensuring uninterrupted CPAP therapy during your travels. Whether you’re using a standard AC power source, a battery pack, or an aircraft’s power supply, here are the essential details regarding the power supply unit of the AirMini:

AC Input Range

• Standard AC Input: 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 0.5-0.3A
• Aircraft AC Input: 115V, 400Hz, 0.4A (for aircraft use)

The AirMini’s power supply unit is designed to accommodate a wide range of AC input voltages, making it suitable for global use. For standard use, it accepts input voltages between 100V and 240V, with a frequency range of 50-60Hz and a current draw ranging from 0.5A to 0.3A, classified as Class II. In aircraft settings, it can handle 115V at 400Hz with a current draw of 0.4A, making it aviation-friendly.

DC Output

• DC Output Voltage: 24V
• DC Output Current: 0.83A

The power supply unit delivers a stable DC output of 24V with a current rating of 0.83A, ensuring that your AirMini receives the necessary power to operate efficiently. It’s essential to match the output voltage when substituting an AC input for a DC input.

Power Consumption

• Typical Power Consumption: 6.3W
• Peak Power Consumption: 27W

Understanding the power consumption of your AirMini is crucial, especially when using it with portable power sources during your travels. The typical power consumption is approximately 6.3 watts, with a peak consumption of 27 watts under certain conditions. This knowledge is essential for selecting the right power source and planning your CPAP therapy during your travel adventures.

By familiarising yourself with these power supply specifications, you can confidently ensure that your AirMini remains powered and operational throughout your journeys, whether you’re at home, on an aircraft, or exploring distant destinations.

Making the AirMini More Portable

Travelling with your AirMini CPAP device opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to explore new destinations while staying committed to your sleep apnea therapy. To make the most of this freedom, it’s essential to optimise the portability of your AirMini, ensuring that it seamlessly fits into your travel lifestyle.

From compact travel cases and power options to innovative accessories and packing strategies, we’ve got you covered. Let’s embark on a transformative journey, unlocking the full potential of your AirMini as your trusted travel companion. Discover how to make your device as portable as your sense of adventure, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of your restorative sleep while exploring the world.

How do I prevent my mouth getting dry while using the AirMini on the go?

The comfort and fit of your mask play a significant role in the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy. When travelling, it is important to consider mask options that are suitable for your needs.

The AirMini uses a proprietary connector that only works with ResMed’s AirFit F30, AirFit 20 series of masks, AirTouch F20 and AirFit P10 for AirMini. These HME masks use ResMed’s HumidX cartridges to replace the need for a humidifier like those found on full-size CPAP machines. 

HumidX waterless humidifiers are small HME (Heat and Moisture Exchange) filters designed to provide comfortable and effective humidification, in dry or high altitude environments (like aircraft), without the need for a traditional water based heated humidifier.

HumidX waterless humidifiers provide AirMini users with extra comfort by retaining the moisture and heat from the air you breathe and delivering it back into the sleep therapy breathing circuit. When you exhale, HumidX captures heat and moisture and stores it within the HME’s tiny paper ridges. When you inhale, this heat and moisture is released to humidify the air you breathe in, offering relief from possible dryness and congestion. The HumidX is ideal when travelling to environments where the humidity levels are low.

HumidX can be inserted directly between the mask connector and the vent, providing effective waterless humidification at a compact, effective and comfortable level.

AirMini Travel Accessories

When it comes to travelling with your AirMini, the right accessories can make all the difference in terms of convenience and comfort. In this section, we’ll explore a selection of travel accessories specifically designed to enhance your AirMini experience while you’re on the move. Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country road trip or jetting off to exotic destinations, these accessories will ensure that your CPAP therapy remains seamless and effective.

AirMini Travel Bag

Investing in a dedicated travel case for your AirMini is a smart choice. These cases are designed to protect your device during transportation and provide organised storage for your CPAP essentials. Thankfully, your AirMini comes included with a compact and lightweight travel bag that fits snugly into your luggage or carry-on, ensuring that your device is well-protected while travelling.

ResMed recommends that you use the travel bag when travelling to prevent damage to the device. It is also highly recommended that you empty the humidifier and pack it separately in the travel bag if you intend on bringing it with you.

If you need a second bag or a replacement, you can find them available for purchase separately here.

Battery Pack for AirMini

When it comes to travelling with a CPAP machine, the first order of business is to find a power solution that will keep your therapy uninterrupted during the night. Thankfully, CPAP battery packs, such as those made by Medistrom, are here to save the day.

What is Medistrom?

Medistrom is a well-known company that specialises in providing innovative power solutions for CPAP machines. They are known for their high-quality and reliable backup power options that ensure uninterrupted therapy for CPAP users, especially during travel or in areas with limited access to electricity.

Medistrom’s CPAP battery packs are compact, lightweight, and compatible with various CPAP machines from popular brands. These battery packs act as a backup power source, allowing users to continue their therapy even in situations where mains power is not available, such as camping, road trips, or during power outages.

Not only is the CPAP battery great for travel, it’s an ideal backup power solution for home too. Attach the Pilot-24 Lite or Pilot-12 Lite series between your CPAP and the wall and then the rest is simple… If your power goes out, due to a storm or other anomaly, the Pilot Lite will take over automatically ensuring you continue to receive restful, uninterrupted sleep therapy. When the power comes back on the Pilot Lite will automatically recharge so it’s ready the next time you need it.

Current FAA regulations allow Sleep Apnea Therapy Devices (CPAP & BiPAP Machines) and Lithium Ion Batteries (like the one in this battery pack) to be carried onboard commercial flights and are usually not counted toward your weight limits; however it is always important to check with your airline prior to travel to determine exactly what requirements they have for carrying medical equipment on board.

The ResMed AirMini is compatible with the Medistrom™ Pilot-24 Lite Battery and Backup Power Supply for 24V PAP Devices. Conveniently, the Pilot-24 comes with an AirMini cable included out of the box!

AirMini DC-DC Converter

Another accessory that can help on the road are DC/DC Converters. These converters plug into a cigarette lighter socket and convert their output to one that is suitable to power your CPAP machine. ResMed offers a DC/DC converter for the ResMed AirMini which can take the power from a 12V output cigarette lighter socket and convert it to a 24V output (drawing approximately 1 amp of current). Alternatively, if your source of DC power is already 24V, the converter will ensure a cleaner, more consistent output so that you do not damage the sensitive electronics in your device.

AirMini Cleaning Accessories

Maintaining your CPAP machine is crucial for the effectiveness of your CPAP therapy and this is not an aspect of your therapy that should be neglected while you are travelling. We recommend that you pack travel-sized CPAP wipes or a portable cleaning kit to ensure your AirMini remains clean and operational during your trip. If you’re looking for something to start with, CPAP Online Australia offers a wide range of cleaning supplies for CPAP cleaning and maintenance.

It’s best to avoid using tap water to clean your AirMini, especially in unfamiliar locations. Tap water might contain impurities that could harm your machine or irritate your airways. Instead, use distilled water or pre-packaged CPAP wipes to ensure safe and hygienic cleaning on the go.

Running the AirMini during travel

Using the AirMini in a caravan or RV

For travellers exploring the open road in caravans or recreational vehicles (RVs), charging the AirMini battery is convenient and seamless. Most caravans and RVs are equipped with electrical outlets, making it easy to connect the AirMini to the vehicle’s power system. This ensures a stable and consistent power supply for your CPAP therapy while you’re on the move.

Before setting off on your journey, ensure that your vehicle’s electrical system is compatible with the AirMini’s power requirements (discussed in detail above). Caravan charging offers a reliable solution for AirMini who prioritise comfort and leisure during their travels.

Using the AirMini in the car

When you’re travelling by car and want to keep your AirMini’s battery charged while on the road, a cigarette lighter charger may be your best option. Some CPAP battery packs, like the Medistrom Pilot Lite batteries are also equipped with a DC adapter that allows you to charge the battery using your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port.

While using the cigarette lighter charger is convenient, especially during road trips, it’s essential to be mindful of your vehicle’s battery. Charging your CPAP battery from the car’s battery can drain power, which might affect starting the car later. To avoid this, consider charging your battery pack while the engine is running or use a separate portable power station designed for CPAP machines.

Refer to the above section about the DC/DC converter if you wish to consider this as an option while travelling.

Using the AirMini while camping or during outdoor activities

You can use your AirMini while camping or during outdoor activities by using a portable power source, such as a battery pack or a solar charger. These power solutions allow you to enjoy CPAP therapy even in remote locations without access to electricity.

Medistrom offers a solar charger designed to recharge their CPAP battery packs using solar energy. Their solar charger is portable and efficient, providing a sustainable power solution for users who are constantly on the go.

These portable solar panels are lightweight, foldable, and easy to take almost anywhere with you. However, although solar charging is an eco-friendly option, its effectiveness can vary depending on weather conditions and available sunlight so make sure you make plans accordingly!

Using the AirMini on a plane

You can use your AirMini device on a plane as it meets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.  However, to avoid any issues, we recommend that you contact your airline in advance to inform them about your medical equipment and ensure you meet their specific guidelines.

If you are travelling to a different country with your CPAP machine, make sure that you are aware of the travel guidelines for your device. Familiarising yourself with airline regulations will allow you to ensure a smooth experience during flights and will equip you to keep your AirMini in the safest possible conditions throughout the entire duration of your journey. Be sure to inform security personnel about your CPAP machine at airport security checkpoints and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s notes to avoid unnecessary complications or questions about the purpose and function of your machine.

How to activate Airplane Mode on the AirMini

To turn on Airplane Mode:

When connected to power, disable Bluetooth (enter airplane mode) by pressing and holding the Bluetooth button for at least ten seconds until the indicator light is white.

By considering these essential factors while travelling with your AirMini, you’re well-prepared to embark on a stress-free journey. With the right planning, backup power solutions, and adherence to airline regulations, you can enjoy your adventures while prioritising your sleep apnea therapy.

As you prepare to embark on your journeys with the AirMini, remember that the right accessories can be your allies in maintaining a consistent and effective CPAP therapy regimen. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of your device, adapting to varying power sources, or optimising your comfort, these travel accessories are here to support you. By investing in the right tools and making informed choices, you can enjoy the freedom to explore, rest, and rejuvenate—all while knowing that your AirMini is ready to deliver the restful sleep you deserve.