The Essential Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Welcome to the comprehensive Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Travel Guide, your passport to a restful and rejuvenating night’s sleep, even while you’re on the move. We understand that maintaining your sleep quality is crucial, whether you’re embarking on a business trip, a weekend getaway, or a globe-trotting adventure. With Fisher & Paykel’s innovative SleepStyle CPAP machine, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of your home sleep environment wherever your journey takes you.

In this article, we’ll provide you with valuable tips and insights to ensure you get the most out of your sleep companion while you’re on the move.

Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Travel Specifications

Whether your itinerary involves a quick weekend escape, a packed business agenda, or an extended leisure voyage, knowing how to use the SleepStyle while away from your usual sleep environment is of utmost importance. This section will thoroughly outline the dimensions and weight of the SleepStyle, the environmental conditions required for optimal performance, and discuss its power demands, ensuring you’re well-prepared for any travel scenario.

SleepStyle Size and Weight

The Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle is designed with portability in mind. In terms of dimensions, it measures 114 mm in height, 177 mm in width, and 183 mm in depth, making it a compact and travel-friendly companion. The combined weight of the device and humidifier is approximately 1700 grams, although it is worth noting that the device does not come with an external power brick in its power cable. 

This distinction between the SleepStyle and other CPAP machines, such as the ResMed AirSense 11, means that the fully packed weight of the devices is not quite as large as one might expect. 

The AirSense 11 weighs a mere 1130g on its own but packed in its travel bag with all of its packaged accessories weighs about 2095g, an increase of 965g. On the other hand, the SleepStyle weighs 1700g on its own but increases to 2495g, a smaller increase of 795g. It is worth considering the built-in transformer when travelling with your machine.

An interesting feature of the SleepStyle design is that it comes with an in-built handle which can be pulled out from the top of the device and used to carry the machine.

SleepStyle Environmental Conditions

To ensure optimal functionality and performance, it’s essential to consider the environmental conditions in which the SleepStyle operates. The device can comfortably function within a temperature range of +5°C to +35°C. Moreover, it accommodates a relative humidity range of 15% to 90%. Whether you find yourself at sea level or up to 3,000 metres in altitude, the SleepStyle is equipped to meet your sleep needs.

For storage and transport, keep in mind that the device can withstand temperatures ranging from -10°C to +60°C, while maintaining a relative humidity range of 15% to 90%. These specifications are important to ensure the longevity and reliability of your SleepStyle, especially during your travels.

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

SleepStyle Power Supply Unit

When it comes to power requirements, the SleepStyle offers versatility. It can be powered within a broad AC input range. This includes 100–115V at 50–60Hz with a current draw of 1.2A, as well as 220-240V at 50-60Hz with a slightly lower current draw of 1.1A. This adaptability allows you to use your SleepStyle in a variety of locations, regardless of the voltage and frequency standards in place.

Making the SleepStyle More Portable

Travelling with your SleepStyle 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 SleepStyle, 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 SleepStyle 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.

Emptying and Disabling of SleepStyle Humidifier

The Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle does not include a side cover that can replace the humidifier like other machines, such as the ResMed AirSense 11. However, when travelling with this machine, it is still recommended that the water tub be emptied and humidification settings be changed to off.

To empty the water tub, press the lid latch on the front of the device. This will open the lid and allow you to take the water chamber out of the device. If you intend on travelling with this device, empty the water chamber and then return it into the device by placing it back in place. Push the lid down until the lid latch clicks into position.

To disable the humidifier, press the up or down arrow on your device to bring up the humidifier settings and then press the down arrow until the humidifier level is set to 0 or off. This is visually indicated by 7 empty water droplet symbols.

How do I prevent my mouth getting dry while using the SleepStyle 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.

When using battery power, the option of using a humidifier is limited as it may drain the battery quickly. In such cases, using a Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) mask is recommended. However, it’s important to note that ResMed’s HME masks are only compatible with the AirMini machine. Alternatively, BMC HME masks can be used with any machine, although they may not be as comfortable as regular masks.

These waterless humidifiers provide 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, the HME filter captures heat and moisture and stores it within its 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. HME is ideal when travelling without a humidifier to environments where the humidity levels are low.

SleepStyle Travel Accessories

When it comes to travelling with your SleepStyle, 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 SleepStyle 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.

SleepStyle Travel Bag

Investing in a dedicated travel case for your SleepStyle is a smart choice. These cases are designed to protect your device during transportation and provide organised storage for your CPAP essentials. Thankfully, your SleepStyle 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.

Fisher & Paykel recommends that you use the travel bag when travelling to prevent damage to the device as well as the following, which can be used as a checklist if you wish:

• Carry bag
• SleepStyle device
• Water chamber (empty)
• Chamber seal
• ThermoSmart breathing tube or standard breathing tube
• with elbow
• F&P InfoUSB
• Power cord
• Air filter
• Outlet seal
• F&P SleepStyle Use and Care Guide
• Mask

Depending on where you go, you may also require an extension cord and/or a plug adaptor to aid you in providing your device with power.

Battery Pack for SleepStyle

The SleepStyle is unique in that it does not have an external power supply. Its transformer is built into the machine which means that it accepts only AC input, whereas other machines rely on their power supply brick to transform the current from AC to DC before it enters the machine.

What this means is that the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle is not compatible with DC battery packs like the MediStrom Pilot Lite batteries. Instead, to power the SleepStyle on the go, you will require either a Portable AC Power Supply or, alternatively, you will need to purchase an inverter to convert the current from a DC battery pack to AC before it is inputted into the machine.

For reference when purchasing a battery to purchase a power supply for the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle, you can use the below table:

Average Pressure: 10cm H2O, Humidifier: Off
Therapy Hours	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	12 Hours
Minimum required battery capacity	56Wh	84Wh	112Wh	168Wh
Average Pressure: 20cm H2O, Humidifier: Off
Therapy Hours	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	12 Hours
Minimum required battery capacity	96Wh	144Wh	192Wh	288Wh

You will also want to be careful when selecting a compatible inverter for your machine. Requirements that your inverter should fulfil include:

• Power rating of 150 W or greater
• Current rating:
  • 0.7 A or greater when mains supply is 110 V
  • 1.4 A or greater when mains supply is 230 V
• The inverter can be a modified-sine-wave or pure-sine-wave type.

SleepStyle 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 SleepStyle 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 SleepStyle, 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 SleepStyle during travel

Using the SleepStyle in a caravan or RV

For travellers exploring the open road in caravans or recreational vehicles (RVs), charging the SleepStyle battery is convenient and seamless. Most caravans and RVs are equipped with electrical outlets, making it easy to connect the SleepStyle 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 SleepStyle’s power requirements outlined below:

12V battery, Average Pressure: 10cm H2O, Humidifier: Off
Therapy Hours	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	12 Hours
Minimum required battery capacity	4.7Ah	7.0Ah	9.4Ah	14.0Ah
24V battery, Average Pressure: 10cm H2O, Humidifier: Off
Therapy Hours	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	12 Hours
Minimum required battery capacity	2.3Ah	3.5Ah	4.7Ah	7.0Ah
12V battery, Average Pressure: 20cm H2O, Humidifier: Off
Therapy Hours	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	12 Hours
Minimum required battery capacity	4.7Ah	12.0Ah	16.0Ah	24.0Ah
24V battery, Average Pressure: 20cm H2O, Humidifier: Off
Therapy Hours	4 Hours	6 Hours	8 Hours	12 Hours
Minimum required battery capacity	4.0	6.0	4.7Ah	7.0Ah

Using the SleepStyle in the car

When you’re travelling by car and want to keep your SleepStyle’s battery charged while on the road, a cigarette lighter charger may be your best option but you will need to use an inverter for this power source to be compatible with your device.

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.

Using the SleepStyle on a plane

The Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle does not meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.  We recommend that you contact your airline in advance to inform them about your medical equipment and ensure you meet their specific guidelines and do not assume that you can bring your machine with you as carry-on luggage. 

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 SleepStyle 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.

By considering these essential factors while travelling with your SleepStyle, 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 SleepStyle, 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 SleepStyle is ready to deliver the restful sleep you deserve.