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Transcend Micro vs. ResMed AirMini
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At a Glance
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini | |
| Best For |
Those who want one of the smallest machines available and universal mask compatibility |
People who already use a ResMed machine and want consistent features and therapy while away from home |
| Price |
$779 |
$919 |
| Available From |
Why CPAP? And How to Choose a Travel CPAP
CPAP machines are the gold standard treatment for sleep apnea. To get the most from your treatment, though, you need to stick with therapy, even when you’re away from home.
When choosing a travel CPAP, think about what matters most to you. Is that weight and portability or battery power? Do you plan to use your machine on a plane? Do you want to use your regular mask or are you OK with buying a new one? Then, narrow your search based on your answers.
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Overview: Transcend Micro vs. ResMed AirMini
The AirMini has been around longer than the Micro; it was released in 2017, compared to the Micro’s release in 2022. They’re similar machines that both have multiple therapy modes, small designs, and partner apps that track data via Bluetooth. They’re both travel CPAPs that are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliant for use on flights.
The Transcend Micro is smaller and lighter than the AirMini, though not by much. It’s a machine with two therapy modes: standard CPAP and automatic positive airway pressure (APAP). Its pressure settings range from 4 to 20 cm H2O, which is typical for CPAP machines. It has universal mask compatibility and comes with a portable battery and muffler.
The ResMed AirMini is slightly larger and heavier than the Micro, though it still weighs well under one pound. It has three therapy modes: CPAP, APAP, and AutoSet for Her (a female-specific algorithm). It has the same pressure settings as the Micro, 4 to 20 cm H2O but is only compatible with specific ResMed masks. That means you may need an adaptor if you plan to use it with a non-ResMed mask.
Product Specs
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini | |
| Therapy Modes Options | CPAP, APAP |
CPAP, APAP, fAPAP (female-specific) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) |
3.6” x 3.6” x 2.4” |
5.4” x 3.3” x 2.1” |
| Weight |
0.48 lbs. |
0.66 lbs. |
| Sound Level |
26 dBA |
30 dBA |
| Pressure Range |
4 to 20 cm H2O |
4 to 20 cm H2O |
| User Controls | Buttons and the MySleepDash app | Buttons and the AirMini app |
| Power Supply | 40W | 20W |
| Voltage Requirements | 100-240V, 50-60 Hz | 100-240V, 50-60 Hz |
| Max Altitude | 8,000 feet | 8,500 feet |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
Bluetooth |
| App Integration | MySleepDash | myAir |
Key Differences Between Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini
- Design and Size: The Micro has a spherical shape, while the AirMini is rectangular. At 0.48 pounds, compared to 0.66 pounds, the Micro is slightly lighter.
- Pressure Delivery Type: Both machines have CPAP and APAP therapy modes. The AirMini also has the AutoSet for Her mode, which uses an algorithm designed specifically for women with sleep apnea.
- Comfort Features: While neither machine has a built-in humidifier, they both have options for waterless humidification that can be purchased separately. They each have a ramp feature as well, which gradually ramps pressure settings up to make falling asleep more comfortable. The Micro has a drying mode that removes moisture left over after treatment.
- Connectivity and Apps: Both ResMed and Transcend have partner apps that you can connect to via Bluetooth. ResMed’s is called AirMini, while Transcend’s is the MySleepDash app. On the apps, you can learn about your therapy quality, adjust comfort settings, and transmit data to your healthcare provider.
- Noise Level: The Micro comes with a CPAP muffler that brings the noise level to a quiet 26 decibels. At 30 decibels, the AirMini is slightly louder. However, both machines aren’t any louder than a whisper.
- Mask Compatibility: The Micro has universal compatibility that works with any standard 22-millimeter hose connection. The AirMini is only compatible with specific ResMed masks.
Features
| Transcend Micro | ResMed AirMini | |
| Humidifier |
No, but has waterless humidification option |
No, but has waterless humidification option |
| Ramp Feature |
Yes |
Yes |
| Expiratory Pressure Relief |
Yes |
Yes |
| Auto Start/Stop |
Yes |
Yes |
| Therapy Data |
Yes |
Yes |
Full CPAP Comparison: Transcend Micro vs. ResMed AirMini
The Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini are high-quality travel CPAP machines that both pack plenty of features into a small package. They’ve been on the market for at least a few years and have proven track records as reliable machines. While both devices are worth considering, they do have a few distinct differences.
Design and Ease of Use
Both the Micro and AirMini are small, light, and streamlined. The Micro weighs a few ounces less than the AirMini, but both are under one pound. The AirMini is also slightly larger than the Micro.
One thing to consider is that the size of both machines limit how much you can adjust comfort settings on the device itself. Neither one has a screen. To make changes to your ramp or expiratory pressure relief (EPR) settings, you need to do so from the corresponding apps. The Micro has more buttons than the AirMini, so you can turn the ramp and drying modes on without your phone, but you’ll still need the app to adjust other settings.
Therapy Modes and Pressure Features
Both machines support CPAP and APAP therapy modes. The AirMini also has fAPAP, which is the AutoSet for Her function that uses an algorithm specifically designed to work with women’s breathing patterns. Neither device offers BiPAP-level pressure settings.
The Transcend Micro and the ResMed AirMini both have ramp features that let you begin therapy at a lower pressure level to make it easier to fall asleep. The pressure gradually increases until it reaches your prescribed settings. Both devices have EPR options as well, which lowers the pressure during exhalation to make breathing more comfortable.
The Transcend Micro and ResMed AirMini offer similar pressure features and therapy modes when compared to one another. If you know that you’d like to use the AutoSet for Her function, the AirMini may hold an edge over the Micro.
Comfort and Noise
Sound-wise, the Micro outperforms the AirMini. Its decibel level is 26, compared to the AirMini’s 30 decibel rating, and the Micro includes a muffler kit. However, both machines are about the same noise level as a whisper — neither one is particularly loud. That said, if noise is a major consideration for you or your partner, you may prefer the Micro’s slightly quieter performance.
These two travel CPAP machines lack some of the advanced comfort features you might find with larger machines, but they both manage to include some of the most important ones. Ramp settings can help you fall asleep easier, and EPR makes exhaling against pressure easier.
There aren’t integrated humidifiers in either machine, nor are there heated tubing settings. However, they each have options for added waterless humidification. The Micro is compatible with AirMist, an add-on heat moisture exchanger (HME) that uses the heat and moisture in your exhalation to add moisture to your airway. The AirMini is compatible with a similar device, called HumidX, which can be purchased separately.
Smart Features and Data Tracking
The Micro connects to its corresponding app, MySleepDash, via Bluetooth. The AirMini also uses Bluetooth to connect its partner app, AirMini. The apps have similar features: They track your sleep data and make it available to your provider, let you manage your comfort settings, and offer personalized feedback on your sleep and therapy.
People seeking in-depth sleep data and tracking should find their needs met using either app. However, neither machine has an SD port to allow for physical data tracking.
Price and Insurance Considerations
The Micro and AirMini are within the average cost range for travel CPAPs. The Micro is about $140 less than the AirMini, but both are under $1,000. You’ll need to purchase additional accessories to use either machine — most importantly, a mask and hose. The waterless humidification systems are extra components that have an added cost. Both machines have power connections, and the Micro includes a portable battery as well.
Travel CPAP machines are often considered secondary machines by insurance companies and aren’t always covered. However, you can often use HSA or FSA accounts to purchase travel CPAP machines. Medicare covers a new CPAP machine every 5 years, while private insurance coverage details vary. Check with your provider to learn about your plan’s coverage. Some plans may offer insurance reimbursement.
Sometimes, purchasing a machine out of pocket can be about the same cost as going through insurance, especially when it’s a secondary machine. Buying directly from Sleep Doctor provides you with a machine to use right away without insurance hold-ups, and it also gives you access to our network of Sleep Care Advocates to help you decide on the right machine, walk you through set up, and troubleshoot any issues.
Also, keep in mind that CPAP machines require a prescription and a sleep apnea test, which you can easily complete at home.
Bottom Line: Which CPAP Machine Is Better for You?
Choose the Transcend Micro if you:
- Want one of the smallest travel CPAPs available.
- Know that you want an included portable battery.
- Are paying out of pocket and want to spend less.
-
Want a machine with universal mask compatibility.
Choose the ResMed AirMini if you:
- Know you want to use the AutoSet for Her therapy mode.
- Already have a ResMed CPAP mask.
- Want a machine that works at higher altitudes.
- Don’t mind purchasing a portable battery separately.
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