I am still trying to decide between the Transcend and the Z1 machines. I see a lot of reviews about the Z1 machine being loud with an annoying hum but the factory specs show it as quieter than the Transcend. I am not sure if those Z1 machines have had the annoying noise 'fix' from the factory or if they were older machines. Both units are SMALL compared to regualr CPAP/APAP machines, both are LIGHT compared to regular machines.
As for humidification, both machines can use a little in-line sponge gizmo that is supposed to help keep throats/nasal cavities from drying out too badly. I have not used one, I'm tempted to buy one and see if I can use it with my current machine at night (
obviously WITHOUT the humidification system attached). If that works then taking my home unit would still be larger and heavier than either of the 2 'travel' units but it might still be practical to do so?
Transcend:
Larger/heavier; uses standard 6' hose; power cord comes with international plug adapters
Z1:
Smaller/lighter; uses shorter 4' hose; uses special smaller diameter hose; requires plug adapters
Seems to me I will be carrying a larger backpack just to accomidate the machine/hose/mask. I figure with the Z1 machine/hose/etc that I will be carrying an extra 2 pounds and with the Transcend machine I will be carrying an extra 2.3 pounds.
In real terms both machines are roughly the size of pop can, weigh just under 1# and the hose/mask combo is going to take up more space than the machine. So the way I figure it the pack required for a compact travel CPAP machine is going to be about 10 Liters larger in capacity to carry the machine/hose/mask/power.
Now in real terms my home machine is roughly 2 times the size of either of these units, probably weighs (didn't weigh it) twice as much, so maybe 2#, but the hose/mask take exactly the same space, weigh exactly the same, and the power unit is probably the same size/weight. So a home unit, without humidifier, but with an in-line sponge gizmo, might actually be practical???