We know that Travel CPAP Machines are popular in Australia.

Portable CPAP Machines has been a niche market for CPAP Sales over the last 7 years, and have typically been purchased as a second Machine.

With some premium manufacturers like Philips now offering their DreamStation Go travel CPAP Machine, they are becoming more popular.

Often now, one device is used every day for both home and travel use, so the investment in a premium home and portable Machine is a better way of taking your CPAP therapy with you.

Our dilemma

As both the Transcend T365 and Philips Go are competing at the top end of town, we could only justify stocking one mini CPAP Machine.

• Transcend T365 (Travel CPAP Machine that can be used 365 days of the year), which includes a heated humidifier and optional battery.
• Philips DreamStation Go anywhere CPAP Machine, designed for everyday and travel use) with options of a heated humidifier and battery kit.

So, which one?

We always test Machines and masks before we sell, as we have to be confident in the performance, noise level, reliability, and ease of use.

Collectively, our staff have over 60 years experience in the healthcare and electronics industries, so I believe we are well qualified to test and provide unbiased feedback.

After extensive testing and use, this is a summary of what we found when comparing these two ‘top end of town’ every day travel CPAP Machines. In the end, the decision of which one to stock was easier than we thought…

With the Transcend T365 Machine/humidifier running (no breathing) it doesn’t sound ‘too bad’, but in actual use (breathing), the wind noise through the hose was quite loud, especially during inhalation.

In this sound meter image, you can see;

• Average Sound Level over 30 Seconds: 37.8dB
• Large variation in sound level (32dB~42dB) during breathing.

The sound level of the Philips Go without humidifier was pretty good, and we noticed a slight sound reduction (1dB) when using with the humidifier (so great for home use).

In this sound meter image, you can see;

• Average Sound Level over 30 Seconds: 31.9dB
• Small variation in sound level (30dB~33dB) during breathing.

The plastic top and bottom cases didn’t line up exactly, leaving slightly sharp edges around the rim.

The Philips Go felt quite solid and the power supply is conveniently built in.

It has removable “vanity” covers that are very thin and designed to make it look nice when not using the optional humidifier and/or battery.

Do not use tap water: There are multiple warnings about potentially voiding the warranty if anything other than distilled water is used.

• This was a red flag to us, because;
  • We know a high proportion of customers do not use distilled water.
  • It would not be convenient to travel with distilled water (thinking airport travel/security, difficulty to find when travelling etc)
• Potential cause of unnecessary support problems and issues with warranty status in the future.

Fill and empty: Fully emptying the water chamber should be simple, but it wasn't. The rubber seal prevents all the water from being tipped out!

Construction: There is an inconvenient rubber seal that is easy to dislodge and is difficult to fit. There were no instructions on how to fit and we felt this would cause frustration to the customer, and unnecessary support issues for our staff.

Humidifier power: On the positive side, you can use the heated humidifier for almost 6 hours with the optional battery pack.

OK to use tap water: Philips states in writing that it is OK to use tap water.

• Much more convenient just to use tap water for travel and home use!
• Simple to fill in hotels and no hassle through airport security.

Fill and empty: The water tank was easy to remove, fill and empty.

• Simple, convenient and easy to use.

Construction: The optional heated humidifier for the Phillips Go was super lightweight and compact.

• You can use the Go with or without the humidifier, so you can choose how light you want to travel.

Humidifier power: The down-side is that you can't seem to use the humidifier with the optional battery pack.

• 26 hours use (without humidifier)
• 5.8 hours (with humidifier)
• Can be used as a UPS, meaning that the battery will continue without interruption if the main power fails.

• 13 hours use and a 5 hour recharge time.
• Can be used as a UPS, meaning that the battery will continue without interruption if the main power fails.
• Designed to fit neatly on one end of the Go Travel Machine.

• This device has FAA approval, so you should be able to use on-board aircraft, however, always check in advance with your airline, as they make the final decision.
• The need to carry around multiple power cords when travelling adds significantly to the weight and inconvenience.
  (This can be easily solved by just using a multi-way travel adaptor)
• The heated humidifier must always be fitted to the main body of the Machine, so you have to travel with it, even if you don't want to use it.

• This device has FAA approval, so you should be able to use on-board aircraft, however, always check in advance with your airline, as they make the final decision.
• Only an Australian power cord is supplied, so you will need to provide your own multi-way adaptor when using overseas.
• The optional heated humidifier fits neatly on the end of the Go CPAP Machine. When travelling, we recommend you use the medium size hard shell/carry case to protect your investment, or better still, travel light, and leave the humidifier at home as it does not need to be fitted at all times.

• Available as Auto CPAP Machine only (no cheaper fixed pressure Machine available)
• The display is colour, and buttons are used to navigate through the various menus.
• The T365 can neatly stack on top of the optional battery pack.
• Wireless bluetooth and smartphone app was not available with the device we tested.
• No Auto Start/Stop Feature.

• The Go is available in Auto CPAP and fixed pressure CPAP Machine versions
• The Go has a 2.5A fast charge USB port on the side to charge your mobile phone. Very nifty!
• The display is a colour touch screen, and is a breeze to navigate and use.
• Auto Start (Breathe through the mask to start the Machine)
• Auto Stop when mask is taken off didn’t work for us (but we later found out from Philips that it can take up to 250 seconds for this feature to work)
• Wireless bluetooth is included, and syncs automatically when using the free DreamMapper APP and is compatible with Apple and Android Smartphones.

3 years

5 years

755gms (Machine with humidifier)

2180gms (everything including Machine, humidifier, power cords, user manual, carry bag and hose)

198mm(L) x 97mm(W) x 114mm(H) for Machine with humidifier

840gms (Machine only)

1155gms (Machine and humidifier)

1680gms (everything including Machine, humidifier, power cord, user manual, medium travel case and 12mm micro-flexible hose)

150mm(L) x 150mm(W) x 60mm(H) (Machine only)

300mm(L) x 150mm(W) x 60mm(H) (Machine and humidifier)

TRANSCEND
365 Mini CPAP (AUTO)

RRP: $2300 (Auto CPAP Machine, humidifier starter kit)

Typical Street Price: $1725

PHILIPS
DreamStation GO (AUTO)

RRP: $2798 ($2399 without humidifier)

Street Price: $1995 ($1695 without humidifier)

PHILIPS
DreamStation GO (CPAP)

RRP: $2148 ($1749 without humidifier)

Street Price: $1695 ($1395 without humidifier)

I don’t like to include a rating, but these days, it is expected. Maybe in our time poor world, seeing the number of stars is enough.

So if you are looking for a star rating as a super quick summary…

I would personally rate at a 2.5 out of 5.

Would I buy and use it myself? NO

I would personally rate at a 4 out of 5.

Would I buy and use it myself? YES