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CPAP FAQs

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machines (commonly abbreviated as CPAP) is a device prescribed to treat patients who have sleep apnea and allow them to have a comfortable sleep. The Transcend Sleep Apnea device sends a constant and steady air flow into your nose through the hose connected to a nasal pillow mask or nasal mask, helping you breathe easily while you sleep. 
Picking the right CPAP machine is vital to enjoy a comfortable, obstruction-free sleep. There are many factors to consider to select the right CPAP machine, and your doctor is the best person to assist you with the decision.  When selecting a suitable CPAP machine, you must take into consideration the CPAP mask style that fits adequately on your mouth and nose, whether you need heated humidification, the weight and portability of the machine, the amount of noise it makes and any other accessories that will make you sleep comfortably.
The CPAP machines work by sending a gentle flow of air pressure through the hose and mask into your upper airway while you sleep.  This helps keep the airways open, preventing the obstruction that causes apneas thereby improving respiration and maintaining the optimum level of oxygen in your bloodstream.  Patients with sleep apnea usually have a much lower level of oxygen which is usually measured using a pulse oximeter or a sensor in your cpap machine.  

There are three different types of CPAP machines to treat sleep Apnea in the market today.

1. Fixed pressure CPAP: This type of a constant air pressure setting (fixed at a level based on the sleep study) to help you breath easily and enjoy quality sleep. While not commonly used these days, these devices are used where the physician believes that there is no requirement for the auto adjustment of pressures during the sleep cycle and is based on the sleep study results.  You need to talk to your physician if this is an option that should be considered.

2. APAP: These CPAPs are the  most commonly prescribed machines for treating sleep apnea.  An automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) machine is similar to the Transcend Auto CPAP (T3 and T365).  The AutoCPAP as the name denotes, is a cpap that monitors the individuals breathing on a breath-by-breath basis and then adjust the pressure accordingly.

The APAPs are either

Home based fully featured devices that have integrated heated humidification or

Travel sized CPAPs which are smaller and lighter  but do not have heated humidification.   They are also used as a second cpap by some patients.

The Transcend T365 mini CPAP machine is a fully featured home CPAP but is also small so it is portable. The T365 is not only small in size and light but is lightweight and as such can be used both at home and while travelling.  It is so small that it can easily fit in your bag or purse and with the P10 battery can be used when travelling or off grid.  Unlike travel cpaps that are not fully featured, the T365 has an inbuilt heated humidifier, a feature that allows the patient to use the heated humidification even off the grid.  The comfort and versatility of a fully featured cpap but in a package that allows it to be taken anywhere, anytime.

The Transcend 3 mini-CPAP is a portable CPAP that is primarily used for travel but also can be used as a second CPAP.  It is the size of a soft drink and is light and compact.  The T3 CPAP has multiple power options that include an optional multi night battery (P8), and optional solar-charger.   It can also use an off the shelf inverter (see site for recommendations) that can power the CPAP while travelling and charge the P8 battery.  Both Ramp and EZEX pressure relief features are standard and the CPAP has sound characteristics that are less than 30db.  The T3 has been FAA approved for in-flight use.

3. Bi-PAP: The Bi-level positive airway pressure machine uses two levels of airway pressure for inhalation and exhalation, and is useful for treating patients that require expiratory and inspiratory pressures for their sleep therapy.  The BPAP is prescribed by a sleep physician.

Using a Transcend unit completely off the grid is not only possible, it is also quite simple! You use your miniCPAP when away from a wall power source by using the Transcend Solar Panel Charger to charge your Transcend battery. If AC power is not available, but you do have access to a DC power source, consider ordering our 12-volt mobile power adaptor, which can power the CPAP and recharge the batteries from a standard 12-volt power plug. A cigarette lighter plug in a vehicle is a prime example. Purchasing the P8 Battery, is the easiest way to ensure you’ll be able to use your miniCPAP off the grid.

Yes! You can carry your Transcend miniCPAP device with you on your flight. And, as a medical device, it will not count as one of your carry-on items. Make sure that you always carry your device with you as CPAP machines can be damaged by normal luggage handling procedures. Your doctor can provide an official letter stating that you need to carry your device with you, if necessary. Transcend is FAA-approved for inflight use with battery. Be sure to call the airline in advance to clarify procedures and in-flight policies.

We offer two battery options – the P4 and the P8. The P4 Battery provides approximately one night of sleep therapy at 14 cmH2O and the P8 Battery delivers up to two nights at the same setting. These averages are based on testing at 14 cmH2O and may vary depending on leak rate and altitude.

Our CPAPs do not come with a mask as they are designed to be used with virtually any CPAP mask on the market today. Use your miniCPAP with a nasal cushion, nasal pillow, or full face design. For the ultimate in freedom, you can choose the mask that works best for you – which is quite common with contemporary CPAP offerings.

Humidification

The Transcend 365 miniCPAP is the first and only CPAP system to use patented Capillary Force Vaporizer™ (CFV) technology. CFV uses wicking action to pull water from your reservoir and deliver warm, moist air to you only when you inhale. Rather than using a heated plate to warm the water in the reservoir, as most heated humidifiers do, the 365 miniCPAP uses vaporization to deliver humidification in the same fashion a nebulizer would deliver vaporized air to you. This special method for humidification delivery uses about half the water of a standard heated humidifier and much less energy. That’s how the Transcend 365 miniCPAP humidifier can be so small and portable, deliver full humidification almost immediately, and can even operate on battery power!

No. Doing so risks water entering the CPAP device. Always completely empty your humidifier reservoir before transporting it.

No. The 365 miniCPAP humidifier uses a special heating element that will become corroded from the hardness chemicals in tap water. Please use distilled water. If distilled or purified water is not available, use the optional Transcend 365 miniCPAP Water Filter, which will allow you to use tap water to fill your device. Distilled water is always the best choice.

The hardness chemicals in tap water can quickly corrode your humidifier. The Transcend 365 miniCPAP measures the hardness of the water in the humidifier reservoir. If tap water is present, the humidifier will not operate. Therefore, if you cannot access distilled water and do not have the Transcend Water Filter it is better to run your Transcend 365 miniCPAP without humidification than to try and use unfiltered tap water. The Transcend 365 miniCPAP will operate normally without water in the humidifier.

Power Options

Power options for Transcend miniCPAP devices:

  • Power options for first-generation miniCPAPs and Transcend 3 miniCPAP devices: P4 & P8 Batteries, Mobile Power Adaptor, Solar Battery Charger (for P4 and P8 Batteries), PSA2 AC Power Supply

  • Power options for Transcend 365 miniCPAP devices: P10 Battery, PSA3 AC Power Supply

Yes! The Transcend miniCPAP has a mobile power adaptor available that allows it to plug into the DC power outlet in your car, truck, RV, boat, camper, or wherever you choose to sleep. You can also use the mobile power adaptor to recharge the Transcend battery pack. Note: The Transcend 365 miniCPAP devices and P10 battery are not tested for use with the DC mobile power adaptor or Transcend solar battery charger.

Yes, make sure the Transcend battery is fully charged before using it with your Transcend miniCPAP for the first time.

Yes, the Transcend battery can be recharged with the AC power supply or mobile power adaptor while you are using your Transcend miniCPAP. The Transcend Portable Solar Battery Charger will also recharge Transcend batteries, but it cannot be used while the battery is powering the miniCPAP device. Note: The Transcend 365 miniCPAP devices and P10 battery are not tested for use with the DC mobile power adaptor or Transcend solar battery charger. The 365 minCPAP AC power supply may be used in-line with these products.

The Transcend P4 Battery will provide approximately 7 hours of operation at 14 cmH2O and the Transcend P8 Battery will provide approximately 14 hours at the same setting. These averages are based on testing at 14 cmH2O and may vary based upon pressure setting, leak rate, altitude and tidal volume.

The Transcend P10 Battery can power the Transcend 365 miniCPAP AND humidifier. Battery performance and humidity level will vary depending upon CPAP therapy pressure, breathing rate, tidal volume, leak rate, and altitude.

Yes, the P8 and P4 batteries will power the Transcend miniCPAP’s. The P10 battery will power the Transcend 365 miniCPAP’s and humidifier.

Product Information

Yes! All Transcend miniCPAP devices include a universal AC power supply that makes it easy to use them outside the United States. The power supply includes a set of plug adaptors and automatically converts the power current so you have everything you need to use your Transcend miniCPAP internationaly. Do not use a power converter with your Transcend miniCPAP devices.

Transcend miniCPAP and its accessories and parts are available at reputable medical equipment dealers.

Carry your Transcend miniCPAP with you on your flight. As a medical device, it will not count as one of your carry-on items. Never check a sleep apnea therapy device with your baggage as it can be damaged through normal luggage handling procedures. Your doctor can provide you with a letter stating the need to carry your device with you, if necessary: Be sure to call the airline in advance to clarify procedures and in-flight policies.

Transcend is competitively priced with other CPAP devices on the market.

The Transcend miniCPAP and Transcend 365 miniCPAP are compatible with any CPAP mask and can be used with any standard CPAP hose.

Yes. Transcend miniCPAP and Transcend 365 miniCPAP provide ramp within the range of 5-45 minutes in five (5) minute increments.

Yes. Transcend miniCPAP devices have internal memory that captures compliance data for up to 13 months. A full compliance report, including AHI, leak detection, hours of use, and other data can be viewed by using the Transcend Desktop Software.

Transcend 3 miniCPAP and Transcend 365 miniCPAP are warranted for workmanship for a period of 3 years and 2 years respectively. In the event the Transcend CPAP must be returned for warranty replacement, contact the dealer you purchased your device from to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Once you have an RMA number, you can return the Transcend CPAP directly to Somnetics with that authorization number.

Transcend 3 miniCPAP also offers a 5 year Protection Plan. The Protection Plan extends the warranty to 5 years and offers full device repair or replacement in the case of accidental damage.

No. Transcend miniCPAP devices are built to rigorous standards. The testing requirements are established by the International Standards Organization (ISO) and passing the tests is required to obtain approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or regulatory agencies outside the U.S. Transcend miniCPAP devices are rugged and durable.

Yes. The warranty period on batteries is 9 months.

If you are a healthcare provider or durable medical equipment (DME) supplier you can order Transcend by calling.

If you are a CPAP user you can purchase Transcend from your local DME supplier.

Operations

Your healthcare provider or Transcend Customer Support can assist you with any questions you may have.

Pressure must be set by a Clinician or DME.

Drying mode serves as a method to dry out excess moisture remaining from device usage. As such, it is preferable to keep the hose and interface attached, but not required.

Other

Please subscribe to the Transcend miniCPAP email list on the Contact page to receive updated information about Transcend products,

Generally yes, but because reimbursements vary from company to company. You should contact your insurance company to be sure. It is recommended that you contact your local DME or healthcare provider for advice in the event you want to use your insurance to help pay for Transcend miniCPAP.

Changing CPAP Pressure

Your clinician or durable medical equipment (DME) dealer will set therapy pressure for you. If you need to change your therapy pressure setting after you have received your Transcend, you must contact your dealer and have them make the appropriate adjustments for you.

No. Transcend automatically compensates therapy pressure to altitudes of up to 8,000 feet.

Troubleshooting Guide

Possible Cause: Power is not completely connected to the CPAP.

Solution: Ensure that the power source is completely and correctly connected to the Transcend CPAP.

Possible Cause: Power source is defective.

Solution: Ensure that a solid green LED light shows up on the AC power supply or DC mobile power adaptor when it is plugged into a power outlet and connected to the Transcend CPAP. If you are using a battery, check that the battery is fully charged A green LED light will appear on the battery when it is plugged into the power supply if the battery is fully charged. If there is a fault with the battery, a red LED will appear.

Possible Cause: Mask is not fitted properly, resulting in excessive air leak.

Solution: Ensure your mask is fitted securely and comfortably against your face. Please refer to your Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Mask tubing is not fully connected.

Solution: Check that the mask tubing is completely connected to the CPAP and mask. See your Transcend Quick Guide – Connecting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Power is not completely connected to the CPAP.

Solution: Ensure that the power source is completely and correctly connected to the Transcend CPAP.

Possible Cause: Power source is defective.

Solution: Ensure that a solid green LED light shows up on the AC power supply or DC mobile power adaptor when it is plugged into a power outlet and connected to the Transcend CPAP. If you are using a battery, check that the battery is fully charged. A green LED light will appear on the battery when it is plugged into the power supply if the battery is fully charged. If there is a fault with the battery, a red LED will appear.

Possible Cause: Mask is not fitted properly, resulting in excessive air leak.

Solution: Ensure your mask is fitted securely and comfortably against your face. Please see the Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Air supply tube is not fully connected.

Solution: Check that the air supply tube is completely connected to the CPAP and mask. See the Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Air supply tube is blocked or punctured.

Solution: Check that tubing is clear of debris and free of any punctures.

Possible Cause: Air filter is dirty.

Solution: Change the air filter.

Possible Cause: The ramp feature is enabled.

Solution: To accelerate the rate of gradual pressure increase while the ramp feature is enabled, hold down the ramp button until you reach a comfortable pressure. The device will continue in ramp mode until it reaches your prescribed therapy pressure. To bypass the ramp feature, do not press the ramp button once the device is in On mode.

Possible Cause: Mask is not fitted properly, resulting in excessive air leak.

Solution: Ensure your mask is fitted securely and comfortably against your face. Please see the Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Air supply tube is not fully connected.

Solution: Check that the air supply tube is completely connected to the CPAP and mask. See the Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Air supply tube is blocked or punctured.

Solution: Check that tubing is clear of debris and free of any punctures.

Possible Cause: Air filter is dirty.

Solution: Change the air filter.

Possible Cause: The ramp feature is enabled.

Solution: To accelerate the rate of gradual pressure increase while the ramp feature is enabled, hold down the ramp button until you reach a comfortable pressure. The device will continue in ramp mode until it reaches your prescribed therapy pressure. To bypass the ramp feature, do not press the ramp button once the device is in On mode.

Possible Cause: Mask is not fitted properly, resulting in excessive air leak.

Solution: Ensure your mask is fitted securely and comfortably against your face. Please see the Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Mask tubing is not fully connected.

Solution: Check that the mask tubing is completely connected to the CPAP and mask. Please see the Transcend Quick Guide – Fitting section for detailed instructions.

Possible Cause: Air tubing is blocked or punctured.

Solution: Check that tubing is clear of debris and free of any punctures.

Possible Cause: CPAP device pressure may be set too high.

Solution: Try breathing through your nose with your mouth closed. Use the ramp feature to acclimate to the pressure while falling asleep. If the pressure remains problematic, contact your homecare provider.

Possible Cause: There are several fault modes to signify specific errors that may occur with your Transcend CPAP.

Solution: Please see the following fault mode tables for more detailed information. When viewing the LED lights, the Device LED is the green light and the Fault LED is the amber light.

In this case, the Universal Hose Adaptor (provided on Transcend miniCPAP models prior to Transcend 3) is not attached correctly to the Transcend miniCPAP, the mask is leaking significantly, or the mask is not on the patient. Transcend miniCPAP is designed to shut down if there is no resistance to air flow. If the problem persists after checking the Universal Hose Adaptor and securely placing the mask on the patient, check the Fault descriptions in the Transcend User Guide or contact your homecare provider for assistance.

Blinking LED lights can indicate many things. Refer to the Transcend miniCPAP User Manual for full explanation.