Transcend Micro Travel CPAP
The new Transcend Micro™ is the smallest and lightest CPAP device available on the market – weighing just 218grams, less than 9.1cm in diameter and only 6.1cm in height. Transcend Micro is designed to make it easier to maintain your sleep apnea therapy, more convenient, and portable.
The Transcend Micro is quiet as a whisper and at only 27db is comparable to some of the standard home CPAPs in the market which have insulation to dampen the motor noise. As the smallest travel CPAP in the market, Transcend Micro is able to achieve its impressive sound characteristics without the space taking sound insulation material by utilising its patented and unique air-bearing technology and vibration dampening. To further dampen the exhalation/inhalation noise that comes up the hose and mask, Transcend Micro provides the WhisperSoftTM muffler that has been designed to provide a comfortable and successful night’s sleep for you and your partner. The Transcend Micro is compatible with any CPAP mask, so you can in most instances use your current mask* and track sleep metrics on your phone (hyperlink). The national council for aging in the USA in its report on the 5 best CPAPs of 2023, nominated the Transend Micro the best Travel CPAP.
https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/oxygen-machines/best-cpap-machines/
Please note when a user switches to a new CPAP machine, it can often sound a lot louder at first. In addition, the noise characteristics of each CPAP will be different even if they have the same decibel rating. There are many other factors that may affect the sound characterises that an individual may encounter. More details can be found below in sound and travel CPAPs.
The sound characteristics of a Travel CPAP such as the Transcend Travel Micro may not suit everyone, and users must take into account the Travel cpap they are considering may sound louder during therapy. The purchaser of the Transcend Micro CPAP must take into account the device may not be the right unit for them as the sound levels during usage may not be to their acceptance levels for good night’s sleep.
The Transcend Micro packs big things into this small device, and by doing so meets the needs of travel CPAP users, including quiet operation, auto-adjusting pressure, and the flexibility to add-on a range of comfort accessories, including an HME for waterless humidification. So, planning and packing for your next getaway adventure is now even easier with the new Transcend Micro, your Go-To-Travel CPAP option.
*The Transcend Micro can be used with any mask except those that have been designed specifically for other machines. In those instances, you may require an adaptor.
Sound and Travel CPAPs
Travel CPAP Machines are amazing however can be a little more louder compared with the standard, much larger, full size cpap machines. The standard CPAP machines have more room for sound proofing.
How loud should be a CPAP?
As you are supposed to be sleeping, the CPAP therapy should not be louder than a whisper. A whisper is about 30 dB (decibels), normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine running is about 95 dB. The following link from the CDC in USA provides a good comparison of different sound characteristics.
CPAP manufacturers use decibels (dB) to rate how much noise a CPAP makes. These tests are undertaken under strict laboratory conditions and provide a good base by which you can note how loud is the CPAP.
Most Travel CPAPs are at or below 30 dB. However, everyone perceives sound differently. Each individual is different so it can be hard to compare decibel ratings to familiar sounds you hear in everyday life or what is emanating from the CPAP machine, or the type of mask interface you are using. If part of the CPAP equipment such as the mask is not connected firmly causing air to escape, it will lead to irritating noises being heard. Better fitting of the mask interface is critical to effective therapy and reduced noise. In some instances, a change in mask may also help. See How to reduce noise in your Travel CPAP.
A CPAP user must also consider that some devices are quieter at the machine-end but louder through the exhalation port on the mask as noise is conducted up though the CPAP hose. Noise also is dependent on the pressure levels and can vary between when you inhale and exhale meaning that this variation can be irritating to the user.
Transcend Micro and Sound
How does the Transcend Micro CPAP manage to have a low decibel range and at the same time pack the CPAP with some of the most premium functions of any mobile CPAP machine. Utilising unique and patented air bearing motor technology and in-built sound and vibration dampening, Transcend has been able to lower the sound characteristics in its Micro CPAP. To reduce sound further Transcend Micro provides the patented WhisperSoftTM Muffler Kit. This will reduce the sound going up from the tube to the mask.
Please note when a user switches to a new machine, it can often sound a lot louder at first even though on the technical specifications it says it has a low dB rating. In addition, the noise characteristics of each CPAP will be different even if they have the same decibel rating. There are many other factors that may affect the sound characterises that an individual may encounter. More details can be found in the section sound and travel CPAPs.
The sound characteristics of a Travel CPAP such as the Transcend Travel Micro may not suit everyone, and users must consider that the cpap they are considering may sound louder than during therapy. The purchaser of the Transcend Micro CPAP must take into account the device may not be the right unit for them as the sound levels during usage may not be to their acceptance levels for good nights sleep.
How to reduce noise in your Travel CPAP
1. Ensure your Mask is properly fitted and adjusted.
Sometimes, the problem is not with the CPAP but with the mask you are using. If you do not use a mask compatible with your cpap and it is not fitted properly it will be noisy. If the mask is not fitted and adjusted to your face during use, leaking air can lead to that annoying noise issue. Adjust your mask to make sure it fits perfectly to your face when setting up for therapy.
2. Pair Your CPAP Machine with a Quiet Mask
You may be surprised to learn that a lot of the noise you hear at night as air traveling through the hose and into your mask. While you may already have a CPAP machine that is pretty quiet, a quiet CPAP mask is equally important for those who are sensitive to sounds. The quietest CPAP masks have diffusion vents and often feature a more minimalistic design, so if you feel like you hear a lot of air noise coming from your mask or tubing, a new style may be worth considering.
3. Using a CPAP Muffler to Help Reduce Hose Noise**
For those individuals who are noise sensitive, a Muffler would be an option to consider. The Muffler works by reducing the level of noise travelling up the breathing circuit to the mask. The WhisperSoft Muffler from Transcend reduces the level of noise traveling through the tube so that it’s even quieter than what without the muffler.
4. Reduce Vibration and Sound of the CPAP Motor by Placing it on a Soft Surface
Sometimes your breathing pattern or pressure settings may result in a higher level of sound from your CPAP. By lowering the intensity of the machine’s vibration on a soft surface like a foam pad may reduce the noise.
5. Keep Your CPAP Machine Below Your Ear Level
It’s important to change your filter regularly to reduce the noise level and improve the performance of your CPAP machine. Regular replacement of filters will keep the dust and dirt out of your machine motor and prolong the life of your CPAP
6. Change the Filter Regularly to Keep Your Machine Quieter
It’s important to change your filter regularly to reduce the noise level and improve the performance of your CPAP machine. Regular replacement of filters will keep the dust and dirt out of your machine motor and prolong the life of your CPAP
7. Use Ear plugs
While not the most optimal solution some users have stated that the use of ear plugs can help reduce the noise of the CPAP being heard. Before going down this option make sure you try it out as it may exacerbate feeling of tension and have a build up of pressure in the ear.
Troubleshooting The Transcend Micro
1. Problem: The Transcend CPAP LED lights on the keypad do not go through the initial flash sequence when the CPAP is connected to a power source.
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 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.
2. Problem: CPAP shuts off unexpectedly.
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 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.
3. Problem: Air pressure delivered by the Transcend CPAP is too low.
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.
4. Problem: No airflow from the Transcend device.
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.
5. Problem: The CPAP is too noisy.
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:The Transcend WhisperSoft muffler isn’t attached to the device or is damaged.
Solution:Connect the Transcend WhisperSoft muffler to the device with the provided air hoses. Or, contact Transcend Customer Care for a replacement.
6. Problem: Discomfort due to a feeling of high pressure.
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.
7. Problem: LED Fault mode appears on the Transcend travel CPAP.
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.
8. Lights are blinking on my Transcend CPAP. What do they mean?
Blinking LED lights can indicate many things. Refer to the Transcend User Manual for your device for a full description.
