A new mini continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is making it possible for people with sleep apnoea to travel a little lighter.

Sleep apnoea is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. Breathing pauses can last from a few seconds to minutes. They may occur 30 times or more an hour. Typically, normal breathing then starts again, sometimes with a loud snort or choking sound.

The mini Z1 CPAP machine, the smallest in the world, is available now on the Island through Thermax / Asthma & Allergy Relief Centre run by Jenefer Brimmer and Charles Leon O’Brien. The Z1 weighs 10oz compared to the near 2lbs of the average CPAP machine and fits in the palm of your hand. It also runs on a battery or electricity.

Mr O’Brien was diagnosed with sleep apnoea six years ago. Like most people with sleep apnoea he uses a CPAP machine at night to ensure regular breathing. A CPAP machine blows air at a prescribed pressure. The necessary pressure is usually determined by a sleep physician. Overnight air travel, can become complicated for people with sleep apnoea. Most CPAP machines are bulky and need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. They can also be noisy enough to disturb other passengers.

“I was not able to use the CPAP on the plane if I did a cross country flight of eight to ten hours,” said Mr O’Brien. “The next day I would be washed out. Having a CPAP I can use on the plane makes a big difference. The Z1 is very quiet, so it doesn’t bother anyone.”

The Z1’s battery is rechargeable and sold separately. If the machine is hooked up to electricity and there is a power outage, the Z1 switches directly to battery mode with no interruption to treatment.

Mr O’Brien said people with CPAP machines usually don’t have a problem going through airport security, as the authorities are well versed in what they are.

“CPAP machines are so common,” said Mr O’Brien. “Although I have been through with my Z1 CPAP and security has expressed surprise that it is so small.”

Ms Brimmer said they do give their customers a medical alert tag to put on their CPAP bag.

Mr O’Brien said he struggled with sleep apnoea for three years before being diagnosed.

“I struggled to get comfortable at night,” he said. “I kept going to the doctor and saying something was wrong. Finally, I insisted and was tested for sleep apnoea.”

He said when his sleep apnoea was identified he tried different equipment.

“When I heard about the Z1 I said ‘this is golden’,” he said. “I thought this would be great for Bermuda. We have a lot of people in Bermuda using CPAP machines. Some people don’t take it seriously, but sleep apnoea is a very serious thing.”

Ms Brimmer was hesitant to give the price of the Z1.

“I don’t want to do that,” she said. “People need to come in. They may require a different type of equipment. I will say that 80 percent is covered by insurance, and that the Z1 is about half the price of the regular CPAP machines.”

For more information contact Ms Brimmer on 292-4695