For people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), nightly therapy isn’t optional but essential. However, traditional CPAP machines can be cumbersome when travelling. They’re bulky and tethered to power outlets, and their mask-and-hose setup can disrupt hotel stays or in-flight rest. If skipped therapy because of travel hassles, know the toll it takes on daytime alertness and long-term health.
Enter the iNAP® device for sleep apnea: a palm-sized, mask-free alternative designed to keep the airway open through gentle oral negative pressure. Pocketable, quiet, and battery-powered, iNAP blends clinical rigor with real-world convenience. Here’s why it’s the ultimate travel companion for OSA management.
The CPAP Travel Challenge
- Size and Weight: Most CPAP systems, tubing, and masks won’t fit in a carry-on. At the very least, juggle extra bags and flight-check fees.
- Power Dependence: CPAP units need electricity. Searching for the right plug and dealing with voltage converters in hotel rooms is a daunting task.
- Noise and Comfort: CPAP motors hum at 30–40 dB. Combined with mask straps, they can wake roommates in the midnight.
- Therapy Gaps: Up to 30% of CPAP users admit they skip therapy when away from home. These lapses risk daytime fatigue, impaired cognition, and worsened cardiovascular outcomes.
As alternatives to CPAP devices are explored, portability and ease of use emerge as top priorities, especially for frequent travellers.
Introducing iNAP: A Portable CPAP Alternative
The iNAP therapy system offers a radically different approach. Instead of positive pressure through a mask, iNAP uses gentle negative pressure (suction) in the mouth to pull the tongue and soft palate forward, keeping the airway open. The core components are a soft, flexible oral mouthpiece, a thin tube, and a small console about the size of a smartphone.1
This design is mask-free and minimally invasive. When ready for bed, insert the mouthpiece and press “on”; the device creates a light vacuum in the oral cavity to stabilize the airway as breathing normally through the nose.1
Key iNAP features include:
- Soft mouthpiece interface: No bulky straps or nasal prongs; the silicone mouthpiece is custom-fitted but not worn tightly like a mask.1
- Compact console: The battery-powered pump is ~6 inches tall and weighs about 7–8 ounces.2
- Battery operation: 1–2 charges can last 5–6 nights of use. No AC power needed during sleep.
- Quiet operation: The pump idles once the target vacuum is reached, operating intermittently at about 28 dB.2
- No mask or headgear: Eliminates mask leaks and facial discomfort.
iNAP is portable and travel-friendly by design. It slips easily into carry-on luggage or even a jacket pocket. Because it uses a battery and no continuous airflow, it can be used anywhere, on a plane, in a car (as a passenger), in tents or cabins without outlets or heavy power packs.
Portability and Travel Benefits
For travelers, iNAP’s compact form factor is a game-changer. Its dimensions (~3″×6″×1″) and weight (~210 g) make it highly portable.3 Users report fitting it alongside personal items without needing a dedicated bag. With a full charge lasting nearly a week, weekenders can leave bulky adapters behind.
Other travel-friendly perks:
- Discreet design: iNAP looks more like a tech gadget than medical equipment. Its quiet operation and lack of a mask make it less noticeable in shared rooms.
- No special airline restrictions: iNAP is generally permitted as medical electronics (confirm with the airline) without compressed air or tanks.
- Easy setup: No nightly mask adjustments. Just insert the mouthpiece and press the power button. This makes it ideal for use after long travel days.
One patient review calls iNAP “easy, discreet, and perfect for camping or international travel”. This lifestyle-focused sleep therapy can pack like a smartphone—central to iNAP’s appeal.
Clinical Evidence and Effectiveness
Despite its sleek design, iNAP is backed by clinical research. A Taiwanese trial of moderate-to-severe OSA patients found 75% showed a positive clinical response: average AHI fell from ~32 events/hour to ~9 events/hour, with no device-related adverse events and high satisfaction.4
A multicenter European study (130 patients) showed that 52% achieved a durable benefit (≥50% AHI reduction and AHI ≤20). Oxygen levels improved, and patients used iNAP for 5.6 hours per night.5 Side effects (dry mouth, bite discomfort) were mild and self-limiting. After one month, effectiveness remained stable.
According to the manufacturer, “over 25 clinical studies” show iNAP significantly improves AHI across all OSA severities.6 Participants used iNAP a median of six hours nightly, with greater satisfaction than other treatments.
However, iNAP isn’t for everyone. Candidates must breathe through their nose and have sufficient teeth or a palate seal. Patients with central apnea or blocked nasal passages were excluded from trials.6 A sleep doctor should assess each patient.
How iNAP Compares to Other Options
| Feature | iNAP | CPAP | MAD (Mandibular Device) |
| Portability | Smartphone-sized | Bulky + accessories | Small, dental mold-based |
| Power Requirement | Battery (5–6 nights) | Wall outlet or battery | None |
| Noise Level | ~28 dB | ~30–40+ dB | Silent |
| Mask-Free | Yes | No | Yes |
| Clinical Efficacy | Moderate to High | High | Moderate |
| Maintenance | Low | High | Moderate |
iNAP offers mask-free portability and avoids jaw repositioning discomfort found with MADs. It’s an attractive option for travelers who want therapy without the bulk of CPAP.
Global Availability
After FDA clearance in the US (2020), Somnics expanded into Europe and Asia-Pacific. iNAP is available by prescription in countries including the USA, Germany, Israel, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Australia.
Packing Tips for Seamless Therapy
- Carry-On Friendly: No humidifier or water tank speeds airport screening.
- Spare Batteries: Pack extras for longer trips (AAs available globally).
- Protective Case: Store the mouthpiece in its slim box to prevent damage.
- Mobile Monitoring: The iNAP Lab+ app tracks usage and battery status.
- Auto Supplies: Membership plans ensure quarterly deliveries and no mid-trip shortages.
Making Science Work for Journey
Travel should recharge, not derail therapy. By fusing clinical research with a nomadic design, iNAP empowers users to manage OSA anywhere, be it, airports, hotels, or campsites. Portable, silent, and mask-free, it puts restful sleep back on the itinerary. Are you prepared to revolutionise your travel experience? Compare iNAP device price options, explore clinical outcomes, and make OSA therapy a seamless part of your next adventure.
Call to Action
Traveling with sleep apnea? Experience the freedom and convenience of the iNAP device. Visit <Taevas website> to explore more and compare device options. Call <Taevas contact number> to arrange a hands-on demonstration and see how iNAP can make sleep therapy easier during your travels. Don't let sleep apnea interrupt your adventures—take control today!
References
- Somnics Health. iNAP Sleep Therapy System – Product Overview. 2025. https://inapsleep.online/
- Somnics Health. iNAP Sleep Therapy System. Shop iNAP. 2025. https://shop.inapsleep.online
- Somnics Health. iNAP Sleep Therapy Online Store. 2025. https://shop.inapsleep.online/
- Cheng CY, Chen CC, Lo MT, Guilleminault C, Lin CM. Intraoral negative air pressure device in OSA. Sleep Med. 2021;81:163–168. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2021.02.013
- Heinzer R, Pépin JL, Borel JC, et al. Oral pressure therapy device in OSA: multicenter evaluation. Sleep Breath. 2016;20(2):597–605. doi:10.1007/s11325-015-1252-7
- Somnics Health. iNAP Sleep Therapy System – Product Overview. 2025. https://shop.inapsleep.online/products/inap-sleep-apnea-device