Somnetics International (Transcend) · Travel CPAP
Transcend 3 miniCPAP
The Transcend 3 is a very small travel CPAP from Somnetics, about 1.1 lb, with no screen: just a Power button, a Ramp button and two status lights. It came as a fixed-pressure model and a Transcend 3 Auto, both working between 4 and 20 cm H2O. It has no built-in humidifier, and it can run from wall power, a 12 V vehicle outlet through the Mobile Power Adapter, or Transcend P4, P8 or P10 batteries.
As of October 2026 the machines section of the Transcend store (mytranscend.com) lists only the Transcend Micro and Micro 510, so the Transcend 3 is no longer sold there. We did not find a dated discontinuation notice from Somnetics or a confirmed launch year. The company still posts the Transcend 3 user manual (revision J, February 2022) and lists a 3 year warranty for it.
Specifications
| Noise | 30.4 dB sound pressure at 10 cm H2O (26.2 dB in a typical use environment); sound power 38.4 dB, per ISO 80601-2-70 |
|---|---|
| Power | 100 to 240 V AC through the PSA2 multi-plug power supply (18 V DC, 1.67 A output); optional Mobile Power Adapter MPA1 for 12 to 15.5 V DC vehicle outlets; optional P4, P8 or P10 batteries |
| Weight | 1.09 lb (494 g) |
| Display | No screen; Power and Ramp buttons with a green status light and a yellow fault light |
| Data card | No data card; data is stored in the machine and read over USB or the Bluetooth module |
| Dimensions | 7.48 x 3.74 x 3.7 in (19 x 9.5 x 9.4 cm) |
| Humidifier | None built in |
| Connectivity | Mini USB port for the Transcend desktop software; optional TranSync Bluetooth module (part 503084) |
| Pressure range | 4 to 20 cm H2O (fixed pressure on the standard model, auto adjusting on the Transcend 3 Auto) |
Key features
- Fixed CPAP or auto adjusting pressure, 4 to 20 cm H2O, depending on model
- Ramp, with ramp start pressure and a 5 to 45 minute ramp time set in the desktop software
- EZEX exhalation pressure relief, Off or 1 to 3
- Ramp button restarts ramp during the night; holding it speeds the ramp up
- Drying Mode runs the blower at low speed for 30 minutes
- Lights stay off during therapy so they do not disturb you or a bed partner
- Resumes therapy on its own after a power cut once power is restored
- Automatic altitude adjustment up to 8,000 ft
- Multi-plug universal power supply with three swappable plugs for most countries
- Works with Transcend P4, P8 and P10 batteries and a vehicle Mobile Power Adapter
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- At 1.09 lb and 7.48 x 3.74 x 3.7 in, it fits easily in a carry-on bag.
- The included power supply accepts 100 to 240 V AC and comes with three swappable plugs for travel abroad.
- It can run from a 12 V vehicle outlet through the Mobile Power Adapter, or from several Transcend battery sizes.
- The P10 battery is rated 93.6 Wh, under the FAA 100 Wh limit for spare lithium ion batteries in carry-on bags.
- With no screen and lights that stay off during therapy, it is dark at night.
Trade-offs
- There is no built-in humidifier, so if you need moisture you need another solution such as a heat and moisture exchanger.
- There is no screen, so you cannot see pressure, usage or leak on the machine itself.
- Ramp and EZEX can only be changed in the Transcend desktop software or app, and only if your clinician made them adjustable.
- Faults are shown only as a number of yellow light flashes, which you have to count.
- It is no longer sold on the Transcend store, so new units and parts may be harder to find.
Comfort settings you can change
These are in the patient menu. Your prescribed pressure and therapy mode are set by your clinician and are not covered here.
Ramp restart
Drops the pressure back to the ramp start pressure and climbs again over the ramp time, so you can fall back asleep at a lower pressure.
How to change it: During therapy press the Ramp button. A quick press while already ramping does nothing; hold the button down to speed the ramp up to your prescribed pressure.
Ramp start pressure
Sets the pressure that ramp begins at, up to 1 cm H2O below your therapy pressure.
How to change it: Connect the machine to a computer with the USB cable, open the Transcend desktop software, choose Configuration and slide the Starting Ramp Pressure control. Click Update to save. This only works if your clinician made it adjustable.
Ramp time
Sets how long it takes to reach your prescribed pressure, 5 to 45 minutes, or Off.
How to change it: In the desktop software's Configuration screen, slide Ramp Duration or switch it to Off, then click Update.
EZEX pressure relief
Lowers the pressure while you breathe out. Settings are Off, 1, 2 or 3, with 3 giving the most relief.
How to change it: In the desktop software's Configuration screen, slide the EZEX setting and click Update before leaving the screen. Transcend's MySleepDash app can also adjust user comfort settings once the Bluetooth dongle is connected.
Drying Mode
Runs the blower at low speed for 30 minutes without therapy pressure to dry the inside of the machine and tube.
How to change it: From Standby, hold the Ramp button and press the Power button at the same time.
Cleaning and care
After every session
Run Drying Mode (hold Ramp and press Power) to push moisture out of the machine and air tube.
Air supply tube, daily
Somnetics lists daily cleaning for the air tube. Fill it with a mild detergent solution (about 1.6 fl oz of mild, phosphate-free liquid detergent per quart of distilled water), wipe the outside, and lift and lower the ends so the solution runs through.
Rinse it twice in distilled water the same way, about 10 seconds each, dry the outside with a lint-free cloth and let the inside air dry. Somnetics recommends replacing the tube every 3 months.
Outside of the machine, twice a month
Unplug the machine. Dampen a lint-free cotton cloth in the same mild detergent solution, wring it out and wipe the outside for about 20 seconds, front to back. Wipe again with a cloth rinsed in clear water, then dry it fully.
Never put the machine or the power supply in water, and keep liquid out of the air inlet and outlet.
Filter assembly, every 6 months
Pull the tab on the back of the device to release the filter assembly and pull it away. Throw away the whole assembly and fit a new one. Change it sooner if it looks dirty.
Mask
Clean your mask following its manufacturer's instructions.
Replacement parts
- Tubing
- Standard 6 foot hose (part 503081) with a standard 22 mm connection. Somnetics recommends replacing it every 3 months.
- Filters
- Transcend 3 filter assembly (part 503109). Replace the whole assembly at least every 6 months, sooner if dirty.
- Water chamber
- None; the Transcend 3 has no water chamber.
- Replacement notes
- Batteries: P4 (503026), P8 (503023) and P10 (503098). Mobile Power Adapter MPA1 is 503029 and the Bluetooth module is 503084. Order through your dealer or Transcend customer service at 877-621-9626, and check with your insurer on covered replacement intervals.
Troubleshooting
The lights do not flash when you plug it in.
Check every power connection, try another outlet and make sure it is not on a wall switch. If you are using the Mobile Power Adapter, unplug and reconnect both cables, since the manual says a loose connection is common.
You cannot tell whether the machine is on.
The lights stay off during therapy by design. Feel for airflow at the mask. In Standby the lights are also off after the power-up flash sequence.
Your nose or throat is dry.
The Transcend 3 has no humidifier. The manual suggests adding humidity to the room, changing the filter, and talking to your homecare provider. A heat and moisture exchanger may also help; ask your provider whether one suits you.
The pressure feels too high.
Breathe slowly through your nose with your mouth closed and use ramp if it is set up. If it still feels too strong, contact your homecare provider or prescribing clinician; do not try to change the prescribed pressure yourself.
Pressing Ramp does nothing.
A short press during a ramp that is already running has no effect. Ramp must also be turned on in the software. Hold the button if you want to reach full pressure faster.
The yellow light keeps flashing.
Count the flashes before the pattern repeats, then hold Power until the flashing stops. Look up the number in the error list and contact your provider if the fault returns.
The machine stops during the night.
The manual links this to a poor mask or tube seal or worn parts. Refit the mask, check the tube, replace anything past its service life, and call your provider if it continues.
The battery runs out before morning.
Run time depends on your pressure, leaks, breathing and battery age. A larger battery (the P10 is the largest listed) or running the battery in line with wall or vehicle power gives longer use and charges the battery at the same time.
The machine starts blowing again after a power cut.
That is expected. The Transcend 3 resumes therapy on its own when power returns, after repeating the power-up light sequence.
Travel and power
The Transcend 3 weighs 1.09 lb, comes in a travel bag, and its PSA2 power supply runs on 100 to 240 V AC with three swappable plugs, so it covers most countries. For DC power, the optional Transcend Mobile Power Adapter (MPA1) runs from a 12 to 15.5 V vehicle outlet such as a car, truck, RV or boat, and you can chain a battery between the adapter and the machine so the battery charges while you sleep. The manual lists P4 (14.4 V, 2,600 mAh), P8 (14.4 V, 5,200 mAh, about 75 Wh by our arithmetic) and P10 (18 V, 93.6 Wh) batteries; Transcend's newer battery guide describes the P8 PowerAway as the Transcend 3's battery. FAA rules allow spare lithium ion batteries up to 100 Wh in carry-on bags only, with the terminals protected. The machine adjusts for altitude up to 8,000 ft. We did not find a Somnetics statement about FAA compliance for in-flight use of the Transcend 3, so check with your airline before you plan to use it on board.
Your sleep data
The Transcend 3 has no screen and no SD card, so you see your data on a computer. Connect the mini USB port to the free Transcend desktop software, which shows usage, leak, pressure and AHI, can pull a 30 day compliance report, and exports a PDF for your doctor. The manual also describes sending data to the TranSync cloud through the software or the TranSync Bluetooth module, and Transcend's current FAQ says the Transcend 3 needs a separately sold Bluetooth dongle to work with the newer MySleepDash app. OSCAR does not support Transcend machines: its source code has no Transcend or Somnetics loader, so use Transcend's software.
Supplies that can help
The air inlet filter keeps dust and lint out of the machine and your airway; it is a cheap part that needs regular replacement.
The plain hose between the machine and the mask; it wears out and should be replaced on a regular schedule.
A heat and moisture exchanger (HME) that captures warmth and moisture from your breath and returns it on the next breath, used mostly with travel CPAPs …
A battery pack that runs a CPAP machine without mains power, for camping, power outages or long flights.
A cord or converter that runs a CPAP from a 12 V or 24 V DC source, such as a car outlet, RV or deep cycle …
A padded bag that protects the machine, mask, tubing and power supply in transit.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Transcend 3 have a humidifier?
No. The Transcend 3 user manual describes no built-in or attachable heated humidifier. Somnetics' troubleshooting advice for dry nose or throat is to add humidity to the room, change the filter and contact your homecare provider.
How do I change the ramp on a Transcend 3 with no screen?
Ramp start pressure and ramp time are set in the Transcend desktop software over the USB cable, or with Transcend's app and the Bluetooth dongle. You can only change them if your clinician left them adjustable. On the machine, the Ramp button just restarts or speeds up the ramp.
What do the flashing lights on my Transcend 3 mean?
Lights stay off during normal therapy. A repeating yellow flash means a fault, and the number of flashes is the fault number, such as 4 flashes for no pressure or 12 for low power. Hold Power until the flashing stops to clear it, and contact your supplier if it returns.
Which batteries work with the Transcend 3?
The Transcend 3 manual lists the P4, P8 and P10 batteries, while Transcend's newer battery guide describes the P8 PowerAway as the battery for this model. Charge any battery fully before first use with the CPAP disconnected. The P10 is rated 93.6 Wh, which is under the FAA 100 Wh carry-on limit for spare lithium ion batteries.
Can I run the Transcend 3 in a car or RV?
Yes, with the optional Transcend Mobile Power Adapter (MPA1), which accepts 12 to 15.5 V DC from a vehicle power outlet. Use only the Somnetics-supplied adapter. You can put a Transcend battery in line so it charges while the machine runs.
Does OSCAR work with the Transcend 3?
We found no OSCAR support for Transcend machines; the OSCAR source has no Transcend loader. Use the Transcend desktop software over USB to view and export your therapy data.
Sources
- mytranscend.com
- cdn.shopify.com
- cdn.shopify.com
- mytranscend.com
- mytranscend.com
- mytranscend.com
- cdn.shopify.com
- faa.gov
- gitlab.com
- sleepfiles.com
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error