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If you just got your AirMini, you are probably excited to use it right away. But if you are feeling overwhelmed by the setup with things like tubing, the masks, HumidX adapters, etc., you are not alone.
This walkthrough covers every part of the process: which setup pack goes with which mask, how to connect the tubing, how to install HumidX for waterless humidification, how to pair the app, and how to reach the clinical menu that most AirMini users never find. By the end of this guide, your machine will be configured, your mask sealed, and you will be ready for tonight.
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AirMini setup starts with choosing the right setup pack for your mask. Connect the tubing to the machine outlet until it clicks. If you want waterless humidification, install a HumidX cartridge in the connector before attaching it to the mask. Plug in power, fit the mask, and pair the AirMini app via Bluetooth to track your data and access settings. |
Gabriel (Sleeplay CPAP Specialist):
"If you just got your AirMini, you are probably excited to use it right away. But if you are feeling overwhelmed by the setup with things like tubing, the masks, HumidX adapters, etc., you are not alone."
The sections below walk through every part of the setup in order, from the parts you need on day one to travel tips for taking your AirMini anywhere.
1. What You Need to Set Up the AirMini
The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine fits in your hand, but it requires a few specific components to deliver therapy. Most of these are sold separately from the device.
Here is what you need on day one:
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AirMini machine: Comes with a power cord, a travel bag, and the user manual. That is it.[1]
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AirMini-specific tubing: Standard CPAP tubing does not fit the AirMini outlet. You need the AirMini-specific tubing built for this machine.
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A compatible mask: Choose from the six officially supported masks, covered in detail in Section 2.
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The correct setup pack for your mask: Each mask has its own dedicated setup pack that includes the special connector and tubing the AirMini requires. You can browse all AirMini setup packs on Sleeplay to find the one that matches your mask.
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Power source: A wall outlet works for home use. An optional travel battery keeps therapy running when outlets are unavailable.
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HumidX cartridge (optional): For waterless humidification. Not required, but helpful during travel or in dry environments.
One important detail: the AirMini does NOT include a mask or tubing out of the box. The setup pack is sold separately for most masks. The P10 and N30 packs are the exception and include the mask. The N20, F20, and F30 packs do not. All AirMini supplies are available on Sleeplay.
Ozzy (Sleeplay CPAP Specialist):
"When you take it out of the box you are going to be having your manual, your actual device, your power cord, and a travel bag."
2. Which Masks Work with the AirMini
Six ResMed masks are officially compatible with the AirMini.[2] Each requires its own specific setup pack, which includes the connector and tubing designed to work with that mask. The table below lists all six, with a direct link to each setup pack.
|
ResMed Mask |
Type |
HumidX Compatible |
Mask in Pack |
Setup Pack |
|
AirFit N20 |
Nasal |
Yes |
No |
|
|
AirFit N30 |
Nasal cradle |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
AirFit P10 |
Nasal pillow |
Yes |
Yes |
|
|
AirFit F20 |
Full face |
Yes (F20 cartridge) |
No |
|
|
AirTouch F20 |
Full face |
Yes (F20 cartridge) |
No |
|
|
AirFit F30 |
Full face |
No |
No |
One thing worth mentioning about the AirFit F30: it is NOT compatible with HumidX. If you use an F30 and want humidification, switching to a different mask is the only option. Still deciding which mask to get? Our CPAP mask guide compares nasal, pillow, and full-face options side by side so you can find the right fit before committing to a setup pack.
James Curles (Sleeplay Sleep Coach):
"With this one here, once you have the elbow connected to the F20, and only when the elbow is connected to the F20, can you take this and snap it in. With the F30, you cannot use the HumidX humidification."
3. How to Set Up the AirMini with a Compatible Mask
Once you have the right setup pack in hand, the assembly is quick. Here is the full process, step by step.
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Confirm your setup pack matches your mask. The pack lists the compatible mask on its packaging. Using the wrong pack results in a connector that will not seat properly.
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Connect the AirMini tubing to the machine outlet. Push it in until you feel and hear a click. That click confirms the tubing is properly seated.
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Install HumidX in the connector if you are using it. Open the mask-side connector, drop the cartridge in, and close it. Section 5 of this guide covers the full HumidX process.
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Attach the connector to your mask. Seat it firmly with no gaps between the connector and the mask port.
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Plug in the power supply.
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Fit the mask and adjust for a good seal.
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Press Start, or just breathe normally if SmartStart is on. SmartStart detects your breathing and begins therapy automatically, so no button press is needed.
If the tubing does not click when you insert it, pull it out and reinsert. The click is the only confirmation that the connection is sealed correctly. Without it, air will leak at the joint during therapy.
4. How to Set Up the AirMini with Your Own (Non-Compatible) Mask
If your preferred mask is not on the AirMini compatibility list, two adapter routes let you keep using it.
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AirMini Mask Adapter: Connects almost any standard 22mm mask to the AirMini slim tubing. The compact setup stays intact while opening up a much wider range of mask options.
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AirMini Tubing Adapter: Lets you run a standard 22mm CPAP tube from the AirMini outlet into your preferred mask. Slightly bulkier, but compatible with virtually any mask you already own.
The Snugell AirMini Hose Adapter is a popular third-party option that does the same job. It also supports a vCOM attachment, which softens airflow and noticeably reduces noise, a useful bonus on a travel machine.
One trade-off to be clear about: custom adapter setups mean you lose HumidX support. The HumidX cartridge lives in the mask-specific connector, which adapters bypass. You also add one or two extra connection points, each of which can become an air leak if anything is not fully seated. If noise reduction in a custom setup is a priority, the Snugell AirMini Pro Hose Connector offers a bit more flexibility and a vCOM port.
Uncle Nick (Sleeplay):
"Purchase a snuggle adapter, lock it into place, and then ta-da, you are good to go with your Fisher & Paykel Solo. This snuggle adapter also enables you to connect a vCOM, and vCOM softens the air flow, makes therapy easier, and with travel CPAP machines, it also reduces the noise."
5. How to Add Waterless Humidification with HumidX
The question every AirMini user eventually asks is how to get humidification without carrying a water tank. HumidX is the answer.
HumidX is a small disposable capsule that sits inside the mask-side connector. It works as a Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME): it captures moisture from your exhale and releases it back on your inhale. No water tank, no distilled water to pack, and nothing to spill in your bag.
Two versions are available on Sleeplay: HumidX Standard covers most environments for everyday home or travel use, while HumidX Plus is built for dry climates, high altitudes, and the low-humidity air you find in airplane cabins.
The AirFit F20 and AirTouch F20 use a separate cartridge, which is the HumidX for AirFit/AirTouch F20, with a form factor specific to the F20 connector. Do not substitute a standard HumidX cartridge.
Installing HumidX
1.Open the mask-side connector.
2.Drop the cartridge in, mesh side facing toward the mask.
3.Close the connector and attach it to your mask.
Replace HumidX every 30 days from when you open the package, regardless of how many nights you use it. If you only use the AirMini a few nights a week, one cartridge still covers the full month.
Using the AirMini without HumidX is completely fine. Some users prefer it. Therapy air will feel drier without it, particularly during air travel or in low-humidity environments. If that becomes uncomfortable, adding HumidX Standard is an easy fix. In notably dry conditions, HumidX Plus delivers higher moisture output.
Gabriel (Sleeplay CPAP Specialist):
"This mimics a humidifier experience without a water tank needed. It captures moisture from your exhale and reuses it on your inhale. It is not exactly like a heated humidifier, but for travel or everyday comfort, it works beautifully." → Watch the video
6. How to Pair and Use the AirMini App
The AirMini device has no screen, which means the app is where all your data and settings live. Without pairing it, there is no way to see how your therapy is going or make any adjustments. To set up the AirMini app, follow these steps:
1.Download the AirMini app from the iOS App Store or Google Play.
2.Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
3.Press the Bluetooth button on the AirMini. The indicator light will blink, showing the device is ready to pair.
4.Open the app and tap Connect.
5.Enter the 4-digit key printed on the bottom of the AirMini device when prompted.
Once paired, the dashboard shows usage hours, mask seal quality, events per hour (AHI), and a daily score. The layout is similar to what AirSense users see in the myAir app.[3]
7. How to Adjust Pressure and Access the Clinical Menu
The standard AirMini app dashboard gives you access to comfort settings: Ramp time (gradually increases pressure as you fall asleep), EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief, which softens the exhale), and SmartStart (begins therapy when you breathe into the mask).
Pressure settings live in a hidden part of the app called the clinical menu, also referred to as clinical settings, clinical home, or clinical mode. You access it with a specific gesture inside the app.
How to open the clinical menu
1.Open the AirMini app.
2.Tap the Bluetooth symbol in the top right to enter the device view.
3.Two logos appear on that screen, ResMed and AirMini. Place one finger on each logo and hold both down for about 3 seconds.
4.The clinical home settings will open.
If the two logos do not appear: on newer phones the app can load past the splash screen too fast to catch them. Tap the Bluetooth symbol again to go back to the device screen, then press both logos there.
Tap Apply when you are done. If you leave the clinical menu without applying, your changes are not saved.
From there, you will see the current therapy mode and pressure range. The AirMini runs between 4 and 20 cmH2O in every mode, adjustable in 0.2 steps. Three modes are available:
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AutoSet mode: The machine reads your breathing patterns and adjusts pressure throughout the night within your prescribed range.
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CPAP mode: The machine delivers a single fixed pressure level throughout the night, regardless of breathing patterns.
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AutoSet for Her: An AutoSet variant whose response is tuned to breathing patterns more common in women.
In both AutoSet modes you set a minimum and a maximum pressure instead of one number, and the machine moves between them. CPAP mode uses a single fixed value.
What each setting in the clinical menu actually does
| Setting | Values | What it changes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | 4 to 20 cmH2O, in 0.2 steps | The air pressure delivered. Your prescribed value comes from your provider |
| Ramp Time | Off, 5 to 45 minutes, or Auto | Starts lower and builds up while you fall asleep |
| EPR | Off, 1, 2 or 3 | Drops pressure slightly when you exhale. Your provider has to enable it first |
| Response | Standard or Soft | How fast AutoSet reacts to changes in your breathing |
| Mask type | Pillows, Nasal, Full Face | Tunes the algorithm to the mask you actually wear |
| SmartStart / SmartStop | On or Off | Starts therapy when you breathe in, stops when you take the mask off |
Your prescribed pressure comes from your provider. Use this menu to see what your machine is set to and to understand what each setting means, not to prescribe yourself a new one.
Always consult your sleep specialist before changing pressure settings. The clinical menu is protected for a reason. Adjusting pressure outside your prescribed range can reduce the effectiveness of therapy or cause discomfort.
Gabriel (Sleeplay CPAP Specialist):
"Go to the My AirMini dashboard in the app. Tap the Bluetooth symbol on the top right, which will take you to your machine. Then, with two fingers, hold down the logo, which will take you to the clinical home settings. Here you will see the pressure mode, either AutoSet, which auto-adjusts during the night, or CPAP mode, which gives you a fixed pressure." → Watch the video
8. How to Make Your AirMini Quieter
The AirMini is slightly louder than a full-size CPAP. There is less internal space for sound-dampening foam, which is the trade-off for the compact design. Most users find the noise level manageable, but three things can help if it is bothering you.
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Choose a quieter mask. The AirFit P10 and AirFit N30 tend to run quieter than full-face options. Mask seal quality matters here, too. A well-fitted mask leaks less air, and less leakage means less noise.
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Add a CPAP muffler on custom setups. If you are using a non-compatible mask with an adapter, connecting a CPAP muffler between the adapter and the tube can noticeably reduce the sound coming from the machine. The Snugell AirMini Hose Adapter makes this easy by supporting a vCOM attachment that doubles as a muffler connection.
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Talk to your clinician about the pressure range. Higher pressure generates more airflow noise. If your range has more headroom than your therapy needs, a sleep specialist can help narrow it down.
Gabriel (Sleeplay CPAP Specialist):
"If the AirMini feels a little noisy to you, especially with a custom setup, check this out. You can use a CPAP muffler. Take your AirMini and connect it to the adapter, which then connects to the muffler. Then connect it to a generic tube and finally your own CPAP mask. This helps dampen the sound of your machine and make your sleep more peaceful."
9. Travel Tips with Your AirMini
The AirMini was designed specifically for travel. Here is what to pack and what to know before your next trip.
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Protective travel case: The AirMini is compact enough to get lost or damaged inside a regular bag. Something like the AirMini Premium Travel Bag or theResMed Travel Case for AirMini keeps everything organized and the machine protected.
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Power cord plus an optional DC adapter: For car charging or off-grid use during camping trips and long drives.
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Spare HumidX cartridges: Pack at least one extra if you are traveling for more than a week.
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AirMini-compatible filters: Keep them fresh for effective therapy and clean airflow.
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Travel battery: For camping, long flights, or any situation where a wall outlet is unavailable. You can find compatible options in the AirMini Travel Bundles on Sleeplay.
CPAPs, including the AirMini, do not count toward your carry-on allowance. Pack it in its own case and take it out at the security checkpoint, just like you handle a laptop. Most travelers go through without any issues, and TSA agents are familiar with CPAP equipment.
The AirMini supports a wide input voltage range, which makes it compatible with international power grids in most countries. Check the device's label before traveling internationally to confirm. You will still need a destination-appropriate plug adapter even when the voltage is compatible. For a deeper look at everything from international power to airline rules, our complete guide to traveling with sleep apnea covers it all in one place.
Daniel (Sleeplay):
"Pack smart. Don't be that person digging through their bag at the airport for their power cords and cables. Make sure your CPAP machine is in a protective travel case like the AirMini Premium carrying bag. Pro tip: Airlines don't count CPAPs as carry-ons. Pack it in its own travel case."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the clinical menu on the AirMini?
Open the AirMini app and tap the Bluetooth symbol in the top right to reach the device screen. Two logos appear, ResMed and AirMini. Place one finger on each and hold for about 3 seconds. If the logos do not show up, tap the Bluetooth symbol again and press them on the device screen.
How do I change the pressure on my AirMini?
Pressure lives in the clinical menu, not on the main dashboard. Once inside, you can set a fixed pressure in CPAP mode or a minimum and maximum in the AutoSet modes. Tap Apply or the change is not saved. Your prescribed value comes from your provider.
What pressure range does the AirMini support?
The AirMini delivers between 4 and 20 cmH2O in every therapy mode, adjustable in 0.2 increments. This is the range published in the ResMed AirMini user guide.
Can I adjust my CPAP settings myself?
You can open the clinical menu and see how your machine is configured. Your pressure is a prescribed setting, so changes should be made with your sleep specialist. Use the menu to understand what each setting does, not to prescribe yourself a new pressure.
What therapy modes does the AirMini have?
Three: CPAP, which holds one fixed pressure all night; AutoSet, which adjusts within your prescribed range as you breathe; and AutoSet for Her, an AutoSet variant tuned to breathing patterns more common in women.
What does EPR do and how do I change it?
EPR, or Expiratory Pressure Relief, lowers pressure slightly when you exhale so breathing feels more natural. It has four settings: Off, 1, 2 and 3. It has to be enabled by your provider before you can adjust it.
How long can I set the ramp on the AirMini?
Ramp Time can be Off, anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes, or Auto. Ramp starts you at a lower pressure and builds up to your prescribed level while you fall asleep.
Can I use the AirMini without a HumidX?
Yes. The HumidX is optional waterless humidification. Without it the AirMini still delivers full therapy, though the air will feel drier. Many users skip it in humid climates and add it for flights or high altitude.
How do I install the HumidX?
Twist the connector open gently, hold the HumidX by its sides with the coloured side pointing down, and insert it. Replace it within 30 days of opening the pack.
Why is my AirMini so loud and how do I quiet it?
Most noise comes from a mask leak, the vent pointing at you, or the machine sitting on a hard surface. Reseat the mask, redirect the vent, and place the AirMini on a soft surface away from your head.
References
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