Sources: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 normals for Salt Lake City International Airport; manufacturers’ manuals linked below. HHZ didn’t test devices at altitude.
Salt Lake City climate (airport, 1991–2020)
| Month | Normal high | Normal low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38.6°F | 24.2°F |
| April | 61.9°F | 41.8°F |
| July | 94.0°F | 68.2°F |
| August | 91.7°F | 66.6°F |
| October | 65.5°F | 43.6°F |
| December | 39.0°F | 25.3°F |
Station elevation: 1,287.8 m (about 4,225 ft).
Altitude ratings vs Salt Lake City
| Device | Max operating altitude | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 11 | 9,870 ft | User guide |
| ResMed AirCurve 11 | 9,870 ft | User guide |
| ResMed AirMini | 8,500 ft | User guide |
| React Health G3 X | 2,300 m (about 7,500 ft) | Manual |
| Inogen Rove 4 / Rove 6 | 10,000 ft | Rove 4, Rove 6 |
| CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort | 10,000 ft | Manual |
| Oxlife Independence | 13,123 ft | Manual |
| DeVilbiss 1025DS (home) | Performance may be affected above 5,000 ft | Manual |
Cold-weather limits
Most manuals we’ve read list a minimum operating temperature of 41°F (50°F for the Oxlife Independence). January and December normal highs are under 40°F, so:
- keep CPAP and home concentrators in heated rooms;
- don’t run a device that’s been left in a cold car until it has warmed into its operating range;
- in cold bedrooms, expect more rainout; see CPAP rainout and heated tubing.
Mountain trips
Mountain destinations can be higher than the city. Check each device’s rated altitude against your destination before you go, and ask your clinician whether you need a different oxygen setting there. The research on oxygen at altitude is covered in our Denver altitude guide.
Verdict
Salt Lake City’s elevation is within every CPAP and POC rating we checked; winter cold is the bigger practical issue. If you use a home concentrator and live above 5,000 ft, ask your supplier about performance.
Related: Phoenix heat guide, best travel CPAP machines, power outage plan.
See also: Albuquerque altitude guide.