When you have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the next step in your treatment will be to get set up with a PAP device (the gold standard for sleep apnea treatment). There are different types of PAP machines, each with slightly different functionalities. Let’s dive into the types of machines available and how they treat sleep apnea.
If you’ve talked with your health care provider about sleep problems like snoring or excessive daytime sleepiness, you may have been referred for a polysomnogram, or an overnight sleep study. Curious about what to expect when you undergo one of these tests? We’ve gathered answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease.
We’ve updated this year’s list of the best CPAP machines with feedback from our clinicians and real user reviews. You’ll find some brand new winners and some all-time favorites. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with sleep apnea, or you’re looking to upgrade your old CPAP, these machines combine the effective therapy doctors recommend with the user-friendly features that patients love.
But how do you tell the must-haves from the mistakes? Below our recommendations we’ll explain how to choose the right CPAP machine– from the types of CPAP machines you’ll encounter to the features to look out for– so you can decide on the perfect machine for yourself!
We get it, CPAP equipment expenses can add up, and it's tempting to try to save money by ordering products on Amazon, eBay, Facebook, and Craigslist. While it may seem like a harmless way to reduce some of the financial load associated with CPAP therapy, it may end up costing you more money in the end, not to mention there are serious health risks involved.
This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Carleara Weiss.
If you've been prescribed treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), you'll need a well-fitting, comfortable CPAP mask. There are several types available depending on the severity of your obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), your face shape, sleeping position, and other factors. But with all the different choices, it's easy to get overwhelmed. How do you know which one will work best for you? Don't fret - our research team has rounded up the best CPAP masks available in 2023 for every type of sleeper. These come in a variety of sizes including small, medium, and large, and are compatible with all full size CPAP machines.
Once your head hits the pillow the rest might feel like a mystery until you wake up the next morning. You may wake feeling well rested or like you hardly closed your eyes at all, as you’re left wondering how you really slept. Many modern CPAP machines now include sleep tracking functions, but that only helps if you've already been diagnosed with sleep apnea. However, wearables such as Fitbit or the Apple Watch may be able to clue you in on your sleep quality and even track sleep apnea.
Even though tap water straight from the sink is more convenient for many CPAP users to access, CPAP manufacturers and clinicians recommend that patients only use distilled water in their humidifier chambers - and for good reason!
Wondering if you can use your FSA or HSA for CPAP supplies? The answer is yes! If you have funds that run out at the end of the year, this is the perfect time to upgrade your existing equipment. Start the new year off right with fresh, sparkling clean CPAP mask, tubing, humidifier chamber, parts, or a machine.
With holiday travel around the corner, CPAP users are gearing up to take their sleep apnea therapy on the road. Travel can be a tricky time for people with sleep apnea; new surroundings make it harder to get to sleep, even without a sleep disorder. Then there’s finding a reliable, portable CPAP machine. What options are available? Do I need a new mask? What features do I need to make cpap therapy convenient and comfortable while I’m on the go?
In September of 2022, Philips Respironics announced a product recall related to a safety issue that affects some of their CPAP masks. Find out more details below, including information on potential health risks, which masks are being recalled, and who who to contact with questions.
