We’ve updated this year’s list of the best CPAP machines with feedback from our clinicians and users. 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. So how do you tell the must-haves from the mistakes? Below our recommendations we’ll explain how to choose the right CPAP machine for you!
The Best CPAP Machines of 2022
Best Overall CPAP Machine
Best New CPAP Machine
Best Value CPAP Machine
Best Travel CPAP Machine
Best Alternative to CPAP
How to Choose a CPAP Machine
What Type of CPAP Machine Do I Need?
Best Overall CPAP Machine - ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP Machine
Right now the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP Machine is the most sought-after CPAP on the market. It’s easily the best-selling CPAP because it’s reliable, durable, and absolutely packed with comfort features that make CPAP therapy easier to use. Yet it still manages to keep a competitive price point.
The AutoSet adjusts air pressure on a breath-by-breath basis, perfect for those who may be new to PAP therapy or who have trouble adjusting to a fixed pressure.
The most popular feature of the AirSense 11 is the myAir app and the personalized assistance it provides to help you get the most from your CPAP treaement. The Personal Therapy Assistant in the myAir app offers interactive video guidance in set up and use. Care Check offers question prompts to help you settle in during the first month of therapy.
Noise Level: 26.6 dBA
Weight: 2.75 pounds
Mask Compatibility: Any
Humidifier: Built-in Heated Humidifier
Warranty: 2 year warranty
Feature Highlights
- Auto adjusting machine that adjusts pressure on a breath-by-breath basis
- AutoRamp starts your pressure out low, gradually building to your prescribed level as you sleep
- AutoSet Response feature offers smoother ramp up time
- Sleep onset detection
- Compatibility with ResMed's intuitive myAir app
- Free coaching and guidance through Care Check
- Expriatory pressure relief (EPR) lowers air pressure during exhalation
Top Review
"My husband has used this machine as a loaner while his more expensive Philips machine was repaired. I’d gladly trade it for this one. One simple easy to change filter, a simple menu that tells you how many episodes you had last night and and easy to fill water chamber." Peggy F.
Best New CPAP Machine - iBreeze Auto CPAP with Heated Humidifier by Resvent
An affordable auto-tritating CPAP machine (or APAP machine) that offers the latest in smart technology, the iBreeze by Resvent is now one of our best selling machines. After the Philips Respironics recall, CPAP machines were scarce. Fortunately, the iBreeze was granted an emergency use authorization to help fulfill the need, and it's now widely accessible.
The machine looks great on any nightstand, with a sleek, minimalist design that resembles a high-tech alarm clock.
The large 3.5” LCD screen is easy to navigate to adjust your therapy, ramp, and comfort settings, even in the middle of the night without your glasses or contacts.
Feature Highlights
- Automated start and stop
- Compact and sleek machine design with large, 3.5" easy-to-read LCD
- Auto-adjusting built-in humidifier
- Intelligent Pressure Release algorithm
- Smart Ramp settings to help gradually reach your therapeutic pressure level
Wi-fi enabled modem
Noise Level: 28 dBa
Weight: 4.2 lbs
Mask Compatibility: Any
Humidifier: Integrated humidifier is built in
Warranty: 2 year warranty
Best Value CPAP Machine - Luna G3 Auto CPAP Machine with Heated Humidifier
The Luna 3 CPAP comes standard with some amazing features and a quality build.
First off, a heated humidifer comes standard with the Luna 3G. Audible air leak detection can alert you to problems with your airflow or mask fit before it affects your sleep.
And for those who like to track their progress, you can access personalized sleep health reports (or send them to your doctor) with the standard cellular modem.
It comes standard iwth Exhalation Relief, AutoStart, and Ramp Mode as well.
Feature Highlights
- Audible air leak detection alerts
- Built-in heated humidifier with AutoHumidity control to eliminate rainout
- Access your treatment and compliance data with standard cellular modem
- Compatible with 3B Luna QR app
- ResLex Exhalation Relief setting reduces air pressure when exhaling to make airflow more comfortable
Noise Level: 27dBa
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Mask Compatibility: Any
Humidifier: Heated humidifier is built in
Warranty: 2 year warranty
Best Travel CPAP Machine - ResMed AirMini
Though she be but little, she is fierce! The ResMed AirMini is the smallest portable CPAP machine on the market, but can still provide the same air pressure strength as its larger cousins. In fact, the AirMini can be set to mimic a fixed-pressure CPAP, an AutoSense APAP, or even the AutoSense for Her. And with smartstart, autoadjust, and ramp features it’s almost like having an AirSense 10 in your pocket.
The AirMini is also a perfect choice for frequent flyers. It’s FAA-approved, and the auto-altitude adjustment allows it to be used in-flight. The waterless humidifier means you’ll never have to worry about finding bottled water everywhere you go. And at only around 10 ounces it’s easy to toss into your carry-on!
But the coolest feature of the ResMed AirMini? All of its functions and settings can be controlled right from your smartphone!
Noise Level: 30 dBA
Weight: 0.66 lbs (That’s only 10.6 ounces!)
Mask Compatibility: AirFit P10 Nasal Pillow, AirFit N20 Nasal Mask, AirFit F20 Full Face Mask, AirTouch F20 Full Face Mask, or AirFit F30 Full Face Mask
Humidifier: Waterless Humidifier
Warranty: 2 year warranty
Feature Highlights
- FAA-approved for flight
- Auto-altitude adjustment
- Smallest travel CPAP available
- Settings for CPAP, AutoSense, or AutoSense For Her function
- Standard Bluetooth connectivity connects to the AirMini app
- All of the same AutoRamp and SmartStart features as the AirSense 10
Top Review
"This little air mini is perfect. It’s next to silent, first of all. The humidifying method is so advanced and I love it. It uses the humidx filters so no more mess with a water tank. While I initially bought it for travel, I now use it 100% of the time. I have been using a CPAP for 25 years and have pretty severe apnea. This is the best machine I Read more about This little air mini is perfect. It’shave used hands down." - Teresa
Best Alternative to CPAP - eXciteOSA Device
The eXciteOSA is an 'eXciting' daytime treatment option that doesn't involve pressurized air treatment during sleep. The device uses a process called "neuromuscular electrical stimulation" or NMES. NMES therapy can strengthen the muscle function of the tongue to prevent it from relaxing too much during sleep and collapsing to block the airways.
Using it just 20 minutes per day has been shown to decrease both AHI (the measure of sleep apnea severity) and snoring time significantly.
The eXcite OSA isn't for everyone, particularly those with moderate to severe OSA. But if you are looking for a way to get snoring and mild OSA under control, this innovative device may be a good option.
How to Choose a CPAP Machine
At the end of the day, the best CPAP machine is the one you’ll actually use. Fancy LCD screens and SD card readers don’t mean a thing if your CPAP equipment sits on your nightstand unused.
To choose the right CPAP machine for you, consider these areas:
- What type of CPAP machine you need
- What comfort features will make you more likely to stick with it
- How you’ll be buying your CPAP machine
What Type of CPAP Machine Do I Need?
If you’re new to CPAP therapy, you might be surprised to find out that there are different types of CPAP devices. To understand how they differ, and how to choose the right CPAP machine, it helps to (briefly) understand how a CPAP machine works.
People with obstructive sleep apnea experience pauses in breathing anywhere from five to 100+ times per hour. These pauses happen because the muscles in your upper airway collapse as you inhale. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy prevents this by delivering a stream of pressurized air that keeps your airways open.
The difference between the types of CPAP machine is in how they deliver that airflow. Though they all deliver the same effective sleep therapy, the choice can make a big difference in terms of your personal comfort and sleep quality.
The type of CPAP you need will depend on your personal health, so your doctor or other healthcare professional will help you determine which is right for you. Your prescription will need to specify which type, so you should talk to your doctor about your options before deciding on a CPAP device.
Standard CPAP Machine (Fixed Pressure)
The most common type of PAP is the standard CPAP– also known as a “set pressure” or “fixed pressure” machine. As the name suggests, this type of machine uses one consistent air pressure throughout the night.
Your pressure setting will be prescribed by your doctor or sleep specialist based on the results of your initial sleep study.
Auto CPAP (APAP)
Auto CPAP machines are similar to standard CPAPs, except their pressure will automatically adjust during your sleep if it detects that more or less is needed. They can sense if you’re struggling against your pressure or if more is needed to prevent apneas. Your healthcare provider will set a range of pressures, and the APAP uses an algorithm to adjust within that range.
The self-adjusting feature also allows an APAP to easily account for lifestyle changes, such as weight loss or gain. It can also accommodate normal, everyday changes in breathing pattern, like when you change your sleep position, or have a sinus cold.
BiPAP Machine
The Bi in BiPAP stands for “bilevel”, meaning they have two different pressure settings. They work by producing a higher pressure when you inhale and a lower pressure as you exhale. This is helpful for CPAP users who have difficulty breathing against a fixed pressure setting.
They are typically prescribed to patients who need very high air pressure, or who have severe OSA. BiPAP machines can also be helpful in avoiding side effects associated with high pressures, like aerophagia– the medical term for swallowing air.
Travel CPAP Machine
Travel CPAPs have all of the same features that larger devices have, only in a smaller, compact form. These lightweight pressure machines often weigh in at only a few ounces, and are easily packed into any bag for traveling. They can be taken on planes, used while camping, or fit on any hotel nightstand away from home.
Travel CPAP machines often feature flexible power options, such as an overnight battery, car adaptor, or even a solar adaptor!
Though they offer the same air pressure, and are usually compatible with the same CPAP masks and CPAP supplies, travel CPAPs may not be designed for long-term use so they shouldn’t be used for everyday sleep therapy unless approved by your sleep specialist. That said, for travelers with OSA a travel CPAP is a must have!
What Features to Look For In a CPAP Machine
While the type of machine is determined by your healthcare needs, there are a number of other features that can enhance your sleep quality and your quality of life. Since these features can sometimes mean the difference between restful sleep and failure to use your CPAP, they are important to consider.
Think about your lifestyle needs and then check out these options for your CPAP therapy.
Ramp
CPAP devices with the Ramp feature will start at a lower pressure, and then gradually rise to your prescribed pressure settings. This allows CPAP users to fall asleep comfortably, but still receive the full benefits of their airway pressure machine.
Some machines feature AutoRamp, which can sense when you’ve fallen asleep and adjust the ramp time accordingly. However, some CPAP users say that the AutoRamp algorithm can be a little too sensitive, causing it to adjust while still awake.
Whether you prefer Ramp or AutoRamp, if you have difficulty falling asleep while using your CPAP machine these features can help you stick with your sleep apnea treatment.
Humidifier
One of the most popular CPAP features is a humidifier, which adds moisture to the air drawn in by your CPAP machine. Humidification can help you breathe more comfortably, and can relieve side effects like dry mouth, sore throat, and stuffy nose. If you’re a mouth-breather, or frequently suffer from congestion or allergies, a humidifier can be a dream come true.
Exhalation Relief
This feature goes by many names, depending on the manufacturer. You may see it referred to as Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR), C-Flex, A-Flex, SmartFlex, or more. This setting lowers your pressure when you exhale, so you don’t have to work as hard to breathe against the airflow.
No matter what you call it, this feature is extremely helpful for CPAP users who require a high pressure, or who have difficulty breathing over a constant pressure.
Sleep Tracking
Most CPAP machines are able to record therapeutic data, but some more advanced models can even provide daily reports on your sleep quality!
Recorded data usually includes hours of usage, average pressure, and AHI (apnea-hypopnea index). This information is important to help your doctor determine the effectiveness of your treatment and to record compliance. CPAP machines have been able to record this on memory cards for a long time, but newer machines can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This allows you to view custom sleep health reports via apps like DreamMapper, and allows your physician to access your health data directly through the cloud.
More advanced machines can even sense things like mask leaks, snoring, and how long you’ve spent in REM. They can then use that data in your personalized report with advice on how to better your sleep!
Noise Level
When it comes to sound, not all CPAP machines are created equal, but decibels can be a confusing measure. To put it into perspective, 30 dBA is considered “whisper quiet.”
Anything below 30 and you’ll barely notice the sound at all. This is an especially important consideration if you share a bed with a partner!
How Will You Buy Your CPAP Machine?
Before you get your heart set on a particular CPAP you’ll need to consider whether you’ll be using insurance or paying out of pocket, and whether you’ll be buying from a DME or other retailer.
If you’ll be using your health insurance to purchase a CPAP you may be surprised to find that your plan may not cover all makes or models. And if you buy your CPAP from a sleep center or durable medical equipment provider (DME) they may tell you what CPAP you’re getting.
That’s why CPAPsupplies.com offers the best of all worlds! You can find the best out-of-pocket prices or let one of our dedicated specialists reach out to your insurance provider to make the most out of your coverage. Either way you’ll find a wide selection of CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines, so you can pick the best CPAP machine for you!
What Is the Best CPAP Machine For You?
Now that you understand what to look for, make a list of the features that matter most to you, and check out our wide selection of CPAP machines! You can sort and compare them by machine type, options, or even budget.
If you’ve got more questions and would like to speak with an expert on what CPAP machine will fit your lifestyle, reach out to one of our Sleep Specialists at 1-866-298-6482, or email us at info@cpapsupplies.com
We’ll coordinate with you and your doctor– and even your insurance company– to make sure you get the sleep therapy you need at the best price possible.
Embr Wave 2 Watch & Charger.
The Embr Wave 2 provides safe, natural, and fast relief from hot flashes and night sweats to improve sleep.
- Cools or warms the sensitive skin on the inside of the wrist to generate soothing thermal sensations..
- Discreet, modern design similar to a smartwatch.
- Fall asleep mode delivers cool or warm waves in a soothing rhythm to lull you into a deep sleep.
