Best CPAP Machine

CPAP machine stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine and is the most common treatment for sleep apnea sufferers. These devices release air through your mouth and or nose to keep your oxygen levels normal while sleeping. This way, you wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

If your doctor just prescribed you to use a CPAP machine and you’re not sure what to get, we make things easier. Our buyer’s guide goes over the best CPAP machines, along with all you need to know about PAP machines.

The ResMed AirSense™ 10 CPAP is one of the best CPAP machines, with its easy-to-use design and compact size. The machine has great AutoRamp and Easy-Breathe features to keep you comfortable and sleeping peacefully all night long.

Every AirSense™ 10 CPAP machine has a heated humidifier to make breathing easier and minimize the side effects of CPAP sleep therapy. All you need to do is attach the ClimateLineAir heated tube and adjust the device’s humidity level to enhance your comfort.

The AirSense™ 10 CPAP comes with Bluetooth connectivity so you can control your device through your phone. On the app, AirView, you can adjust your CPAP’s settings, troubleshoot, and speak with customer service regarding any questions or issues. The CPAP device also has an LCD screen if you’d prefer to adjust the settings directly.

ResMed utilizes Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) in their CPAP machines. When you exhale, the CPAP’s pressure reduces to make it easy to breathe.

With the AirSense™ 10 CPAP, you receive a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The quietest air purifier on our list is the Philips Respironics DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Machine, being whisper-quiet. It’s also smaller and more lightweight than the average CPAP machine, so you can easily travel with it if needed.

The DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Machine has a built-in humidifier to prevent dryness, pain, and other discomforts when using a CPAP device. With that, it also has Ramp Plus technology. This sleep onset detection system releases a low air pressure before slowly increasing to a higher pressure as you fall asleep to make you more comfortable.

This Auto CPAP device pairs with any smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth connectivity. This way, you can easily access sleep data and your doctor can adjust your prescription on demand. Plus, you can do performance checks from home if your CPAP is ever acting up so you won’t need to pay to have it serviced.

Philips Respironics offers a 15-day trial and a 2-year warranty for the DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Machine. Batteries and filters are not included.

The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP offers all the benefits of a standard CPAP machine while being as small and as light as a smartphone. At 3 inches wide and only 10 ounces, the AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP is excellent when you’re constantly on the go or simply don’t have the space for bulky medical equipment.

With a travel CPAP, it’s always nice for it to have an app and Bluetooth connectivity. The AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP has just that. On the AirMini app, you can easily monitor your sleep data, along with choosing your pressure mode.

You have the option between Standard, AutoSet, and AutoSet for Her pressure modes. Standard is a manual CPAP where it stays one pressure. Auto is where the device runs as an Auto CPAP (APAP) and adjusts pressure based on your breathing. The AutoSet for Her is an Auto CPAP mode designed for women.

This portable CPAP machine has multiple features to improve your comfort and breathing at night. It has an Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) feature, meaning the air pressure reduces when you exhale. It also has leak compensation and altitude adjustment settings to ensure you receive enough air regardless of where you are.

The ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP comes with a humidifier, but you’ll have to buy ResMed’s HumidX or HumidX Plus packs for the feature to work. The packs last 30 days each and start at $34.

The AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP comes with a 2-year warranty and free shipping. Please note that you must have a smartphone or tablet to use this device.

Types of CPAP Machines

You have options when it comes to the type of CPAP machine you get. They’re not all bulky, noisy, and uncomfortable machines that are uncomfortable. The most common PAP machines include fixed pressure CPAP, travel CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines.

Fixed Pressure CPAP

Fixed pressure CPAP machines are your standard Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine. They constantly release a set level of oxygenated air while you sleep. You inhale and exhale the same level of air throughout the night. Fixed pressure CPAP machines are the most common device for treated sleep apnea.

Travel CPAP

Travel CPAP machines are simply small, portable versions of CPAP machines. They’re great for people who travel frequently and need something easy to transport. If you travel with your CPAP machine, you won’t have to worry about falling out of routine or struggling to breathe when on a vacation or work trip.

Auto CPAP (APAP)

APAP machine, also called Auto CPAP machines, stands for Automatic Positive Airway Pressure machine. They release air within a preset pressure range and automatically change in pressure based on how you’re breathing. APAP machines are much more comfortable and user-friendly than standard CPAP machines and cost around $800 on average.

BiPAP

BiPAP machine stands for Bilevel Positive Air Pressure machine. Unlike traditional CPAP machines, BiPAP machines release two types of pressure for inhalation and exhalation. This way, it’s easier to exhale while sleeping. These machines work well if you have severe breathing problems and if CPAP therapy failed to improve your sleep apnea.

The main issue with BiPAP machines is that they’re significantly more expensive than CPAP machines. They can cost anywhere from $800 to $3000.

What to Look for in a CPAP Machine

CPAP machines can make or break your sleep quality when dealing with obstructive sleep apnea. So, when looking for the right CPAP device, consider its ramp, humidifier, mask type, and sound level.

Ramp

CPAP machines can be uncomfortable, especially when you’re still awake and don’t technically need the pressurized air. So, look for CPAP devices that have ramp comfort settings.

A ramp makes the machine release air at a lower pressure for a certain amount of time and slowly increase to your set pressure. That way, you won’t have strong air blowing up your nose until you need it—when you’re asleep.

Humidifier

A common issue when using a CPAP machine is experiencing dry eyes, mouth, nose, or throat. This is because the air most CPAP machines release is as dry as a desert.

While humidifiers are becoming increasingly common, not all CPAP machines have built-in humidifiers or the option to add one on. However, they’re extremely important if you want to sleep comfortably. Using a CPAP machine with a humidifier decreases your risk of nasal infections, bloody noses, and overall dryness.

You’ll be able to breathe and sleep better so long as you have a humidifier with your CPAP device.

Data Monitoring

Most modern CPAP machines are smart devices, meaning they have Bluetooth® connectivity and apps. With these apps, you can track your sleep patterns and machine usage without difficulty. You may also be able to use these apps to turn on and off humidifiers, adjust the pressure settings, and more.

These apps are especially useful for sending your therapy data to your doctor. This way, your doctor can easily determine how your CPAP therapy is progressing and what changes, if any, they need to make.

Type of Mask

When shopping for a CPAP machine, consider what type of mask you’d prefer. Not all CPAP machines come with a mask, and even if they do, you may be able to replace them. So, if you like a CPAP machine but not the mask it comes with, you still have options.

Some of the most common types of CPAP machines include:

• Full face masks: These masks seal both your mask and nose. They work well for people who breathe from their mouths, have allergies, or deal with sinus issues.
• Nasal masks: Nasals masks cover the entire nose and have headgear that holds the mask in place. They have a simple, straightforward design, but may cause people to mouth breathe, which causes a dry mouth and throat.
• Nasal pillow masks: Nasal pillow masks are the smallest, least invasive CPAP mask. They seal the base of the nostrils and are the most comfortable, versatile mask. However, they aren’t a good choice for people with nasal allergies or sinus issues.

Noise Level

While most CPAP machines are extremely quiet these days—about 30 decibels of sound or about the same volume of rustling leaves—light sleepers may still be agitated by the noise level.

If you or your sleep partner are easily disrupted by noise when sleeping, look for a CPAP machine that produces 25dB of noise or less. While these aren’t completely silent, they’re roughly as loud as a whisper and are the least likely to disturb you.

Tips for Managing Sleep Apnea

Outside of using a CPAP machine, there are various ways you can improve your sleep apnea symptoms and boost your sleep quality.

Reconsider Your Sleeping Position

One of the first changes you can make to manage your sleep apnea is changing your sleeping position. How you sleep greatly affects your breathing and airway obstruction. But when changing up your sleeping position, ensure you have the best mattress for sleep apnea to stay comfortable while sleeping.

Side sleeping is the best position to minimize sleep apnea symptoms. When laying on your side, your soft palate rests on the side of your mouth. This prevents your throat from getting blocked and ensuring you can breathe comfortably while sleeping. The best mattresses for side sleepers are soft to medium mattresses.

Without a soft mattress, the bed can let the pressure build up in the shoulders and hips. This is why back or stomach sleepers switching to their sides need a conforming surface.

Back sleeping is the second-best position to sleep in for sleep apnea. When using a CPAP machine, back sleeping will be most comfortable to keep tubes out of your way and your mask on your face. A medium or medium-firm mattress works well when sleeping on your back.

Stomach sleeping is undoubtedly the worst sleeping position when you have sleep apnea. Sleeping with your face pressed into your pillow or mattress will only further obstruct your breathing. CPAP machine users won’t be able to stomach sleep to begin with due to their masks.

Use an Adjustable Bed

Sleeping on an adjustable bed is an easy way to improve your breathing. Adjustable beds are hinged bed foundations that run on a motor. With the click of a button, you can adjust the angle of your foundation—and mattress—to better support your spine and elevate your upper body. By lifting your upper body, it’s easier to breathe at night.

Adjustable bed frames are best suited for back sleeping, but also work for side sleepers who want to lift their upper body. Conversely, stomach sleepers should not use adjustable bases.

Get the Right Pillow

As a sleep apnea sufferer, it may be useful to get a pillow designed to soothe your symptoms. You still have the option to use a standard rectangular pillow when you have sleep apnea, they just don’t have the added benefits other pillows offer.

Wedge pillows and cervical pillows are a popular option for sleep apnea sufferers who sleep on their sides or back. CPAP pillows are a good choice if you use a CPAP machine to relieve more severe OSA.

Wedge pillows are shaped like a triangle and have similar benefits to an adjustable bed. It elevates your upper body and leaves you at an angle to keep your airways open. They’re also comfortable when lounging in bed or reading a book.

Cervical pillows feature curves and indents to support your neck better and improve your body’s spinal alignment. They keep your head slightly lifted so your airways aren’t blocked, making it easier to breathe while you sleep.

CPAP pillows are a type of cervical pillow designed for people who, unsurprisingly, use CPAP machines. These pillows have cutouts built to accommodate CPAP tubes and hoses so they’re not in your way all night. CPAP pillows tend to be quite lofty, as well, to ensure your soft palate doesn’t inhibit your breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the side effects of using a CPAP machine?

Some of the common side effects when using a CPAP machine include:

• Skin irritation, acne, rashes, and ulcers from your CPAP mask
• CPAP mask air leaks
• Congestion
• Dry nose, mouth, eyes, or throat
• Aerophagia (air swallowing)
• Discomfort when exhaling
• Claustrophobia
• Inability to sleep due to a noisy CPAP machine

What is the average cost of a CPAP machine?

CPAP machines cost a pretty penny, with the average cost ranging from $250 to over $1000. More advanced Positive Air Pressure machines cost even more than this, with BiPAP, VPAP, and APAP machines costing up to $3000 in some cases.

Although CPAP machines are expensive, your health insurance will often cover part of the cost. Many CPAP machines have payment plans as well, so you won’t have to pay a large sum of money all at once.

How many hours per night should you use a CPAP machine?

The amount of time you should use your CPAP machine will vary depending on your doctor’s prescription. Most often, sleep apnea patients should use their CPAP machines for 7 hours or more, which is about the same amount of time you would sleep for.

After using your CPAP machine for several weeks or months, your doctor will be able to determine if you need to adjust how long you use it based on your sleep data.

Can I sleep on my side with a CPAP machine?

While you can use a CPAP machine while side sleeping, side sleeping may push your mask out of place, meaning you won’t receive the air. There are specific masks designed for CPAP users who side sleep, but they’re notoriously less comfortable than traditional masks. If you’re willing to overlook that, try using a nasal pillow or full face mask.

CPAP hoses may also be annoying to deal with at night when side sleeping. In this case, consider getting a CPAP pillow. These pillows have cutouts for you to place your hoses in to keep them out of your way while you sleep. This way you won’t have to fight your CPAP hoses all night long and can sleep comfortably!

Can I use oxygen instead of a CPAP machine?

Yes, oxygen machines are an alternative for sleep apnea patients who don’t respond well to CPAP therapy or who deal with hypoxemia. This is a severe condition where your blood has low oxygen levels from your obstructed breathing. In some cases, doctors prescribe both oxygen therapy and CPAP therapy to improve blood pressure levels caused by sleep apnea.

Conclusion

When left untreated, sleep apnea can become life-threatening. Using a CPAP machine improves your breathing and decreases your risk of cardiovascular issues. Plus, you’ll sleep better and can help your overall quality of life.

CPAP machines can feel strange and uncomfortable when you first get one, but not with the right device. Use our guide as a reference when coming CPAP devices and always get your doctor’s recommendation before making a purchase.