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The NCOA Adviser Reviews Team researches these products & services and may earn a commission from qualified purchases made through links included. NCOA does not receive a commission for purchases. If you find these resources useful, consider donating to NCOA . Mobile Oxygen Machine
Our Reviews Team recommends products and services that we feel strongly about, and that will truly benefit our readers. We’ve spent more than 50 hours conducting in-depth research on CPAP machines to give you the most accurate review of each model and brand. To make our selections, we:
Read more about our CPAP Review Methodology.
In order to purchase and use a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, you need a medical diagnosis of sleep apnea and a prescription from your health care provider. If you suspect that you may have sleep apnea, Sleep Doctor offers an FDA-cleared, disposable test that can be administered at home. The device includes finger, wrist, and chest sensors designed to monitor specific metrics associated with obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea is thought to affect up to 30 million adults in the United States, and this condition increases the risk of developing heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and even depression.1 During sleep, people with obstructive sleep apnea may experience snoring, gasping, or even pauses in their breathing. Quality sleep is important for overall health and well-being, and these disruptive breathing patterns can leave people feeling tired and irritable, even right after waking up for the day.2
Our Reviews Team surveyed 600 CPAP users and found that 44% of respondents’ sleep quality improved a lot after using a CPAP, while 33% saw a little improvement, and 19% of respondents’ sleep neither improved nor worsened. Only 4% said it worsened the quality of their sleep.
Many CPAP machines are available on the market, and our Reviews Team thoroughly researched the top brands and models to help you understand the various features and costs. ResMed, OxyGo, React, and Transcend topped our list of recommendations, but keep in mind that the respiratory therapist who made the diagnosis of sleep apnea will often have suggestions for CPAP machines. According to our Reviews Team’s CPAP survey, 53% of CPAP users chose a specific machine based on a doctor’s or respiratory therapist’s recommendation.
This article serves as a guide for understanding the features of different sleep apnea machines and making a decision based on your needs. See “How to get a CPAP machine” below.
CPAP machines are used in the treatment of sleep apnea. These devices draw air into the machine, filter it, and deliver it through a mask on your nose, mouth, or both, in a continuous flow to keep your airways open.3 The air you breathe in from a CPAP machine is the same as the air around you, while an oxygen concentrator reduces nitrogen and other components to provide 90 to 95% pure oxygen at your prescribed dose for oxygen therapy.4
A CPAP machine for sleep apnea can be used with a wide variety of CPAP mask types, and it’s important to find a mask you can comfortably sleep in while using your CPAP machine. To help treat and manage symptoms, sleep apnea machines keep the airway open by delivering pressurized air.
*A-weighted decibels (dBA) are a measure of how our ears perceive the relative loudness of sounds in the air. All machines listed run at about the volume of a whisper.
This lightweight machine includes a range of automatic features and touchscreen operation for ease of use. It can function as a CPAP machine or an auto-CPAP (APAP) machine and has Bluetooth and cellular connectivity.
ResMed AirSense AutoSet 11 earned our Reviews Team’s “Editor’s Pick” for its automatic features, touchscreen operation, and lightweight size. ResMed was also the second-most popular CPAP machine brand among respondents in our CPAP survey. This unit is the most updated model from ResMed, and it has both CPAP and APAP functions. CPAP machines provide a steady pressure, while APAP machines respond to the pressure of your own breathing and vary the pressure from the device.
Bluetooth and cellular connectivity are the biggest additions to the AirSense 11. With these technology features, you can use the myAir app on your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet to connect to the breathing machine and access your therapy data. Built-in coaching tools guide you through the initial setup and continue to help you adjust to your new sleep apnea machine.
Once you’re up and running with the AirSense 11, the app will show your usage data. The ResMed AirView technology also allows your doctor to access and monitor your sleep data so they can make adjustments remotely to your settings when necessary.
Our Reviews Team liked the heated humidification and automatic climate control features of this unit. Heated humidification keeps your airways moist, and you may find that inhaling warmed air feels more natural and soothing than cool or room-temperature air. The automatic climate control keeps air temperature and humidity at ideal levels while you use the CPAP machine.
You can purchase the optional ClimateLineAir tubing for $46. This tubing maintains the warmth and humidity of the heated air as it travels from the machine to your mask. Heated tubing can make the inhalation of humidified air feel more natural, and can prevent “rainout,” which occurs when heated air cools as it travels through the tube and condenses into water that can pool in your CPAP mask and on your face.
The Auto Ramp feature gradually increases the air pressure to your prescribed therapeutic level as you fall asleep. The feature detects when you’ve fallen asleep and waits to begin increasing air pressure to avoid the sensation that you’re getting too much air from the CPAP machine. This model also automatically starts or stops the machine when you put on or take off your mask.
At 2.5 pounds (similar to the weight of a quart of milk), the AirSense 11 is one of the lighter sleep apnea machines on our list. It operates at an average noise level of 27 dBA, which is about the volume of a whisper. [5] Centers for Disease Control. What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/what_noises_cause_hearing_loss.html
ResMed Corp is listed as ResMed Shop on TrustPilot and has a 4.4 out of 5 star customer review average from close to 800 reviews. The company has an B- rating and 1.36 out of 5 star customer review average on the BBB, but that score is based on just 14 reviews. ResMed is not accredited by the BBB.
Positive reviews mention excellent customer service and helpful staff. Complaints on both websites mention faulty components, poor customer service, and frustration with prescription requirements.
Read more in our full ResMed Review.
To reach ResMed directly, contact customer service by phone or through an online contact form.
This affordable CPAP machine delivers all the necessary functions, including CPAP and APAP modes, though it’s slightly heavier and louder than other devices reviewed here. On the plus side, it’s universally compatible with any CPAP mask on the market.
The OxyGo ResPlus Auto CPAP is our Reviews Team’s pick for “Best Value” because it provides all of the necessary functions at a much lower price point. Three of the standout features include its large color LCD screen that makes it easy to read the settings and other options on the machine. The humidifier tank holds enough water for one to two nights of use, but keep in mind that it’s always best to empty and clean the water chamber daily to avoid bacterial growth. Plus, it has both CPAP and APAP modes for standard and automatic functioning. Our Reviews Team also liked that the OxyGo ResPlus Auto CPAP machine is universally compatible with any CPAP mask on the market. This allows you to choose the mask you like best.
The fact that this sleep apnea device is heavier, at 5 pounds, and slightly louder, at 30 dBA, means that it ranks lower than the other devices we reviewed. It’s still quiet enough for undisturbed sleep and light enough to travel with on occasion. One downside our Reviews Team noticed is that the ResPlus Auto CPAP cannot use heated tubing, so be sure to only use it with standard, non-heated tubing.
OxyGo is not accredited by the BBB and has an F rating on its website. Its BBB profile has no customer reviews, but has two unanswered customer complaints from January 2021 which is likely the reason for the rating. The complaints are in reference to OxyGo portable oxygen concentrators, not a CPAP machine. OxyGo has no profile or reviews with TrustPilot.
Contact Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service by phone, email, a website contact form, or live chat:
The ResMed AirSense 10 has a color LCD screen with a large control dial instead of a modern touchscreen. It’s compatible with most CPAP masks and includes a SmartStart feature that automatically begins CPAP therapy when you put on your mask.
ResMed AirSense 10, the previous version of the AirSense 11, is our Reviews Team’s choice for “Best Screen.” A large control dial also makes it easy to navigate the color LCD screen as opposed to the more modern touchscreen on the AirSense 11, which is ideal if you aren’t familiar or comfortable with touchscreen navigation. The AirSense 10 has an ambient light sensor that adjusts your screen’s brightness to the lighting of your room. This makes it easier to read in low light and the LCD screen will turn off after a period of inactivity so the light from the screen won’t disturb you while you sleep.
The AirSense 10 also has a taller and slightly wider humidification water chamber that can make it easier to grip and remove than the slimmer chamber in the AirSense 11.
You can also purchase the ResMed ClimateLineAir heated tubing for $46 to keep the air warm as it passes through to your mask. It may be more comfortable for you to breathe in warmed air than cool or room temperature air, and the heated tubes also reduce condensation and moisture buildup in your tube and mask.
The SmartStart feature automatically turns on your CPAP therapy when you put on your mask and inhale. “Expiratory pressure relief” reduces pressure from the CPAP machine when you exhale, which may make breathing more comfortable while you sleep. This device doesn’t connect with the myAir ResMed app, but your doctor can upload your therapy history and details to a computer using your machine’s SD card and AirView, which is a secure, cloud-based patient management system from ResMed.
As cited above, ResMed Corp is listed as ResMed Shop on TrustPilot and has a 4.4 out of 5 star customer review average from over 800 reviews. The company is not accredited by the BBB and has an B- rating and 1.33 out of 5 star customer review average, but that score is based on just 15 reviews.
You can reach ResMed customer service by phone or an online contact form.
Contact Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service by phone, email, a website contact form, or live chat:
The Luna G3 is a quiet, compact CPAP machine with a humidification preheat feature and automatic replacement notifications. It’s also Wi-Fi enabled and designed to store and process usage information.
The Luna G3 from React Health (formerly 3B Medical) is our Reviews Team’s “Best for Home” CPAP machine because it offers a humidification preheat feature and notifications that let you know when it is time to replace filters and tubing. Another plus is its small size, as it easily fits on most nightstands. This model weighs 3.75 pounds (similar to the weight of five soup cans), which isn’t an issue at home, but the Luna G3 is one of the heavier sleep apnea machines on our list and may not be right for travel.
An integrated humidification system features heated humidification and tubing. The Luna G3 also has a preheat feature, which warms your CPAP’s humidifier water while you get ready for bed. This is a nice feature that allows you to start your nightly therapy with warm, humidified air to enhance comfort and help you fall asleep easily. With an average noise level of 26 dBA, roughly the volume of a whisper or rustling leaves, it shouldn’t disturb your sleep.
This model is designed to store and process your usage information to improve your CPAP therapy experience. It is Wi-Fi enabled, and the device can send your therapy data directly to your doctor using an integrated cellular modem that comes standard with this model. Your doctor can check if your prescription pressure is working or if you need to adjust your settings. This data reporting reduces the pressure on you during follow-up appointments because you won’t have to bring your own detailed notes about your sleep apnea therapy, and your doctor won’t have to pull the information from your CPAP equipment supplier.
The screen and dial on the Luna G3 are easy to navigate and control. You’ll use the dial to scroll through and select options on the screen. The home button returns to the home screen with one click, which is where you can see the current time, your CPAP pressure settings, and more. This model even notifies you when it is time to replace supplies and accessories, like filters or tubing, which will keep your nightly CPAP therapy on track.
Customer reviews of React Health are very limited. Neither React Health nor its former name 3B Medical have profiles on TrustPilot. On the BBB site, React Health has an F rating and a 5 out of 5 star average customer review rating, but this is based on only one review. The company is also not accredited by the BBB.
Read more in our full Luna CPAP review.
You can reach React Health directly by phone, fax, email, and through a contact form on their website.
This whisper-quiet travel CPAP machine weighs less than half a pound, making it one of the lightest and smallest options available. It comes with a standard AC wall adapter but can also be used with a portable battery that delivers up to 16 hours of usage on a full charge.
Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP is our Reviews Team’s “Best for Travel” option because it is one of the lightest and smallest CPAP machines available. It’s a portable CPAP machine that weighs 0.48 pounds (a paperback book weighs about 1 pound). At four inches in diameter, it’s roughly the size of a baseball.
An integrated humidification system features heated humidification and tubing. The Luna G3 also has a preheat feature, which warms your CPAP’s humidifier water while you get ready for bed. This is a nice feature that allows you to start your nightly therapy with warm, humidified air to enhance comfort and help you fall asleep easily. With an average noise level of 26 dBA, roughly the volume of a whisper or rustling leaves, it shouldn’t disturb your sleep.
The Transcend Micro CPAP comes with a standard AC wall adapter for power, but it can also be used with the Transcend PowerAway P8 portable battery. The P8 is a lithium-ion battery sold separately for $290 that provides up to 16 hours of usage on a full charge.
The Transcend Micro AirMist HME is an optional humidification feature available for an additional $18.95. This waterless humidification system uses a foam insert to recycle moisture from your own exhaled breath to keep the inhaled air moisturized, but keep in mind that the insert must be replaced regularly. The humidification system in the Transcend Micro CPAP is not compatible with all masks on the market, so you will want to make sure you purchase a mask that connects properly.
Auto start/stop will start breath therapy when your breathing is detected through your mask and tubing, and it will stop the air flow as soon as you remove your mask. Plus, a 30-minute drying mode sends dry air through your system to keep your unit and tubing free from moisture buildup. Use this mode when you wake up and the 30-minute drying cycle will dry your mask and tubing, so it’s ready for your next use.
At 27 dBA, the Transcend Micro is supposed to be as quiet as a whisper, plus the included WhisperSoft muffler helps to further dampen tubing and mask sounds.
The EZEX Pressure Relief feature can help you breathe more comfortably while you sleep by reducing added pressure from the machine when you exhale. The feature, which can be turned off, has three settings that allow you to customize your desired pressure relief.
This device connects to an optional Transcend app called MySleepDash, which is available for Apple and Android users. It tracks your usage and settings, sends alerts for issues like mask leaks, and includes frequently asked questions. You can also share your usage data, which makes it easier to review information with your doctor. Keep in mind that, with all CPAP devices, pressure adjustments must be made by a health care professional.
Transcend doesn’t have a profile with either the BBB or TrustPilot. Somnetics International, Inc., the parent company of Transcend, does have a BBB profile, but it contains very little information. The company has no rating with the BBB, isn’t accredited, and has no customer reviews on the site.
Transcend can be reached directly by phone or an online inquiry form:
Positive airway pressure (PAP) is a type of breathing treatment where a machine uses mild pressure to push air through the airway to keep it open and clear while the user is sleeping. The sleeper receives air through a mask that’s connected to the machine by a flexible tube. The maximum and minimum pressure settings for your PAP unit are set by the prescriber based on the severity of your sleep apnea. Since the precise treatment and pressure the sleeper needs varies, there are four different types of machines your specialist can prescribe.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine disperses air at a consistent and fixed pressure throughout the night. CPAP is the most common type of PAP therapy device because it can be used for a variety of sleepers. This device is best for those with severe obstructive sleep apnea who need constant high pressure to keep their airway open while sleeping.
An automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) machine automatically adjusts the level of pressure according to the sleeper’s needs throughout the night. The machine monitors breathing patterns and adjusts the pressure as needed. Breathing patterns can change throughout the night (for example, depending on the user’s sleeping position), or over time (for example, if the sleeper’s weight fluctuates). APAP machines are prescribed to sleepers with moderate to severe sleep apnea, who have tried a CPAP and prefer a more natural breathing pattern while sleeping.
A bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine delivers air at two pressure levels, a higher level while you are inhaling and a lower level while exhaling. This device is best for users with severe sleep apnea who have trouble exhaling against the CPAP machine’s constant pressure level.
Travel PAP machines weigh less than a traditional PAP unit, are compact in size, and should easily fit in luggage or carry-on bags. They also come equipped with rechargeable batteries, which is ideal when traveling. If you want to use your travel unit while flying, you should check with the airline’s PED (portable electronic device) policy before booking your flight.
Before shopping for a sleep apnea machine, you will need a diagnosis and prescription from your doctor. “To diagnose sleep apnea, an overnight sleep study called Nocturnal Polysomnogram must be done,” said Elizabeth Lyda, registered respiratory therapist and research quality improvement specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. She adds that you shouldn’t “obtain a CPAP machine without completing this test and getting a prescription from your doctor. The risks of applying CPAP to someone without knowing if they definitely have sleep apnea outweighs the benefits if something goes wrong.”
This overnight sleep study is followed by a second study to determine the appropriate pressure for your CPAP therapy to treat and improve your condition. These devices require a prescription to purchase since they are class II devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).6 This classification means that even though CPAP machines are effective therapeutic devices, they can pose risks to the user if used incorrectly or when they are used without medical recommendation and oversight. These risks include adverse tissue reactions in the airway, infection, and interference with other medical treatments or devices.
Sleep Doctor offers an at-home sleep apnea test designed to determine whether you might qualify for a diagnosis. It can be a convenient way to measure specific sleep metrics associated with sleep apnea from the comfort of your own home before speaking with a doctor.
Once you have a prescription, CPAP machines can be purchased through online retailers, like CPAPSupplies.com, the CPAP shop, Respshop, the Oxygen Concentrator Store, or local distributors of durable medical equipment (DME).
To purchase a CPAP machine in-store, you will need your prescription on-hand or your doctor must submit it to the retailer. To purchase a CPAP device online, you must provide proof of your prescription during checkout.
You can reach CPAPSupplies.com customer service by phone, fax, online chat, and email.
Since different CPAP machines are designed for different scenarios, it can be difficult to decide which machine will best meet your needs, preferences, and budget. Here’s what to keep in mind as you shop:
A CPAP machine is an important investment. Besides more technical features like app connectivity and remote monitoring, there are three factors you should consider before choosing a CPAP device: cost, features, and mask styles.
A CPAP machine can cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Devices on our list cost $590–$989. CPAP machines can be purchased with cash or credit card, but other payment options are available.
Health insurance: As with most medical devices, CPAP machine and mask coverage will depend on your insurance plan. Most private health insurance plans will offer some amount of coverage for CPAP machines and CPAP masks.7 In order to maintain coverage, many insurance plans will require proof that you are using the machine nightly as prescribed. This information is typically stored in your machine or on a memory card and, depending on which device you have, that data can be accessed through an online portal, app, directly from the memory card, or supplied by your CPAP equipment supplier.
Out of 600 survey respondents, 29% used Medicare, Medicare Part B, or Medicare Advantage to help pay for their machine, while 28% used private health insurance and 43% didn’t use insurance.
Medicare: Medicare has specific terms for CPAP machine and supply coverage, which typically starts with a three-month trial.8 After that trial period, Medicare will likely require confirmation from your doctor that you have been compliant with treatment. Medicare will want to know if you use the machine nightly as prescribed, and that CPAP therapy is helping your condition. Like oxygen concentrators, Medicare covers the rental of your CPAP machine as opposed to coverage or reimbursement to purchase the machine in full. You will need to get your CPAP device and supplies through a Medicare-enrolled retailer. Medicare will cover most of the cost of renting a CPAP machine for 13 months, after which you will own the device.
Retailer financing: Many retailers offer financing for CPAP machines, typically through third-party financing companies. CPAPSupplies.com and Oxygen Concentrator Store offer financing through Affirm, and CPAP shop offers financing through Bread Pay. These two financing companies offer plans with varying repayment terms and interest rates. You will also need to receive credit approval to use Affirm or Bread Pay. Respshop has in-house financing options and payment plans that do not involve a credit check.
Health savings account (HSA): An HSA is an account you can deposit pre-tax money into that can be used for eligible health expenses.9 The full list of qualifying expenses includes respiratory equipment like CPAP machines.10 HSA funds do not expire and will continue to be available until your funds run out.
Flexible spending account (FSA): An FSA is an account your employer deposits pre-tax money into and can be used to reimburse medical expenses like CPAP machines. FSA funds do expire if you don’t use all the money before the annual expiration date.
CareCredit: CareCredit is a credit card made specifically for health care expenses. CPAP machines are qualifying purchases if you have a CareCredit card, but you’ll need to make sure you purchase through a participating retailer. Eligibility for the card is subject to credit approval.
Size and weight: Your CPAP machine will need to be the right size to fit on a nightstand or table next to your bed. Make sure that the surface you plan to place it on will have enough space for your CPAP machine, along with the things you typically keep next to you in bed. A crowded nightstand could result in accidentally bumping your CPAP machine, which could alter settings, or things falling onto the floor. Weight is also important if you want to travel with your CPAP. Heavier machines may be more cumbersome to pack up and travel with, so you may want to look at lighter CPAP machines like the Transcend Micro, AirSense 10, or AirSense 11.
Noise level: A CPAP machine will never be completely silent, but many of them are whisper-quiet (30 dBA or less). A low noise level means it is less likely the device will disturb your or a partner’s sleep. In our Reviews Team’s CPAP survey, 56% of respondents shared that their machine’s noise level didn’t affect their sleep at all, while 32% said they sometimes see their sleep affected. About 12% said the noise often or always affects their sleep.
Humidification: CPAP usage can lead to dry airways, which may cause irritation and discomfort, especially in the throat and nasal passages. Some CPAP machines have an integrated humidification system, while others have detachable humidification components. Humidification is either cool or heated. Heated humidification starts in the water chamber, and warmth and humidity are maintained throughout the system with heated tubing.
APAP vs. CPAP: APAP settings are designed to automatically adjust air pressure coming from the machine according to the pressure of your breathing, and adjustments stay within a set of prescribed pressures determined during your sleep study. Breathing pressure typically decreases once you fall asleep, so auto CPAP devices start with lower pressure and increase it once the machine senses that you’re asleep. Standard CPAP machines will increase air pressure as soon as you turn the machine on to start your therapy, and it will keep air pressure consistent throughout the night.
CPAP therapy is meant to be used every night while you sleep. Many people have difficulty sleeping for other reasons, and wearing a mask for CPAP use can add to sleep issues. It’s important to find a mask that works for your face shape, sleep style, and comfort preferences. A CPAP device that is compatible with most masks on the market is ideal, especially for new CPAP users because you can try different masks with your CPAP machine to find the best mask for you. CPAP mask styles range from full-face (completely covers your nose and mouth) to nose-only styles.
Of the CPAP users we surveyed, 43% used a full mask and 26% used a nasal mask. Total face masks, nasal cannulas and pillows, hybrid masks, and oral masks were less common.
Below are two examples of different CPAP masks, including the Fisher and Paykel Vitera CPAP full face mask and the Philips Respironics DreamWear Silicone Nasal Pillow CPAP mask.
Our Reviews Team consulted with three industry experts and one respiratory therapist to better understand the purpose and function of CPAP therapy and CPAP machines. Based on our expert consultations and research, we determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for a CPAP machine:
We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure that each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs.
Sleep apnea can affect anyone. In fact, President Joe Biden uses a CPAP machine for sleep apnea, according to a recent statement from White House officials.11 The White House did not indicate whether the president had undergone a sleep study or provide any other specifics.
Philips Respironics is a leading name in CPAP therapy, so it is notable that its models are absent from our list. Philips issued a recall of many of its CPAP, bilevel positive airway pressure machines, and ventilator devices that were manufactured between 2009 and April 26, 2021.12 The recalled devices contain a polyester-based foam that reduces noise and vibrations. This foam was found to break down in some units, and those small pieces were released into the breathing system and tubing. It’s a potential health hazard to inhale those particles. The FDA issued a list of affected models and instructions on what to do if you own or use one of the recalled units.13
Improving your sleep hygiene can make it easier to fall and stay asleep while using your CPAP machine, and finding the best mattress for your individual sleep style can make a significant impact on sleep quality. The right mattress can balance comfort with appropriate support for your body type and sleep style while addressing personal considerations, like choosing a mattress for back pain or to reduce overheating.
Additionally, sleeping on an adjustable bed can allow you to customize your sleep position and alleviate some of the concerns that come with sleep apnea.
CPAP machines are medical devices prescribed for people diagnosed with sleep apnea. Since people may use both, it’s important to recognize the difference between CPAP machines and portable oxygen concentrators or home oxygen concentrators.
The five CPAP machines reviewed in this article are the best available in terms of features, value, and portability. ResMed AirSense 11 is our Reviews Team’s “Editor’s Pick” for its advanced technology, including an LCD touchscreen and automatic features. The OxyGo Resplus Auto CPAP is the least expensive sleep apnea machine on our list, and it still includes features like standard and automatic CPAP functions. The ResMed AirSense 10 is our Reviews Team’s pick for “Best Screen” due to its LCD screen that automatically adjusts to the light in the room, making it easier to read at night. The React Health Luna G3 is small enough to fit on your bedside table and features a pre-heat humidifier function that warms the water used to humidify your CPAP’s air. The Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP is an excellent travel CPAP machine, as it is about the size of a baseball. With the recall of Philips Respironics devices and an ongoing global shortage, there are fewer machines available for consideration.
Finding a CPAP machine that meets your needs is essential for improving your sleep, which may improve your overall health and well-being.
The best CPAP machine for you will depend on your individual needs. Consider how frequently you travel, if you want heated humidification, and if you want a more basic unit or one with more technology. The ResMed AirSense 11 was chosen by our Reviews Team as “Editor’s Pick.”
Yes, but you will need to have a confirmed diagnosis of sleep apnea and supply proof of a prescription from your doctor.
Discomfort is one downside of CPAP therapy. Sleeping with a mask over your nose, mouth, or both can be uncomfortable at first or until you find the mask that best fits your face. In order to minimize discomfort, it’s a good idea to purchase a CPAP machine that is compatible with different mask types.
A CPAP machine sends mild air pressure into your airways through a mask, which keeps them open and regulates your breathing as you sleep. As a result, CPAP therapy can reduce snoring, increase oxygen intake, reduce fatigue, and provide other health benefits.
The cost of a CPAP machine varies by brand and model, but they can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars. The models we mention in this review range in price from $649–$2,253.
Generally, a sleep apnea machine will last between three and five years before replacement becomes necessary. Depending on construction quality and component durability, some machines may perform longer or shorter than the average lifespan. Keep in mind that certain components, such as hoses, will likely need to be replaced before the end of the sleep apnea machine’s service life. Following manufacturer guidelines for care, maintenance, and use can help your sleep apnea machine last longer.
There are several alternatives to CPAP machines for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), including BiPAP machines, auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines, and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) therapy, which is a device that uses valves to create pressure when you exhale. There is also an emerging therapy called hypoglossal nerve stimulation, commonly referred to as the Inspire system.15 This method involves the insertion of three different sensors under the skin of a patient’s neck and chest to monitor your breathing and mildly stimulate the nerves controlling your tongue to help keep the airway open during sleep.
Since CPAP machines push air through your mouth, nose, or both throughout the night, they can dry out your airways, causing a sore throat, a dry or runny nose, or even nosebleeds. This is why many units include a humidification feature to add moisture to the air you breathe in at night. Most units also allow you to change the level of moisture to find a humidity level that’s most comfortable for you.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
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