The Best CPAP Machines in 2024 (Reviewed & Compared)
Relieve Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Sleep Restfully
January 20, 2022
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder, and picking the best CPAP machine for its treatment shouldn’t be taken lightly. Therefore, we tested 18 different models and ranked them following a strict methodology.
Here you can find our list of the top 6 picks!
In addition, to help you find the best option for you, our team of experts prepared a detailed buyer’s guide covering all you need to know about CPAP machines.
The Top 6 Best CPAP Machines
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Company
Features
Overall Score
Editor's Pick
ResMed
Online connectivity
Built-in humidifier
AutoRamp feature
Best Compact CPAP Machine
Philips Respironics
Compact and lightweight travel model
Bluetooth connection
USB port
Best Cheap CPAP Machine
APEX
RAMP feature
Sleep data tracking
Travel-friendly
Best for Advanced Features
HDM
Light and compact
Exhalation relief function
Leak detection
Best Travel CPAP Machine
Transcend
Built-in heated humidification
RAMP and EZEX pressure relief
Data tracking
Best Quietest CPAP Machine
DeVilbiss
Three comfort settings
Automatic on/off feature
RAMP feature
The Best Rated CPAP Machines (Quick Reviews)
For some people, owning the best mattress in 2022 or the best pillow for neck pain isn’t enough to guarantee a good night’s sleep. The following CPAP machines are our top picks for people suffering from sleep apnea. Our short yet informative reviews will help you find the right machine for you, whether you’re looking for the best CPAP machine for side sleepers or something that you can travel with.
ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ Review
PROS :
- Online connectivity
- Built-in humidifier
- AutoRamp feature
CONS :
- Weighs almost 5 pounds with all the additions
ResMed, a well-established manufacturer of CPAP machines, uses the latest technology for its products, which are aimed to help people with chronic diseases, such as sleep apnea. The AirSense 10 AutoSet is often reviewed as the best auto CPAP machine since it’s effectively used in the treatment of both obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Plus, it has a bunch of useful features.
Depending on your needs, it automatically adjusts the pressure level throughout the night. Thanks to its AutoRamp feature, it starts with low pressure and then increases it to the required level. Many CPAP machine reviews claim that this feature makes sleep apnea therapy much more comfortable. It also reduces pressure while you’re exhaling. In addition, this APAP machine can detect central sleep apnea, so it’s also suitable for sleepers with this type of sleep disorder.
This machine has a built-in humidifier to boost the comfort of using it. Another advantage of this machine is that it features online connectivity. Therefore, you can use apps for tracking your sleep quality and therapy progress.
Finally, this CPAP machine is fairly quiet, producing the sound of around 27 dBA. So it might be an excellent pick for those looking for the quietest CPAP machine.
Philips Respironics DreamStation Go Auto Review
PROS :
- Compact and lightweight travel model
- Bluetooth connection
- USB port
CONS :
- Pricey
If you’re looking for a lightweight and compact CPAP machine, the DreamStation Go Auto by Philips Respironics might be an excellent pick. It’s designed for people on the go, measuring six inches by six inches and weighing 1.86 pounds. Therefore, you can easily pack this portable model and carry it wherever you go. It’s no surprise it’s often reviewed as the best travel CPAP machine.
Besides its small dimensions, it features a flexible tubing with a 12-mm profile. Plus, the DreamStation Go can also be used during a flight. What’s more, thanks to a USB port, you can charge your phone or tablet while sleeping.
Another great advantage of this model is that it’s very user-friendly with its touch screen. In addition, it’s equipped with Bluetooth, so you can connect it with DreamMapper. This handy app allows you to easily track your therapy progress — another reason the DreamStation Go is often considered the best CPAP machine in 2022.
Additionally, the DreamStation Go has a micro SD card, which gives you an opportunity to share the data with your care provider quickly.
For greater comfort, you can opt for a heated humidifier. An optional overnight battery is another handy accessory.
APEX XT Fit CPAP Review
PROS :
- RAMP feature
- Sleep data tracking
- Travel-friendly
CONS :
- Few additional features
The APEX XT Fit CPAP machine is an excellent budget-friendly option. Even though it doesn’t offer many additional features, it’s a high-quality product that will meet the needs of most people suffering from sleep apnea, which makes it the best cheap CPAP machine.
Its noise level is pretty low, below 30 dBA. Also, it has a RAMP feature, which helps you fall asleep easily since it gradually increases the pressure.
If you have problems with a dry mouth or stuffy nose, there’s an optional heated humidifier. It offers six heating levels, so you can set the best humidity level for your CPAP machine according to your needs.
In addition, thanks to tracking sleep data, you can find out how effective your therapy is.
Finally, the XT Fit CPAP machine is also travel-friendly. It’s very compact and light, weighing only 1.76 pounds.
HDM Z2 Travel CPAP Machine Review
PROS :
- Light and compact
- Exhalation relief function
- Leak detection
CONS :
- No bluetooth connectivity
The CPAP machine by HDM is specially designed for travelers. Being compact and light—only 10.3 ounces, it can easily fit your travel bag. Plus, it has an integrated battery and it’s compatible with any standard mask.
Even though it’s a portable CPAP machine, it offers a number of advanced features, which isn’t typical for a travel CPAP machine according to many reviews. First, its Z-Breathe exhalation relief function lowers air pressure when you’re exhaling. Depending on your needs, you can choose one of three levels of Z-Breathe.
Furthermore, it features a tankless humidifier, which reuses moisture and heat from exhaling. The device will also alert you if there’s a major leak. Finally, besides adjusting the pressure in case of smaller leaks, it can adjust the pressure to different altitudes.
Transcend 365 miniCPAP Review
- Best Travel CPAP Machine
- Type: CPAP
- 10-day free trial
- 2-year warranty
- Price: $1,049.00
PROS :
- Built-in heated humidification
- RAMP and EZEX pressure relief
- Data tracking
CONS :
- No mobile app for data tracking
Transcend 365 miniCPAP is an amazing pick for all sleep apnea sufferers who are frequently on the go. Being very light, it’s truly a travel-friendly option — together with an integrated heated humidifier, it weighs only 1.7 pounds. Plus, it’s FAA-approved for in-flight use.
Therefore, it’s definitely the best mini CPAP machine, which will help you have a great night’s sleep wherever you are. It’s relatively quiet, producing noise below 30 dBA. In addition, it has a RAMP feature, meaning that it starts with low pressure and gradually increases it to the prescribed level. Also, it features EZEX pressure relief, so it lowers pressure when you’re exhaling.
Another great advantage is the data tracking option — you can easily take a look at your last night’s report on the device’s screen. Alternatively, you can download the report using the Transcend desktop software. The major complaint regarding this mini CPAP machine, which you can find in many reviews, is that it doesn’t offer a mobile app for tracking sleep data.
DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Review
PROS :
- A quiet CPAP machine
- Automatic on/off feature
- RAMP feature
CONS :
- Basic model has no heated tubing
The IntelliPAP by DeVilbiss is a high-quality CPAP machine, which meets the needs of most therapies. Moreover, it’s one of the best CPAP machines for sleep apnea since it’s very convenient for use — it’s pretty quiet (about 26 dBA), and it has a small footprint.
It’s great that it automatically turns on when you breathe into the mask, and it turns off when you take the mask off. In addition, it offers a RAMP feature, meaning that it allows you to fall asleep while the pressure of airflow is low.
There’s an optional heated humidifier to prevent dry mouth and a stuffy nose. The IntelliPAP also tracks a patient’s compliance, and this usage data can give valuable insight into the effectiveness of the therapy. Considering all these amazing features, no wonder this product by DeVilbiss is often reviewed as the best-rated CPAP machine.
How We Chose the Best CPAP Machine
– Our Ranking Methodology –
To help you make a well-informed decision and find the best option for your needs, we decided to present you with our top 6 picks of CPAP machines. We tested 18 different models and ranked them according to our strict methodology. Below you can see which criteria we used in our assessment process.
Quality
When investing in the best CPAP machine on the market, it’s reasonable to expect that you’ll get a product that will serve you in the years to come. In addition to spending a certain amount of money, you’ll need some time to get used to using this sleep apnea machine, so it would be really a nuisance to go over the same process after only a year.
Therefore, when we were reviewing CPAP machines, the quality of the materials used as well as the quality of workmanship were of our primary concerns. That’s why we carefully inspected each part of the product for any flaws. Plus, we tried to find out what customers had to say about the best CPAP machine in their reviews to check what the typical complaints are and what the expected lifetime of the product is.
Additional Features
Some models are pretty basic, while others offer a bunch of additional features. They are all intended to make the use of a CPAP machine more comfortable and more effective. That’s why we highly valued the models that include some or all of the following options:
- A humidifier
- Automatic controls
- Mask alerts
- Heated tubing
- Data tracking
However, the top-rated CPAP machine doesn’t necessarily have to have all of these functions. So it doesn’t mean that a CPAP machine with more features is necessarily a better choice for you.
Warranty
We believe that when you invest in a certain product, it’s important to know that the manufacturer stands behind it. This should give you peace of mind that you’re buying the best CPAP machine for sleep apnea, offering the highest quality.
Therefore, we tried to review only those brands that offer a warranty. As you can see, most CPAP machines on our list are covered for a period of two years.
Price
A typical price range for a CPAP machine is between $200 and $800. Below this price point, you can’t expect to get a high-quality product. Typically, machines with more features come at a higher cost. However, spending more money doesn’t always guarantee a better product.
It’s essential that you get what you paid for, so we focussed on looking for CPAP machines that are worth the money spent.
What You Need to Consider When Picking the Best CPAP Machine
– Buyer’s Guide –
Most people with sleep apnea are prescribed to use a CPAP machine, which has been proven as an effective therapy for this common sleep disorder. Our in-depth buyer’s guide covers everything you need to know about these machines, from how they function and their types to the best CPAP machine masks. So here you can find all the important considerations you need to take into account when picking the best product for your needs.
How Does a CPAP Machine Work?
A CPAP machine is used to prevent the interruptions in breathing caused by sleep apnea. These machines take in the air and deliver it to a sleeper. A flow of pressurized air comes to a user through a hose and a face mask. Some CPAP models also humidify the air, thus making this sleep apnea treatment more comfortable. You should definitely look for the best CPAP machine with a humidifier if your upper airways tend to dry up during the night.
Types of PAP Machines
A CPAP machine is often used as an umbrella term for all PAP machines. However, there are three types of Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) machines: CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP.
- A CPAP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine is used for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA occurs when an individual’s airway is blocked, which prevents normal breathing. Therefore, a CPAP machine delivers a constant flow of air at a prescribed pressure level. However, if you need different levels of pressure throughout the night, you should look for the best-rated auto CPAP machine.
- An APAP or Auto-titrating Positive Airway Pressure machine changes the air pressure depending on the sleeper’s breathing.
- A BiPAP or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure machine delivers airflow at a higher pressure when you’re inhaling and at a lower pressure when you’re exhaling. You need to preset the pressure levels you need, and you can’t change them while using a BiPAP machine. This type of PAP machine is commonly used for treating Central Sleep Apnea (CSP), which occurs when the brain fails to send the signals to the muscles that are responsible for breathing.
Mask Types
In addition to choosing the most suitable CPAP machine for you, you also need to consider what’s the best CPAP mask for your needs. Typically, masks are sold separately, so always check whether it fits the connective hose.
Here are the three most common types:
- A full-face mask covers the nose and mouth. Therefore, it’s suitable for those who often breathe through their mouths while sleeping.
- A nasal mask is placed only over the nose, so it is designed for people who don’t breathe through their mouths while sleeping.
- A nasal pillow is placed below the nostrils, so many sleepers find it very comfortable.
It’s always best to discuss your sleep apnea mask choice with your doctor.
What You Need to Consider When Choosing a CPAP Machine
Whether shopping for the best CPAP machine for travel or in-home use, there are a number of features you should consider. Therefore, think of your preferences and your budget. More additional features won’t necessarily improve your CPAP experience, but some might be very useful.
- Humidifier: If you tend to wake up with dry mouth, a humidifier might be a great solution. It can considerably improve the comfort of wearing a CPAP mask.
- RAMP feature: CPAP machines with this feature start with lower pressure and gradually increase it until they achieve the prescribed level. According to more than one CPAP machine review, this allows users to fall asleep more easily.
- EPR feature: EPR or Exhalation Pressure Relief reduces pressure when you’re exhaling.
- Heated tubing: This prevents condensation in the tube, and thus it prevents mold and mildew forming.
- Noise: Generally, CPAP machines produce a certain amount of noise. For a great night’s sleep, it’s best to look for those models whose noise level is below 30 dBA.
- Portability: If you are often on the go, look for smaller and lighter models. Also, a compact CPAP machine is an excellent pick for smaller bedrooms. The best portable CPAP machine should have a small footprint, and it shouldn’t weigh over 1.8 pounds.
- Alerts: Some models can alert a sleeper if their mask falls off, if the machine stops working, or if there’s a leak.
- Data Tracking: Some CPAP machines collect sleep data and provide daily or weekly reports. You can usually see this data on the device’s screen or on a mobile app. Plus, you can download it and share it with your doctor, so they can assess how efficient your therapy is. The best CPAP machines, based on many reviews, need to track your sleep data to give you quick insight into the effectiveness of your treatment.
Advantages of Using a CPAP Machine
- A CPAP machine can effectively treat obstructive sleep apnea. However, keep in mind that currently, there’s no cure for this sleep disorder. So only its symptoms can be alleviated.
- It prevents snoring.
- It improves the quality of sleep, so you’ll wake up rested and energized.
- Most CPAP machines are user-friendly.
- There are many models that are compact and lightweight, so you can easily pack them and carry them with you when needed. The best portable CPAP machines can even be used during flights.
Disadvantages of Using a CPAP Machine
- Some CPAP machine masks might be uncomfortable, and you might need some time to get used to them.
- CPAP machines tend to be noisy, so they can disturb you and your partner’s sleep.
- The connective hose can be restrictive for sleepers who like to change their sleeping positions often. It might be difficult for them to find the best position to sleep with a CPAP machine.
- Many models are costly. In general, the prices of CPAP machines range from $200 to $800. The best budget-friendly CPAP machine on our list costs $249.
CPAP prescriptions
If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, you can get a prescription for a CPAP machine. Otherwise, you won’t be able to buy a CPAP airflow generator, a humidifier, and a face mask. These are the key components of any CPAP machine, and they belong to Class II medical devices. Therefore, their sales are regulated by the FDA. You need a prescription for every CPAP machine, including the best traveling CPAP machine.
It’s essential that a doctor prescribes you the use of a CPAP machine because they need to determine what is the ideal pressure level for your needs. If a machine is not adjusted to the prescribed settings, it might not alleviate your symptoms of sleep apnea. In fact, it may even aggravate your condition.
Wrapping Up
With 22 million sufferers in the US alone, sleep apnea has become a prevalent sleep disorder. However, statistics show there’s even a higher number of people who go undiagnosed. Even though there’s no known cure for this medical problem, CPAP therapy can considerably alleviate the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Therefore, it’s crucial to find the best CPAP machine for your needs. Here you can check out our top picks and read through our comprehensive buyer’s guide.
FAQs
Which is the best CPAP machine on the market?
When looking for the most reliable CPAP machine, you need to consider your needs and preferences. However, our top three picks are:
- ResMed AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™
- Philips Respironics DreamStation Go Auto
- DeVilbiss IntelliPAP
You can read more about these machines above.
Do I have to have a prescription to buy a CPAP machine?
Yes, you need a prescription to buy the key components of a CPAP machine — an airflow generator, a humidifier, and a face mask. When you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, a medical professional will identify the pressure level you need, and this will be stated on your prescription. In addition, without a prescription, the costs can’t be covered by your insurance.
What is the quietest CPAP machine on the market?
These machines produce noise of about 26 dBA. Since the level of noise was one of the important criteria in our reviewing process, all the products on our list have a noise level below 30 dBA. We also reviewed the Philips Respironics DreamStation Go Auto and the DeVilbiss IntelliPAP machines, which are among the quietest on the market since they produce noise of about 26 dBA.
What is the average cost of a CPAP machine?
The prices of CPAP machines range from around $200 to over $3,000. On average, the price of a high-quality machine is about $800.
Will CPAP stop my snoring?
Both OSA and snoring are caused by a partial or full blockage of the upper airway. Since a CPAP machine keeps the throat open, it can reduce or completely prevent snoring. However, if you snore but you’re not diagnosed with sleep apnea, an anti-snoring device might be a better solution for you.
What is the most comfortable CPAP machine?
We can’t say that there’s one most comfortable CPAP machine because the level of comfort you need will depend on your preferences. How comfortable your CPAP experience is mostly depends on your choice of the mask type. Also, CPAP machines with a humidifier and a RAMP feature are generally more comfortable.
What is the difference between a CPAP and an Auto CPAP?
CPAP machines provide airflow at a constant pressure level, which you can’t change while using the machine. On the other hand, Auto CPAP machines vary the pressure level depending on your needs and changes in breathing during sleep. For most people, an auto CPAP machine is the best CPAP machine.