Best CPAP Machines: Top-Rated Sleep Apnea Devices Reviewed by Our CPAP Experts in 2024

By: Kenzie Dubs · Published July 08, 2024
Best CPAP Machines: Top-Rated Sleep Apnea Devices Reviewed by Our CPAP Experts in 2024

Kenzie Dubs - Sleep Health Educator

Written and Edited by Kenzie Dubs. Kenzie is dedicated to educating the public about the hidden effects of sleep apnea and the importance of early treatment. Using her professional and educational background in biology and healthcare, she specializes in writing easy-to-understand, science-based content that guides readers through each stage of their sleep apnea journey.

Fact-Checked

Our content undergoes rigorous expert review, evidence-based research, and regular updates for accuracy.

Finding the best CPAP machine that fits your personal lifestyle needs is crucial to maintaining CPAP compliance and receiving the restful night of sleep you deserve. 

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with sleep apnea or you’re looking to upgrade your old CPAP, the machines (both CPAP and APAP) listed below are the best in the industry thanks to their user-friendly features and effective therapy.


Unfortunately, due to the Philips Respironics CPAP machine recall and the CPAP machine shortage, one of the biggest changes you’ll notice in our latest update to this review guide is that we are no longer recommending the Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto or DreamStation Go. We stopped recommending these machines as soon as the recall was announced in 2021.


If you are new to CPAP and still in the beginning stages of your CPAP shopping journey be sure to read how to choose a CPAP machine as well as how we picked the top machines in our review at the end of this article.

Best CPAP Machines of 2024

  • Best New CPAP Machine: ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet
  • Most Reliable CPAP Machine: ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet
  • Best Machine for Travel: ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine
  • Quietest CPAP: Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine
  • Best CPAP for Allergies: React Health Luna G3 APAP Machine
  • Smallest CPAP Machine: Somnetics Transcend Micro Auto CPAP
  • Best Fixed-Pressure: React Health Luna G3 CPAP Machine

Newest and Latest CPAP Machines in 2024

Are you looking for the newest CPAP machines in 2024? The ResMed AirSense 11, Transcend Micro, React Health Luna TravelPAP, and updated AirSense 10 AutoSet are the latest machine models to join the market as of 2024.

While Philips’ DreamStation 2 arrived in mid-2021, it is still quite difficult to get your hands on one because the company is using it to replace machines affected by the Philips CPAP recall. This situation is ongoing and will likely continue to affect the availability of new DreamStation 2 devices for the foreseeable future.

As for the AirSense 11, keep reading to find out why we think it’s the best new CPAP machine for 2024.

Best New CPAP Machine

ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet

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Pros

  • Streamlined Design and Easy-to-Navigate Menu System
  • Robust Offering of Customizable Comfort Features
  • Automatic Over-the-Air Software Updates
  • More Personal Therapy Support and Check-Ins
  • Powerful Yet Portable

Cons

  • Some Features are App-Dependent
  • Isn’t as Affordable as Some Other Options
  • Less-Efficient Water Chamber Design

“I am very pleased with the Resmed Airsense 11 Autoset. I have used cpaps for over 25 years and this is the quietest one yet. It was easy to set up and use. I would definitely recommend this product.”

ResMed AirSense 11 CPAP Machine Details

Introduced at the end of 2021, the ResMed AirSense 11 is the newest CPAP machine on our list. Building on the shoulders of the AirSense 10, the AirSense 11 rolled everything people loved about the AirSense 10 into a sleeker and more user-friendly package. Especially great for people who are new to CPAP therapy, the AirSense 11 features many hallmarks of a top-tier CPAP machine like AutoRamp, SmartStart/Stop, Humidifier Warm-up, Leak Alerts, Mask Fit Check, Auto Climate Control, and Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) . It also adds new functionality aimed at helping people who are new to CPAP therapy in the form of the Personal Therapy Assistant and Care Check-In features. The AirSense 11 moves away from the dial-and-click design of the AirSense 10 in favor of a fluid touchscreen interface and a single button for starting and stopping therapy, making it simpler and more intuitive to use.

Why We Chose This Machine

The AirSense 11 is a great pick for any point of the therapy journey, but it especially excels at catering to people who are new to CPAP. Here’s why we think it’s the best new CPAP machine:

  1. Sleek Design and User-Friendly Operation: The AirSense 11 features a more streamlined design than its predecessor. Thanks to the intuitive interface and touchscreen controls, the menus are easy to navigate, enabling you to effortlessly make changes to your comfort settings. The overall design of the AirSense 11 is elegant and simple, with just one button atop the device for starting and stopping therapy.
  2. Innovative Features: The AirSense 11 is packed full of comfort features you’d expect from a top-tier therapy device, such as AutoRamp, SmartStart/Stop, Humidifier Warm-up, Leak Alerts, Mask Fit Check, Climate Control, and Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR). With a robust range of adjustable comfort features, you can further customize your therapy and create the best experience for your unique needs.
  3. Adaptive and Secure: Equipped with Over-the-Air Software Updates, the AirSense 11 will always stay up-to-date with the latest bug fixes, feature updates, and security upgrades, allowing you to snooze in peace while your machine automatically ensures it has the latest software installed.
  4. Personalized Support: Easily pair your AirSense 11 with ResMed’s myAir Therapy Tracker App to tune into the pulse of your therapy. See your nightly score, test drive your machine, troubleshoot setup issues, ensure you’re getting the most out of your therapy, and much more in ResMed’s competent companion app.

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • People Who Are New to CPAP Therapy: The AirSense 11 is a great machine to start with if you’re new to CPAP therapy. With personalized support and troubleshooting tips, a robust array of customizable comfort features, and effortless data syncing to the myAir App, the AirSense 11 does a great job of guiding you through the familiar struggles of those first few weeks, helping you stay on track and get the most out of your therapy.
  • People Who Appreciate New Technology: If you appreciate intelligent design and intuitive software, then you’ll enjoy interacting with your AirSense 11. Features such as the Personal Therapy Assistant and Care Check-In use modern technology to guide you through your therapy based on common pain points ResMed has gathered over its many years of operation to create a more comfortable experience all around.
  • People With Busy Schedules: The AirSense 11 is a great choice for anyone without a lot of time on their hands. Thanks to Automatic Software Updates, Automatic Climate Control, Automatic Pressure Adjustments, AutoRamp, in-app cleaning and inspection reminders, and daily updates on your therapy score, the AirSense 11 automatically helps you determine the best settings for effective therapy each night, saving you the hassle of manually creating the perfect therapy setup.

 Read our AirSense 11 Review  

Most Reliable

ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet

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Pros

  • Updated New Model
  • Tried and Tested Therapy Device
  • Whisper-Quiet Therapy
  • Smart Data Tracking

Cons

  • Priced Similarly to a New Generation Machine

“The ResMed AirSense 10 is a great product. Very reliable. This is my 2nd unit. The first one ran perfectly for 6 years until I accidently left it in the airport at the TSA screening. Glad to know I was able to get a replacement quickly. cpap.com was helpful and filled my order right away. Thank you.”

ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP Machine Details

The AirSense 10 has seen many different iterations since its release in 2014. These include the original AutoSet machine, the fixed-pressure CPAP version, and notably, the now-discontinued Card-to-Cloud version, among many others. 

The ResMed AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud was released at the height of an industry-shaking recall and a global supply chain disruption that made it nearly impossible to source the microchips needed to produce modern, cloud-connected CPAP machines. 

In an effort to get machines to those who needed them the most, ResMed re-released their wildly popular AirSense 10, this time without a wireless modem.

Thankfully, production efforts and supply chain stresses have stabilized, and the original AirSense 10 AutoSet has returned to the market in its full glory. Since the original model featured a now-deprecated 3G cellular modem, the new model is equipped with a modern 4G modem.

The best news? It’s backed by world-famous reliability and the same comprehensive suite of comfort features that has convinced millions of people to trust this machine with their sleep therapy over the years. Plus, it now includes ClimateLineAir Heated Tubing by default. 

This proprietary heated tubing unlocks the AirSense 10's automatic climate control feature, which keeps you at the perfect relative humidity level all night long and all year round.

You'll also enjoy therapy must-haves such as automatic pressure adjustments, AutoRamp, SmartStart/Stop, and Expiratory Pressure Relief. Most importantly, you'll benefit from effortless therapy tracking, goal setting, and video resources within the myAir Therapy Companion App.

Why We Chose This Machine

The AirSense 10 AutoSet has an impeccable track record and premium comfort features, but what really sets this machine apart is the sheer volume of praise its received from owners over the years. Here’s why we think it’s the most reliable CPAP machine out there:

  1. Updated Model: Building on the success of the original AirSense 10, this new version features all the same bells and whistles along with a modern 4G cellular modem (no data plan required) and included ClimateLineAir Heated Tubing.
  2. Tried, Tested, and True: Since its release in 2014, the AirSense 10 has gone on to help millions of people living with sleep apnea find restful sleep, increased energy levels, better mood regulation, and more. It has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars and consistently delivers life-changing sleep apnea therapy.
  3. Data-Driven Therapy Improvements: With the AirSense 10 AutoSet, you'll enjoy access to the myAir Therapy Companion App, which helps you stay tuned in to your therapy progress and easily send compliance reports to your care provider or employer. 

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • People Who Like Data or Need to Report Compliance: Whether you just want more insights into your progress over time or need to regularly report to your insurer, doctor, or employer, the AirSense 10 offers daily updates, goal setting, and more to empower you to achieve the best sleep possible.
  • Anyone Who Values Reliability: The AirSense 10 has been thoroughly tested by tens of thousands of people in the real world for nearly a decade, allowing plenty of time to work out software glitches and hardware failures along the way. This CPAP machine is a true workhorse, and if you ever encounter an issue with yours, there are years of forum posts and a wealth of knowledge you can easily pull from for troubleshooting steps.

 Read our AirSense 10 Review

Best For Travel

ResMed AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine

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Pros

  • Incredibly Small and Lightweight
  • Waterless Humidification Available
  • ResMed Quality and Performance
  • Good Companion App Experience

Cons

  • Slightly Louder Than Most Full-Sized Units
  • Lacks a Built-In Display
  • Requires an Adapter for Most CPAP Masks
  • Pricey for a Travel Machine

Wow, this little machine is awesome — 5 Stars: “As a former owner of a Dreamstation Go, which was recalled, I needed a replacement. Not only is it smaller, it is quieter and it is so simple to operate. Using for both travel and home. So far it’s working great. Just put the mask on, go to sleep and take it off in the morning. The Mini automatically starts and stops, quickly. And in Auto mode it automatically ramps the pressure.”

AirMini AutoSet Travel CPAP Machine Details

The AirMini AutoSet from ResMed packs reliable therapy into a convenient, portable package. Backed by the same auto-adjusting algorithm found in the AirSense 10 and the same comfort features you can expect from any ResMed machine, the AirMini is a competent therapy device whether you’re traveling or using it at home full time. With the addition of HumidX waterless humidification, the AirMini offers consistent and comfortable therapy wherever you go. The AirMini does lose some points with us due to its limited native mask compatibility, but thanks to the Zephair Universal AirMini Adapter , you can use any mask you want to!

Why We Chose This Machine

The AirMini consistently offers a premium therapy experience whether you’re at home, a hotel room, or deep in the woods. Here’s why we think it’s the best CPAP machine for travel:

  1. Compact and Lightweight: As one of the smallest CPAP machines available, the AirMini is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and easily slips into backpacks, purses, suitcases, and carryons, making it a smart choice for frequent travelers.
  2. Reliable Performance: The AirMini is built with the same reliable performance and quality as the well-loved AirSense 10, which means you can trust it to deliver night after night of restful, restorative sleep.
  3. Waterless Humidification: Leave the distilled water at home when you travel with the AirMini! Convenient HumidX waterless humidification cartridges ensure humidified, comfortable therapy no matter where you are.

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • Frequent Travelers: Everything about the AirMini is designed to give you the best therapy experience possible in a small package. From the companion app to the simple operation and small size, the AirMini was made for life on the go.
  • Fans of the ResMed Brand: If you love your S9, AirSense 10, or AirSense 11 and want the same reliable performance in a more compact package, the AirMini will not disappoint.

 Read our AirMini Review

Quietest Machine

HDM Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine

photo of the hdm z2 auto travel cpap

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Pros

  • The Quietest Travel CPAP Around
  • Universal Mask Compatibility
  • Optional Waterless Humidification
  • User-Friendly Built-In Display

Cons

  • Companion App Can Be Finnicky
  • Pressure May Feel Different or Lower Than a Full-Sized Unit

“I found this Z2 Travel CPAP meets the expectations I wanted. It is easy to set up for use. The size of tho CPAP is small and convenient for travel. If you buy the battery kit, the FAA authorizes the use of the Z2 and battery on an airplane.”

HDM Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Machine Details

The Z2 Auto Travel CPAP is regarded as one of the best travel CPAP machines around thanks to its built-in display, compact size, and commitment to quieting the night. With an included tube muffler, the Z2 boasts a 26-decibel sound rating which is 4 decibels quieter than ResMed’s AirMini, making it one of the quietest CPAP machines as well. With comfort features such as Exhalation Relief (Z-Breathe), Ramp, Auto Start/Stop, and Automatic Altitude Adjustments, the Z2 is a competent offering in the world of travel CPAP machines, especially with its ability to support waterless humidification via Heat Moisture Exchangers. The Z2 tracks therapy data via onboard flash memory and in the companion Breas Nitelog App, allowing you to stay in touch with your therapy and make adjustments as needed.

Why We Chose This Machine

The Z2 Auto stands out from the pack with its quiet operation, built-in display, and robust design. Here’s why it’s one of our top picks:

  1. Quietest Travel CPAP: With the included tube muffler, the Z2 Auto registers at a whisper-quiet 26 decibels, making it on par with some of the quietest full-sized CPAP machines.
  2. Compact and Lightweight: The Z2 is great for travelers, regardless of the destination. At just 0.66 lbs, the Z2 delivers quality therapy in a compact package and easily slips into even the most tightly-packed bag.
  3. Waterless Humidification: Offering optional Heat Moisture Exchangers for waterless humidification, the Z2 offers similar therapy comfort that you’re used to at home without the need for bulky jugs of distilled water.

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • Campers and Frequent Travelers: The Z2 Auto’s compact design and built-in display make it a capable travel companion no matter where life takes you.
  • People With Minimal Humidification Needs: While waterless humidification provides a bit of comfort, it’s no replacement for a traditional humidifier. The Z2 works great for those who don’t need a lot of humidity.
  • People Who Don’t Want to Rely on a Companion App: The Nitelog companion app experience isn’t great, but thanks to the built-in screen, you can make all of the important adjustments to your therapy directly on the device!

 Read our HDM Z2 Review  

Best for Allergies

React Health Luna G3 APAP

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Pros

  • Robust Optional PM 2.5 Air Filter
  • Heated Tubing Included by Default
  • Whisper-Quiet Operation
  • Features On Par With Leading Brands

Cons

  • Slightly Heavier Than Other Machines in This Category
  • Companion App Leaves Much to Be Desired
  • Water Chamber Design is Difficult to Clean

"I know this might not be a big deal to some people; but my old CPAP chamber was so difficult to get out and fill. I was constantly spilling and making messes. This unit is much better. The CPAP is quiet and it works. I use a Resmed P10 mask."

Luna G3 APAP Machine Details

The newest offering from React Health, the Luna G3 APAP machine delivers clean and consistent therapy thanks to its standard heated hose and optional PM 2.5 filter. The G3 APAP is a great choice for anyone that is sensitive to dust, pet dander, smoke, and other airborne allergens. The menu system is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the machine offers the longest Ramp time on this list at a maximum of 60 minutes. Overall, the G3 APAP is a perfectly respectable CPAP that does everything pretty well, though it’s not quite on the same level as the AirSense 10 or 11. Still, it’s a solid entry-level CPAP with plenty of comfort features to make it worth your while.

Why We Chose This Machine

The Luna G3 is a humble offering with good all-around performance, a user-friendly LCD, and a good track record, but here’s why it stands out from the pack for us:

  1. Allergy-Friendly: The G3’s optional PM 2.5 filter captures exceptionally small airborne allergens, making it ideal for anyone with allergy sensitivities.
  2. Consistent Humidification: The Luna G3’s commitment to consistent therapy really shines in React’s inclusion of a heated hose, standard with the G3. Get the same humidity level year-round, in any climate.
  3. Quiet Operation: The G3 is on par with other full-sized machines in this category, delivering whisper-quiet therapy night after night.

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • People With Allergy Sensitivities: If you’re sensitive to airborne allergens, you’ll love the G3 APAP for its optional PM 2.5 filter.
  • People Who Value Humidification: If humidification is a must-have for your therapy comfort, the G3 APAP will not disappoint thanks to its included heated tubing and automatic climate control.
  • People Who Need a Good Entry-Level CPAP: While it isn’t exactly on the same footing as other more popular machines from ResMed, it’s still quite good. There are some small quirks here and there, but the G3 APAP is a competent machine at a reasonable price.

Read our Luna G3 APAP Review

Smallest CPAP

Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP Machine

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Pros

  • The Smallest CPAP Machine Available
  • Built-In Sound & Vibration Dampening
  • Optional Waterless Humidification
  • Built-In Drying Function

Cons

  • Sound Level Leaves Much to Be Desired
  • Companion App Isn’t Ideal
  • Not as Affordable as Other, Better Travel CPAPs
  • Support Software Only Available On Windows OS

"I was looking for a better travel solution so I thought I would give it a try. I have the mini but it never worked properly either too much air or not enough. This micro seems to do the job well."

Transcend Micro Machine Details

Somnetics has more than a decade of experience making some of the smallest, lightest, and most travel-friendly CPAP machines available, and the Transcend Micro is no exception. Though the Micro comes with a tube muffler and built-in sound and vibration dampening, many reviewers still note that it can be somewhat noisy. The companion app experience also leaves quite a bit to be desired, but thankfully, the Micro itself works pretty well. The unique drying mode protects your tubing and mask from harboring mold and bacteria when running water isn’t immediately available, making the Micro a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The Micro also supports waterless humidification for greater comfort. If size is your main concern, the Micro is the smallest CPAP out there. That said, the Z2 and AirMini are both better-reviewed, so you should certainly reconsider how important the size difference is to you before deciding on the Micro.

Why We Chose This Machine

The Transcend Micro certainly isn’t our first choice when it comes to travel CPAP machines, but if you’re looking for the most compact offering, the Micro fits the bill. Here are some noteworthy features:

  1. Ultra-Compact Design: Often compared to the size of a baseball, the Transcend Micro easily fits in the palm of your hand and is a lightweight travel companion that’ll fit just about anywhere you need it to.
  2. Built-In Sound Dampening: The Micro includes a tube muffler along with built-in vibration and sound dampening in an attempt to provide a quieter experience, though some reviewers found the pitch of the Micro to be more disruptive than the volume.
  3. Unique Drying Mode: The Micro’s drying mode has a dedicated button atop the device to begin the cycle. It’s a very useful feature for drying out leftover moisture from the night before, preventing your tube and mask from harboring mold and bacteria when you aren’t immediately able to clean your supplies.

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • Frequent Travelers: Between the comfort features, drying mode, and compact size of the Transcend Micro, it’s a good travel companion for taking therapy on-the-go.
  • Those Who Sleep With White Noise: If you can’t sleep in a quiet bedroom or already sleep with white noise, you likely won’t be bothered by the Micro’s sound level.

 Read our Transcend Micro Review  

Best Fixed Pressure

React Health Luna G3 CPAP Machine

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Pros

  • Robust Optional PM 2.5 Air Filter
  • Heated Tubing Included by Default
  • Whisper-Quiet Operation
  • Features On Par With Leading Brands

Cons

  • Slightly Heavier Than Other Machines in This Category
  • Companion App Leaves Much to Be Desired
  • Water Chamber Design is Difficult to Clean
  • Lacks Automatic Pressure Adjustments

"This is my first CPAP so nothing to compare this with. The GOOD: I like having the ability to program the unit to have a ramp up time for full pressure. It allows me to fall asleep easier. It is also very quiet. The BAD: water chamber design. There are too many compartments that are unreachable when cleaning."

Luna G3 CPAP Machine Details

The Luna G3 CPAP Machine from React Health is an excellent update to its predecessor, the Luna II. It’s smaller, lighter, and quieter, and is packed with comfort features that new and experienced owners will appreciate. The LCD screen has good resolution and the menus are easy to navigate. While most modern offerings are auto-adjusting machines, this version of the G3 is a fixed-pressure-only machine, so it may not be ideal for everyone. It is a great choice for people with allergy sensitivitites, however, thanks to its inclusion of an optional PM 2.5 filter and heated tubing by default. In terms of quality, it’s only a step or so behind offerings from ResMed, and is a smart buy as a first CPAP machine that does a good job all-around.

Why We Chose This Machine

In a world where fixed-pressure machines are on the decline in favor of more modern auto-adjusting options, it can be hard to track down a good-quality CPAP machine. Here’s why we think the Luna G3 is the best fixed-pressure CPAP machine:

  1. Superior Air Quality: The optional PM 2.5 air filter makes this machine a must-have for people with sensitive allergies.
  2. Quality LCD and User-Friendly Interface: The backlit LCD screen on the G3 is easy to read and the menus are easy to navigate. Everything is pretty intuitive and the screen makes good use of real estate to prevent you from hunting through options menus to find what you’re looking for.
  3. Wireless Data Transfer: Any modern CPAP machine should have the ability to wirelessly transmit data and show meaningful therapy reports; the Luna G3 does this well.
  4. Great for Any Part of the Therapy Journey: Whether it’s your first machine or your third, the Luna G3 is a capable and competent therapy companion loaded with smart features.

This Machine is Ideal For:

  • People Who Don’t Need Automatic Pressure Adjustments: For some people, APAP machines cause more trouble and apneas than fixed-pressure machines. With constant, assured pressure, you can guarantee that your airway obstruction is kept clear.
  • People With Allergy Sensitivities: The Luna G3 CPAP excels at providing clean, clear air thanks to its optional PM 2.5 filter.
  • People Who Value Humidification: If it’s important for your therapy to have consistent humidification, you’ll appreciate the G3’s inclusion of a heated hose by default.

Detailed Buying Guides for CPAP Machines

How to Choose a CPAP Machine in 2024

Whether you choose one of our recommendations or want to continue doing your own research, it’s important to know what to look for. A CPAP machine can be a rather significant purchase, so be sure to consider all of the following points before deciding which machine is best for you:

Doctor’s Recommendations

The most important thing to consider when shopping for a CPAP machine is what your healthcare provider has recommended or stated as a requirement for you in terms of the machine’s features. Your physician may have specific recommendations for comfort features, might want you to get an APAP or BiPAP machine , or may even tell you to seek out a machine with a humidifier. You should always make sure that whatever machine you purchase will meet the requirements of your healthcare provider, as they have the most intimate knowledge of your situation and medical needs.

Comfort Features

Your CPAP therapy should be comfortable, and there are many industry-standard comfort features that will hopefully make your therapy more manageable and approachable. Here are some popular features to look for as well as a brief description of what each one does:

  • Auto-Titration:  Perhaps the single most important feature and highest recommendation we can give, auto-titration automatically adjusts your therapy pressure on a breath-by-breath basis instead of holding your prescribed pressure constant throughout the night like a traditional CPAP machine. Auto-adjusting CPAP machines , also referred to as APAPs, can adjust to your exact needs if you’re feeling congested or sick, or experience lifestyle changes that affect your therapy such as weight loss, smoking cessation, or dietary changes.
  • Ramp: Instead of starting your therapy at your prescribed pressure, the Ramp feature will start at a lower pressure and incrementally increase over the course of 15, 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on the setting and machine.
  • Auto Start/Stop: With this feature, your machine will detect when your mask is on and when you’re breathing to automatically begin administering your therapy pressure. It will also stop when you remove your mask, limiting how much you actually need to interact with your machine and eliminating the need to fumble around for buttons in the dark to start or stop your machine.
  • Exhalation Relief: The continuous pressure of CPAP therapy can be too strong for some to exhale against, making breathing more difficult when exhaling. An exhalation relief feature will reduce the air pressure each time you exhale so that there’s less resistance acting against you. This feature typically has multiple settings and can be turned completely off.

Data Tracking Capabilities

Most CPAP machines will feature data tracking capabilities that allow you to record sleep data to an SD card, but many also have a smartphone app that will sync with your device for easier viewing and sharing of your sleep data. If you’re someone who needs to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor your sleep health, you’ll want a machine with easily accessible and sharable data.

Heated Humidifier

CPAP therapy can easily dry out the nasal passages and throat, leading to discomfort and lower sleep quality. This is especially true for people over 60, but analgesics, antihistamines, antidepressants, and many other types of medications can also have a drying effect on the body, which is made worse by CPAP therapy. Using a heated humidifier with your CPAP machine can negate these effects and make your therapy much more tolerable, improving your sleep quality, CPAP compliance, and indirectly, your overall quality of life.

Most modern CPAP machines have an integrated humidifier, so you won’t have to purchase any extra parts to add humidification to your therapy air.

Noise Level

While most machines on the market will advertise being “whisper-quiet,” some machines operate at distinctly different pitches than others despite being the same volume. This can be quite an issue for light sleepers, so it may be a good idea to seek out video or audio of the machine being used to see if it’s a sound you can easily sleep with every night for hours on end. If you’re someone who is very sensitive to CPAP machine noise, sleeping with a sound machine might help you get the rest you need.

Warranty

In a perfect world, this isn’t something that will matter during the ownership of your machine. However, accidents happen, and manufacturer defects are an unfortunate reality we sometimes face, so you should make sure to educate yourself about the warranty of any machine you’re considering in case anything bad happens to the device. There are two main types of CPAP warranties: convenient and inconvenient.

If your machine has a convenient warranty, your device will be replaced with an identical or near-identical unit before your faulty machine is ever sent off for inspection. With an inconvenient warranty, you’ll have to send your machine in for inspection and repair before a replacement machine is sent to you. CPAP machine warranties typically cover a two-year period after the device is purchased, though some manufacturers also offer three-and five-year warranties as well.

Machine Weight and Size

Of course, you’ll also want to keep in mind how much nightstand space you have to work with, whether you’ll be frequently traveling with your machine, and how heavy of a machine you’ll be able to move on your own if necessary. You may want to consider a Travel CPAP Machine , which is ultra-portable and specifically designed for travelers.

How We Choose the Best CPAP Machines (Why You Should Trust Us)

At CPAP.com, we’ve been helping pair people with the best masks, machines, and therapy equipment for their needs since 1999. When reviewing CPAP machines, our team meticulously evaluates each therapy device based on its comfort features, noise level, humidification system, air filtration system, user interface, data tracking capabilities, value for price, and general design. We know that everyone has different needs and that not all CPAP machines are made for all people. We always aim to find a balance between affordability, functionality, and ease of use in recommending the best CPAP machine for you. 

Final Thoughts

We hope this article has provided some clarity on some of the best CPAP machines available today. Keep in mind your doctor’s orders where features are concerned and where you might be traveling with your new CPAP machine. The AirSense 11 is an excellent choice for anyone, even frequent travelers, and the Luna II Auto CPAP is a close second for anyone looking for an alternative to some of the bigger names in the industry like ResMed and Philips Respironics.

We hope that our comprehensive research reflects our dedication to enhancing the lives of those with sleep apnea. We recognize that the machine you choose for your therapy will profoundly impact the next few years of your life, and we take this responsibility very seriously. Through leveraging our own hands-on experience, industry knowledge, customer reviews, and understanding of the latest research into therapy advancements, we aim to provide you with the most appropriate equipment recommendations tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. Our perspective as seasoned CPAP experts enables us to navigate an ever-evolving product landscape so that we may continue to offer solutions that consistently deliver and make your life a little bit easier.

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