Merritt Wakefield - Sleep Health Writer
Written and edited by Merritt Wakefield. Merritt is a Sleep Health Writer and CPAP Research Specialist who combines strong writing skills with a passion for in-depth research on sleep apnea and CPAP therapy. Her approach involves thorough examination of scientific studies, medical journals, and the latest CPAP technology, translating complex information into clear, engaging prose. Merritt's articles explore the benefits of sleep therapy, break down CPAP product features, and aim to empower readers with knowledge for informed decision-making about their treatment. Her work reflects a keen understanding of the challenges faced by those with sleep apnea, encouraging consistent therapy use for improved health and quality of life.
Our content undergoes rigorous expert review, evidence-based research, and regular updates for accuracy.
If you’re on the lookout for a new CPAP machine or have been affected by the recent Philips CPAP machine recall, you’ll be happy to know there are several comparable machines available to you that are not affected by the recall. Today we’re reviewing and comparing the Luna 2 CPAP line from 3B Medical to the DreamStation Auto.
If your doctor advises you to continue your CPAP treatment with a new device and you currently use the DreamStation Auto, you may want to consider the Luna II CPAP Machine With Humidifier or the Luna II QX Auto CPAP Machine With Humidifier—both from 3B Medical—since they’re comparable to the DreamStation Auto from Philips Respironics.
Below, we’re taking a look at how the features and functionality of the Luna II and Luna II QX resemble those of the DreamStation Auto. Plus, we’re sharing a few bonus features the 3B Luna CPAP offers that may enhance your sleep apnea journey.
A Quick Comparison of the Luna II, Luna II QX, and DreamStation Auto
As demonstrated in the table below, the Luna II and Luna II QX have six features that are similar to those available with the DreamStation Auto. Designed to make your sleep apnea treatment more comfortable and effective, many of these best-loved features are some you’re likely already familiar with.
| FEATURES | LUNA II | LUNA II QX | DREAMSTATION |
| Integrated heated humidification | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ramp functionality | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pressure settings ranging from 4cm H2O to 20cm H2O | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tracks therapy data | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Easy-navigation display menu | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ultra-quiet operation | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
An In-Depth Look of the Luna II vs. DreamStation Auto
The built-in humidifier of the DreamStation Auto is one of its big draws, particularly because it makes sleep apnea therapy more comfortable without taking up additional space on your nightstand. The 3B Luna CPAP is equipped with this same technology, as it includes an integrated heated humidifier with a dual water chamber that’s easy to fill and clean. Heated humidifiers add moisture that can help reduce symptoms like dry mouth and clogged nasal passages, plus it can provide relaxation benefits as you drift to sleep.
Like the DreamStation Auto, the Luna II has a ramp mode that gives you more time to acclimate to your sleep therapy each night. Sometimes it takes awhile to fall asleep, and the Luna II offers an exceptional 60 minutes of ramp time to help you prepare for a good night’s sleep.
The 3B Luna CPAP is designed with RESlex technology, too, which provides exhalation pressure relief that makes it easier for you to exhale against your prescribed pressure without additional effort. Similarly, the DreamStation Auto has the SmartRamp feature that lets you ease into the night by falling asleep at a lower pressure than your prescribed setting. Both units can accommodate pressure settings ranging from 4cm H2O to 20cm H2O.
From the Luna II, you have the option to conveniently store and share sleep therapy data with your sleep care physician through your Wi-Fi connection, or you can deactivate the setting and track your therapy data on your computer. If preferred, you can scan your sleep therapy data to your QR code app at the end of a sleep session and receive instant access to the stats on your smartphone. Being able to transmit important sleep therapy data to your physician can save you time and money since you won’t have to attend as many doctor appointments. As you are probably aware, the DreamStation Auto offers a similar set-up through its DreamMapper app.
For your convenience, the Luna II lets you navigate the device’s full-color LCD screen with ease so you can adjust your settings or access your therapy data as needed.
With the DreamStation Auto and Luna II, you—and your partner—can enjoy ultra-quiet operation. The DreamStation Auto clocks in at almost 26 decibels and the Luna II lets you sleep soundly with minimal noise, too, at just 28 decibels.
What Bonus Features Does the 3B Luna CPAP Offer?
Unlike the DreamStation Auto, the Luna II offers mask leak detection and longer ramp time.
Mask leaks can be common, but they can cause a variety of issues ranging from dry mouth to sleep disruptions for you and your partner. The Luna II is equipped with a mask leak alert setting that notifies you if your mask slips so you can quickly make an adjustment instead of missing out on quality shut-eye.
Additionally, the Luna II is a great option for those who take longer to fall asleep than others. Most CPAP machines offer a 45 minute ramp time, but the Luna II boasts a 60 minute timer which gives you extra time to get comfortable before dozing off.
Are There Any Differences Between the Luna II and the DreamStation Auto?
While the Luna II is an excellent option for many—especially those who sleep lightly, prefer app-integrated technology, are new to CPAP therapy, or want to replace their current Philips-brand setup—there are a couple distinctions between the 3B Luna CPAP and the DreamStation Auto.
Currently, the Luna II does not have a battery option like the DreamStation Auto does. The hose connection is different, as well. On the Luna II, the hose connection is on the side of the CPAP machine while the DreamStation Auto has a top-of-head hose connection.
A major difference between the two devices is the price. Before the recall, the DreamStation Auto was priced at $424. The 3B Luna CPAP is $359, which is about 15% cheaper than the cost of the DreamStation Auto, and the Luna II QX is priced at $499.
What Is The Difference Between the Luna II and the Luna II QX?
The Luna II and Luna II QX are very similar in form and function, but the primary difference is the Luna II QX is an auto-adjusting machine equipped with automatic pressure adjusting technology that naturally adapts to your breathing patterns.
Auto-adjusting machines like the Luna II QX deliver pressure on a breath-by-breath basis, which leads to fewer apnea and hypopnea events. Auto-adjusting machines tend to reduce instances of aerophagia (the act of swallowing air), which helps prevent bloating and gas, and can offer a more effective sleep apnea therapy experience for some individuals.
Auto-adjusting machines tend to cost more upfront, but they can help you save money over time since this style machine usually requires fewer titration studies or sleep tests over an average lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Our 3B Luna CPAP review is designed to show you how this comfort-focused, tech-savvy machine compares to the recently-recalled DreamStation Auto in the event that you’re looking for a replacement device.
If you used a DreamStation and have spoken with your sleep care physician to determine you will need a new CPAP machine, you may be hoping to find a device that operates similarly to the one you’re already accustomed to. The Luna II is an excellent replacement option and is worth considering, especially since it offers mask leak detection, longer ramp time, and is priced more economically than the DreamStation Auto.
We encourage you to visit our blog for the latest updates regarding the Philips Respironics recall as well as our free online forum where you can talk with community members who have also been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
