CPAP Machines

First time buying a CPAP machine? No problem. Here’s a handy guide to help you decide which machine is right for you.

1. Types of CPAP Machines

• Standard CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): Delivers a fixed pressure throughout the night to hold your airway open, preventing sleep apnea events. 

• APAP (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure): APAP machines adjust pressure automatically based on your breathing patterns to only deliver the lowest pressure required to treat your sleep apnea. Most modern machines are APAPs now, but they typically offer a CPAP mode as well. 

• BiPAP (Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure): Provides two different pressures for inhalation and exhalation rather than one continuous inhalation pressure. BiPAP machines are typically prescribed for people with Central Sleep Apnea, COPD, neurological diseases, or other conditions that significantly affect breathing.

The good news? Your prescription will dictate which type of machine you need. It’s good to be aware of what your options are, but when it comes to choosing, this part is decided by your healthcare provider.

2. Consider Your Lifestyle Needs

• Travel-Friendly Options: If you travel frequently, it may be better to choose a portable CPAP machine. These are lightweight, compact, and often come with a carrying case. They’re also robust enough to be used at home full time, but are typically not as quiet as their full-sized counterparts.  

• Noise Levels: If you’re more interested in something you’ll mostly be using at home, a full-sized machine is likely a better choice. These machines are quieter than their travel-sized counterparts and will typically still include a travel case.

There are no travel-sized BiPAP machines, but most travel devices offer both APAP and CPAP modes.

3. Comfort Features

• Humidification: A built-in humidifier can prevent dryness and irritation. Most modern machines include an integrated heated humidifier, but you can still use them even without humidification. Modern travel machines typically offer some form of waterless humidification as well. 

• Ramp Feature: This feature starts the machine at a lower pressure and gradually increases to the prescribed pressure, making it easier to fall asleep​. Most modern machines have this feature.

• Pressure Relief: Pressure relief reduces incoming pressure while you are exhaling for a more comfortable and natural breathing experience. Also known as EPR, FLEX, AirRelief, Z-Breathe, EZEX, RESlex, IPR, or SensAwake.

When it comes to comfort features, most modern machines will offer the same assortment. So, if your most important consideration is cost, rest assured that there isn't really a wrong choice here. 

4. Data Tracking and Connectivity

Modern CPAP machines often come with smart data tracking capabilities. These features can provide insights into your sleep patterns, monitor apnea events, and help you and your healthcare provider optimize your therapy.

Some machines sync data to companion apps via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, while others use memory cards and are not connected to the internet.

If you're just starting CPAP therapy, a smart machine is better. They'll allow your healthcare provider to follow your progress more closely and recommend changes to your therapy, helping you quickly figure out what works for you. 

5. Budget Considerations

While renting a CPAP machine might have lower initial costs, buying a machine usually saves money in the long run since these machines are designed to run for 5-10 years.

Owning your CPAP machine empowers you to manage therapy on your own terms, without the constraints and anxiety that come with proving compliance to your insurance provider.

6. Additional Considerations

Virtually every machine, with the exception of ResMed’s AirMini, will allow you to use almost any CPAP mask since most masks use a standardized connection. There is no such thing as a "BiPAP" mask; you can choose from the same selection of masks whether you use an APAP, CPAP, or BiPAP.

By taking the time to assess your unique needs and preferences, we hope that you’ll be more confident in choosing the right machine and feel more empowered to take control of your sleep health.

For further details, find in-depth guides and reviews on our blog or connect with our CPAP Guides for personalized advice.

Best for Beginners: ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet

• Highlights:
• Auto-adjusting pressure & integrated heated humidifier
• User-friendly touch screen & simplified menus
• Automatic updates, progress check-ins, & premium app experience
• Drawbacks:
• Higher price point
• Water chamber is easy to spill
• Reviews report that a full water chamber doesn't last all night

The AirSense 11 AutoSet is ideal for users seeking advanced features and ease of use, as well as beginners looking for a more guided experience

Proven & Reliable: ResMed AirSense 10 Connected

• Highlights:
• AutoSet algorithm & whisper-quiet operation
• Built-in wireless connectivity & excellent companion app experience
• Industry standard for many years
• Drawbacks:
• Slightly older model
• Lacks some newer features

The AirSense 10 Connected is ideal if you're looking for a machine with a proven track record, great features, and quiet performance.

Budget Performance: Luna G3 APAP

• Highlights:
• Same comfort features as leading machines
• More affordable price tag
• Auto-adjusting pressure & integrated heated humidifier
• Drawbacks:
• Less portable
• Power plugs and connections might be finnicky

The Luna G3 APAP is ideal for anyone looking for a modern, affordable, & quiet device

Best Overall Travel Machine: ResMed AirMini AutoSet

• Highlights:
• Extremely compact and lightweight
• Waterless humidification
• Best-in-Class travel-sized therapy
• Drawbacks:
• Louder than full-sized units
• Limited mask compatibility

The AirMini AutoSet is ideal for frequent travelers needing top-of-the-line portable therapy with an excellent companion app & reliable performance.

Quietest Travel Machine: HDM Z2 Auto

• Highlights:
• Very quiet operation
• Universal mask compatibility
• Only travel machine with a built-in screen
• Drawbacks:
• Companion app is not on par with competitors
• Pressure may feel different compared to larger units

The Z2 Auto is ideal for frequent travelers and anyone who appreciates the ability to make changes directly on the device or wants a built-in screen.

Best for Ultralight Travel: Transcend Micro

 

• Highlights:
• Smallest & lightest CPAP available
• Built-in sound and vibration dampening
• Dedicated drying mode makes cleaning easier and prevents mold & bacteria growth
• Drawbacks:
• Limited app support
• Difficult to make changes to settings on the fly

The Transcend Micro is ideal for frequent travelers, campers, hikers, & backpackers.

Have questions about prescriptions? You're not alone.

Here are some of the most common questions we get about prescription requirements for CPAP machines:

How can I submit my prescription to cpap.com?

• Direct Upload (Must be .pdf, .gif, .jpg, or .jpeg)
• Email
• rx@cpap.com: Must be a .jpg, .jpeg, .bmp, .gif, .pdf, .png, or .tiff.
• Fax
• Toll-Free: 866-353-2727
• International: 713-541-7377
• Request Doctor Contact
• We can request a prescription from your doctor if they are located in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or American Samoa.

Can I purchase a CPAP machine without a prescription?

No, in following with federal and local Texas laws you need a prescription to purchase a CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP machine, which are classified as Class II Medical Devices by the FDA.

Can I purchase a CPAP mask without a prescription?

All complete masks require a valid prescription before we're able to ship your order. This does not apply to mask assembly kits, which do not include headgear. 

How can I get a CPAP prescription?

A sleep apnea diagnosis is required for a CPAP prescription, which is traditionally done through testing in a sleep lab. cpap.com offers a Home Sleep Test that is faster, more affordable, as accurate at diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and easier to complete than typical lab testing. 

cpap.com also offers a convenient and affordable renewal service for out-of-date prescriptions

Will an old prescription meet requirements or do I need a new one?

If your prescription says "Lifetime Need" or "99 Months", it can be used to get equipment when needed. If your prescription notes a specific number of refills or an expiration date, it will be limited to those conditions.

Will cpap.com accept an international prescription?

We will accept any foreign prescription that has been translated into english and has the appropriate information present.

How can I tell if my prescription is valid?

Your prescription must include the following:

• Doctor's Information (Name, Credentials, Address, Phone Number)
• Doctor's Signature
• Your Full Name
• Item Being Prescribed
• Expiration Information

Who can write the prescription?

The prescription may be written by any of the following care providers:

• Medical Doctor
• Doctors of Osteopathy
• Psychiatrists (MD Only)
• Physicians Assistants
• Nurse Practitioners
• Dentists
• Naturopathic Physicians

We will not accept prescriptions written by the following:

• Chiropractor
• Podiatrist
• Optometrist
• Psychologist

A CPAP prescription will allow you to purchase a CPAP OR APAP machine.

An APAP prescription only allows for the purchase of an APAP machine.

A BiPAP prescription can only be used to purchase a BiPAP machine.

Daily Cleaning Routine 

In terms of daily maintenance, your CPAP machine doesn’t need much. Simply empty your water chamber, rinse your tubing, then leave them both to air dry out of direct sunlight.

You'll also want to wash your mask cushion daily, or wipe it down with some CPAP cleaning wipes.

We recommend hanging your tube in the shower to drip dry, or using a dedicated hose hanger.

Weekly Deep Clean

Once a week, you’ll also want to soak your water chamber and tubing in warm, soapy water or a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3-4 parts water. You'll also want to soak your mask frame, headgear, and cushion while you're at it.

Leave equipment to dry out of direct sunlight or invest in a Hurricane Equipment Dryer.

CPAP Desensitization

Getting used to CPAP happens at different rates for different people. We recommend 'practicing' with CPAP during the day. Whether that's napping, wearing your mask while working from home, or simply lounging with your mask on watching TV or reading a book, all of these activities can help train your brain to adjust to CPAP faster. 

Filter Replacement

Every machine is different, so be sure to consult your user manual to determine how often your air filter should be replaced. Some machines need monthly filter changes, while others only need a new filter every 6 months.

Comfort Features

Get familiar with how to access and change comfort features on your machine such as Ramp and pressure relief:

• Pressure relief can help breathing feel more natural by reducing pressure during inhalation.
• Ramp starts you at a lower pressure that's easier to fall asleep to before raising to your prescribed setting.

Comfort features can be very helpful for some people and detrimental to others, so it’s good to experiment with small changes if something isn’t working for you.

Humidifier Maintenance

Only use distilled water in your humidifier to prevent mineral buildup. Empty and dry the water chamber daily.

Hose Management

Use a CPAP hose holder or hanger to keep your hose elevated, limiting hose tangling and condensation buildup.

Power Backup

Invest in a CPAP backup battery to ensure uninterrupted therapy during power outages or while traveling.

Moisture Control

If you experience rainout (water condensation in the tubing), try a heated hose or insulated tube wrap to minimize moisture buildup.

Sleep Position

Experiment with different sleeping positions to find the most comfortable one that minimizes mask leaks and pressure points.

Side sleeping is typically the best position to prevent apnea events.

Communication with Healthcare Providers

Regularly update your doctor on your CPAP usage and any issues you encounter to ensure your therapy remains effective. 

Optional Accessories

There are a handful of accessories that may make CPAP therapy easier or more convenient whether you're new or experienced with CPAP, such as:

• VCOM: Placed between your mask and hose, VCOM is an accessory that smoothes out turbulent air flow to make CPAP pressure more tolerable.
• A rubber mat or towel under your CPAP can slightly reduce noise while also catching small spills that may happen while filling or inserting your water chamber.
• Heated tubing or an insulated tube wrap can help reduce or eliminate water build up in your tubing.
• A UV sanitizer like the Lumin or Paptizer can give added peace of mind and make maintenance easier.

Find even more in-depth guides and reviews on the cpap.com blog, or reach out to our CPAP Guides for more personal recommendations.