Best CPAP Machine: Breathe Uninterrupted All Night Long
If you struggle with sleep apnea then chances are you’ve been prescribed the use of a CPAP machine to help keep you oxygenated throughout the night. These are a highly effective treatment to aid your breathing, as well as allow you to sleep uninterrupted.
There are many brands and styles of CPAP machines available, some that include humidifier additions, as well as more advanced technology to record sleep patterns to provide a comprehensive view of your sleep health. The following article highlights some of the best CPAP machine reviews available to provide you the information you need to get the machine you need.
1. AirSense 10 CPAP – Editor's Choice
- Weight: 2.75
- Noise Level: 27 dBA
- Top Features: auto adjust, RAMP, wireless, EPR
- Warranty: 2 years
2. Philips Respironics Dreamstation
- Weight: 1.56 lbs (w/ humidifier 4.37 lbs)
- Noise Level: 25.8 dBA
- Top Features: Auto adjust, RAMP, Data, Bluetooth, auto on/off
- Warranty: 2 years
3. DeVilbiss IntelliPAP
- Weight: 4.45 lbs with a humidifier
- Noise Level: 26 dBA
- Top Features: Auto adjust, RAMP, remote data, EPR
- Warranty: 3 year
4. Transcend 365 miniCPAP
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Noise Level: <30 dBA
- Top Features:
- Warranty: 2 years
5. APEX Medical XT Fit
- Weight: 1.78 lbs
- Noise Level: 28 dBA
- Top Features: RAMP, heated humidifier, altitude adjustment
- Warranty: Through seller (may vary)
Table Of Contents
- Best CPAP Machine: Breathe Uninterrupted All Night Long
- 1. AirSense 10 CPAP
- 2. Philips Respironics Dreamstation
- 3. DeVilbiss IntelliPAP
- 4. Transcend 365 miniCPAP
- 5. APEX Medical XT Fit
- What is a CPAP Machine Used For?
- How Does a CPAP Machine Work?
- Results of Using a CPAP Machine
- Types of CPAP Machines
- • Features to Consider
- Best CPAP Machines to Consider
- Conclusion
Best CPAP Machine: Breathe Uninterrupted All Night Long
1. AirSense 10 CPAP – Editor's Choice
Highlights
- Weight: 2.75
- Noise Level: 27 dBA
- Top Features: auto adjust, RAMP, wireless, EPR
- Warranty: 2 years
Compact and highly efficient, the Airsense 10 made by the RESMED company is a popular choice due to the auto adjust feature to follow your natural breathing patterns. An inbuilt heated humidifier keeps tubs and masks from forming condensation and allows for gently moisturized air to hydrate your air passages. Climate control and auto RAMP adjustment are also featured, as well as a whisper quiet motor.
The water chamber can be removed for more compact travel, and weighing in at only 2.75 lbs, this is a very portable machine. It also meets FFA requirements for travel. The removable SD data card records up to 365 days of detailed graphs and flow summaries. It also includes a wireless module for a view of the recorded data.
2. Philips Respironics Dreamstation
Highlights
- Weight: 1.56 lbs (w/ humidifier 4.37 lbs)
- Noise Level: 25.8 dBA
- Top Features: Auto adjust, RAMP, Data, Bluetooth, auto on/off
- Warranty: 2 years
This is a compact machine with many features to choose from to ensure you are getting the best rest possible. The Philips Respironics Dreamstation is sleek and compact and collects data for download and Bluetooth connectivity to keep you in the know. It is auto-adjusting to provide personalized comfort and provides an optional heated humidifier for more comforting air flow when needed. This optional heated humidifier extends to optional heated tubing as well.
Easy to clean and with an auto-adjusting display, the machine is a favorite for travel as well as bedside use. You can choose from an option-start option as well, and the RAMP feature ensures you are able to gradually adjust to the airflow each night.
3. DeVilbiss IntelliPAP
Highlights
- Weight: 4.45 lbs with a humidifier
- Noise Level: 26 dBA
- Top Features: Auto adjust, RAMP, remote data, EPR
- Warranty: 3 year
Considered one of the quietest machines in the industry, the DeVilbiss Intellipap is fully automatic with an included heated humidifier. RAMP and EPR features keep you breathing comfortably, and a SmartCode technology can track data remotely for comprehensive care. It even warns for event detection and snore detection and can adjust for altitude changes up to 8500. The system also detects mask movement and pressure drops to ensure you have the mask set properly while you sleep.
The bottom sits securely on smooth surfaces without slipping to provide you peace of mind when used on a bedside table. It also comes with your choice of tube lengths to fit your decor and sleep positioning needs.
4. Transcend 365 miniCPAP
Highlights
- Weight: 1.7 lbs
- Noise Level: <30 dBA
- Top Features:
- Warranty: 2 years
Considered the world’s lightest CPAP and integrated heated humidifier combo, the Transcend 365 miniCPAP is perfect for use anywhere and at any time. At a mere 1.7 lbs total, this is definitely a compact design. Smart management allows for battery operation for a whole night’s sleep, making it perfect for travel. Designed with a technology that only provides air when you inhale, you don’t have to worry about exhalation pressure.
With the ability to store data, you can view it on the bright, colored screen, or download it to the included software. It also features a RAMP adjustment and leak detection to ensure you are getting the proper pressure at all times.
5. APEX Medical XT Fit
Highlights
- Weight: 1.78 lbs
- Noise Level: 28 dBA
- Top Features: RAMP, heated humidifier, altitude adjustment
- Warranty: Through seller (may vary)
The APEX Medical XT Fit is a compact, simple design that is perfect for home and travel use. Designed with simplicity and budget friendliness in mind, it boasts features like an optional heated humidifier, RAMP adjustment, and an extremely quiet compressor. A backlit display allows you to make an adjustment at night easily, plus an automatic altitude adjustment provides use up to 8000 feet.
Although simple, it is dependable and of excellent quality for basic CPAP needs.
What is a CPAP Machine Used For?
CPAP stands for continuous positive air pressure and is considered one of the most effective treatments for sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that can be potentially dangerous as it is marked by a continual start and stop in your breathing patterns. Loud snoring, or waking tired after a good night’s sleep can also mark the possibility of you having sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is an even more dangerous diagnosis as it means your throat muscles are relaxing and cutting off your oxygen supply each night.
How Does a CPAP Machine Work?
A CPAP machine uses a small compressor to draw in room temperature air and pressurize it to provide a flow of air to help clear any breathing obstructions you may suffer from. It filters the air to provide you a clean source of air, and some even have a small water tank to help humidify the air as well.
The air is transported to the sleeper via a hose to a mask the sleep wears. Hoses vary in length to provide room for movement, and masks are also available in various styles and sizes for comfort purposes. Sleep apnea can often cause up to 100 interruptions to your sleep a night, and these machines can greatly reduce or even stop them from occurring together- improving your overall health, and providing a reduction in your chances of heart disease and stroke caused by body stress.
You may want to check out: How to Use a CPAP Machine?
Results of Using a CPAP Machine
These machines work right away, with many noticeable results remarked upon after only a night’s use. These include
- Elimination of snoring
- Feeling rested upon waking
- Prevention and/or reversal of cardiovascular disease and stroke brought on by poor body health and stressors
- Lower blood pressure
- Feeling alert and focused during the day
Types of CPAP Machines
There are many different styles of machines from which to choose, and although the purchase of one does require a prescription, you generally are allowed to choose the one you want. They come in a wide range of prices as well, and not all insurance companies cover them either (or may only cover a set cost). Be sure to check what your policy states prior to purchase if that makes a difference in what you choose.
• Features to Consider
Not every machine has the same features, and these options can affect the size and cost of the overall product. They are well worth considering to allow you to know exactly what choice you have, as well as what preferences you may enjoy taking advantage of.
— Mask Choice
There are basically three different styles of masks from which to choose: a nasal mask, nasal pillow, and a full face mask. They each have their own uses, and a discussion with your doctor should take place to determine which is best for your particular needs.
— Noise Level
Most machines are considered very quiet and have a noise level below 30 dBA. If noise is a concern, then be sure to check out the dB levels in advance.
— Humidifier
This is an important feature for anyone living in an arid environment, or who regularly wakes with dry nasal and mouth passages. A CPAP machine can also contribute to dryness making a humidifying feature important for comfort. Some are built in and some are connected.
— Portability
If you like to travel, then having a portable option is probably an important choice to make. Those who regularly suffer from sleep apnea most likely keep one machine by their bed and have one for traveling as well.
— Ramp Adjustment
A ramping feature describes the ability to allow pressure to gradually built, rather than just turn on. This can be much more comfortable to the user.
— Exhalation Relief (EPR)
Sometimes exhaling against pressurized air can be difficult. This feature scales back air as you exhale.
— Heated Tubing
A heated transfer tube doesn’t build condensation within it, a problem that can build mold and mildews and require vigorous cleaning on a regular basis. It also can build up moisture in the mask, resulting in water dripping on the user’s face.
— Mask Alert
Sleepers that move through the night may bump their mask, lose the seal, or take it off completely. An on/off alert beeps to remind you that the mask is no longer being worn so it can be put back on.
— Leak Compensation
If your machine or mask leaks for any reason then you aren’t getting the air you need. This feature notices and adjusts for changes in pressure that may be caused by a leak.
— Data Recording
Various form of data recording, such as how long the machine is used, to more advanced features such as information on apnea events and snoring, are possible. Machines that have this type of capability often allow you to remove the information to bring to your doctor for review and also provide weekly and monthly averages to determine the effectiveness of the treatment and what other steps can be taken for a healthier you.
You may want to read: Best Mini CPAP Machines
Best CPAP Machines to Consider
Remember that the purchase of a CPAP requires a prescription and so is not readily available for you to simply go pick up from the nearest pharmacy. If you want a specific model you will need to look to where it can be ordered from with your doctors prescription.
Also consider that you will need a CPAP cleaner upon maintenance for regular maintenance to keep your machine running properly, and for your general health. The following choices have been picked due to their high consumer ratings. They reflect quality in the industry and dependable use across the US and Canada.
You may want to read: CPAP Cleaning Machine Reviews
Conclusion
As you can see there is a decent variety of makes and models when it comes to CPAP machines. The important thing to consider is what your specific needs are according to your doctor, and which is best for not only your lifestyle but also your health. Although you do need a prescription to order a CPAP, generally you can look around to find the one you will be satisfied with.
The above options highlight some of the types of features you may see, as well as what sort of options exist in such a machine. Whether you are looking for a travel size choice, or are interested in a humidifying experience, there is a model that will work for you.