3 Best CPAP Machines (Updated Review for 2021)

Buying new medical equipment takes a good deal of research. Some CPAP machines out there cost a pretty penny. Others are not effective enough and won’t give you the relief you are looking for.

Even if you have expert advice from your doctor, looking for a CPAP machine can become disheartening. It can be very hard to find a good balance between pressure levels, comfort, and portability.

But whether you have sleep apnea or a different medical condition, this article will provide you with the information you need to finally get a good night’s sleep. We offer an unbiased look at CPAP machines. Reviews will span the upsides and downsides of each model.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best CPAP machines, starting with the AirSense 10. This is a very comfort-oriented device loaded with all the extras.

Table of Contents

Our Top Pick
The Best Affordable Option
The Best CPAP Machine to Track on Your Phone
Didn’t Make the Cut
Important Considerations
A Final Word

Our Top Pick: ResMed AirSense™ 10 CPAP Machine with HumidAir™ Heated Humidifier

Review:

The AirSense 10 is highly customizable, which makes it stand out compared to other CPAP machines. If you want a really effective humidifying system, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s also relatively light, making it a great choice for anyone who travels a lot.

Here is a video that explains how to use and maintain this CPAP machine:

Let’s take a look at the upsides and downsides you need to keep in mind.

Pros:

What makes this our top option?

This CPAP Machine Senses When You Fall Asleep and Increases Pressure as Needed

Most CPAP machines require you to enter the ideal pressure level manually. But the AirSense 10 comes with automated sensors that match the pressure to your needs at the moment. Additionally, it turns on and off automatically when you use the mask.

The Humidifier Is Highly Customizable

The heated humidifier comes with 9 different settings. Some users require low humidification levels or prefer to turn it off. On the other hand, you may want more intense humidification if you have problems with sneezing or a runny nose.

Expiratory Pressure Relief and Optional Heated Tube

This CPAP machine comes equipped with Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) technology. Put simply, it decreases the amount of pressure in your mask whenever you exhale. It’s up to you to adjust the level of this decrease to match your needs.

Additionally, you can purchase an optional heated tube that will prevent condensation from forming as you breathe.

It Tracks the Progress of Your CPAP Therapy for You

While the primary purpose of CPAP machines is to help you sleep, they also help you keep track of your health. The AirSense 10 makes this easier by providing you with very detailed data in a simple-to-read way. You won’t need to rely on any external software in order to read the results.

Extremely Clear Displays that Adjust to the Ambient Lighting

Just like everything else on this device, the display lighting levels are automated for your comfort: they go dimmer after you turn off the lights.

Relatively Quiet

Many CPAP machines that come with a humidifier cause problems by being too loud. But that’s not the case here, as the AirSense 10 is designed to function with very little noise.

Travel-Sized

If you travel a lot and need a CPAP machine you can use wherever you go, this one could be the right choice for you. It’s easy to pack up and won’t weigh your luggage down too much either.

Cons:

The Price

Our main reason for deducting points here is that this CPAP machine is somewhat expensive. All the extras are nice enough, but you may not need them all. There are more affordable options out there that can provide some of the same comforts.

Having a Humidifier Complicates Usage

While noise isn’t the problem here, you still have to deal with the added complications that come with any humidifier. You have to be careful about keeping it filled in exactly the right way.

Cleaning is another important issue. The standard water chamber isn’t designed for dishwasher cleaning.Although the manufacturer gives you the option to buy a separate, dishwasher-safe water chamber, you may not want to spend money on getting additional equipment after you’ve already spent quite a lot on this device.

The Automated On/Off Function May Not Work Well If You’re Using Low Pressure

Automation is an amazing feature but it does have some downsides. You probably want to manually check every function, at least at first. Keep in mind that some of them can get buggy.

Conclusion:

The AirSense 10 is an extremely comfort-oriented, high-tech CPAP machine. Not only is it versatile and customizable, it does a lot of your work for you by applying complex algorithms that deduce your needs. While upkeep is a little more complicated than usual, this device is portable and very unobtrusive.

Click the button below to learn more about this CPAP machine and whether it’s worth the price:

The Best Affordable Option: DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Standard Plus CPAP Machine with SmartFlex

Review:

Here is a sleek and simple but extremely reliable portable CPAP machine. The heated humidifier is completely optional in this case.

SmartFlex technology is this manufacturer’s solution to the problem of expiratory pressure relief. Here is a video which explains how it works:

What makes this product worth it?

Pros:

Here are the most important upsides to the IntelliPAP Standard Plus.

It Tracks Your Therapy for You

Keeping track of how your therapy is progressing is extremely important, and you need good data to do that. The IntelliPAP Standard Plus offers detailed reports on your exhales/inhales as well as any aberrations that happen during the night.

SmartCode is the built-in software that ties all these reports to a schedule, making sure you get a good idea of your own progress over time. Furthermore, everything about the display is simple to understand, even if you don’t have much experience with CPAP machines.

A Battery Backup Option

It’s extremely important not to let your overnight therapy get interrupted. If power outages are a potential issue, you should use the battery backup option. This simply means that your CPAP machine can easily switch to using a battery if the primary power source is interrupted for any reason.

Note: this option requires some preparation on your part. You need to find an appropriate battery power supply and keep it charged. Additionally, you have to invest in an extra IntelliPAP power cord, since it isn’t included with the CPAP machine.

SmartFlex Technology

Like the previous CPAP machine, this one offers a solution to the problem of exhaling against the high pressure in your mask. SmartFlex is a function that decreases pressure when it’s time to exhale. It performs smoothly enough that there’s no chance of the pressure change disrupting your sleep.

Detachable Heated Humidifier

Some people only feel the need to use humidification in the summer. Maybe you want it on some days but not others. This heated humidifier is both efficient and easy to detach.

An Extremely Portable Design

Not only is this CPAP machine travel-sized, it is also easy to pack, especially if you decide to leave your water chamber at home. The backup batteries are particularly useful when it comes to international travel.

Cons:

Here are some issues you may run into if you decide to go with this product:

Cleaning It Is Difficult

Even without the humidifier, this CPAP machine has a design that makes cleaning a challenge. You will need to spend a considerable amount of time on it and you may need special cleaning supplies.

Unclear Instructions

If you’ve never used a CPAP Machine before, this one may be quite confusing to operate. You will have to look for instructions online because the included how-to guide is very difficult to read.

Unintuitive Design

Filling the humidifier is more complicated than on other devices. Additionally, the interface of this CPAP machine is minimalist but still overcrowded. Having a more distinctly marked On/Off button would have made it easier to use during the night.

Conclusion:

The IntelliPAP Standard Plus is a great portable option with some very useful optional accessories. Since it provides comfort and great therapy tracking opportunities, this is the best CPAP machine in a lower price range. At the same time, using and maintaining it can cause some issues.

To find out more about this product, click the button below.

The Best CPAP Machine to Track on Your Phone: 3B Medical Luna CPAP Machine with Integrated H60 Heated Humidifier

Review:

Here is a simple and very user-friendly CPAP machine that can achieve great results. This device uses Wi-Fi connection to send data to your phone, allowing you to track the way your therapy is progressing.

Here is a good basic introduction to using the Luna CPAP machine:

So, what are the ups and downs of using this product?

Pros:

We like the Luna CPAP machine for many reasons, and here are the most important points:

Excellent Data Tracking Options

This device gathers all the data you generate while you’re asleep. This gets forwarded directly to the iCode app you can install on your smartphone. The app can provide you and your doctors with very detailed insight into your condition.

Solid Pressure Relief for Exhalations

The Reslex feature lets you decrease the pressure during exhalations by a pre-determined amount. While this setting isn’t quite as refined as in our top pick, it’s sure to let you feel more comfortable.

Ramp Feature to Match Your Sleep Patterns

As you fall asleep, your breathing patterns will naturally change. The best CPAP machines can match your breathing as it changes during the night. In this case, the Luna Ramp feature lets you set the best pressure decrease in advance.

While it may take you some time to figure out which setting will bring you the best results, you can be sure that your sleep will become deeper and more refreshing.

Clear Display and User Interface

The Luna is designed to be easy to use at any time of the day or night. There is a large and bright screen that will provide you with clear updates. Furthermore, there are warning sounds in case something goes wrong.

High-Quality Humidifier

You can make your sleeping experience a lot more comfortable by using this humidifier. You will get clear directions that will help you figure out how to refill the water chamber and keep it clean. It’s somewhat simpler to use than other humidifiers.

Cons:

There are a few downsides that complicate the use of this device.

It Is Too Loud

While it’s not the noisiest CPAP machine available, it does come with an audible whirr. Light sleepers might want to look for a different model.

Depending on a Wi-Fi Connection Isn’t Ideal

High-tech solutions aren’t the best for everyone. Connectivity issues can lead to loss of data. Additionally, this isn’t the best choice for you if you don’t have a smartphone or don’t enjoy using one.

Finding the Right Reslex and Ramp Settings Is A Challenge

Automated devices like the AirSense 10 are more convenient to use. In the case of the Luna CPAP Machine, you will need to do some experimentation before you achieve maximum comfort.

Conclusion:

This CPAP machine is user-friendly but it does require some effort on your part before it can function perfectly. If simplicity is what you’re looking for, a different CPAP machine might be better. But if you like the thought of using your phone to track your therapy, this is the best option for you.

Click the button below to learn more about how the Luna works.

Didn’t Make the Cut

There is a huge selection out there when it comes to CPAP machines. Reviews in this article only focused on the very best options. Here are a few CPAP machines that have major upsides but aren’t as good as our three favorite choices.

The IntelliPAP Standard CPAP machine is a little bit cheaper but a lot less comfortable than the Standard Plus model. We only recommend this device to people who require low-pressure settings, as it lacks SmartFlex technology. In all other cases, the price difference doesn’t make up for the difference in quality.

If you want to go for the smallest possible option, the Transcend© Auto Mini CPAP™ machine could be great for you. It’s small, light, and perfect for traveling. At the same time, the device is very loud and doesn’t live up to current standards when it comes to therapy tracking.

The Philips DreamStation Pro CPAP machine offers solid performance in all respects. It provides a considerable amount of comfort and it is very user-friendly. However, the device is not cheap and doesn’t offer extra benefits such as automation.

Important Considerations

Some of the main questions you need to take into account before buying a CPAP machine:

Do You Need a Humidifier?

Regularly using a CPAP machine can cause a dry mouth and irritate you into sneezing. Sometimes, it causes a stuffy nose which can disrupt your sleep just as much as the original problem did. The American Sleep Apnea Association recommends using a heated humidifier as a solution to this problem, especially for CPAP machine users over sixty.

Can Expiratory Pressure Relief Help?

Research shows that people generally sleep better if expiratory pressure relief technology is available to them. The idea behind EPR is simple: it decreases pressure levels when you exhale.

Many people find it extremely difficult to exhale while using a CPAP machine. This can cause feelings of claustrophobia as well as profound physical discomfort. EPR can make a significant difference, especially for people who require high-pressure settings.

Do CPAP Machines Have to Be Loud?

While some noise is inevitable, you want your CPAP machine to be quiet enough to let you fall asleep quickly and deeply. Even the lightest sleepers should be able to find models that will work for them. Going for an option that has no built-in humidifier can be a good way to keep noise levels down.

What about Warranties?

Since they’re a long-term investment, you probably want a CPAP machine that’s under warranty. Make sure to check the conditions very carefully, as some manufacturers won’t extend the warranty to water damage.

A Final Word

Studies indicate that many people stop using CPAP machines over time due to inconvenience or discomfort. But these machines can do a lot to improve your overall health, so you shouldn’t give up before exploring every option. Comfortable, quiet, easy-to-use CPAP machines are out there, and they can change your life.