Sleep apnea is a common respiratory condition that manifests during a person’s sleep. Characterized by irregular, shallow breathing that ends with awakening and gasping for air, sleep apnea makes it very difficult for sufferers to enjoy a pleasant and restful night’s sleep.
Many of those who have sleep apnea turn to the use of continuous positive airway pressure machines – or simply CPAP machines – which increase the air pressure in the throat to prevent it from collapsing. CPAP machines come in various models from many different brands, which makes the process of selecting one a bit of a chore.
Find out which CPAP machines have been tried and tested by consumers and discover what might be the best CPAP machine for you by following this in-depth guide.
Top 8 CPAP Machines Comparison
| Picture | Name | Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DreamStation Auto Cpap DSX500T11 with Heated Humidifier & Heated Tubing | APAP | $$ | 4.8 |
 | 2. Apex Medical XT-FitCPAP Machine | CPAP | $$ | 4.6 |
 | 3. ResMed AIRSENSE 10 AUTOSET 37207 - BLACK - NEW | CPAP | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | 4. RESPIRONICS DreamStation Auto BiPAP with humidifier and heated tube - DSX700T11 | BiPAP | $ | 4.3 |
 | 5. Apex Medical XT Auto Machine | APAP | $$ | 4.3 |
 | 6. Philips Respironics DreamStation BiPAP Pro with humidifier and heated tube - DSX600T11 | BiPAP | $$$$ | 4.2 |
 | 7. Apex Medical iCH II Auto machine with PVA and Built-In Heated Humidifier (Second Generation) | APAP | $$$ | 4.2 |
 | 8. Apex Medical XT Machine with Heated Humidiifer | CPAP | $$ | 4.2 |
Things to Consider When Buying a CPAP Machine
The reason why lots of people have difficulty choosing CPAP machines is that they seem very technical and complicated on the surface. As buyers, however, it’s our responsibility to make sure we understand the specifics of our purchases to help ensure that we’re buying the right things.
When it comes to finding the best CPAP machine, these considerations should be at the top of your list.
- Portability. Whether a user can carry their CPAP around and bring it easily and conveniently to other locations is a major consideration for many buyers; this is especially true if you expect to travel a lot.
CPAP machines can easily weigh upwards of 10 pounds, which makes lugging one around in your purse or bag a huge hassle. Portable, easy to carry models that are engineered to be more lightweight make it much easier to bring your CPAP with you wherever you intend to go.
If you don’t see the need to carry your CPAP machine around with you, however, a standard stable version might be more than enough for your needs.
- Power Source. Most CPAP machines are powered through outlet connections. However, for people who want to use their CPAP machines in areas that may not permit the use of an outlet, battery operated CPAP machines can be a worthy alternative.
These machines run on specifically designed batteries that help guarantee that the machine won’t die out during use. While having a battery for your CPAP at the ready might seem convenient, it also pays to remember that some batteries for specific CPAP machine models can be quite pricey.
- CPAP vs. BIPAP vs. APAP. The CPAP machine has two very close cousins – the bi-level positive airway pressure machine and the automatic positive airway pressure machine. These machines work on the same principles as the CPAP except that they’re slightly more advanced than the humble CPAP.
Both the APAP and the BIPAP have adjustable pressure settings, which is particularly ideal for people who only experience sleep apnea at a certain point during sleep.
Another thing that sets the BIPAP apart from both the CPAP and APAP is the fact that it applies two-directional pressure: one for exhalation, and another for inhalation. It provides a more natural breathing rhythm that reduces the difficulty that some users might experience when they attempt to breathe out against the one directional pressure used by CPAP and APAP machines.
Top 5 Best CPAP Machine Reviews
1. DreamStation Auto Cpap DSX500T11
Easy to use, convenient, and effective, the RemStar Auto System with A-Flex is a CPAP machine that comes with a built-in humidifier. This feature helps to regulate and filter the air that passes through the machine to prevent drying out the throat during use.
The machine features a customized starting pressure function which helps make it easier for users to adjust to the pressure as it gradually increases throughout the duration of sleep.
Several smart functions also make the machine double as a diagnostic tool, providing doctors and technicians with the right information to be able to adjust the machine according to the needs of the user.
With a self-checking feature that determines whether the user is achieving optimal assistance, the RemStar Auto System with A-Flex is a smart and efficient companion to help keep the troubles of sleep apnea at bay.
2. Apex Medical XT-FitCPAP Machine
As one of the smallest CPAP machines on the market, this option has been patronized as the best CPAP machine for travelers. At just 1.76 pounds, the small yet powerful machine can help users achieve optimal sleep conditions.
The XT Fit CPAP Machine boasts its discretion and silence, being one of the quietest models on the market; this helps guarantee that users won’t be disturbed during sleep so they can enjoy a restful night.
With numerous different accessories and attachments available, finding the most comfortable add-ons for your XT Fit CPAP Machine is much easier than it is with other brands. Extra accessories for this product can be very easy to find. However some do complain that they are a little on the pricier side.
3. ResMed AIRSENSE 10 AUTOSET 37207
With a wide set of different features, the Airsense 10 Autoset 37207 extends itself beyond the functions of just a CPAP machine.
This product records sleep hours and reports hours slept to give you a better sense of how many hours you sleep throughout the night. It also has several settings that you can adjust on your own to achieve a more comfortable sleep situation ideal for your preferences.
Coming with a built-in humidifier, the Airsense 10 Autoset 37207 can easily adjust the quality of air to make it more comfortable to use. With a lightweight body, easy set-up and pack away procedures, and simple cleaning instructions, this is a low maintenance CPAP machine that’s definitely worth the purchase.
4. RESPIRONICS DreamStation Auto BiPAP DSX700T11
This machine is significantly more sophisticated than the run of the mill CPAP machine. As a BIPAP machine, this product offers users more options for customization for a tailor fit sleeping experience.
With two directional pressure, this machine recreates a more natural breathing pattern that doesn’t labor the user during exhalation. The pressure can also be easily adjusted within the allowed parameters to make it much more comfortable for the user.
The heated tube and humidifier generate a more relaxing air quality that makes it much easier to fall asleep and stay asleep for much longer. While it is a little more expensive than other models available, it is a reliable, long-lasting, and efficient machine that can be used for many years.
5. Apex Medical XT Auto Machine
The XT Auto Machine is an APAP machine that can be easily brought around with you wherever you go. At just 1.76 pounds, this lightweight option can easily be brought in tote during travel and outings.
What sets it apart from the other XT model on this list is the fact that it offers quite a few more customization options. As an APAP machine, the XT Auto Machine makes it easier for users to achieve their desired settings and create a more comfortable sleep support configuration.
The XT Auto Machine is a smart machine, adjusting specifically to your body’s needs as it learns more about your sleeping requirements with each use. So you can expect the machine to adjust on its own during the sleep cycle to help accommodate your breathing and reduce the pressure on your airways.