sleep disorders center

What Are the Best Sleep Apnea Machines (CPAP Machines)?

CPAPs (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are machines used to keep the airways open during sleep for people who have sleep apnea. There are different CPAPs available and the best one for you depends on your needs.
CPAPs (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are machines used to keep the airways open during sleep for people who have sleep apnea. There are different CPAPs available and the best one for you depends on your needs.

Sleep apnea machines, or CPAPs (which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) are machines that use mild air pressure on a continuous basis to keep the airways open during sleep for people who have sleep apnea. 

CPAP machines are used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a sleep-related breathing disorder. Sleep apnea occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked repeatedly during sleep, resulting in the airflow partially or completely stopping. 

Symptoms of sleep apnea include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Restless sleep
  • Tiredness
  • Daytime sleepiness
  • Feeling unrested after waking
  • Waking up choking or gasping
  • Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat
  • Frequently waking to urinate
  • Difficulty thinking clearly or remembering things

When CPAP machines are used regularly and as directed, patients usually notice improvements quickly including:

  • Better sleep quality
  • Less snoring/no snoring
  • Less daytime sleepiness

Long-term benefits of regular CPAP use include:

There are many different types of CPAPs available. Determining which is the best depends on your needs.

Recommendations from Sleep Foundation and Sleep Advisor for the best CPAP machines include those listed in the table below.

Best CPAP Machines Chart
Name of CPAP Machine Features & Benefits

Best Overall: ResMed AirSense 10
(Recommended by Sleep Foundation and Sleep Advisor)
  • Offers data tracking capabilities for people who want to track sleep data
  • Good for patients who find other CPAP machines uncomfortable when they exhale
  • Good for anyone who wants an innovative all-in-one CPAP machine
  • Offers integrated humidification
  • Features a sleep onset detection system
Best Value: DeVilbiss Intellipap Standard
(Recommended by Sleep Foundation and Sleep Advisor)
  • Extra-quiet functioning for those who find other CPAP machines too loud
  • Integrated heated humidification 
  • Offers a 5-year warranty
  • Affordable price-point
Quietest CPAP Machine: Phillips Respironics Dreamstation Pro
(Recommended by Sleep Foundation)
  • One of the lowest sound levels on the market, and a good option for people who find even 26 dB machines too loud
  • Offers a user-friendly design and versatility in a compact machine with attractive features
  • Features a setting designed to help users accommodate gradually to a new pressure setting over the course of 30 nights
Best Travel CPAP Machine: Phillips Respironics Dreamstation Go Travel CPAP Machine
(Recommended by Sleep Foundation)
  • FAA-approved for in-flight use for those who want to use their CPAP machine while on a plane
  • Great for anyone who travels regularly
  • Small enough to fit in a travel bag
  • Good choice for customers who want to test their machine before committing
  • Offers data tracking capabilities
Best Travel CPAP Machine: Transcend Auto Travel CPAP
(Recommended by Sleep Advisor)
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Automatic altitude adjustment
  • Multi-night battery
  • Back-up power
  • Quiet and vibration free
  • Offers data tracking capabilities and stores up to 13 months of data

If you think you may need a CPAP machine to help treat your sleep apnea or snoring, discuss it with your doctor.

References
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cpap

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-apnea

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sleep-apnea-in-adults-the-basics?search=CPAP&source=search_result&selectedTitle=3~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=3

https://www.sleepfoundation.org/best-cpap-machines