Key takeaways
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines help you breathe while you sleep.
- They are typically recommended for people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- We crowned the ResMed AirSense 11 the best CPAP machine thanks to its Smart Start feature, quiet motor, portability, and built-in humidifier.
If you have a condition like OSA, your doctor has likely recommended a CPAP machine to help you breathe while you sleep. Not only do they help reduce the number of pauses in your breathing, but they also make sure your body gets the oxygen it needs to function.
With CPAP therapy, you’ll have a small bedside machine that pumps air through a tube and into a mask you wear while sleeping.
You might’ve already tried one provided through your insurance but now want something else, or you might just be looking into your options independently.
The good news is that numerous CPAP options are available on the market.
Pricing guide
We provided general price ranges for our CPAP machine picks. Prices can fluctuate and vary between suppliers. The cost will also depend on your insurance coverage.
One dollar sign means a machine is less costly, while three dollar signs indicate a more expensive product, as follows:
- $ = under $600
- $$ = $600–$850
- $$$ = over $850
How we chose the best CPAP machines
To help make your selection easier, we analyzed some of the most popular CPAP brands recommended by our medical review team, as well as anecdotal ratings online.
We then based our recommendations on some of the most desired CPAP features people look for in their machines.
• Smart Start feature
• data tracking
• expensive
• waterless humidification
• FAA compliant
• must be plugged into power to operate
• mask leak alerts
• heavy
• built-in drying mode
• not compatible with standard tubing
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A CPAP machine is designed to make sure you keep breathing while you sleep. But how does it actually do this?
All CPAP machines have a motor that helps generate pressurized air that flows through tubing and into your mouth via a mask. Between the motor and your mouth, there’s also a filter to ensure the air you’re breathing is clean.
Because the air produced by a CPAP machine is pressurized, it’s capable of forcing its way into your body. That means it can get past physical obstructions, like your tongue, that might be impacting your breathing during the night while you sleep.
Though you may be able to purchase some CPAP machines from a supplier or retailer at a cheaper price than buying directly from a manufacturer, keep in mind that you still need a prescription from your doctor.
You may also miss out on warranties if you buy your CPAP machine from someplace other than a manufacturer.
CPAP machines aren’t available through large retailers. But you may be able to buy batteries and accessories from some online sellers, such as Amazon. Check your product instructions for additional details.
Some manufacturers might offer occasional sales. It’s best to stick with a reputable brand, such as Philips or ResMed, rather than selecting a cheaper machine that might not work as well or come with customer support over time.
Manufacturers and retailers may sometimes offer financing for CPAP machines. You might need to make down payments if you choose this option.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself when deciding on a CPAP machine.
Which type of machine will work best for you?
There are multiple kinds of machines on the market, including CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP devices.
An auto-adjustable positive airway pressure (APAP) machine may be right for you if you need different pressure rates throughout the night. This can occur if you sleep on your stomach, sleep very deeply, or use sedatives.
A CPAP machine may be right for you if you have obstructive sleep apnea and are on a budget.
A bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine delivers different pressure, depending on whether you’re inhaling or exhaling. This type of machine might work for you if you need high pressure on inhalation and find CPAP therapy uncomfortable for exhalation. BiPAP is also useful for people who have:
- respiratory conditions that result in the retention of carbon dioxide (CO2)
- chronic progressive neuromuscular disorders that result in the retention of CO2
- a hard time tolerating CPAP
What comfort and convenience features will help you use your CPAP machine?
CPAP machines are much more user-friendly than in the past, with most versions offering digital screens and Bluetooth access. Other features you might consider include:
- the type of mask — you may choose a full-face or nose-only mask, depending on your comfort level
- overall size if you travel frequently
- a built-in humidifier, which may help prevent dry nose and mouth
- motor noise, especially if you or your partner is a light sleeper
- warranties, return policies, and overall customer support
- data tracking — some machines may be able to connect to your smartphone and track your machine usage
What recommendations do doctors have?
Your doctor or other healthcare professionals will likely make specific product recommendations.
Keep in mind your desired features and needed functions as you shop around. This way, you and your doctor can narrow down a machine together before you get a prescription for a single product.
How do you know what the settings for your prescription should be?
Air pressure, airflow, and the timing of these are all important settings when using a CPAP machine for your specific condition. Working with your in-network healthcare team should take the guesswork out of it.
If it’s been a while since your condition was monitored, consider scheduling a checkup to determine the settings you need now.
What will insurance cover?
Another important consideration is your medical insurance, which might cover only certain CPAP machines. If you have insurance, you can call or chat online with your insurance company to see if the choices you like are covered.
Depending on the features you want — as well as your budget — you might need to decide how much you’re willing to pay out of pocket for your CPAP machine.
Finding the right CPAP machine is important, but it’s just as vital that you use your new machine properly. Discomfort is a common complaint, especially for people who are used to sleeping on their sides. You may need a small mask to make your CPAP experience more comfortable.
If you find that you can’t sleep comfortably with your CPAP, you might consider asking the manufacturer for a different type of mask attachment.
Another option is to use the manufacturer’s warranty and return your machine so you can get a different one altogether.
It’s important to save all receipts, instructions, and boxes that come with your machine in case you have questions and need to contact the manufacturer or return the device.
It’s important to make sure you find a comfortable device if you want to get the most out of your CPAP machine. When used properly, CPAP therapy can help reduce long-term complications of OSA, including heart disease and stroke.
However, CPAP machines can also raise some safety concerns. Follow all cleaning instructions to reduce the risk of mold and mildew buildup, so your CPAP doesn’t make you sick.
Sometimes, CPAP can cause dry mouth, nasal congestion, and skin rashes after use. You can help minimize these side effects by making sure your face and nose mask fit tight enough to keep you from breathing through your mouth. And be sure to clean your attachments after each use.
Many insurance companies cover the cost of CPAP therapy machines. But, if you have insurance, you should still get in touch with your insurance provider to double-check coverage information.
Coverage may depend on what you need the machine for. You may also need special documentation (e.g., a referral) to make a claim.
Some insurance companies won’t pay for the full upfront cost of a unit and instead require you to rent one. They may also ask you to prove that you’re using the device for at least a certain amount of time per week.
Coverage for supplies, like replacement masks and tubing, may be included in your coverage. But, again, always ask and get the details from your provider before purchasing anything.
Medicare typically covers a portion of the cost of a 3-month CPAP therapy trial if you have a diagnosis of sleep apnea. If your doctor reports that the therapy is helping, it’s possible for coverage to be extended — but this isn’t guaranteed.
On average, CPAP machines last between 3 to 5 years.
Before cleaning it, make sure the device is unplugged.
Remove all the tubing and hoses and thoroughly rinse them out with warm, soapy drinking-quality water. Let parts dry by placing them on a towel after rinsing. Ideally, you should do this once per week.
You should also clean the humidifier tub (if your machine has one) once per day.
Absolutely. However, some models are better suited to travel.
If you’re a frequent traveler, look for a CPAP machine that’s:
- lightweight
- compact
- easy to power-up (e.g., it has a long battery life or power cable, can be charged in your car, or uses a USB port)
- Federal Administration Association (FAA) compliant
They can be.
Discomfort is one of the main reasons people stop CPAP therapy. It can take some time to get used to sleeping with a mask, for instance. Try wearing it at other times during the day, so it feels more natural at bedtime.
It’s important to properly adjust the mask so that it fits just right. You may need to try different types of masks to find one that’s comfortable.
Some people also say that CPAP therapy makes them feel congested. Using saline spray before bed can help with this type of discomfort.
No. You need a prescription to purchase a CPAP machine.
You don’t need insurance, but since CPAP machines can be expensive, it’s a good idea to talk with your insurance provider about coverage qualifications. Many insurance companies cover some of the cost of a CPAP machine. But parts and accessories may not be covered.
Left untreated, OSA can become a life threatening condition over time.
CPAP can help you minimize long-term cardiovascular risks while also improving your quality of life. It may help you sleep better, which could, in turn, increase your energy level.
The current CPAP market is vast, and some people are turning to these machines for uses other than OSA. Identifying which aspects of a CPAP machine are most important to you can help you filter your results.
You can discuss our roundup of CPAP machines with your doctor before you talk with your insurance company about your options.