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Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are important medical devices when it comes to the treatment of sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Treatment with CPAP therapy may not only improve sleep quality, but also reduce high blood pressure, decrease stroke risk and enhance cognition.
Choosing the best CPAP machine for your unique needs can make all the difference when it comes to both comfort and compliance. To help in your search, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed all available products on the market, ranking them based on several criteria, including price, features, weight and size. Read on to learn more about the best CPAP machines.
Note: All prices are accurate at the time of publication and subject to change.
The ResMed AirSense 10 Series operates more quietly than a whisper, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), allowing users to sleep undisturbed by a noisy machine. An automated pressure sensor allows the machine to adjust to an individual’s air pressure needs automatically throughout the night. It’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved for travel and operates at up to 8,500 feet, so users can travel with enhanced peace of mind that their CPAP therapy needs can be met on the go.
This lightweight and compact CPAP machine by Breas is perfect for travel, offering the same range of pressure as competing products with a fraction of the footprint. It operates quietly and features automatic air pressure adjustment, and Bluetooth capability allows users to track data on the go using the available companion app on iOS and Android devices.
The Somnetics Transcend Micro is another great CPAP option for travelers, weighing in at under just half a pound, and its unique cylindrical design is unlike other machines on our list. It’s battery operated, which means users don’t have to worry about tripping over wires at night. Built-in sound- and vibration-dampening features ensure individuals (and their companions) can rest easy without any loud machine noises. Meanwhile, the MySleepDash app allows iOS users to track their therapy, including automated air pressure information.
For veteran CPAP machine users, the ResMed AirSense 11 offers all of the latest design and technology features, including a heated humidifier, extensive data reports and wireless software updates. AirSense 11 users have access to the companion app, myAir, as well as free coaching and assistance. For a more comfortable experience, the automated air pressure system delivers low-pressure air until sleep is detected, after which time the pressure automatically increases based on individual needs. Several auto-adjust modes allow for a fully customizable CPAP therapy experience.
For individuals looking for a classic CPAP/humidifier combo, the Luna G3 offers an economical option with all the necessary basics. A preheat option provides enhanced comfort during nightly CPAP therapy, and users can access nightly reports directly from the machine’s display screen for real-time data. As one of the heavier and larger machines available, it may be a good option for home use versus travel.
To select the best CPAP machines, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on all available products, disqualifying any machines with an active recall. Each product was scored and ranked based on:
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is a medical device that’s often prescribed for the treatment of sleep apnea.
A CPAP machine typically includes four main components, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute:
CPAP machines work by supplying a continuous stream of pressurized air through the tube and into the facial mask while the user sleeps, preventing air flow interruptions that cause sleep apnea, explains Camilo Ruiz, D.O., a dual board-certified internist and sleep specialist located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “It basically blows air (with pressure) through a hose and mask into the person’s upper airway, serving as an air splint that stops breathing airways from collapsing during sleep,” he adds. This airway collapse is what leads to the majority of apnea episodes.
CPAP machines are one of three types of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices used to treat sleep apnea and other disordered breathing conditions.
CPAP therapy is a safe and effective treatment for sleep apnea. However, some individuals may experience discomfort when adjusting to wearing the mask and breathing against air pressure, as well as side effects like congestion and headaches.
During sleep, CPAP users wear a mask over their nose and/or mouth depending on which mask style is recommended by a health care provider based on individual needs. The CPAP machine blows pressurized air into the upper airway through a tube connected to both the mask and the machine. It’s important for individuals with sleep apnea to use a CPAP machine every time they sleep for therapy to be effective.
Individuals with interrupted sleep due to choking or snoring and people with chronic fatigue or daytime sleepiness are often candidates for a CPAP machine, as these symptoms are common of sleep apnea, according to Dr. Ruiz.
He adds that CPAP machines are most commonly prescribed to individuals who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common type of sleep apnea. OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax, allowing the soft tissue in the back of the throat to collapse and block, or restrict, the airway. CPAP machines may also be used to treat infants who have respiratory issues, such as underdeveloped lungs.
CPAP therapy improves sleep quality, snoring and daytime drowsiness, but using these devices may lead to uncomfortable side effects as individuals adjust to using the machines. Common side effects of CPAP machines may include:
Fortunately, many of these side effects are temporary and may improve by choosing a different mask style or using a humidifier to increase moisture in the air. However, individuals who experience bloating or stomach discomfort should cease using a CPAP machine and contact a health care provider immediately, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
“There are different types of CPAP machines, and the purchase of a machine should be guided by a professional,” says Dr. Ruiz. These professionals, which include board-certified sleep specialists, can make recommendations regarding which CPAP machine may meet the unique needs of an individual requiring therapy. However, it usually comes down to the comfort level of the mask and whether it fits someone’s facial structure and sleeping habits, he adds.
In addition to comfort, the noise level of the machine and the user interface are also important factors to consider, according to Dr. Ruiz. Some CPAP machines can also connect to the internet, which allows them to transmit usage data to an app, as well as to the user’s health care provider, he says.
“CPAPs are, for the most part, very safe under the care of qualified specialists,” says Dr. Ruiz. However, CPAP users should be aware of current and past recalls.
Most recently, Philips Respironics issued a voluntary recall on certain CPAP machines, as well as bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines and ventilators, in June 2021. The recall was issued due to a potential breakdown of the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used to reduce sound and vibration from the machine. As the foam breaks down, it may be swallowed or inhaled, resulting in injury to the user.
If you own any of the recalled machines, which can be found on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website, it’s important to review the FDA’s recommendations and consult with your health care provider to determine the best course of action.
“CPAP [machine prices] can range from roughly $700 to over $2,000 depending on the type of device and the necessary supplies,” says Dr. Ruiz, who adds that health insurance may help cover some or all of the costs depending on the health provider and plan details.
Insurance typically covers part of the expenses related to CPAP therapy, including CPAP machines, if a health care provider prescribes a CPAP device as a medically necessary device for treating sleep apnea.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers CPAP machines as durable medical equipment (DME) when a health care provider prescribes the device as medically necessary for use in an individual’s home. Individuals with Medicare will typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting their Part B deductible for the year. Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for CPAP machines, though specific costs may vary depending on an individual’s plan and provider.
Keep in mind, though, that Medicare will only cover DME purchased through a supplier that is enrolled in Medicare.
Additionally, Medicare may cover a three-month trial of CPAP therapy for individuals who have been diagnosed with OSA. Medicare may continue to cover CPAP therapy once the trial period ends if, after an in-person meeting, an individual’s health care provider documents that CPAP therapy is an effective treatment for the user’s condition.
Individuals need a prescription from a health care provider which specifies the type of therapy necessary, therapeutic pressure levels for the device, mask types and other recommended accessories, such as humidifiers, prior to purchasing a CPAP machine. After receiving a prescription, CPAP users can purchase machines from a variety of online medical supply retailers, including CPAP Supplies and the Oxygen Concentrator Store, as well as local brick-and-mortar medical supply stores.
Struggling To Get A Restful Sleep?
Sophisticated Auto CPAP machine designed with advanced features like a CPAP mask fit checker, intelligent humidification, respiratory event detection, and a Wi-Fi enabled modem for good night’s sleep and effective sleep therapy.
Discomfort is the most common drawback of using a CPAP machine, according to Dr. Ruiz. He adds that people who use a CPAP mask that covers their mouth and nose often experience more discomfort than those using only a nasal mask. Some CPAP users report skin sores or rashes due to the fit of the mask, as well as difficulty sleeping.
The airflow from a CPAP machine can sometimes cause dryness of the nose, mouth and throat, as well as congestion or runny nose. Other side effects may include bloating, nausea or vomiting. Discuss any issues that you experience with your health care provider, as they may be able to make changes or recommendations to reduce these issues.
While CPAP users may potentially experience discomfort or side effects, the benefits generally outweigh the drawbacks when used as directed by a qualified health care provider, according to Dr. Ruiz.
“In the U.S., [CPAP machines] are considered a medical device and require a doctor’s prescription,” explains Dr. Ruiz. In some cases, individuals may need to undergo a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea and determine the need for a CPAP machine.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines are typically the first line of treatment for sleep apnea. However, CPAP machines may not effectively treat all individuals who experience sleep apnea, and some individuals may find more success with auto-titration or BiPAP devices.
The ResMed AirSense 10 Series CPAP machine is FAA-approved for air travel and operates at an altitude of up to 8,500 feet. Additionally, the ResMed Airsense 11 operates at a maximum altitude of 9,870 feet.
For individuals who experience mild sleep apnea, lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking and losing weight may be effective in alleviating the condition. Other options for improving sleep apnea without a CPAP machine may include using oral appliances prescribed to keep airways open during sleep, sleeping on one’s side or stomach rather than on one’s back or performing upper airway exercises to strengthen weak muscles in the tongue and throat.
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Jennifer Wirth is a professional writer and SEO specialist with a focus on health, wellness, parenting and beauty. She holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and is passionate about providing accurate and engaging content that’s backed by scientific research. When Wirth isn’t writing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children.
Meaghan is an editor and writer who also has experience practicing holistic medicine as an acupuncturist and herbalist. She's passionate about helping individuals live full, healthy and happy lives at every age. Outside of writing and editing for Forbes Health, Meaghan loves practicing yoga, reading and spending time with her family near the ocean in her home state of Maine.
Sleep Disorder Center Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.