• Home
  • Best CPAP Machines - Buyers Guide and Rankings (2018)

Best CPAP Machines - Buyers Guide and Rankings:


Choosing the right CPAP machine can be a hard task for new users, as well as those looking for a replacement or spare machine. Therefore, we have provided you with a buyers guide and some rankings to assist you in finding the best CPAP machine for you!

We annually review the machines 1800CPAP offers. If you need assistance understanding the information listed below, please feel free to contact our trained staff at 1-800-274-1366.


Types of CPAP Machines (Therapy Mode)


Therapy modes include: Standard CPAP, Auto CPAP (APAP), and BiLevel (BiPAP).


Standard CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)


Also known as fixed pressure, this is the simplest form of therapy. For instance, if a user’s prescription is 10cm/H²O, the machine will always blow at 10 cm/H²O, except for the “ramp” feature. Ramp: CPAP machines offer the “ramp” feature, which allows users to begin pressure at a lower level then slowly progress to the prescribed pressure. Ramp is a comfort feature that allows the user to fall asleep at a mild setting and builds up to therapy pressure.


APAP (Auto Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)


Often referred to as APAP, this therapy mode allows users to operate on a range of pressures rather than a single, fixed pressure. Every night of sleep is different, and users may require various levels of oxygen throughout each night. Other occurrences such as use of alcohol, medication or altitude or seasonal changes may require differing CPAP pressures. APAP machines also offer the “ramp” feature.


Bi-Level (BiPAP)


BiPAP devices provide separate pressures when users inhale and exhale. These machines are more commonly provided to users that require higher settings or have a co-morbid condition that may make it difficult to exhale. The therapy pressure settings are indicated as IPAP and EPAP and are often separated by a difference of 3 cm/H²O to 6 cm/H²O. For example, if a user has an inspiratory pressure (IPAP) of 16cm, then the expiratory pressure (EPAP) would be 10 cm/H²O up to 13 cm/H²O. Bi-Level machines are available in an “auto” adjusting mode, as well.


Things to Consider

Price

The cost of a machine depends on the complexity of its inner workings. Therefore, the standard CPAP, or fixed pressure machines are the lowest price machines. The auto CPAP or APAP machines are going to be the next highest in comparison. The higher price is because these machines are able to work on a range of pressures rather than one, fixed pressure. Lastly, BiPAP or Bi-Level machines are going to be the high-end of the CPAP spectrum. BiPAP machine are the most elaborate machines, giving users specific pressures for inhaling and exhaling.

Brand name will have a lot to do with price, as well. For instance, A ResMed machine will cost more than a DeVilbiss machine with the same capabilities. The reason is not that ResMed is better, per say, but because ResMed is a more sought-after brand name.


Refurbished vs New

Refurb vs New coincides with the price. Obviously, a certified refurbished CPAP machine is going to cost significantly less than a brand-new CPAP. However, there are some people that just refuse to purchase anything refurbished, and that’s OK. On the other hand, some users will always go for the refurb, and that’s OK, too.

We offer a wide selection of new and refurbished models. CPAP compliance around 50% on a national level, meaning only half the people prescribed therapy are compliant and using their sleep apnea therapy device on a regular basis. Therefore, there are tons of barely-used machines that we purchase.

These machines undergo a 12-point restoration and cleaning process before they are listed and will cost a fraction of what a new machine does. The down side to purchasing a refurbished unit is the limited warranty offered on the device.


Warranty

Most brands carry a 2-year warranty/replacement on their CPAP and BiPAP machines with exception to Fisher Paykel (2.5 years) and Devilbiss Healthcare (5 years). Users want to know they are getting a reliable product, and the warranty length and stipulations have a lot to do with it.


Special Features

Does it have a heated humidifier? Does the heated humidifier have heated CPAP hose option? Does it produce a full compliance report that I might need for my job? Is it travel friendly? Does it offer some type of pressure relief when I exhale? These are all considerations that must be given when picking out your CPAP machine.

  • Heated humidity is highly recommended because it alleviates dryness associated with pressurized air that passes through the airway.
  • Be sure to see if your model has a built-in humidifier or is adaptable to add a humidifier.
  • The heated hose option is a feature available on some models.
  • Compliance reporting is a great way to check on your sleep progress daily to see that your apnea is being eliminated with the use of therapy.
  • Some devices offer a full reporting feature whereas others may be a limited report or no report at
  • People with occupations such as pilots or those that require a CDL like truck drivers will be/are required to provide compliance reports for their job
  • Users need to thoroughly review the special features offered by each machine, because they could make-or-break the decision.

Auto CPAP Machine Reviews (APAP Auto Adjusting CPAP Pressure)

++Please note all CPAP models have self converting power supply for international use; however an international plug adaptor may be required.

Auto CPAP

(APAP)

Starting

Cost

Cost With

Humidifier

Part Number

Warranty

Special Feature

Highlights

Size & Weight

1800CPAP Ranking

AirSense Auto 10 By ResMed

$879

$879

37207

37208

2 Years

Built-In Humidifier

Heated Tube Option

Full Compliance

4.6 x 10 x 5.9

44 oz (2.75lbs)

★★★★

S9 AutoSet

By ResMed

$720

$879

36005

36015

36025

2 Years

EPR Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

Full Data Reports

12 x 5.7 x 3.4

1.9 lbs

3.4 lbs

★★★★

S9 Escape Auto

By ResMed

$704

$859

36002

36012

36022

2 Years

EPR Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

12 x 5.7 x 3.4

1.9 lbs w/o

3.4 lbs with

★★★

Respironics

DreamStation

Auto

$623

$808

DSX500H11

2 Years

Humidifier Add-on Heated Tube Option LCD Display

11.7 x 7.6 x 3.3 4.37 lbs

★★★★★

 

Respironics REMstar Auto

DS560

$635

$729

DS560S

DS560HS

DS560TS

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Full Compliance

Heated Tube Option

14 x 5.5 x 4

2.25

4.15 lbs

★★★★

ICON Auto Plus

By Fisher Paykel

$599

$599

ICONAAN

2.5 Years

Heated Tube Option

Alarm Clock

Built In Humidifier

6.3 x 6.7 x 8.7

4.8 lbs

★★

RESmart

Auto CPAP By 3B Medical

$375

$375

A7000

2 Years

Exhalation Relief

Low Price Point

Ships International

12 x 7.5 x 4.5

3.75 lbs &

5.4 lbs

★★

IntelliPAP

Auto By DevilBiss

$490

$550

DV54D

DV54D-HH

5 Years

Compliance Reports

Bottom Humidifier

Extended Warranty

6.4 x 6.5 x 8.4

2.75 lbs &

4.5 lbs

★★★

HMD Z1

Auto Travel

CPAP

$875

N/A

HD60-1007

3 Years

Full Compliance

Smallest CPAP Unit

Battery Option

6.5 x 3.5 x 2.25

10.4 oz

★★★

Transcend

Auto CPAP

$529

$649

503065

3 Years

Travel Sized

New Humidifier

Light-weight

6.1 x 3.5 x 2.8

0.9 lbs

★★★

Apex XT Auto

CPAP Machine

$395

$495

SC04108

SF04101

2 Years

Low Price Point

Light-Weight

Built-in Humidifier

7.8 x 6.5 x 6.9

2.5 lbs

★★

 

 

 

The Upside To These Auto CPAP Machines

The Downside To These Auto CPAP Machines

ResMed AirSense 10 Series Auto

Smaller and sleeker design than the S9 series and includes a built in humidifier standard though device can be used without the humidifier option if preferred. Available in AutoSet and AutoSet for Her models. Heated hose tubing option with swivel located on back of machine. Upright dial and controls make it easier to turn on/off when it is on the nightstand. Weighs less than 3 lbs.

It is priced on the higher end of scale when it comes to auto CPAPs but with a reputation like ResMed’s you know you are getting a quality product for dollar. The 2 year warranty is on the lower end as new companies are offering up 3 to 5 year warranties for lesser priced units. Since this is a newer series we have not seen the full scale of warranty issues (if any) or returns by non compliant users.

ResMed

S9 AutoSet

Auto Adjusting CPAP Machine

 

36005

36015

36025

EPR (expiratory pressure relief) is a standard feature that reduces the pressure on exhalation to make it easier to breathe against. Can be set in auto adjusting mode or fixed pressure mode. Full reporting of data for compliance with on board LCD display to view daily. Optional heated humidifier and heated CPAP hose tubing. All time best selling Auto CPAP machine.

Rear connecting hose that does not offer a swivel action. Not very many negative things to say about this unit and throughout the post few years we have received a very small amount of warranty returns. The higher price tag may make it less attractive to customers shopping on a budget. This model is being phased out for the newer AirSense 10 series.

ResMed

S9 Escape Auto

Auto Adjusting CPAP Machine

 

 

 

This unit has the same sleek design of theS9 AutoSet but without the higher price point. Heated humidifier and tubing option available. Can be programmed for Auto mode or fixed therapy mode.

The Escape Auto is the same design as the S9 Autoset described above thus has the same design flaws. Minus a full compliance reporting feature there are very few negative things to say about this unit. This model will only be available for a few months longer as it is being phased out for the AirSense series.

Philips Respironics DreamStation

Auto

An upgrade from the 60 series platform. The humidifier is removeable for easier cleaning and transport. The LCD Display and easily manuevered menu are user-friendly.

The heated humidifier is not built-in, so the machine is a little on the larger side in comparison to others. The 2-year warranty is shorter than other manufacturers.

Philips Respironics System One  60 Series REMstar Auto CPAP Machine

 

DS560S

DS560HS

DS560TS

 

All new heated tube humidifier option puts this unit back on the same playing field as the ResMed and Fisher Paykel models. The most popularly prescribed CPAP brand by U.S. physicians, the Philips Respironics 50 and 60 series offer reliability, durability and comfort. CFLEX and AFLEX (pressure relief) come standard as well as full compliance reporting. Assembled in the U.S

The second most popular selling Auto CPAP machine, it’s difficult to find a bad thing to say about it. It is more of a box shaped unit so the travel case is not a sleek and streamlined as the S9 AutoSet. If you wish to use the heated tube option it requires a separate humidifier and power supply as opposed to other models where the same humidifier works with heated and non heated tubing.

3B RESmart Auto CPAP Machine

 

Low cost CPAP auto CPAP unit (greater than 50% less than some premium models). Includes a exhale pressure relief feature for comfort.

Does not have an integrated heated tubing for the humidifier however and external one can be purchased. The low price point will hopefully distract you from bulky and non aesthetic design,

Fisher & Paykel ICON Auto Plus

 

 

Humidifier is built in to design of unit. Icon CPAP series offers a 2.5 year warranty. Internal power supply is always nice to avoid the power “brick”.  SenseAwake™ will drop the pressure back to your starting pressure if wake up unexpectedly during the night. Includes an alarm clock and MP3 player. Optional heated tubing.

LCD display with dial control can be confusing to most people. Larger design and weight compared to new models. We expect Fisher and Paykel to release a new model soon since this one has been on the market for over 5 years. Travel case not conducive to pack a lot of extra accessories that many CPAP users use.

Devilbiss

Auto CPAP

A 5 year warranty is the best on the market for a CPAP. It is made in the USA and receives rave reviews from all of our customers. The humidifier sits below the unit, which many truck drivers that travel with their CPAP say they love. Low price point for a premium unit.

Not available for international sales. Sale of device limited to U.S. only; prior policy allowed sales to all North America. Does not offer an integrated heated tubing option that its top competitors offer. SmartLink accessory can be confusing and expensive to end users.

HDM Z1 Auto Adjusting CPAP with NiteLog

Smallest footprint for a CPAP unit. Battery powered operation is great for travelers and camping. Weighs just 10.4 ounces! Offers NiteLog, an app that can be downloaded from iTunes. 3 year warranty puts buyers at ease knowing the manufacturer really believes in this product.

Does not offer a heated humidifier, however an external universal humidifier can be purchased separate. It has a higher price tag than its rival Transcend Auto. Feedback from customers has revealed it can be louder than a traditional CPAP machine.

Transcend

Auto CPAP

Very small platform that is great for travel. EZEX pressure relief technology and humidifier option give the necessary comfort updates needed to be on a level playing field with the other big name suppliers.

Has to be plugged into computer to view any type of info, there is not an on board LCD display to view or change live info. HME humidification system is complicated and is limited to certain selection of masks.

Apex XT Auto

CPAP Machine

Low price CPAP machine great for users that are shopping on a budget or looking to add a second unit for easy travel or to keep at a vacation home. Available with humidifier.

Feedback has revealed it can be loud and optional heated humidifier lacks stability to the unit. The humidifier just sits on top and does not lock into place.

 

 

Standard CPAP Machine Reviews (Delivers One Set Therapy Pressure)

++Please note all CPAP models have self converting power supply for international use; however an international plug adaptor may be required.

Standard

CPAP

Starting

Cost

Cost With

Humidifier

Part Number

Warranty

Special Feature

Highlights

Size & Weight

1800CPAP Ranking

ResMed AirSense 10 CPAP

$758

$758

37203

37204

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

4.6 x 10 x 5.9

44oz. or 2.75lbs

★★★

ResMed AirSense 10 Elite

$804

$804

37205

37206

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

4.6 x 10 x 5.9

44oz. or 2.75lbs

★★★★

ResMed

S9 Escape

$694

$754

36001

36011

36021

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

12 x 5.7 x 3.4

1.9 lbs

3.4 lbs

★★★

ResMed           S9 Elite

$745

$804

36003

36013

36023

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

Full Data Reports

12 x 5.7 x 3.4

1.9 lbs

3.4 lbs

★★★★

Philips Respironics

DreamStation

Not offered

Not offered

 

 

We do not offer the Standard CPAP version of this machine

 

 

PR System One REMstar Plus

DS260

$445

$634

DS260S

DS260HS

DS260TS

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

Compliance Reports

14 x 5.5 x 4

2.25

4.15 lbs

★★★

PR System One REMstar Pro

DS460

$565

$699

DS460S

DS460HS

DS460TS

2 Years

Pressure Relief

30 Day Auto Mode

Heated Tube Option

14 x 5.5 x 4

2.25

4.15 lbs

★★★★

PR 60 Series SE

DS220

(Sleep Easy)

$339

$528

DS220S

DS220HS

DS220TS

2 Years

Low Price Point

Heated Tube Option

14 x 5.5 x 4

2.25

4.15 lbs

★★

Fisher & Paykel ICON Novo Plus

$499

$499

ICONNAN

2.5 Years

Heated Tube Option

Alarm Clock

Built In Humidifier

6.3 x 6.7 x 8.7

4.8 lbs

★★

Fisher & Paykel ICON Premo Plus

$549

$549

ICONPBN

2.5 Years

Heated Tube Option

Alarm Clock

Built In Humidifier

6.3 x 6.7 x 8.7

4.8 lbs

★★★

3B RESmart

Standard CPAP

$275

$275

C7000

2 Years

Exhalation Relief

Low Price Point

 

12 x 7.5 x 4.5

3.75 lbs &

5.4 lbs

★★

Devilbiss

Standard CPAP

$325

$395

DV51D

DV51D-HH

5 Years

Compliance Reports

Bottom Humidifier

Extended Warranty

6.4 x 6.5 x 8.4

2.75 lbs &

4.5 lbs

★★★

Devilbiss Standard CPAP

Plus

$395

$470

DV53D

DV53D-HH

5 Years

Full Data Reports

Bottom Humidifier

Extended Warranty

6.4 x 6.5 x 8.4

2.75 lbs &

4.5 lbs

★★★★

HDM Z1 Travel CPAP

$595

N/A

HD60-1005

HD60-1010

3 Years

Full Compliance

Smallest CPAP Unit

Battery Option

6.5 x 3.5 x 2.25

10.4 oz

★★★

Transcend

Travel CPAP

$449

$589

503042

3 Years

Smallest CPAP Unit

New Humidifier

Light-weight

6.1 x 3.5 x 2.8

0.9 lbs

★★★★

 

Bi-Level Machine Reviews

++Please note all CPAP models have self converting power supply for international use; however an international plug adaptor may be required.

Bi-Level

(BiPAP)

Starting

Cost

Cost With

Humidifier

Part Number

Warranty

Special Feature

Highlights

Size & Weight

1800CPAP Ranking

ResMed AirCurve  VPAP

S and V Auto

$1700

S1725

37211

37212

37213

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

4.6 x 10 x 5.9

44oz. or 2.75lbs

★★★

ResMed S9 Series VPAP

S and Auto

$1499

$1599

36006

36016

36026

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

12 x 5.7 x 3.4

1.9 lbs

3.4 lbs

★★★

PR System One 60 Series BiPAP and BiPAP Auto

$1335

$1699

DS660HS

DS760HS

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

14 x 5.5 x 4

2.25

4.15 lbs

★★★★

DreamStation Auto BiPAP

$1808

$1808

DSX700H11

2 Years

Pressure Relief

Heated Tube Option

LCD Display

11.7 x 7.6 x 3.3

2.94 lbs

★★★★

Devilbiss

Bi-Level S and Auto

$945

$1145

DV55D-HH

DV57D-HH

5 Years

Compliance Reports

Bottom Humidifier

Extended Warranty

6.4 x 6.5 x 8.4

2.75 lbs &

4.5 lbs

★★★

Resmart BiLevel S Auto

$875

$875

BPAP-25A

2 Years

Exhalation Relief

Low Price Point

 

4.8 lbs & 6.1 lbs

★★★

 

Please note the views and expressions outlined in this article do not represent statements or claims from the manufacturer and are solely opinions and data models collected from staff at 1800CPAP.com