Best CPAP Machines of 2024

Shopping for a CPAP machine is far from the most glamorous way to spend your hard-earned cash, but experienced CPAP users will tell you that CPAP therapy is their key to better nights and better days. They’ll also tell you that the right machine can make a world of difference in your nightly comfort. 

Whether you’re brand new to CPAP or looking for a replacement device, we’re here to help. Our testing team of respiratory therapists has evaluated dozens of devices, carefully analyzing their operation, features, and patient feedback to make your shopping process as efficient as possible.

Below is our list of picks for the best CPAP machines, as well as a guide about what to look for when shopping for a CPAP device.

Simplifying Your CPAP Machine Purchase

Figuring out where to start in your sleep apnea treatment journey can feel daunting. To ease the process, we’ve put together this guide that covers everything you need to know about shopping for a CPAP machine. For a more complete review of our highest-rated cpap machines, read through the product profiles below.

What Is a CPAP Machine

A CPAP machine promotes steady and uninterrupted breathing during sleep by generating a stream of pressurized air that is sent through a hose and a mask into the upper airway. For people with sleep apnea, the flow of air is intended to prevent pauses in breathing during sleep.

A CPAP is one type of positive airway pressure (PAP) device. In a CPAP, the “C” stands for continuous because the air has the same pressure level when breathing in and breathing out. 

The term CPAP is sometimes used as a catchall for all types of PAP machines, but there are actually several different types of devices that may be prescribed to treat sleep apnea and other sleep-related breathing conditions.

Machine Type	Description
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)	A CPAP machine provides a constant stream of pressurized air. The air pressure stays the same when inhaling and exhaling.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP)	A BiPAP machine can be set up to have two distinct air pressure levels, one for when you breathe in and another for when you exhale.
Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP)	An APAP machine has built-in sensors that track your breathing, allowing the device’s algorithms to automatically adjust air pressure levels within a prescribed range. Some APAP devices adjust the pressure for inhalation and exhalation.
Travel	Designed for portability, a travel PAP machine is generally light, compact, and capable of operating for several hours on battery power.

Who Needs a CPAP Machine?

CPAP machines are for people who have sleep apnea, a condition involving frequent breathing disruptions during sleep. Using a CPAP machine every night can help people with both types of sleep apnea — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA) — get more restorative rest by limiting these disruptions. 

For many people, a CPAP machine is prescribed as the initial treatment for sleep apnea. In some cases, other types of PAP devices, such as an APAP machine, may be recommended to start sleep apnea treatment.

Not everyone who has sleep apnea uses a CPAP machine, however. Potential alternatives to using a CPAP machine include lifestyle changes, wearing a custom-fitted oral appliance during sleep, or having surgery. 

These approaches only work in certain circumstances, and the optimal treatment depends on many factors, including the type and severity of sleep apnea you have. Only a doctor can determine whether any of these alternative sleep apnea treatments may be a viable option for you.

How Do I Choose a CPAP Machine?

Other factors to keep in mind include the type of machine, pressure range, pressure ramp, heated humidification, and pricing.

Type of CPAP Machine

The type of device that you need can influence your shopping by narrowing down your options. The devices that are most commonly prescribed for the initial treatment of sleep apnea are CPAP and APAP machines. 

The type of PAP device you need depends on your specific circumstances, including which type of sleep apnea you have and how severe it is. Since these are medical devices, your doctor or a sleep specialist will normally recommend a specific kind of device for your treatment.

Pressure Range

When shopping, you want to make sure that a device has an air pressure range that includes the amount of pressure that your doctor has prescribed. Pressure is measured in centimeters of water pressure (cm H2O).

The average pressure setting for people with obstructive sleep apnea is around 10 cm H2O. Most CPAP and APAP devices have a pressure range of 4 to 20 cm H2O.

This means that, in terms of pressure range, most devices work for most people. However, if your doctor tells you that you need an above-average amount of air pressure, you may need a device with a higher pressure range.

Pressure Ramp

If you’re concerned about how the flow of air will affect your ability to fall asleep, you may want to look for a device with a pressure ramp feature. 

With this setting activated, the air pressure level slowly increases over the first 30 to 45 minutes. This is intended to let you doze off while the air pressure is lower but still receive the full amount of prescribed pressure while you sleep through the night.

Heated Humidification

Warming and humidifying the airflow from a PAP machine can reduce dryness and irritation in your mouth and nasal passages, and heated tubing can minimize condensation in the tube by using heated humidification. 

Most modern PAP machines include a heated humidifier, but you should double check the product details to see if a humidifier is built into the device and whether it is compatible with heated tubing.

Noise Level

If you’re sensitive to noise in your bedroom or share a bed with someone whose sleep is easily disturbed by noise, a quieter CPAP machine is likely your best option. 

The average sound level of a CPAP machine is a relatively quiet 30 decibels, or roughly the equivalent of a soft whisper. Some models are louder, especially when delivering higher levels of pressure. The quietest devices produce only about 25 decibels of noise.

Data Transfer

PAP devices record data about your usage and breathing every night. You often will need to share this information with your doctor, and CPAP machines have different ways of storing and transmitting data. 

Some machines include a wireless connection to automatically upload your data to a cloud-based platform or mobile app. For other machines, the data is saved on a removable SD card, and you have to connect the card to a computer to access the data. 

As you compare models, consider how often you expect to send data to your doctor and how much you prioritize the convenience of wireless transmission.

Pricing and Insurance

The cost of PAP machines varies widely, with models running anywhere from $500 to $3,000 depending on the brand, type of machine, and features. 

CPAP machines often cost between $500 and $1,000. APAP and BiPAP devices are usually more expensive. 

In many cases, health insurance providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, will cover some of the cost. Coverage may require you to submit data showing that you are regularly using and benefitting from PAP therapy. Many online CPAP retailers do not accept insurance, so check with your insurance provider to see if they will provide reimbursement.
If you’re paying out of pocket, find out whether any accessories are included with your CPAP machine. If not, you will need to account for some essential accessories in your budget.

What CPAP Accessories Do You Need?

In most cases, you’ll be provided with an initial set of key accessories so that you can get started with CPAP therapy.

Essential CPAP accessories include: 

• A CPAP mask
• Cushions to help the mask create a seal on your face
• Headgear to hold the mask in place
• Tubing that connects the mask to the CPAP device
• Filters that help purify the air you inhale
• Cleaning materials

Optional CPAP accessories include:

• Heated tubing that helps humidify the flow of pressurized air
• Hose holders that help position the tubing while you’re in bed
• A CPAP pillow designed to accommodate your head and neck while wearing a CPAP mask
• A travel case
• A rechargeable battery

How Do I Shop for a CPAP Machine?

Before you can buy a CPAP machine, you need a prescription from a doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can shop either online or in person. You will often find the best prices and largest selection from online CPAP retailers. When buying online, make sure to look carefully at details about shipping, returns, and customer support.

You can also buy a CPAP from a physical store. Sometimes your doctor or insurance company will refer you to a local medical equipment retailer that sells CPAP machines. 

Physical stores typically have a smaller selection but may simplify the process and give you an opportunity to see what a particular model looks like in person. If you have any issues with your device, you may need to work with the retailer directly, so it’s worth the effort to look into their reputation.

“Wherever you buy from,” Salazar says, “Make sure you can glean info from someone who knows each product well and can speak to the patient experience. Trying on masks before you buy is also a good idea.”

How We Test

Our expert team of sleep care advocates, respiratory therapists, and sleep product testing experts are dedicated to bringing you reliable and actionable product recommendations. We draw on decades of experience in the field of sleep health, and we personally research and evaluate the products discussed on our site. 

Our picks for the best CPAP machines were developed after carefully analyzing the range of devices on the market and how their features line up with the needs of typical CPAP users. We also study verified reviews and evaluate each manufacturer’s reputation for product quality and customer service.

roduct recalls or warranties. Recalls are when a device is taken off the market because of a potential safety issue. Warranties provide a remedy if your device has defects in its materials or workmanship. Typical CPAP machine warranties expire after two years, but some last for up to five years.

In-Depth CPAP Guides

If you’ve been prescribed a BiPAP machine or are seeking a travel CPAP machine to supplement your everyday device, check out our expert picks for these categories. We’ve also included links to our reviews of several popular machines if you’d like to explore these models in more detail.