CPAP Machine Buying Guide 2024

In this guide, you’ll find detailed CPAP machine reviews on the best CPAPs of 2024. We examine key features, pros and cons of ResMed machines such as the AirSense 11, AirSense 10, and AirMini. We also review popular travel CPAP machines like the Transcend Micro and Breas Z2 Auto.

But before we dive into our CPAP reviews, let’s look at important features to consider before buying a CPAP machine.

A sleep apnea machine can be quite the investment. And with so many different brands and models out there, how do you know what is the best CPAP machine for you? To help you simplify CPAP machine shopping, we’ve created a list of questions to ask before swiping that credit card.

Do I need an auto CPAP or manual CPAP?

There are two types of CPAP machines: manual and auto. Manual CPAP machines, also known as fixed-pressure CPAPs, deliver a constant pressure throughout the night. Auto CPAP machines on the other hand, monitor your breathing for flow obstructions and increase or decrease pressure in response. An auto CPAP machine has two pressure settings: a minimum pressure and a maximum pressure. The machine increases or decreases pressure as needed within the set pressure range.

Your prescription will tell you if you need an auto CPAP or a manual CPAP. It’s worth noting that while manual CPAPs can only deliver fixed-pressure CPAP therapy, auto CPAP machines can provide both auto CPAP and fixed-pressure therapy.

Do I want a smaller CPAP machine?

CPAP machines come in a variety of sizes. Some are about the size of a radio alarm clock while others are no bigger than a softball. Machine size may not matter much if you plan to just leave the unit at your bedside. However, some people prefer smaller machines even at home because they blend in better with the bedroom decor. Other people have limited bedside real estate and don’t really have a choice.

If you travel for work or spend a lot of time away from home, you might want to consider smaller machines as well. Travel CPAP machines are significantly smaller than regular CPAPs and may be a better fit for your lifestyle. However, we don’t recommend using a travel CPAP as an everyday machine because they tend to be louder. There are also other reasons why travel CPAPs can’t replace your home CPAP. Despite their limitations, travel units work well when they’re used as intended—for trips and backups.

This CPAP machine buying guide reviews home use and travel CPAPs. Both of the home use machines we review — ResMed AirSense 11 and AirSense 10 — are fairly compact. Each one is smaller than a shoe box.

Do I want humidification?

One of the most common complaints about CPAP therapy is that it can dry out the mouth and nose. Under normal circumstances, air from the environment is warmed and humidified by the nose before it reaches the lungs. However, when you use a sleep apnea machine, you breathe in more air than normal and sometimes the nose may not be able to adequately heat and humidify the extra airflow. This can cause dry mouth, sore throat and nasal congestion, especially if you live in a drier climate. That’s where a CPAP humidifier comes in handy.

A CPAP heated humidifier adds moisture to the dry air from the machine. It consists of a hot plate that heats up a chamber of water, producing water vapor that humidifies the air from the machine. Humidifiers come in two types: integrated and optional. Integrated humidifiers are built into the CPAP while optional ones are added on separately.

Travel CPAP machines usually do not come with humidifiers as they add extra weight and bulk. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to suffer through the night if you choose a travel size CPAP. Many modern travel machines offer waterless humidification using small discs that connect between the CPAP hose and mask. Called heat moisture exchangers (HMEs), they collect moisture from your exhaled breath and use that to heat and humidify your next breath.

Our CPAP humidifier guide goes into detail about the different types of humidifiers and explains the benefits of using a CPAP humidifier. We also provide tips for comfortable CPAP humidification.

For more information on HMEs, check out our CPAP HME Filters Explained video to learn more about how they work.

What comfort features are important?

Modern CPAP machines contain smart features designed to make therapy more comfortable. They also make adapting to CPAP faster and easier. Comfort features to keep in mind are ramp and pressure relief.

Ramp helps you fall asleep easier by starting therapy at a lower pressure. It then slowly increases pressure over a set time period until it reaches your therapy setting. Some machines have an additional Auto Ramp feature which is also referred to as Smart Ramp. This is an upgraded Ramp feature that’s smart enough to refrain from increasing pressure until after you’ve fallen asleep. All but one of the devices in this CPAP machine buying guide come with Ramp and Auto Ramp—the Breas Z2 Auto Travel CPAP only features Ramp.

Another handy feature for CPAP beginners is Pressure Relief. Many new CPAP users find it hard to breath out against their CPAP and end up not using their machine as much as they’d like. With Pressure Relief, the machine drops pressure slightly when you breathe out to make exhaling feel more natural.

All the CPAP machines we review in this guide support pressure relief but different CPAP manufacturers have their own names for it. ResMed calls it EPR (Expiratory Pressure Relief), Breas calls it Z-Breathe and Transcend calls it AirRelief on their Micro CPAP.

How loud is the CPAP machine?

If the acoustics in your bedroom amplify sound or you or your bed partner are particularly bothered by noise, we recommend looking for machines that operate at 25-28 decibels. If your heart is set on a travel CPAP, keep in mind that they are louder than full-size CPAPs because their smaller motors need to work harder. They also have a lot less room for soundproofing.

Does my insurance cover a CPAP machine?

The answer to this is: it depends on your plan. If your insurance covers CPAP machines and supplies, make sure you’re familiar with all the requirements. Insurance providers may require proof of compliance before covering the cost of a machine. Some plans only cover CPAP rentals and most plans do not cover travel CPAPs.

You’ll also need to factor in your copay/deductible/coinsurance. Depending on your coverage, it may make more financial sense to buy a CPAP machine out of pocket than to go through insurance. For a full list of insurance requirements and important questions to ask your provider, check out Are CPAP Machines Covered by Insurance?

Now that we’ve looked at the important CPAP buying questions, let’s dive into our CPAP machine reviews. Here is our curated list of the best CPAP machines for sleep apnea.

The AirSense 11 AutoSet is the latest automatic CPAP machine from ResMed. Its sleek, modern look and intuitive design makes it highly popular among new and existing CPAP users alike. Featuring an integrated heated humidifier, built-in Bluetooth and cellular connectivity, large user-friendly touchscreen, and access to ResMed’s all new Personal Therapy Assistant via the myAir smartphone app, the AirSense 11 AutoSet makes therapy easy, convenient and comfortable.

In terms of size and weight, this is a unit you can actually take with you when you travel. Weighing only 2.5 lb with the humidifier and measuring 10.2 x 5.45 x 3.7 inches, the AirSense 11 is a very portable CPAP.

The AirSense 11 comes with AutoSet/Auto CPAP, AutoSet/Auto CPAP for Her and Standard CPAP modes as well as a host of comfort features. These features include AutoRamp, SmartStart, Expiratory Pressure Relief, Climate Control Auto, just to name a few. For more details on these features, check out our AirSense 11 review.

Like its predecessor, the AirSense 11 features a built-in heated humidifier and integrated heated tube. While both the AirSense 11 and AirSense 10 water chambers have the same capacity (380ml at max fill line), the AirSense 11 water chamber has a shallower design and is harder to fill. That said, as long as you keep the water tank on a stable surface when refilling, there shouldn’t be a problem.

The machine is ultra quiet at 27 dBA. Expiratory Pressure Relief (EPR) lowers the pressure when you exhale, making your therapy more comfortable. The ResMed AirSense 11 also has advanced event detection which identifies CSA, RERA, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations.

More AirSense 11 Reviews

• ResMed AirSense 11 vs AirSense 10 Comparison Review
• AirSense 11 In-Depth Review

Next up in our CPAP machine buying guide is the ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet. Like the AirSense 11, the AirSense 10 delivers auto CPAP therapy and fixed-pressure CPAP therapy, although it lacks the AutoSet For Her mode. It includes all the comfort features you should expect these days in an automatic CPAP machine such as ramp, pressure relief and auto start.  

A heated humidifier comes standard with the AirSense 10 Auto. Most of the water tank slides into the side of the machine, so it does not add much to the machine’s footprint. ResMed’s 15 mm SlimLine tubing reduces weight and drag on the mask but the AirSense 10 also supports standard 22 mm CPAP tubing. 

ResMed’s AirSense 10 AutoSet CPAP is a popular choice for a number of reasons. It is a reliable and affordable auto-adjusting CPAP with a proven track record. It’s also available in two versions: regular AirSense 10 or the AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud.

The regular AirSense 10 comes with an integrated cellular modem for remote data monitoring. The AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud, on the other hand, does not have a modem and can’t transmit data remotely. However, it’s a few hundred dollars cheaper. Regardless of which AirSense 10 you choose, you can still view CPAP AHI on the machine itself and download sleep data from the machine’s SD card.

Not sure which ResMed CPAP machine is a better choice? Read our AirSense 10 vs AirSense 11 review for a detailed comparison of all machine features.

More AirSense 10 Reviews

• ResMed AirSense 11 vs AirSense 10 Comparison Review
• AirSense 10 vs Luna G3 Auto CPAP Comparison Review

Making it’s way into number 3 is the sleek and modern ResMed AirMini Auto Travel CPAP. Measuring just 5.4 x 3.3 x 2.1 inches and weighing around 0.66 lb, this ResMed travel CPAP is the perfect combination of convenience and performance. Roughly the size of a smartphone, the AirMini easily fits into a carry-on or backpack, making it ideal for travel or use in places where space is limited.

Despite its small size, the AirMini does not compromise on performance. It delivers the same level of therapeutic pressure and air flow as a full-size CPAP machine. The AirMini comes with all three therapy modes that are offered by the full-size AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP machine: CPAP, AutoSet and AutoSet For Her.

ResMed’s AutoSet For Her mode uses an algorithm that is specially designed for female CPAP users. It targets sleep apnea symptoms common to women by providing a gentler pressure increase and increased sensitivity to flow limitations than the AutoSet mode.

The AirMini works with a selection of ResMed nasal, nasal pillow and full face masks: AirFit P10, AirFit/AirTouch N20, AirFit/AirTouch F20, AirFit N30 and AirFit F30. Respective setup packs, purchased separately, are required to connect the masks to the AirMini.

If you’d rather not buy a new CPAP mask, you can use any mask with the AirMini with the help of a generic AirMini Tubing Connector Adapter. Note that, if you choose to use the generic adapter, you’ll have to use a standard non-heated hose instead of the slim, lightweight AirMini tubing. You also can’t use the AirMini waterless humidification system.

Despite the complicated mask setup, the AirMini is the top-rated travel CPAP in our CPAP machine buying guide because of its compact design and intuitive app. If you’d rather not be plugged into technology at all times though, it might not be for you.

Unlike other travel CPAPs where use of the app is optional, the AirMini requires the app. You need the app to set up the machine and to make any subsequent changes. There’s also no way to retrieve therapy data without the app—the AirMini does not support any external storage devices such as SD cards.

Due to its small size, the AirMini is also louder than home CPAPs. According to ResMed, it operates at 30 decibels compared to the 27 decibels of the AirSense 11, making it just a tad louder.

Read our AirMini Review to learn more about mask compatibility, maintenance requirements and explore all of its features.

More AirMini Reviews

• Transcend Micro vs AirMini Comparison Review
• AirMini vs Breas Z2 Auto Comparison Review

The new kid in CPAP town, the Transcend Micro is now the smallest and lightest CPAP machine on the market. It is quite literally about the size of a softball, so you know you can confidently bring this unit along on any trip.

Very modern looking, the Micro measures 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.4 inches and weighs just under eight ounces. Yet, despite its micro size, this machine is packed with features and power.

Yes, you get waterless heated humidification. The AirMist HME system the Micro uses is similar to that used in the AirMini and Breas Z2 Auto travel CPAP. The special filters serve your own breath’s heat and moisture back to your airways, precluding the need for a full-blown humidifier or carrying distilled water around.

Given the small size of this unit, it operates at a very low noise level of 27dBA (give or take 2dBA). That is almost whisper quiet. But if you are particularly sensitive to noise, the Micro comes standard with a WhisperSoft™ Muffler Kit that will further reduce the sound.

The Micro has the Ramp feature and offers Pressure Relief (AirRelief). Additionally, its Automatic Start/Stop feature detects when you take a breath or take your mask off and turns the machine on and off accordingly. To adjust these comfort settings, you’ll need to use the MySleepDash app which is available for both Apple and Android devices.

Unlike the AirMini, the Micro can be used with any mask. Just connect your mask to the included AirFlex 6-foot hose. It also features a unique drying mode that’s not available on the other machines in this guide. You can keep your mask and tubing dry at all times by simply starting a 30-minute drying cycle once a day.

Overall, the Micro is a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight and feature-rich travel CPAP. If you’d like to learn more about the Micro, read our Transcend Micro CPAP review to explore its features and accessories in detail.

More Transcend Micro Reviews

• Transcend Micro vs Breas Z2 Auto Comparison Review
• Transcend Micro vs ResMed AirMini Comparison Review

Last of all on our 2024 CPAP machine buying guide is the quietest travel CPAP: Breas Z2 Auto. Despite its dated exterior and interface that transports you back into the 90s, it’s the travel CPAP we recommend year after year. Measuring 6.48 x 3.30 x 2.02 inches and weighing 10.4 ounces, it’s nearly identical in size to the ResMed AirMini, only slightly longer.

The Z2 Auto travel CPAP does a few things that the AirMini can’t. It supports waterless humidification via the Z1/Z2 universal HME, which is compatible with all CPAP masks and non-heated tubing. Plus, it is truly whisper quiet at only 26 dBA. That’s 4 decibels less than the AirMini. CPAP users looking for a travel CPAP but worried about noise should give this unit a chance.

Ramp, leak compensation, and expiratory pressure relief (Z-Breathe) are all standard features with the Z2 Auto. FAA-approval and universal voltage ensure worry-free travel anywhere in the world (although you may need a plug adapter to use the Breas Z2 in some countries).

Like the AirMini and Micro travel CPAP machines, the Z2 also has Auto Start and Auto Stop features that turn the machine on when you breathe in and turn it off when you take off the mask. Equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, the Z2 connects to the Breas Nitelog app, which is available on both Apple and Android devices. You can monitor your CPAP AHI, mask seal and sleep hours through the app and even generate compliance reports.

If you prefer not to use the app, you can download the DataViewer PC software to track you CPAP data on a computer. One of our favorite feature of this travel CPAP is that you can adjust your pressure, ramp and Z-Breathe settings directly on the machine. That’s something you can’t do with either the Transcend Micro CPAP or the AirMini.

Finally, the Z2 does have the option of an integrated battery, called the Z2 PowerShell, which is sold separately. That said, all the machines in this guide are compatible with third-part batteries, such as the Zopec EXPLORE Oxygen CPAP Backup Battery. The integrated battery unit is simply more elegant.

Learn more about the quietest travel CPAP in our Breas Z2 Auto Travel CPAP Review and see how it stacks up against the AirMini in our Z2 vs AirMini Comparison Review.

More Breas Z2 Auto Reviews

• Breas Z2 Auto vs ResMed AirMini Comparison Review
• Breas Z2 Auto vs Transcend Micro Comparison Review

There you have it! These are our picks for the best CPAP machines of 2024. If you have questions about any of the units in our CPAP machine buying guide, feel free to get in touch using one of the methods below. The RespShop team is happy to answer your CPAP and sleep apnea questions.