Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP Machine (Modem-Free) Review 2023

Compared to other top CPAP brands, Fisher & Paykel doesn’t have as many sleep apnea machines in its offerings. But when the company released its latest product, the sleep apnea community expected it to be one of the best auto CPAP devices in the market.

In 2017, the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP machine entered the competition. And as anticipated, it’s a huge improvement from the brand’s ICON+ series.

The F&P SleepStyle still maintains the small footprint of the ICON+ machines. Beyond that, it offers up-to-date features that overcome the issues of its predecessors.

But does it stand head and shoulders above the competition? Is it even worth the relatively hefty price tag?

It’s worth noting that, as of the time of publishing this F&P SleepStyle review, the SleepStyle Auto with a built-in cellular modem (SPSAAU) is not available in the US. So, our focus here will be on the modem-free version (SPSABU), which is equally deserving of praise.

Size (H x W x D)	Weight	Humidifier Type	Pressure Range	Price	Noise Level
5.7” x 7” x 7.2”	3.7 lbs	Built-in heated humidifier	4 to 20 cm H2O	$999 (as of writing)	28 dBA (+/-1.5 dBA)

Size and Weight

To start our F&P SleepStyle review, let’s first talk about the machine’s size and weight. While the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP machine appears slightly bulkier than other modern CPAP devices, it’s small enough to fit nicely on your bedside table.

Additionally, this F&P CPAP machine is approved by the FAA for air travel. It’s also as light as the Macbook Pro laptop and comes with a carry bag, so you can easily bring it anywhere.

Noise Level

With a sound level of around 28 dBA, the F&P SleepStyle might be a decibel or two louder than other sleep apnea machines. Despite the (very minimal) difference in noise level, many users highly recommend the device for its truly whisper-quiet operation. 

Heated Humidifier

To keep your airways from becoming dry, the SleepStyle Auto is built with a heated humidifier. While this integrated CPAP humidifier doesn’t have an auto mode, you can easily set the humidity level from 0 to 7.

Data and Compliance Tracking

To generate your compliance report, you can use the F&P InfoUSB included in the package. It can store up to 365 days of detailed data and five years of summary data. After installing the InfoUSB program on your computer, you can upload your compliance report to the SleepStyle website, which can then be viewed by your provider. 

Design

Sporting a jet-black exterior, a blue ring around its on/off button, and a digital screen with yellow illuminated text, the F&P SleepStyle is a sleek bedside companion you’d be proud to display. Its black screen forms part of the device, completing its high-end, futuristic look. 

User Interface

Apart from its prominent “Start/Stop” button, SleepStyle Auto has four large buttons, replacing the ICON+ machine’s dial for easier menu navigation. On the digital screen, you can adjust the ramp time, humidity level, expiratory relief, SensAwake, and other settings. The screen also lets you conveniently view your summary data, including usage hours, CPAP mask leak events, and AHI.

Why does the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP machine continue to be a top choice–in spite of the high price and lack of a modem? Our F&P SleepStyle review will explore this machine’s additional features that make it worth the cost.

SensAwake

Like most auto CPAP machines, the F&P SleepStyle Auto is designed with a ramp feature. But what makes the device exceptional is its SensAwake technology.

The auto ramp feature of other sleep apnea machines automatically sets the ramp time, so you can start your therapy at a low pressure and easily drift off. But this exclusive F&P technology doesn’t just come in handy at the beginning of your therapy–it works all night to detect whether you’re awake.

When you wake up in the middle of the night, SensAwake lowers the pressure output to the most comfortable level possible, letting you get back to sleep much more quickly. 

This comfort feature makes it apparent that F&P designed the device with the full sleep apnea experience in mind. SensAwake alone addresses a few main issues many patients face: frequent nighttime awakenings and trouble falling asleep. 

ThermoSmart Heated Tubing

Next up in our Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle review, we’ll explore how the Sleepstyle addresses rainout and dryness, two of the most common CPAP side effects that prevent regular CPAP use.

Featuring an integrated heated humidifier, the F&P SleepStyle has just what you need to prevent dryness and condensation in CPAP tubing. For optimal humidity, the package includes the ThermoSmart heated tubing with AirSpiral technology.

What this heated CPAP hose does is work with the heated humidifier’s ambient temperature and relative humidity sensors. That way, it can maintain a comfortable level of warmth and moisture–no matter your room’s conditions. To protect the tube from condensation and heat loss, the advanced AirSpiral technology features two spirals for heating and insulating. 

The ThermoSmart heated tubing has an elbow that swivels as easily as its predecessor. But compared to the old ICON+ heated tubing, it’s 20% lighter and has a more flexible design. That means you can toss and turn in your sleep without pulling off your CPAP mask. 

Easy-Access Water Chamber

One issue that most brand-name sleep apnea machines have? The cumbersome removal of their water chambers.

Expiratory Relief

Most advanced sleep apnea machines today have a comfort feature called the expiratory pressure relief system. And apparently, Fisher & Paykel followed suit in designing the SleepStyle Auto. 

Unlike the ICON+ machines, this newer F&P device lets you adjust the pressure to a more comfortable level when breathing out. It then returns to your prescribed pressure as you inhale. With this comfort feature, you can exhale more naturally and breathe more comfortably during therapy.

SleepStyle App

Our Fisher and Paykel CPAP machine review will now explore how users can access their sleep data. Even though this F&P SleepStyle Auto model doesn’t have a cellular modem, it can be paired with the SleepStyle smartphone app via Bluetooth so users can still view their sleep data and stay on top of their CPAP AHI.

After linking the SleepStyle Auto to the app, you can view your sleep therapy data and track your daily, weekly, and monthly progress. The app displays all the things included in the on-screen data (therapy hours, AHI, and CPAP mask leaks). But apart from that, it also alerts you to issues with your therapy and provides you with the necessary solutions.

CPAP Machine Part	Cleaning	Replacement
Device Exterior	Every week	NA
Water Chamber	After every use*	Every 6 months**
Chamber Seal	After every use*	Every 6 months
Heated Tubing	After every use***	Every 3 months**
Disposable Filters	NA	Every 3 months
Outlet Seal****	Every week	NA

*Fisher & Paykel recommends hand-washing the water chamber and chamber seal after every use. They can also be washed every 7 days in the dishwasher (top rack). The general recommendation for cleaning CPAP water chambers and related parts is every week and replacing the water in the chamber is every day.

**The indicated frequency is the general recommendation. According to the manufacturer, the service life of the heated CPAP hose and water chamber is 12 months. 

***The manufacturer recommends hand-washing the heated CPAP hose after every use. The general recommendation for cleaning non-heated or heated tubing is every week. 

****The air outlet seal is dishwasher-safe.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• ThermoSmart heated CPAP hose with AirSpiral technology is lightweight and easily portable
• Water chamber is easy to clean and fill, especially for those with dexterity issues
• SensAwake is incredibly convenient for those who often wake up at night as it makes falling asleep easy
• Expiratory relief level is adjustable
• Clean, modern design
• Simple interface with easy-to-navigate settings
• SleepStyle app is easy to use

Cons

• More expensive than other auto CPAP machines
• No auto start/stop feature
• Water level in the chamber is not readily visible
• No auto mode for the CPAP humidifier
• Data on the SleepStyle app lacks detail
• No touchscreen, which might be a slight concern for those who are used to touchscreen devices

Many people prefer the Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle Auto CPAP machine for various reasons–all of which point to one thing that the company does right: listen to patient feedback.

F&P’s “Care by Design” refers to its commitment to the needs of patients, which you can readily see in the overall build of the SleepStyle Auto (especially when compared to the ICON+ series). SensAwake’s solution to nightly awakenings, the flexible design of the ThermoSmart heated tubing, the easy-access water chamber–every feature of this sleep apnea machine is carefully thought out with users in mind.

This Fisher and Paykel SleepStyle Auto review showcases that the SleepStyle’s selling point is its simplicity. Sure, it doesn’t have a touchscreen. But its simple interface is a deliberate move by the manufacturer, whose aim is to help customers get started on their therapy without difficulty.

If you don’t mind the lack of an auto start/stop feature and an auto mode for the humidifier, the F&P SleepStyle Auto is no doubt a great choice. It checks all the boxes for a high-quality auto CPAP machine and has more than you can ask for restful nights.

Here on RespShop, you’ll not only find the SleepStyle Auto and compatible parts in our catalog, you can also purchase an additional warranty to the included 2-year manufacturer’s warranty and data and compliance tracking service for this specific device.

If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this F&P SleepStyle review or have other sleep therapy concerns, feel free to use one of the methods below to reach out to the RespShop team. We’re here to help you sleep better!