CPAP Machine Buying Guide - How to Select and Buy a CPAP Machine

Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea with one of our CPAP machines from the brands physicians trust most. All CPAP machines we offer are small and lightweight, so they won't take up much room on your nightstand. CPAP stands for Constant Positive Airway Pressure, and some units feature APAP technology, in which the machine conforms to your breathing patterns. You'll be able to enjoy a good nights sleep, without worrying that you aren't getting the air you need.

Brands: Respirionics, ResMed, DeVilbiss.

Fixed CPAP Machines

Respironics REMstar – This is one of the most simple and basic units, and you can add the humidification unit to the package if you are susceptible to dry airways. The LED lights feature auto-dim, so the brightness won't bother you as your go to sleep. This machine only weighs 2 lbs and is no bigger than a small stack of books. This machine will do the job and is the most economical choice.

ResMed S9 Escape – These are the best in comfort, with ResMed's Easy-Breath technology, and the lightweight and unobstructive SlimLine tubing, that comes along with some S9 Escape packages. The SlimLine tubing is 40% lighter, 20% thinner, and takes up 35% less space than most other CPAP tubing. The machine's slim design will take up even less room.

ResMed S9 Escape with H5i – This has the same features as the ResMed S9 Escape, with the H5i humidification system built-in. The H5i delivers a heated moisture for even more airway humidification and comfort. ResMed's ClimateLine tubing is also included in some packages. ClimateLine features a sensor in the mask end of the tubing, which will adjust the moisture level in the tube as you need it throughout the night.

ResMed S9 Elite with EPR – ResMed's EPR (expiratory pressure relief) feature can be set to increase the air flow later, after the patient has fallen into a deeper sleep. This will prevent the patient from feeling bombarded by an unnecessary volume of air when they don't need it.

DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Standard PLUS with Heated Humidifier/ with Smartlink – These machines feature the Smartlink and Smartcode systems, which allow for even more comfort in breathing and will store breathing history information without the need for an SD card. You need less pressure when you exhale, and this is when the Smartlink technology decreases the pressure, so you can continue to breath with ease. The inclusion of the heated humidifier is optional with this model.

Auto CPAP Machines

Respironics REMstar Auto/ with Humidification – The RedMed Auto models keep a close eye on your breathing patterns, and after 30 days, it will adjust its pressure as necessary. The “dry box” humidification technology prevents condensation damage and spills. The ResMed models feature C-Flex, which adjusts to your exhalation patterns and releases slightly less air. Additional Humidification is optional, if you need it.

Respironics REMstar Pro Auto IQ/ with Humidification – This more advanced version of the REMstar Auto is even more detailed and accurate in monitoring your breathing patterns and adjusting to fit your specific needs. Choose the package with an additional humidifier of you find that your airways become uncomfortably dry.

DeVilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust/ and SmartLink/ with Humidification – SmartFlex and SmartLink technology are also included in these Auto CPAP machines by DeVilbiss. After monitoring your recorded patterns, the pressure is adjusted to your needs, but with the automatic detection that is often necessary as you sleep, and your breathing patterns change. The SmartLink features and extra humidifier are optional in the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust packages.

ResMed S9 AutoSet APAP with H5i and ClimateLine Tubing – This ResMed model is just like the Fixed version, but with the convenient and comforting automatic adjustments to slight changes in your nighttime breathing patterns. This S9 AutoSet unit comes with the H5i humidification system and ClimateLine tubing, both of which will save your throat and nasal passages from drying out.

CPAP Glossary

Fixed - These are the more standard CPAP machines, which release a constant flow of air at the setting prescribed for your by your doctor.

Auto – Equipped the sensors that detect how much positive air pressure you need at any given time, and adjust the flow accordingly.

Humidifier – Releases heated moisture molecules to mimic the natural moisture that would be present in your airways. Humidification is often needed with a CPAP machine, because the air flow has a tendency to dry out the airways and cause discomfort.

cmH2O – The unit in which CPAP air pressure is measured. Stands for centimeters of H2O.

SD Card – A memory card that can be inserted into your CPAP machine to record your breathing patterns. After a period of time, the card can be removed and inserted into a computer by a clinician, who can read your breathing history and adjust the machine if any adjustments are necessary.

Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) – Releases positive pressure in varying volumes to accommodate your fluctuating breathing pattern while you're sleeping.

Pressure Ramp – The gentle increase in pressure, from the time you turn the machine on, until it reaches the prescribed rate.

How to Choose and Buy CPAP Machine

First, go by the cmH2O rate you require, according to the prescription from your doctor. Your doctor will also help you determine if you need an Auto CPAP machine or fixed CPAP machine. From there, you can make your decision based on other specifications, like power usage and size.

CPAP Comparison Chart

Models	Pressure Range	Ramp Time (mins)	Weight (lbs)	Dimensions (inches)	Watts (watts)
Respironics REMstar	4 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	3	5.5" wide x 4" high x 7" long	120
ResMed S9 Escape	4 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	1.8	5.5" wide x 3.4" high x 7" long	120
ResMed S9 Elite with EPR	4 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	1.8	5.5" wide x 3.4" high x 7" long	120
DeVilbiss IntelliPAP Standard PLUS	3 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	2.75, 4.45 with humidifier	6.5" wide x 6.4" high x 8.4" deep	266

Models	Pressure Range	Ramp Time (mins)	Weight (lbs)	Dimensions (inches)	Watts (watts)
Respironics REMstar Auto	4 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	3	5.5" wide x 4" high x 7" long	120
Respironics REMstar Pro Auto IQ	4 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	1.8	5.5" wide x 3.4" high x 7" long	60
DeVilbiss IntelliPAP AutoAdjust	3 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	1.8	6.5" wide x 6.4" high x 8.4" deep	200
ResMed S9 AutoSet APAP	4 – 20	0 – 45 (increments of 5)	1.8	5.5" wide x 3.4" high x 6.0" long	120