If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, understanding the different types of CPAP machines available can help you choose the right device for your specific needs.
CPAP therapy remains the gold standard for managing obstructive sleep apnea, and selecting the appropriate machine can significantly impact your sleep quality and treatment success.
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. This continuous airflow prevents the collapse of throat tissues that causes breathing interruptions in people with sleep apnea.
The basic components of any CPAP setup include a motor that generates pressurized air, a hose connecting the machine to your mask, and a mask that seals over your nose or mouth. PAP machines measure pressure in centimeters of water (cm H2O), with most therapeutic settings ranging from 4 to 20 cm H2O.
Standard CPAP machines
Traditional CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines represent the most common type of sleep apnea treatment device. CPAP machines provide constant pressure to keep your upper airway open as you sleep. These devices deliver the same air pressure level throughout the night, which your sleep specialist determines through a sleep study or titration process.
Standard CPAP machines offer several advantages for sleep apnea patients. They’re typically the most affordable option among positive airway pressure devices and have the widest selection of models and features available. CPAP therapy is typically the first line of treatment for OSA, making these machines the starting point for most newly diagnosed patients.
Key features of standard CPAP machines include:
- Fixed pressure delivery as prescribed by your doctor
- Pressure relief settings on some models to reduce exhalation pressure slightly
- Ramp-up features that gradually increase pressure as you fall asleep
- Built-in humidifiers to prevent dryness and irritation
- Data tracking capabilities to monitor therapy compliance
Auto-adjusting CPAP (APAP) machines
Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines, also called auto-CPAP devices, represent a more sophisticated approach to sleep apnea treatment. Auto-adjusting positive airway pressure (APAP) machines, also referred to as auto-CPAP, can raise or lower the pressure based on your breathing patterns.
Unlike standard CPAP machines that deliver constant pressure, APAP devices continuously monitor your breathing and automatically adjust the pressure throughout the night. When you get an APAP machine, the doctor will likely have set an upper and lower limit of air pressure, but software on the device automatically adjusts air pressure within those limits.
APAP machines work particularly well for certain types of sleep apnea patients. This is often more comfortable for sleepers whose pressure needs change between sleep positions, or those who have trouble tolerating CPAP therapy. They’re also beneficial for people who experience seasonal changes in their breathing patterns due to allergies or other factors.
The main advantages of APAP machines include:
- Automatic pressure adjustments based on real-time breathing patterns
- Greater comfort for position-sensitive sleepers
- Potential for lower average pressures throughout the night
- Advanced algorithms that respond to breathing events automatically
Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines
Bilevel positive airway pressure machines, commonly known as BiPAP or BPAP devices, provide a more specialized form of treatment. Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP or BPAP) machines have two pressure settings, switching between a higher pressure as you inhale and a lower pressure as you exhale.
This dual-pressure approach makes BiPAP machines particularly helpful for patients who struggle with standard CPAP therapy. A bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine delivers different pressure, depending on whether you’re inhaling or exhaling. This type of machine might work for you if you need high pressure on inhalation and find CPAP therapy uncomfortable for exhalation.
BiPAP machines are typically prescribed for patients with specific conditions or circumstances:
- Those who cannot tolerate the constant pressure of CPAP machines
- Patients requiring high therapeutic pressures
- People with certain respiratory conditions that cause carbon dioxide retention
- Individuals with chronic progressive neuromuscular disorders
BiPAP machines often have a wider pressure range, reaching up to 30 cm H2O, making them suitable for more severe cases of sleep apnea or complex breathing disorders.
Travel and portable CPAP machines
For frequent travelers or those seeking more compact options, travel CPAP machines offer a convenient solution. The ResMed AirMini is our recommendation for the best portable CPAP machine in 2025. Compact in size, it’s a good option for overnight flights (FAA approved), camping, and other situations when it wouldn’t be practical to bring a full-sized CPAP machine.
Travel CPAP machines prioritize portability and convenience while maintaining effective therapy. These devices are significantly smaller and lighter than standard machines, making them ideal for business trips, vacations, and other travel situations. Many travel CPAP machines are FAA-approved for airline travel and can operate on battery power.
However, travel machines do have limitations. Portable machines are not designed for everyday use and can’t replace a full-size machine in terms of features, durability, or therapy quality. Most travel CPAP machines lack built-in humidifiers, though some offer waterless humidification options through special filters.
Important considerations for travel CPAP machines:
- Significantly smaller and lighter than standard devices
- Battery operation capabilities for camping or power outages
- FAA approval for airline travel
- Limited features compared to full-size machines
- Generally not covered by insurance
- Best used for short-term travel rather than nightly use
Specialized PAP machines
Beyond the main categories of CPAP machines, several specialized positive airway pressure devices serve specific medical needs.
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) machines represent the most advanced form of PAP therapy. Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV): ASV is for people with certain types of central sleep apnea. ASV monitors your breathing and adjusts the pressures to make your breathing more stable. It may also deliver a breath when necessary. These devices are typically prescribed for complex sleep apnea or central sleep apnea conditions.
Auto-bilevel PAP machines combine the benefits of BiPAP therapy with automatic pressure adjustments. Auto-bilevel PAP: This machine self-regulates the inhalation and exhalation pressures, providing both the dual-pressure approach of BiPAP and the adaptive capabilities of APAP technology.
Key features to consider when choosing a CPAP machine
Modern CPAP machines offer numerous features designed to improve comfort and therapy effectiveness. Understanding these features can help you select the device that best meets your needs.
Humidification systems help prevent common side effects like dry mouth, nasal congestion, and throat irritation. An integrated climate control humidifier helps reduce dryness and irritation. Most newer machines include built-in heated humidifiers with adjustable settings.
Data tracking and connectivity allow you and your healthcare provider to monitor therapy progress. The auto-adjusting pressure technology continuously adapts to your breathing patterns for optimal comfort. Its large, intuitive touchscreen interface simplifies operation. Many machines now offer smartphone app integration for easy data access and therapy insights.
Pressure ramp features help ease the transition to sleep by starting with lower pressure and gradually increasing to your prescribed level. The Luna G3 also has popular comfort features like an adjustable ramp setting which can gradually increase therapy pressure to your prescribed pressure over up an hour to help you fall asleep more comfortably.
Noise levels vary significantly between machines and models. This model operates quietly — around 26 decibels, roughly the sound level of a whisper in a quiet room. Quieter operation improves sleep quality for both users and their bed partners.
Benefits of CPAP therapy
Using the right type of CPAP machine consistently provides both immediate and long-term health benefits. You may notice immediate improvements after starting CPAP treatment, such as better sleep quality, reduction or elimination of snoring, and less daytime sleepiness.
Short-term benefits of CPAP therapy include:
- Improved sleep quality and feeling more rested
- Elimination or significant reduction of snoring
- Decreased daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Enhanced mood and cognitive function
- Better concentration and memory
Long-term health benefits of consistent CPAP use may include:
- Improved blood pressure
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease events, like heart attack and stroke
- Improved memory and thinking abilities (cognitive function)
- Lower risk of accidents due to improved alertness
- Better management of related conditions like diabetes
Studies have found that people who treat OSA with a CPAP are less likely to be involved in a car crash or to have near-miss situations that result from drowsy driving, highlighting the safety benefits of effective treatment.
Insurance coverage and costs
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, provide coverage for CPAP machines when prescribed by a healthcare provider following a sleep study diagnosis. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part B and you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, Medicare may pay 80 percent of the cost for your CPAP machine, as long as the doctor who prescribes it is an approved Medicare provider.
Without insurance coverage, breathing machines can cost between $500 and $3,000, depending on whether you’re purchasing a CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP device. The variation in cost depends on the type of machine, features included, and manufacturer.
Many insurance providers require a rental period before you own the machine, and coverage terms vary significantly between plans. It’s important to verify your specific coverage details with your insurance provider and understand any requirements for compliance monitoring or regular follow-up appointments.
Choosing the right CPAP machine type
Selecting the appropriate CPAP machine depends on several factors specific to your condition and lifestyle. CPAP machines are the simplest, most affordable, and most widely available option for sleepers experiencing OSA symptoms. If you are on a budget or looking for the biggest selection of models and features, a traditional CPAP machine may be the best choice.
Your sleep specialist will consider factors such as:
- Severity of your sleep apnea
- Required therapeutic pressure levels
- Sleeping positions and movement patterns
- Tolerance to continuous pressure
- Budget and insurance coverage
- Travel frequency and lifestyle needs
APAP machines are useful for those who have trouble sleeping with the constant pressure of a CPAP machine. They can also be effective for sleepers who experience regular changes in their breathing patterns, like allergy sufferers or those who change sleep positions frequently.
For those who cannot tolerate standard CPAP therapy, BiPAP machines provide a more specialized form of PAP therapy. A doctor usually only prescribes BiPAP treatment for people with OSA if they do not respond to traditional CPAP therapy.
Getting started with your CPAP machine
Starting CPAP therapy successfully requires patience and proper setup. The first few nights on CPAP may be challenging as patients adjust to the therapy. Many initially find the mask uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or embarrassing.
To improve your adjustment to CPAP therapy:
- Work with your healthcare provider to ensure proper mask fit and machine settings
- Start by wearing the mask for short periods while awake to get accustomed to it
- Use the ramp feature to gradually increase pressure as you fall asleep
- Maintain consistent use every night, including during naps
- Keep your equipment clean and replace parts according to manufacturer recommendations
Most people notice the benefits of CPAP therapy within the first two weeks. Some even notice a difference after the very first night of sleeping with their CPAP, but even if you don’t immediately notice the benefits, you should stick with your therapy for as long as possible.
Understanding the different types of CPAP machines available empowers you to work effectively with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for your sleep apnea treatment.
Whether you need a standard CPAP machine, an auto-adjusting APAP device, or a specialized BiPAP machine, the right choice can dramatically improve your sleep quality and overall health.