6 Tips for Choosing the Right CPAP Machine

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Susan Fishman, NCC, CRC on September 18, 2022
  • portrait of smiling senior African American man wearing hat
    Your sleep is unique.
    Many Americans live with obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airways become blocked during sleep, causing you to stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night. If your doctor has recommended a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine to treat your sleep apnea, you may be wondering which device to choose from the many options out there. Everyone with sleep apnea has unique needs when it comes to things like sleep position, comfort and portability. Finding a machine that meets your individual needs will help you get the best sleep possible.
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    1. Get approval.
    The CPAP is a device that includes a motor, tube and mask, and releases mild air pressure to keep your airways from closing while you sleep. The machine is considered a medical device, which means you must have a physician’s prescription to purchase it, and it must have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval before it can be sold. If you are not sure if your device is FDA approved, be sure to ask the seller or manufacturer before you buy.
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    2. Consider your lifestyle.
    When choosing a CPAP machine, think about your lifestyle to know what features you’ll want or need. CPAP machines and masks offer a variety of options, including compact travel sizes, carrying cases, conversion to foreign currents (if you travel internationally), adjustments for different altitudes, an attached heated humidifier, ramping (which allows for a gradual increase in pressure) and DC (direct current) operations via a car or boat battery. CPAP machines even come in different colors. Talk to your doctor about which features will best fit your lifestyle.
  • cpap mask on table
    3. Try the mask on.
    Finding the right mask fit is another critical, and personal, step. There are a variety of mask types available, including a nasal mask, full-face mask and nasal pillow system, so you may want to try each to see which feels best. Some patients have issues with irritation, air leaks or discomfort, so be sure you use a company that allows you to try the device and make a change if needed. Keep in mind that the mask you choose may be manufactured by one company and the CPAP by another.
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    4. Rent before you buy.
    Typically, you can purchase a CPAP machine through a home health care company, also known as a durable medical equipment (DME) company, or over the internet. But before buying a machine, you may want to rent one first (on a rent-to-own plan, if possible) for several weeks to make sure it has all the features you need. It will also give you a chance to make sure the device is working as it should.
  • Health Insurance Benefits book close-up
    5. Consider insurance coverage.
    Before purchasing a CPAP machine, look into what your insurance company will cover. Some companies cover only certain types of devices, and may not reimburse for more sophisticated machines with higher costs. To get coverage for one of these devices, you may need a physician prescription or proof that standard CPAP treatment hasn’t been effective for you.
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    6. Consult your doctor.
    Several CPAP machines are capable of tracking certain aspects of your health, and your doctor may request that you use this type in order to gather specific data from your CPAP use. Some machines can monitor how often you use the CPAP, while others can also record your apneas (which may indicate a need for adjustment). Certain machines have to be taken in to the sleep center or home care company to gather this data. Others come with a data card that you simply mail or send in via telephone modem. Ask your doctor if he or she prefers that you use one of these data tracking CPAPs before purchasing another type.
CPAP for Sleep Apnea | Sleep Apnea Treatment
  1. Choosing a PAP Machine. American Sleep Apnea Association. https://www.sleepapnea.org/treat/cpap-therapy/choosing-a-pap-machine/
  2. CPAP 101: Expert Tips for Getting Started with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machines. National Sleep Foundation. https://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/cpap-101-expert-tips-getting-started-continuous-positive-airway-pressure-cpap
  3. Starting on CPAP. American Sleep Association. https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep-treatments/cpap-machines-masks/starting-on-cpap/
  4. CPAP Machines: Tips for Avoiding 10 Common Problems. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/in-depth/cpap/art-2004416
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Last Review Date: 2022 Sep 18
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.