The best CPAP machine for 2025, according to medical professionals
Worried about looking and sounding like Darth Vader while using a CPAP machine? Fear not — CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) technology — has come a long way since its inception in the early 1980s. Today's best CPAP machines are much quieter, more comfortable and far less intrusive than you might imagine.
"I have tons of patients who tried CPAP five or 10 years ago and failed, but they come back now and do well with it because technology has improved," says Atul Malhotra, MD, pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine specialist and professor of medicine at UC San Diego Health.
If you notice signs of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring, restless sleep or feeling tired all the time, it's time to see a doctor. Sleeping well is not only crucial for your mental and physical health, but untreated sleep apnea is linked to serious health issues, including diabetes, stroke and heart problems. Yet the latest numbers show only 1 in 5 Americans with sleep apnea knows they have it. Among the 30 million affected by the condition, just 6 million have been diagnosed, according to 2022 data from the American Medical Association.
"The only way to diagnose sleep apnea is through a sleep study, which can be done either at home or overnight in a sleep center," says Sam A. Kashani, MD, board-certified sleep medicine assistant clinical professor at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Once you're diagnosed, your doctor will discuss sleep apnea treatment options, including possible weight loss or positional therapy, in which a special device helps you snooze on your side. However, the gold standard of sleep apnea treatment remains CPAP. "Any sleep apnea, whether the mildest or the most severe, can be treated with a CPAP," says Kashani.
Your doctor will prescribe your CPAP machine with specific settings, especially the crucial pressure level, explains Ronald Chervin, MD, professor of neurology, chief of the division of sleep medicine and director at Sleep Disorders Centers at the University of Michigan.
Once your doctor selects the ideal type of machine for your needs, you can go ahead and get your equipment from a medical supplier. "The company who provides the CPAP usually will give you an orientation on how to use it and show you the different options to help you find the most appropriate and most comfortable facepiece," says Kashani.
It's essential to be well-informed about your options to advocate for yourself and ensure you get the ideal equipment available, especially when navigating insurance matters. With that in mind, here's a look at some of the best CPAP machines on the market today.
Your doctor can help determine which type of sleep therapy device best suits your needs and condition. The main options include:
CPAP machines: These are continuous positive airway pressure machines. Standard CPAP machines release air at a fixed pressure while you sleep.
Automatic CPAP (APAP): APAP machines deliver auto-adjusting positive airway pressure therapy. The machines use algorithms to adjust pressure to your needs as you sleep. "The advantage is that it may allow you to spend more of the night at a lower pressure than you would otherwise," says Chervin.
Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP): BiPaP machines are PAP devices that deliver two different air pressure levels: one for inhaling and one for exhaling. "A BiPAP treats obstructive sleep apnea, plus, if you have issues or difficulty with ventilation, it can help with that," says Chervin. He adds that BiPAP machines may offer more comfort for patients who require very high levels of pressure.
Travel CPAP machines: Travel CPAP machines are small, portable and usually not covered by insurance. Beyond size, "the biggest difference might be in the humidification system," says Chervin. "They don't have a humidifier chamber." Instead, travel CPAP machines often use filters for waterless humidification, which can be drying.
To find the best CPAP machine for you, consider the following:
Sleep apnea severity: "For moderate or severe cases of sleep apnea, treatment is indicated," says Husain. "Your physician will consider options like a dental appliance, nasal sprays or a CPAP machine. Surgery is an option, but typically only after more conservative options have failed, particularly attempts with an oral appliance or CPAP."
Travel needs: Insurance often doesn't cover a travel CPAP machine, but if you're a frequent traveler, a smaller, lightweight machine is something to consider. While standard machines can be used for travel, they're more cumbersome. "Remember, CPAP machines are considered necessary medical equipment. In the US, they don't count toward your two-bag carry-on allowance. They're permitted as an additional medical device," says Husain.
Mask selection: The options include nasal CPAP masks, which fit over the nose in a triangular or oval shape, and nasal pillow masks, which sit below the nose using silicone "pillows" to create a seal. Finding the right CPAP mask is highly personal and often requires trial and error. "You may have to try them all before you know what you like," says Malhotra. "There's no way to know by looking at a mask whether you'll like a nasal pillow or nasal mask any more than you can decide chocolate or vanilla before you've tried it." However, Husain notes that mouth breathers will need a full face mask.
Sound levels: While today's best CPAP machines are relatively quiet, "sometimes the noise, either of a poor fit or the machine itself, can bother your bed partner," says Husain. "Of course, the sound of the machine is much more appealing than the intermittent sound of loud snoring."
Humidity control: A CPAP machine's airflow can dry out your nasal passages and airway, making proper humidification essential for comfort. While individual humidity needs vary, a humidifier's water capacity is crucial for users who need higher moisture levels. Most travel machines use filters rather than water chambers for humidification, which can affect moisture delivery.
Comfort features: Most machines offer pressure adjustments to help you sleep better. The ramp feature starts with lower pressure and gradually increases to your prescribed level, making it easier to fall asleep. And EPR reduces pressure during exhales, creating a more natural breathing pattern.
Cost and coverage: While insurance coverage varies by plan, understanding available machines and features will help you advocate for the best option for you. Standard CPAP machines are typically covered by insurance, but travel models usually require out-of-pocket payment, although you may be able to use your FSA or HSA to cover the cost. Given their price, budget becomes especially important if you're paying out of pocket.
We talked with four leading sleep experts about what makes an effective CPAP. Their expertise helped us find machines that work well for various situations, ensuring our picks were top-notch all around.
We only focused on trusted brands with solid reputations and paid particular attention to past recalls and quality concerns. You can rest assured; the machines we chose all show a proven track record in both safety and performance.
When comparing CPAP machines, we evaluated features that matter most: ramp and AutoRamp settings, exhalation relief, humidifier types, app compatibility, wireless connectivity, power supply options, size and mask compatibility. Each feature was considered for its role in enhancing user comfort and convenience.
Finally, to understand real-world experiences, we reviewed customer ratings and feedback from multiple platforms, including CPAP seller websites, YouTube, Reddit and Trustpilot. This helped us learn what works well and what doesn't for actual CPAP users.
Selecting a suitable CPAP mask is a matter of personal preference. "It's really based on your breathing habits and what your comfort level is with the various types of CPAP masks," says Husain. Your doctor can help you determine which type of mask is most appropriate for your condition, but in the end, it's your choice.
First and foremost, always follow your CPAP manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance instructions. Simple soap and water is typically all you need to clean your CPAP effectively. Be cautious with third-party cleaning devices. They may void your warranty and they've been linked to machine damage, safety issues and recalls.
For humidifiers, Malhotra emphasizes proper water management: "Don't let water sit stagnant. Things can grow in it. Tap it out and keep it dry, then refill when you're ready to use it again."
Common CPAP challenges include nasal dryness, congestion, digestive issues from swallowing air (like bloating and gas) and eye irritation from mask leaks. Some CPAP users, especially military veterans, may also feel claustrophobic. "They may have very negative connotations with them," says Husain. CPAP masks may also leave temporary marks on your face, which some may feel self-conscious about.
Depending on your condition's severity and specific circumstances, you may choose to explore alternative treatment options for sleep apnea, such as:
Surgery
Weight loss
Oral appliances, such as mandibular advancement devices
Positional therapy devices, like the Zzoma
Notice signs of sleep apnea? Talk to your doctor. They'll help figure out what's going on and whether a CPAP might help you sleep better.
Everyone's sleep needs are different, so the best CPAP for you might not be the best for someone else. Work with your care team to find your perfect match. Understanding your options and features helps you make smart choices together — and can help when advocating for insurance coverage.
Ronald Chervin, MD, professor of neurology, chief of the division of sleep medicine and director at Sleep Disorders Centers at the University of Michigan
Aatif M. Husain, MD, MBA, professor in the Department of Neurology and chief of division of Epilepsy, Sleep and Clinical Neurophysiology at Duke University
Sam A. Kashani, MD, board certified sleep medicine assistant clinical professor at David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and president-elect at California Sleep Society
Atul Malhotra, MD, pulmonary critical care and sleep medicine specialist and professor of medicine at UC San Diego Health
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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