2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST SLEEP APNEA MACHINE OPTIONS
What Is Sleep Apnea and Who Needs a CPAP for Sleep Apnea?
People who use sleep apnea machines have a condition called sleep apnea, which generally refers to a disorder where you have pauses in your breathing or shallow breathing during sleep.
The breaks a person with sleep apnea experiences can range from a few seconds to minutes, and they may happen 30 times or more during an hour.
This chronic condition can cause people to have trouble moving into a deep sleep or staying there, and that makes them more tired during the day, leading to fatigue. It’s often someone’s partner or spouse who first notices the condition, and it’s important that it’s diagnosed and treated.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best Sleep Apnea Machines
Sleep apnea machines and sleep apnea devices are necessary to prevent the risks that can come with sleep apnea.
Some of the risks that can occur when you don’t use a CPAP for sleep apnea include an increased risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes. It can also lead to or worsen heart failure, and it can make irregular heartbeats more likely to occur.
Without one of the best sleep apnea machines, people with this disorder also have an increased risk of having accidents when they’re driving or at work. Along with a sleep apnea machine, other treatments include changes in your daily life, mouthpieces, and in some cases, surgery.
See Also: Top Cancer Hospitals in the U.S. | 2017 Ranking | Best Hospitals for Cancer Treatment
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Sleep Apnea Machine Options
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the sleep apnea machine names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that sleep apnea machine):
- AirSense 10 AutoSet
- AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ for Her
- Phillips DreamStation
- IntelliPAP Standard Plus with SmartFlex®
- PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto with Bluetooth
- S9 Escape™
Top 6 Best Sleep Apnea Machines | Brief Comparison
Sleep Apnea Devices | Price | Key Features |
AirSense 10 AutoSet | $880.00 | Integrated humidifier and cellular connectivity |
AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ for Her | $883.00 | Gender-specific algorithm |
Phillips DreamStation | $639.00 | Bluetooth Connectivity and SmartRamp feature |
IntelliPAP Standard Plus with SmartFlex® | $395.00 | Advanced therapy reporting and SmartFlex technology |
PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto with Bluetooth | $549.00 | Auto-adjusting on a breath-by-breath basis |
S9 Escape™ | $375.00 | Expiratory pressure relief (EPR) |
How Should You Choose the Best Sleep Apnea Machine?
When someone has sleep apnea, a sleep apnea machine is one of the best treatment options. Also called a CPAP or PAP machine, these sleep apnea devices are designed to provide positive airway pressure.
A tube connects the machine to a mask or a facial device that’s worn over the nose and in some cases the mouth of the person using the machine.
A machine for sleep apnea works by pushing air through a passage at a high pressure that prevents the apnea.
Image Source: Pexel
In order for a new sleep machine to hit the market, it must have FDA approval because it’s a medical supply. People are also required to have a prescription to get a sleep apnea machine.
When choosing sleep apnea devices or purchasing a new sleep apnea machine, consider the following:
- Speak with your insurance company; in most cases, the sleep apnea machine cost will be covered.You will usually purchase them through a durable medical equipment company, or you might buy one online.Some insurance companies will only cover the cost of certain sleep apnea machines.
- Think about renting a sleep apnea machine for a few weeks before committing to buying one.
- Some of the key features you might consider include the ability to adjust for different altitudes, ramping, a heated humidifier that’s attached, and DC operations, which will make the machine usable in cars or boats.
Something else to consider when choosing the best sleep apnea machine or CPAP for sleep apnea is whether or not it records your apnea data. This may be something your doctor wants to download to study your condition and how much sleep you’re getting.
Don’t Miss: Top U.S. News Best Hospitals | Ranking | U.S. News & World Report Hospitals
All-in-One Change Management Tools
Top Rated Toolkit for Change Managers.
Get Your Change Management Tool Today...
AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Sleep Apnea Machines
Below, please find the detailed review of each of the best sleep apnea machine models. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed each CPAP for sleep apnea to score so well in our selection ranking.
AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ Review
The AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ is an auto-adjusted pressure device from the ResMed Company that includes advanced features like an integrated humidifier and cellular connectivity.
Image Source: Resmed
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Sleep Apnea Machine
Specs and features of the AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ that led to its ranking on this list of the best sleep apnea machines and sleep apnea devices are highlighted below.
Connectivity
This unique and technologically advanced best sleep apnea machine includes cellular connectivity. With this CPAP for sleep apnea, users can get access to their therapy data and also tap into remote access for their device settings. This is ideal for doctors who want to be able to download data of their patients quickly and easily.
Auto Set Algorithm
This leader among sleep apnea machines for sale includes something called the AutoSet Algorithm, marketed as one of the most “clinically published,” in the area of sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing. This machine provides automatic adjustment to the therapy pressure of the user as their needs change. This can include hourly, nightly, and seasonally.
The result is the simplified provision of the ideal lowest therapy pressure for the patient at all times.
Other Features
Some of the other key features of this best sleep apnea machine and CPAP for sleep apnea include:
- Advanced event detection
- AutoRamp with sleep onset detection
- Quiet Easy-Breathe Motor
- SmartStart which allows for therapy to start when the patient breathes in
- Pulse oximetry monitoring
- Integrated Humidification
- User-friendly controls
- Built-in ambient light sensor
Related: Best Medical Centers in the U.S. | Ranking & Reviews | Hospital Medical Center Reviews
AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ for Her Review
The AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ for Her has many of the same features people find valuable in the AirSense 10 AutoSet, as well as some unique elements.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best CPAP For Sleep Apnea
Specific features of the AirSense™ 10 AutoSet™ for Her that make it a standout among sleep apnea devices are detailed below.
Gender-Specific Algorithm
One of the most unique features of this sleep apnea breathing machine is the gender-specific algorithm it uses. It increases sensitivity to flow limitation and optimizes response to these events. Every time there is a response to flow-limited breath, the algorithm provides specific, comfortable therapy just for women.
SmartStart
With the SmartStart feature, users of this best sleep apnea machine can enjoy therapy that starts when they breathe in, rather than requiring them to push a Start button. There’s also an AutoSet Response comfort setting that provides gentler pressure increases for a better night’s sleep, which is ideal for people who need a sleep apnea machine that handles high-pressure intolerance.
AirView
AirView is a feature of this sleep apnea breathing machine that healthcare providers find useful. With AirView, care providers can access the nightly therapy data for their patients and troubleshoot remotely using an innovative remote assist feature. Care providers can also change the device settings remotely.
Other features include advanced event detection, a quiet Easy-Breathe motor, and a built-in ambient light sensor.
Phillips DreamStation Review
The Phillips DreamStation is a portable sleep apnea machine that’s designed to provide sleep therapy that’s comfortable and simple, as well as efficient and effective.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of 2017’s Best Sleep Apnea Devices
Below are specific features of the Phillips DreamStation that make it a top small sleep apnea machine.
Design
One of the many standout features of this CPAP for sleep apnea is that it offers an excellent design. It’s sleek and low-profile, but it still packs in the features people need when they’re choosing a new sleep apnea machine. This small sleep apnea machine is lightweight, making it easy to travel with.
It’s also utilitarian with user-friendly menus, a front-facing display that can be operated lying down or standing up, and a humidifier that’s one piece and easy to clean. It comes in several configurations, including the DreamStationCPAP, DreamStationCPAP Pro, and the DreamStationAutoCpap.
Image Source: Philips
Data
With this portable sleep apnea machine, data can be downloaded from the included SD card, but it can also be viewed via Bluetooth with the DreamMapper App.
This sleep apnea machine is also auto-adjusting, so the pressure automatically adjusts based on each breath the person takes for the optimal amount of pressure.
It also features OptiStart technology.
SmartRamp
The SmartRamp feature included with this best sleep apnea machine is different from a traditional ramp, which would increase pressure continuously over a given period of time. With the SmartRamp option, this new sleep apnea machine monitors the user and only increases pressure if there is an event requiring it.
If someone would rather use the traditional ramp feature, that’s an option with this small sleep apnea machine as well.
Other features include a Mask Fit Check to ensure there are no leaks in the mask, and every 30 days, this portable sleep apnea machine lets the user know they need to change the filters.
IntelliPAP Standard Plus with SmartFlex® Review
This fixed pressure CPAP features a SmartFlex expiratory relief comfort feature, and the IntelliPAP Standard Plus with SmartFlex® is designed specifically to treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a Best Sleep Apnea Machine
Distinctive features of IntelliPAP Standard Plus with SmartFlex® leading to its inclusion as a best machine for sleep apnea are detailed below.
Design
The design of this small sleep apnea machine is ergonomic, and it’s easy to travel with. It also has an optional heated humidifier that can be connected, and it includes a spare filter pack, carrying case, instruction guide, and educational DVD.
Something else that should be noted about this sleep apnea machine’s cost is that it’s one of the lowest-priced sleep apnea machines on this ranking.
SmartFlex Technology
This sleep apnea breathing machine features something called SmartFlex technology. This is an exhalation relief function delivering three levels of customizable pressure reduction. It also includes six rounding options to help users enjoy similarly customized levels of transition between inhalation and exhalation.
This technology lowers exhalation pressure by 1cmH20 per level, which helps users breathe more easily against therapy pressure.
Overall, the SmartFlex feature of this sleep apnea breathing machine makes pressure comfort seamless.
SmartCode
Another unique feature available with this CPAP for sleep apnea is something called SmartCode. With SmartCode, users of this leader among sleep apnea machines for sale can review their sleep performance without software, as can their care provider.
Beginning the first day after the initial treatment, the machine displays SmartCode messages on the screen of the machine.
The messages are an encrypted code that is used to access sleep therapy results, and compliance is confirmed with an Adherence Score. Adherence is based on the best thirty consecutive days of use.
Popular Article: Best Hospitals in the U.S. | Ranking | Major, Popular, Largest Hospitals in America
PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto with Bluetooth Review
Manufactured by Phillips Respironics, the PR System One REMStar 60 Series Auto with Bluetooth is an auto-adjusting machine for sleep apnea.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a 2017 Best CPAP For Sleep Apnea
Top features of this leader among sleep apnea machines for sale are highlighted below.
Auto-Adjusting Pressure
With this new sleep apnea machine, one of the leading features is the auto-adjusting pressure with Opti-Start. This machine for sleep apnea will adjust pressure automatically throughout the night, offering the minimum amount of pressure required for an open airway.
With the Opti-Start technology, the average pressure a person needs is monitored, and therapy begins at that pressure. This feature starts after 30 recorded hours with the feature turned on.
Heated Tube Humidifier
For a relatively moderate sleep apnea machine cost, this option includes a lot of advanced features, one of which is the heated tube humidifier. Attaching to the machine for an integrated system without requiring a separate power supply or hose, the heated tube offers three humidity levels. It also offers five levels of heated tube temperature.
The 60 Series sleep apnea breathing machine also includes the System One Dry Box technology, which reduces the likelihood of water entering the machine through the connection for the humidifier.
Bluetooth Functionality
With this advanced new sleep apnea machine, users enjoy Bluetooth connectivity and functionality. This best sleep apnea machine lets users take advantage of the free SleepMapper App, available for iOS and Android. They can then connect their sleep apnea machine to their smartphone or tablet.
Once connected, this CPAP for sleep apnea sends data and information to the smartphone. Data collected and sent includes AHI, therapy hours, and mask fit, among other information.
S9 EscapeTM Review
From the ResMed company, the S9 EscapeTM is one of the top sleep apnea devices designed especially for long-term use.
Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as a 2017 Top Sleep Apnea Machines
Features of the S9 EscapeTM that led to its inclusion on this ranking of the top sleep apnea devices and sleep apnea machines for sale are below.
User-Friendly
This small sleep apnea machine is designed to be highly functional, but also to be efficient and user-friendly. It’s a portable sleep apnea machine that provides something that closely replicates a natural breathing experience, and the LCD display is intuitive and easy to use. This is an EPR machine, or expiratory pressure relief, meaning it’s an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
When the user exhales, the device will automatically detect it and reduce the motor speed, dropping the pressure. There are also three comfort levels the user can choose from to determine how much the pressure will drop.
Climate-Line Heated Tube
The Climate-Line heated tube is another feature available with this sleep apnea machine for sale. With that feature, this machine for sleep apnea provides a sensitive heating circuit, controlled automatically by an Advanced Climate Control algorithm. This keeps a constant, comfortable temperature at the mask.
This feature is located at the end of the tube, and a sensor monitors the temperature of air leaving the tube.
Core Features
Other essential features of this portable sleep apnea machine ranked as one of the best sleep apnea machines include:
- Extremely quiet operation
- Automatic altitude adjustment
- Ramp OFF-45 mins.
- Recurring patient reminders
- Automatic leak compensation
- LCD menu navigation
- 12V DC input
- International AC input
Read More: Best Hospitals in the World | Ranking | World’s Largest Hospitals
Conclusion — Top 6 Best Sleep Apnea Devices
This ranking of the best sleep apnea devices and sleep apnea machines is an important one for many people to consider. Sleep apnea is an increasingly common disorder, and it can have serious consequences for the people who suffer from it.
To combat the potential complications that can result from sleep apnea, it’s important to use a CPAP for sleep apnea, or another type of sleep apnea machine.
The above ranking of the leading sleep apnea machines for sale offers products that vary in the features and functionality, but they have some similarities as well. Each of these has a relatively moderate sleep apnea machine cost, and these sleep apnea machines also feature advanced technology, such as Bluetooth connectivity, which is good for users and their medical care providers.
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer:
Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info.
Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.