CPAP Machine

A CPAP machine, or in long form known as a continuous positive air pressure machine, are valuable for one simple reason – they help you sleep! Oh, sweet sleep, that thing we’re engaged in hopefully at least 8 hours per day, is one of the best things you can do for your body. Many of us neglect sleep, your humble scribe at times being one, but a good night’s sleep does wonders for your body and mind the following day.

Sleep apnea is a condition that causes temporary loss of breath during sleeping hours. It is a medical condition and one that affects a countless number of people every year. The CPAP machine draws in outside air via an internal fan, humidifies and pressurizes it, and then via a connective hose delivers said air to the sleeper who wears a face mask to safely breath in. We know what you’re thinking? This situation does not lend itself to romantic moments. Indeed, it doesn’t, if romance is on the agenda engage in said activity pre-machine hook up. Just some friendly advice …

A good CPAP machine can pressurize air between 4 and 20 cmH2O in 1 or 0.5 increments. But be forewarned, one cannot just go out and purchase a CPAP machine. A physician’s prescription is necessary as are the breathing masks and humidifier components. Once you’ve determined the machine is necessary and the prescription has been secured, the next step is pricing. Most CPAP machines will run in the $200 range and some can ascend up to $800. The general size is also important because if you travel frequently for work for example, guess what you’ll need to lug along with you … a CPAP machine.

Now on to some reviews of the more popular CPAP machines on the market today.

DreamStation CPAP Machine

Manufactured from Philips Respironics, the DreamStation is chalk full of high-tech features. One such technology is the C-Flex Technology that reduces the pressure during exhalation so breathing becomes more comfortable. The machine is Bluetooth compatible and can connect to something really cool called a DreamMapper, a wireless app that tracks sleeping data. 

Apex XT Fit

Remember when we mentioned the travel issue? That is effectively solved with the Apex XT Fit. A light, compact and very quiet machine, the Apex is ideal for folks on the go. The machine features a backlit interface that will display sleep-tracking data and at a very affordable price point the Apex also comes available with a 2-year warranty.

ResMed AirSense 10 Elite

Yes, the previously mentioned DreamStation is a tech monster. But the ResMed is a tech monster on steroids. Likely the most advanced CPAP machine on the market (from a tech standpoint), the ResMed features an awesome “auto-ramp” mode that starts to pressurize the air as soon as the machine senses that the owner is fast asleep. A choice between eight distinct humidification levels, the ResMed also has a mask fit sensor that will notify the user if it is applied wrong which helps to prevent air leaks. 

There you have it ladies and gentlemen, you can’t blame bad sleep on lack of options.