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How to Buy a CPAP Machine

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Written by: Gabriela Alvarado

Sleeplay helps you achieve the best and deepest sleep during the night. If you suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, CPAP machines are the solution. Find here the top brands in the market like ResMed and Philips Respironics.

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Whether you are planning on going to an in-person retailer or buying a CPAP machine online, it’s always a good idea to get to know everything modern CPAP machines have to offer before committing to one.

Read ahead to learn everything you need to know before buying a brand-new CPAP machine.

Can I Buy a CPAP Machine Online?

You can purchase a CPAP machine online. There are various online retailers and platforms where you can find a wide selection of CPAP machines. 

One such option is Sleeplay, an online store that offers the convenience of buying CPAP machines on the internet. Sleeplay provides benefits such as free shipping for orders over $99 and a 30-Day Mask Trial Program, making the online purchasing process easier and more flexible. Explore your options and consider the benefits of online shopping for your CPAP machine needs.

Where Can I Buy a CPAP Machine?

If you want to buy your new CPAP machine from the best of the best and know that you are being offered the best options on the market, Sleeplay is the right option for you. We have the best selection of CPAP machines and supplies. 

We also offer warranties in all our machines, so you don’t have to worry about your CPAP equipment malfunctioning.

Sleeplay is a modern CPAP destination dedicated to connecting the next generation with experts and products, from CPAP machines and cleaners to masks and humidifiers, for the deepest, best sleep possible. 

Take a look at the different options of CPAP machines we have available, compare their features and buy the one that best suits your needs.

Can I Get a CPAP Machine without a Prescription?

You’ll need a prescription to buy a CPAP machine, as well as a sleep study to determine what’s the ideal pressure setting for you—and this is something only a qualified physician can do. Once you go to a sleep specialist for your sleep apnea issues, they can contact your primary healthcare providers directly to obtain, update and renew your CPAP prescriptions as needed.

Sleeplay’s home sleep test is an easy and convenient way to obtain your CPAP machine prescription and start your journey to a better quality of sleep.

How Do I Get a Prescription for a CPAP Machine?

Since a CPAP machine is a Class II medical device according to the FDA, your healthcare provider will need to conduct a sleep study to find out if you have sleep apnea.

After completing your in-patient sleep study or home sleep test, your healthcare provider will be able to determine if you need a CPAP machine or not. If you do need it, they will provide a prescription, as well as the air pressure levels you should be using to alleviate your sleep apnea. 

Depending on the cause and severity of your sleep apnea, your healthcare provider could also recommend the use of oral appliances or surgery.

How Can I Get a Sleep Apnea Diagnosis?

If you suspect that you may be experiencing sleep apnea, you should go to your primary healthcare provider. Your physician will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. Once they are done, they may give you a referral to a sleep specialist to conduct an inpatient or home sleep study to make the final diagnosis. You can take a home sleep test to help speed the diagnosis before your consultation.

Sleeplay’s home sleep study is a simple and easy test that takes 2 to 3 nights. The cost of the test is added to your order directly. Say goodbye to the traditional sleep lab test with our sleep study!

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How to Buy a CPAP Machine?

If you are experiencing sleep apnea, you may be wondering which CPAP machine is right for you. There are so many options available in the market that it can be a daunting task to choose a machine that’s going to adapt to your wants and needs. CPAP machines are a type of medical equipment that is meant to improve your health and quality of life, and as such, it’s important to know what to look for when selecting one.

These are the most important things you need to consider when buying a new CPAP machine:

The Type of CPAP Machine 

Traditional CPAP machines:

This is the most commonly prescribed positive airway pressure (PAP) machine. It delivers a constant airflow at a fixed pressure, which means that you will receive the same pressure throughout the whole night, regardless of whether you are breathing in or out. Traditional CPAP machines used to be the norm, but now they are a thing of the past, since they have been replaced by advanced technology of auto-adjusting CPAP machines that can adjust air pressure dynamically. 

BiPAP machines:

This type of CPAP machine helps you breathe more naturally while you use it because it has two pressure settings. There is a higher pressure that’s delivered during inhalation to prevent your upper airway from collapsing, and a lower pressure that’s delivered during exhalation, so you don’t have to overcome the high air pressure while breathing out. 
BiPAP machines are ideal for people who have additional chronic health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease. It is also used for the treatment of more complex sleep disorders, such as central sleep apnea.

APAP machines:

These machines monitor your breathing while you sleep and automatically set an appropriate air pressure for you at every moment. These machines are ideal for people who struggle to find the right pressure for their needs.

Travel CPAP machines:

These are small and compact devices that allow you to take your sleep therapy with you everywhere you go, especially when you are planning to travel. They don’t usually have all the same additional features as bigger CPAP machines, but they are just as effective in keeping your upper airway open while you sleep. Most travel CPAP machines are FAA-approved for flight, so they are perfect to carry on any aircraft.

Features

Ramp feature:

The ramp feature allows you to start the machine at a lower pressure setting, which is going to gradually increase as time passes to allow you to fall asleep easier and receive the appropriate airflow pressure when you are in deep sleep, which is when you need it the most.

AutoRamp:

This is a similar feature to the previous one, with the difference that it monitors when you have fallen asleep to start increasing the airflow pressure.

Exhalation relief:

This is the cornerstone feature of BiPAP machines, which monitor your breathing and can decrease air pressure when you exhale, allowing you to breathe more comfortably.

Humidification:

This is one of the most popular and essential features in a CPAP device, since it’s able to prevent the most common side effect of using these devices. Adding moisture to the pressurized air you receive through your CPAP device helps prevent your mouth, airway and nasal cavities from drying out during the night.

Air leak detection:

An air leak can decrease the air pressure your CPAP machine delivers and the efficiency of your sleep apnea treatment. Some CPAP machines can detect an air leak anywhere in the circuit and let you know through an alert, or adjust the air pressure automatically to meet your needs even with the leak.

FAA-Approved for flight:

You shouldn’t have issues carrying your CPAP machine on a plane, but if you want to use it in-flight, you should make sure your CPAP machine is FAA-approved. Some of these machines even have an automatic altitude adjustment feature to deliver optimal performance while on the air.

Brands

ResMed:

This company is a global leader in the development, manufacturing and distribution of medical devices for the treatment of sleep apnea and COPD. ResMed is committed to improving patient outcomes and quality of life. At Sleeplay, we hold a ResMed Certified Seller Certification.

Apex Medical:

 

This Taiwan-based medical device company specializes in manufacturing respiratory therapy products, especially CPAP machines, masks, and other accessories. This company is known for its focus on innovation and user-friendly designs. 

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare:

This company develops and manufactures respiratory care products and technologies. Their portfolio includes CPAP machines, humidifiers, masks, and other accessories. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare has a history of investing in research and development of new technology for the treatment of respiratory disorders in collaboration with important academic and medical institutions.

Philips Respironics:

This company is a subsidiary of the larger Philips healthcare brand, which focuses on the development and manufacturing of medical devices and technologies for a wide range of conditions. Philips Respironics is an influential company in the healthcare industry due to its long history of innovation and commitment to patient wellbeing.

Sleep8:

Although this isn’t a CPAP machine manufacturing company, it specializes in fabricating sanitizing and cleaning equipment for CPAP machines, as well as a wide range of accessories and replacement parts for your CPAP machine. This is a brand that should come to mind when it comes to the maintenance of your CPAP machine.
Sleeplay is a verified distributor of the biggest and most reputable CPAP machine brands in the market.

Cost

CPAP machines costs can fluctuate greatly from one brand to another, and even in different models of the same brand. These costs can also vary depending on the time of the year, since some of these machines tend to go on sale. You should strive to find a machine that includes all or most of the features that would suit your needs and fits your budget, and Sleeplay is just the place to do that.

At Sleeplay we offer a price match guarantee. If you see prices lower than ours on another website, we are able to match their offer. This doesn’t apply to promotions.

Mask Type

Nasal Pillow Masks:

These masks have two small and flexible pillows that fit in your nostrils. Nasal pillow masks are ideal for people who are looking for a lightweight CPAP mask, those who have facial hair, and even people who suffer from claustrophobia. 

Nasal Masks:

 

This type of CPAP masks creates a seal around your nose without obstructing your visual field. This is the most popular CPAP mask and it’s great for people who like to read, watch television or use the computer right before bed, and for people who move a lot during the night.

Full Face Masks:

These are similar to nasal masks, but they also create a tight seal around the mouth. Some find this type of mask more comfortable to wear over longer periods of time since the airflow is distributed in a larger surface area. They are ideal for people who breathe through their mouths.

At Sleeplay, we offer a 30 night risk-free mask exchange program for all CPAP masks so you are able to find the mask that suits you and your sleep the most. 

The Best CPAP Machines

Now that you know what to consider when purchasing a CPAP machine, you also need to know which are the best available options in the market, so you can choose the best CPAP machine for you.

ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet CPAP Machine

 

The ResMed AirSense 11 is one of the best options for anyone searching for an efficient device with the latest features. This device tracks your breathing patterns to adjust the air pressure and provides you with the best nighttime experience. 

This model includes a sleep onset detection feature which starts CPAP therapy at a lower air pressure and gradually increases it as you fall asleep. It also comes with a heated humidifier, and a removable water humidifier tub, which makes it easy to fill and clean. This device includes a responsive touchscreen to adjust its settings as needed.

This CPAP machine is a good fit for you if you are looking for the latest technology, a lightweight machine, and a system that provides the most comfort. 

ResMed AirSense 10 AutoSet with HumidAir

The ResMed AirSense 10 is a great first CPAP machine, since it includes features that make it easier to get used to CPAP therapy. Its SmartStart function automatically starts the CPAP Machine as soon as you put your CPAP mask on and breathe into it, and it stops automatically a few seconds after you take the mask off. This model also provides you with a complete summary of your sleep therapy session to track your progress.

This machine is equipped with an institute LCD screen with a built-in ambient light sensor that adjusts to your room’s brightness. This prevents the screen light from disturbing your sleep or hurting your eyes when using it in the dark.

The HumidAir and ClimateLineAir technologies maintain optimal temperature and humidity levels while you are wearing your mask to ensure a highly comfortable CPAP experience. It also features the same AutoSet technology as the aforementioned model to automatically adjust air pressure.

If your priorities are ease of use, convenience and tracking your progress, this can be the CPAP machine for you. 

3B Medical Luna II CPAP Machine

 

The Luna II Auto CPAP System is an auto-adjusting CPAP machine that continuously monitors your breathing and automatically adjusts the air pressure according to your needs. This device comes with a built-in heated humidifier to prevent dry mouth.

Like the previous model, it automatically starts when you breathe in and stops when you remove the mask, so you don’t need to reset it after every use. This is a quiet machine that allows you to have a peaceful sleep session, and it also comes with an air leak detection feature, to ensure you are receiving the full potential of the machine in every session.

This is the ideal CPAP machine for those who want a CPAP machine with a modern design, advanced features and an intuitive interface at an affordable price point. 

DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Machine Advanced with Humidifier

 

The DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP Advanced is a lightweight CPAP device manufactured by Philips Respironics that's extremely easy to set up and use. It’s great for people who don’t want to spend time figuring out how to use the device and just want to start using it as soon as possible.

This CPAP machine has the Ramp Plus feature that allows you to set a starting air pressure that you feel comfortable with, and it slowly increases the air pressure as you fall asleep. It also includes a built-in humidifier and heated tubing to help maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity during CPAP therapy.

This model also includes the Philips Care Orchestrator, a feature that provides daily feedback and insights about your CPAP therapy and the quality of your sleep.

If a small and lightweight CPAP machine with a convenient and user-friendly design that’s also equipped with the latest technology is what you are looking for, this is the CPAP machine for you. 

What Is a CPAP Machine?

A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Machine is a medical device commonly used to treat obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is one of the most common sleep disorders worldwide and which can lead to serious health conditions if left untreated. 

People suffering from sleep apnea stop and start breathing again several times during the night because their upper airway tends to collapse. CPAP therapy delivers a continuous flow of pressurized air through a CPAP mask, preventing the collapse of the soft tissues in the throat. This prevents apnea episodes throughout the night and reduces snoring.

There are several types of CPAP machines, such as standard CPAP machines, auto CPAP machines (also called APAP machines or auto-adjusting CPAP machines), and Bi-Level positive airway pressure machines, also called BiPAP machines. The type of CPAP equipment that’s right for you is going to depend on your preferences and needs. You can even buy a travel CPAP machine if you’re always on the move and need to take your CPAP device with you.

Gabriela Alvarado

Medically reviewed: Gabriela Alvarado

Medical Doctor from the Central University of Venezuela. She holds certifications in Public Health Practice from institutions such as Johns Hopkins University (USA) and Imperial College London (UK).

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