5 Things to Look for in a CPAP Machine

You keep waking yourself up with your own snoring. That, and the sudden inability to breathe. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines are the most common treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). They push air into your breathing passages so you can avoid those rude awakenings—and avoid waking anyone else in the room with you.

There’s a wide range of machines to choose from, though. When you have the prescription in hand (yes, you need a prescription to purchase a CPAP machine), the type of machine you end up with is only limited by your budget and what your lifestyle requires.

It’s good to remember from the beginning that using a CPAP machine is a lifestyle change. It only helps if using the machine becomes a habit that you stick with every night. As with any new routine, you want to set yourself up for success from day one by ensuring that you have the right equipment for your needs. To give you a firm foundation, here are five things to look for in a CPAP machine.

Portability

Maybe you’re a homebody who sleeps in the exact same place and position every night. Maybe you travel constantly for business (or pleasure!), so you’re never entirely sure where you’ll be sleeping. Even if you only travel to visit your parents’ or in-laws’ house twice a year for holidays, the portability of your CPAP machine may be a factor in your choice. How big is it? How easy is it to move? Does it all packaged neatly into one small bag?

Noise Level

At its core, a CPAP machine is… well, it’s a machine. Motors make some noise. For many people, noise can make it difficult to sleep. (Though some people really love the white noise effect.) The droning of the machine is less of a problem with new models as manufacturers try to make them whisper instead of shout. But if you or your partner is a finicky sleeper, you’ll want to consider the decibel level of the CPAP machine before you make a purchase.

Humidifier

Dry air can cause sinus problems, nosebleeds, and respiratory issues. Some people are more susceptible to these effects than others, of course. If you find yourself turning on a humidifier in the bedroom on a regular basis, look for a CPAP machine with a humidifier option to avoid any of those dry air complications. Not all CPAP machines come with humidifiers, though many have it built-in or can include it as an add-on.

Data Recording

Generally, you need to take a sleep test before the doctor will hand over the prescription for a CPAP machine. If that’s just not enough data for you, or if you want to monitor your improvements over time, you’ll be interested to hear that many CPAP machines have a data recording option. The amount of data they collect varies, too. Some can only tell you how many hours the machine was running, while others can break down your REM cycle in great detail. Which is pretty neat.

Ramp Feature

Having air blown into your airways is very good for breathing well through the night to deal with sleep apnea symptoms. But having air blown into your airways might not be great for helping you fall asleep in the first place. Especially if you aren’t used to it or if you require a high-pressure setting for the machine. A ramp feature starts the air pressure at a lower setting than prescribed by your doctor, and it slowly increases the pressure to the desired setting as you sleep. Clever!

Conclusion

A CPAP machine can work wonders for alleviating sleep apnea symptoms, but only if it’s used regularly as prescribed by your doctor. That means you want to be sure you choose a machine that fits your lifestyle and suits your individual needs. There are a lot of CPAP machines to choose from, but considering these five things can help you pick a model that works for you.