Best CPAP Machine
Your Guide to Choosing the Best CPAP Machine: What to Consider Before You Buy
When you’re starting out with CPAP therapy, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right CPAP machine for your needs. With so many models on the market — from auto-adjusting to fixed-pressure devices, from compact travel options to full-featured home systems — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Sove CPAP Clinic, we believe that informed patients make confident choices, and we’re here to help you navigate the options with clarity and clinical support.
On this page, we’ll walk you through the core differences between CPAP machine types, who they’re best suited for, and what to consider when choosing one. Whether you’re new to therapy, upgrading an older model, or looking for a portable option to suit your lifestyle, you’ll find answers here — as well as reassurance that you’re not alone in the process.
Your Ideal Choice Depends on Your Sleep Habits, Diagnosis, and Personal Comfort
There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all CPAP machine. The best device for you will depend on several factors, including your sleep study results, your comfort preferences, and how consistent your pressure needs are from night to night.
Some people may require a fixed pressure level throughout the night — based on the results of a formal sleep study — while others may benefit from a machine that adjusts pressure automatically as their sleep stage or body position changes. Lifestyle factors, such as how often you travel or whether you share a bed with a partner, can also influence your choice.
That’s why we always recommend seeking advice from a CPAP consultant or sleep health professional before purchasing. Sove’s clinical team offers individualised recommendations that take both your medical needs and comfort into account — helping you choose a machine that works with your life, not against it.
Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle+ Plus Auto CPAP Machine and Mask Pac...
Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine with Humidifier
Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machines Adapt to Your Changing Needs
Auto-adjusting CPAP machines, also known as APAPs (Automatic Positive Airway Pressure), are designed to provide a flexible, responsive therapy experience. These machines use built-in sensors to detect changes in your breathing throughout the night — such as apneas, hypopneas, or snoring — and automatically adjust the pressure to keep your airway open.
This can be particularly beneficial if:
- Your pressure needs vary across sleep stages or positions
- You’re newly diagnosed and haven’t yet had a titration sleep study
- You prefer a more comfortable, dynamic therapy experience
- You want a “set-and-forget” device that adapts without manual adjustments
Many patients find APAP devices more comfortable to use over the long term, especially in the early weeks of therapy when they’re still adjusting. ResMed’s AirSense 11 AutoSet is a popular choice in this category, offering whisper-quiet performance, built-in humidification, and smart monitoring through the myAir app.
Fixed-Pressure CPAP Machines Are Ideal for Consistent Therapy Needs
Fixed-pressure machines, as the name suggests, deliver the same prescribed pressure level every night — regardless of changes in your breathing. These devices are typically used when a specific therapeutic pressure has been determined through a sleep study (usually a titration study or auto-adjusting trial period).
These machines may be best suited for:
- Patients with a well-established, stable pressure prescription
- Individuals who respond well to consistent airflow
- Those who prefer a simpler interface or machine without dynamic pressure adjustments
Fixed-pressure devices like the ResMed AirSense 10 Elite offer excellent reliability, quiet operation, and data tracking. And while they don’t adjust automatically, many include comfort features like ramp-up pressure and climate control for a more seamless user experience.
Independent Advice Matters: Let Our Clinical Team Guide You
Choosing your first (or next) CPAP machine can feel like a significant decision — and it should be guided by more than just price or features. Our CPAP Consultants and Respiratory and Sleep Physicians are trained to look at the whole picture: your medical history, your lifestyle, your previous experience with therapy (if any), and your personal comfort needs.
We offer:
- Telehealth consultations for remote patients
- In-clinic assessments and mask fittings
- Home sleep study coordination with bulk-billed options (with GP referral)
- Rental programs to help you trial different models before buying
Our goal is to make sure your therapy is not only effective but sustainable — and that starts with choosing the machine that’s right for you.
When considering whether a sleep study is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply.
Travel-Friendly Machines for Life on the Go
For patients who travel frequently — whether for work, leisure, or lifestyle — portability is a key consideration. Fortunately, today’s travel CPAP machines are more compact and powerful than ever.
The ResMed AirMini, available at Sove, is a top choice for travel. It weighs just 300 grams, includes waterless humidification (HumidX), and supports full-featured therapy in a palm-sized package. It also connects to the AirMini app for data tracking and remote adjustments.
Many users keep the AirMini as a secondary machine for travel, but for some, it’s also suitable as a full-time device — particularly in smaller living spaces or for those seeking a minimalist setup.
Quiet Therapy Starts with the Right Support
A well-chosen CPAP machine can dramatically improve your quality of life — but it works best when paired with expert guidance and aftercare. That’s why Sove CPAP Clinic offers more than just a wide range of devices. We’re your long-term partner in sleep health.
From personalised machine recommendations to ongoing equipment support, we’ll help you get the most from your therapy, no matter where you are on your journey.
If you’re unsure which machine is best for your needs, get in touch with our clinical team today. We’re ready to help — in person, online, or by phone — and always happy to walk you through your options.
Choosing the Best CPAP Machines FAQs
Are ResMed CPAP machines a good choice for first-time users?
Yes — ResMed is widely regarded as one of the most trusted and patient-friendly CPAP brands, particularly for people who are starting therapy for the first time. Devices like the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet, available at Sove CPAP Clinic, are designed with ease of use in mind. They feature a simple touchscreen interface, automatic start/stop functions, and an intuitive “ramp” setting that starts at a lower pressure to help you fall asleep more comfortably.
What makes ResMed especially helpful for beginners is its integration with the myAir app, which tracks your nightly usage and offers personalised tips, reminders, and encouragement to help you stay on track. ResMed machines also include built-in humidification and are engineered for whisper-quiet operation — making them less disruptive for you and your partner.
If you’re looking for a machine that’s both clinically effective and easy to adapt to, ResMed is a strong, reliable choice — and our consultants at Sove can help you get set up either in person or via telehealth.
What if I already own a CPAP machine but want to upgrade?
Upgrading your CPAP machine is very common, especially if your current device is more than five years old, showing signs of wear, or missing features that could improve your therapy experience. Over time, your therapy needs may also change — for example, your pressure requirements could shift, or you might benefit from newer technology like automatic pressure adjustment or wireless data tracking.
Sove offers upgrade consultations where we can assess your current machine’s performance, review your therapy data (if available), and explore newer models that could better suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for quieter performance, a more compact design, or advanced comfort features, we stock a wide range of the latest TGA-approved machines, including the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet, AirSense 10 Elite, and AirMini.
Is there a way to test which CPAP machine is most comfortable for me?
Absolutely. One of the best ways to ensure long-term success with CPAP therapy is to test both the machine and mask in your own sleep environment before committing. We also offer flexible rental and trial programs that let you try a variety of machine types — including auto-adjusting, fixed-pressure, and travel CPAPs — alongside different mask styles (nasal, full-face, and nasal pillows).
Are there portable CPAP machines to meet my on-the-go needs?
Yes, for frequent travellers or people who prefer a more compact setup, there are several excellent portable CPAP options. One of the most popular is the ResMed AirMini, available through Sove CPAP Clinic. Despite its small size, the AirMini offers high-quality therapy and supports several ResMed masks with specialised connectors. It also features HumidX waterless humidification, which is perfect for flights, hotels, or places where distilled water isn’t available.
Can I use a travel CPAP machine every night, or just when travelling?
Yes, travel CPAP machines like the AirMini can be used nightly — but whether they’re suitable as your primary device depends on your individual needs. While these machines are highly effective and convenient, they may lack some of the advanced comfort features of full-sized models, such as integrated humidifiers, larger screens, or quieter airflow at higher pressures.
Some patients find the smaller footprint and portability of travel models ideal for everyday use, especially in small living spaces or shared bedrooms. Others prefer to keep a portable device as a secondary machine while continuing to use a full-sized CPAP at home.
At Sove CPAP Clinic, we can help you evaluate both options during your trial period to see what feels most comfortable and sustainable for you — whether that’s one device for everything or a combination of both.
Can I access CPAP machine support through telehealth if I don’t live near a clinic?
Yes, Sove CPAP Clinic provides full telehealth support to patients across Australia, ensuring that distance is never a barrier to high-quality care. Whether you live in a regional area or simply prefer the convenience of remote appointments, our team of trained CPAP consultants and clinicians is here to support you.
In our telehealth appointments, you’ll receive the same level of care and personal attention as you would in our clinics — all from the comfort of your home. We can also ship machines, masks, and supplies directly to you with fast, tracked delivery.