Best Rated CPAP Machine
What’s the Best Rated CPAP Machine? A Guide for First-Time Buyers
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with sleep apnoea and started researching CPAP therapy, chances are you’ve already searched for “best CPAP machine” or “top-rated CPAP devices.” And if you’re like most people, you’re quickly realising that it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Choosing the best CPAP machine is a bit like choosing the best pair of shoes — th e one that’s best rated overall may not be the right fit for you. Your ideal device will depend on your pressure needs, comfort preferences, lifestyle, sleep habits, and whether or not you want app-based data, travel flexibility, or the quietest possible operation.
At Sove CPAP Clinic, we’ve helped thousands of Australians get started with CPAP therapy, and we know what works — not just on paper, but in real homes, real bedrooms, and real lives. In this guide, we’ll unpack what makes a CPAP machine highly rated, what to look for as a new user, and how to make the best choice for your long-term success.
What Makes a CPAP Machine “Best Rated”?
Online reviews can be useful — but they only tell part of the story. A machine might be popular for its smart features, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s comfortable for side sleepers or suited to high-pressure therapy. Similarly, some older models might have lower ratings simply because they lack flashy extras, even though they still deliver consistent, clinically effective treatment.
When we evaluate a CPAP machine at Sove, we look at several factors:
- Therapy performance (e.g., pressure accuracy, event response time)
- User comfort (quiet operation, humidification, ramp features)
- Ease of use (intuitive controls, display design, app integration)
- Build quality and reliability
- Portability (if relevant)
- Clinical compatibility — does it work well with different mask types and pressure settings?
- Aftercare support — can it be adjusted, maintained, and monitored easily?
Some machines stand out because they do all these things well. Others are better suited to specific user groups, like travellers, light sleepers, or tech lovers.
Finding the Right Fit — Not Just the Right Review
If you’re new to CPAP, it’s natural to focus on what’s highly rated. But before you choose, it’s important to understand what you actually need from your therapy.
For example:
- Do you want a machine that adjusts pressure automatically?
- Are you sensitive to noise?
- Do you experience dry mouth or nose while sleeping?
- Will you be using the machine for travel, or just at home?
- Do you want access to sleep data through an app?
These aren’t small questions. They’ll shape not only which machine is most comfortable for you, but also whether you stick with therapy long-term — which is where the real
Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle+ Plus Auto CPAP Machine and Mask Pac...
Philips Respironics DreamStation Auto CPAP Machine with Humidifier
The Most Trusted CPAP Machines — Reviewed and Explained
Here’s a look at some of the best-rated CPAP machines currently available at Sove, and what makes each one stand out:
If you’re looking for a modern, high-tech, all-in-one machine, the AirSense 11 AutoSet is one of the most recommended CPAPs worldwide — and for good reason. It offers auto-adjusting pressure, a responsive ramp feature, an integrated humidifier, and seamless Bluetooth connection to the myAir app, which tracks your nightly progress and gives you encouragement along the way.
It’s also whisper quiet, easy to clean, and designed for users who want both comfort and data visibility.
Great for: First-time users, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking for premium comfort and quiet therapy.
Philips DreamStation Auto CPAP
The DreamStation Auto from Philips Respironics combines smart design with advanced comfort features like EZ-Start and Opti-Start pressure support. It adjusts pressure automatically based on your breathing events and includes detailed reporting through Bluetooth and cellular connectivity. It’s also one of the most stylish machines on the market, with a sleek front-facing display and intuitive controls.
Great for: Users who want a clinically proven auto-adjusting CPAP with an easy interface and strong therapy data tools.
Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle+ Auto CPAP
Designed with a strong focus on comfort, the SleepStyle+ Auto includes SensAwake, which lowers the pressure when the machine senses you’ve woken up, and ThermoSmart humidification that keeps the air warm and moist to reduce dryness.
It’s also incredibly simple to use, with one-button navigation and a built-in carry handle. This is a great choice for users who want comfort and performance with minimal setup.
Great for: Sensitive sleepers, older adults, or users who value simplicity and softer airflow transitions.
The AirSense 10 Elite is a fixed-pressure machine for those who’ve already had a pressure prescribed and want a dependable device with minimal fuss. It offers a quiet motor, easy controls, and top-tier humidification — all without the need for nightly adjustments.
Great for: Users with a known fixed pressure, or those upgrading from an older ResMed model who prefer consistency over automatic pressure shifts.
For those on the move, the AirMini offers serious power in a seriously compact size. It’s compatible with several ResMed masks and uses HumidX waterless humidification, which is perfect for camping, flying, or staying in places where distilled water is hard to come by.
Great for: Travellers, commuters, or as a second CPAP for use away from home.
Why Support Matters Just as Much as the Machine
Even the best CPAP machine can fall short if you don’t have the support you need to use it comfortably. That’s why we focus on long-term success, not just initial setup.
With Sove CPAP Clinic, you get:
- In-clinic and telehealth consultations
- CPAP mask trial program to ensure the right fit
- Ongoing troubleshooting — both technical and clinical
- CPAP Care Plan, which delivers regular replacements for filters, mask parts, and accessories
- Fast and free shipping on CPAP machines across Australia
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnoea treatment. When considering whether CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Payment plans available for approved applicants only; fees, terms, conditions, minimum amounts and exclusions apply.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Rated CPAP Machines
Will a CPAP machine cure my sleep apnea?
No, CPAP therapy doesn’t cure obstructive sleep apnea — but it is the most effective treatment currently available. Think of CPAP as a long-term management tool, similar to how glasses help correct vision: when you use it, your symptoms are under control. When you stop, they usually return.
CPAP works by delivering continuous (or automatically adjusted) air pressure through a mask while you sleep. This air pressure holds your airway open, preventing the collapse that causes apnoeas — the temporary pauses in breathing that lead to snoring, oxygen drops, and sleep fragmentation.
When used every night, CPAP can:
- Improve daytime alertness and reduce fatigue
- Prevent cardiovascular strain caused by oxygen desaturation
- Eliminate snoring in most users
- Improve mood, memory, and cognitive function
- Protect long-term health (e.g., reducing stroke, heart disease, and diabetes risk)
Do I need to use my CPAP machine every time I sleep?
Yes — CPAP therapy is most effective when used every single time you sleep, including naps. Inconsistent use reduces your treatment benefits and can cause symptoms to quickly return, including:
- Poor sleep quality
- Morning headaches
- Daytime sleepiness
- Decreased oxygen levels during sleep
CPAP works on a nightly basis. If your airway collapses again because therapy wasn’t used, your brain and body are once more exposed to the harmful effects of untreated sleep apnea.
Are CPAP machines loud?
Modern CPAP machines are designed to be extremely quiet, with most operating between 25–30 decibels — about as loud as a soft whisper or rustling leaves. That said, noise levels can vary depending on:
- The mask you use
- Whether there are leaks in the seal
- Whether the machine is on a hard or soft surface
- The age and condition of the machine or tubing
Top-rated machines like the ResMed AirSense 11, Fisher & Paykel SleepStyle, and Philips DreamStation Auto are known for their exceptionally quiet operation. In fact, many partners of CPAP users report that the machine is less disruptive than snoring — or even soothing, like white noise.
How large are CPAP machines? Will it fit in my bedroom setup?
Most modern CPAP machines are designed to be compact and bedside-table friendly. Here’s a rough guide:
- Standard machines (e.g., ResMed AirSense 10/11, DreamStation Auto, SleepStyle): about the size of a tissue box, ~20–25 cm wide and ~10 cm high
- Travel machines (e.g., ResMed AirMini): palm-sized (~13 cm), lightweight, and designed to fit in carry-on bags or backpacks
These machines are compact enough to be discreet and blend easily into your bedroom. Most also have built-in humidifiers, so you don’t need an additional attachment. Cord length and tubing flexibility also allow you to place the machine off to the side or slightly below mattress height for convenience.
Do I need a prescription to buy a CPAP machine in Australia?
Technically, a prescription is not always required to purchase a CPAP machine in Australia — particularly auto-adjusting (APAP) models. However, it’s strongly recommended (and sometimes required) when:
- You are using a fixed-pressure machine, which needs specific calibration
- You’ve never had a formal sleep study or diagnosis
- You have comorbidities (e.g., heart issues, COPD, obesity hypoventilation)
- You need a Medicare rebate or plan to make an insurance claim
Should I use my CPAP machine while travelling?
Yes — sleep apnea doesn’t go on holiday when you do, and skipping CPAP while travelling can:
- Bring back fatigue and poor sleep
- Increase snoring (especially disruptive if sharing accommodation)
- Lead to spikes in blood pressure or heart rate during sleep
- Decrease your therapy compliance over time
Travel-friendly CPAP machines like the ResMed AirMini are designed for this exact purpose — offering full therapy functionality in a compact, FAA-approved, waterless humidification setup.