If you need a new CPAP then you need to learn from our experience. We deal with thousands of CPAP users. From first timers to 10 years plus CPAP veterans. We have taken all that feedback and combined it with our years of industry experience to give you the right advise on your next CPAP.
Why should I buy an Auto CPAP?
The first thing that you need to know is that there is NO REASON to buy a fixed pressure CPAP. In fact, most manufacturers seem to be moving away from selling them. If you need to
understand the difference between fixed pressure CPAP and Auto CPAP, then click here to check out the blog on that subject. Even if you are prescribed a fixed pressure setting you are doing yourself a disservice to buy a CPAP that can only do a fixed pressure.
Our Top 4 Auto CPAP Picks
There are quite a few options in the CPAP world these days. For the sake of this article, we are going to focus in on the top 4 Auto CPAPs for home use. We have some
great info on Travel CPAPs as well in another blog.
#4: Luna 2 Auto CPAP
The
Luna 2 Auto CPAP is a great CPAP option overall. If you need a cost-effective Auto CPAP that will work great for years, then this is definitely in the consideration. It has a comfortable algorithm that works very well. It has universal connections so that you can use any standard mask or tubing. The Luna 2 is definitely durable. We have had very few issues. In fact, the only issue of significance has been humidifier failures. They have been few and far between, but we have had a handful of those. Let’s take a look at the major pros and cons for the Luna 2.
Luna 2 Pros:
- Simple and effective– While there aren’t many bells and whistles on the Luna 2 that isn’t a bad thing. You have all the standard features that you would expect and need without any fluff.
- Durable– We have had so few issues with the Luna 2 that we can confidently say it is very durable. The only issue we can site is humidifier issues. They have been very few and far between (less than 1%), and the CPAP will still operate just fine without humidity if you happen to be that unlucky.
- Cost effective– The Luna 2 CPAP is priced affordably. You can save 30% plus on the cost of Auto CPAP therapy without sacrificing quality or effectiveness.
- Universal connection– This CPAP features the standard 22mm tubing connection. This means that you can use any mask or standard CPAP tubing on the Luna 2.
Luna 2 Cons:
- Larger and heavier than others– It is definitely bigger and heavier than the other options. If you don’t plan on traveling with it, then that may not be an issue.
- Compliance reports aren’t as easy– You can use the i-code or SD card to obtain a compliance report from the Luna 2 without any additional accessories, but both of those options are manual. We have a detailed blog on the Luna 2 compliance reporting.
- Poor heated tubing option– 3B did try a heated tubing that has a cord for the Luna 2, but it was not good. Now the only tubing option we carry for the Luna 2 is standard tubing. If you need significant humidity while on CPAP you may have issues.
- Poor warranty process– On the rare occasion that we have had to work through warranty repair of replacement for a Luna 2 it has been very slow. In most cases it took weeks to get a broken device resolved.
#3 iBreeze Auto CPAP
The
iBreeze Auto CPAP is a fairly new CPAP to the market here in the U.S. It has been in foreign markets like Asia and Europe for years and has a great track record there. We have been carrying it now for about 8 months and it has been a great option. It is quiet and simple. Plus, the iBreeze is as small as the larger brands. So, finding space on your nightstand or traveling with it is a “breeze” ;). We have had very few repair issues so far which is great. It is a fairly cost-effective option and it works well.
iBreeze Pros:
- Small footprint on the nightstand– Whether you have limited nightstand space or you plan to travel often with your CPAP the iBreeze is sized right.
- Simple to use– There is nothing complicated on the iBreeze. Simple on/off button, and easy to navigate the patient menu.
- Wi-Fi connectivity option– The iBreeze now has an optional integrated Wi-Fi modem. This allows you to connect your CPAP to your home Wi-Fi network for automated uploads. This makes compliance reporting much easier. Check out our iBreeze compliance blog.
- Universal Connection– Use any mask or tubing on the iBreeze. It has the standard 22mm connection which allows for any standard CPAP tubing.
iBreeze Cons:
- No heated tubing option– If you need high humidity while using CPAP then you need to consider the limitations of standard tubing.
- Poor SmartPhone App– Resvent has launched an app for the iBreeze, but to date, it does not work at all.
- Exhalation relief setting is overly sensitive– We have found through feedback and experience that the IPR setting can be a little tricky. At the higher IPR setting many users have told us that they feel a very dramatic pressure decline. The IPR setting of 1 seems to do the trick in most cases.
#2: DreamStation 2 Auto CPAP
The
DreamStation 2 from Philips Respironics is an awesome Auto CPAP. It is very small and lightweight. Additionally, it has awesome connectivity options, a great app to follow your sleep, as well as great durability. The unfortunate thing about the DreamStation 2 is it’s current availability. At the time of this blog writing the DreamStation 2 is unavailable for purchase due to the
Philips Respironics recall. It has a great algorithm that has been time-tested for comfort and effectiveness. The DreamStation 2 features a touchscreen menu for easy navigation as well as a fully integrated heated humidifier. Let’s take a look at some detailed Pros and Cons:
DreamStation 2 Pros:
- Very Small and lightweight– The DreamStation 2 is extremely lightweight and takes up very little room on your nightstand. It makes a great option for travel.
- Great DreamMapper smartphone app– The DreamMapper app offers daily insights into how well the DreamStation 2 is working for you. It does this easily through bluetooth connectivity.
- Easy compliance reporting– The DreamStation 2 has Bluetooth connectivity as well as cellular connectivity. This means that we can access your data remotely and provide great compliance reporting easily. If you need reports for your job or for follow up with your Physician, this is a great option.
- Best heated tubing option– The heated tubing that was designed for the DreamStation 2 is the smallest and lightest available. Most times adding in heated tubing means bulkier and heavier tubing, but not in this case.
DreamStation 2 Cons:
- Touchscreen can be a little wonky– The touchscreen is not exactly the most responsive. It may take an extra swipe or press from time to time to get where you need to in the patient menu.
- Availability– Currently it is completely unavailable. We anticipate having them again soon and you can click here to see current availability.
- Filter location– You have to completely remove the humidifier chamber to access the filters. Adding an extra step to your normal filter maintenance.
#1: AirSense 11 AutoSet
For our top pick of 2022 we have chosen the AirSense 11. It is the latest CPAP from ResMed. It has a ton of great features and is a real user-friendly CPAP option. The main thing that makes this CPAP great is the same thing that has made ResMed CPAPs great for decades. It is the algorithm. The algorithm in this CPAP is tried and true for comfort and effectiveness. That means that when the AirSense 11 is adjusting to your most suitable pressure it is doing so in the most comfortable manner. Every manufacturer has their own proprietary algorithm, and ResMed leads the pack for sure. Let’s check out some of the Pros and Cons on the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet:
AirSense 11 Pros:
- Very small and lightweight– The AirSense 11 is one of the smallest and lightest options available. You can travel with ease using the slim travel case that is included.
- User friendly menu and touchscreen– The touchscreen is very nice and very responsive on the AirSense 11. It allows you to navigate your patient level menu easily.
- Great MyAir app– The ResMed MyAir app is a great way to follow your sleep therapy results. It provides a daily score as well as great input and instructions for your AirSense 11 CPAP.
- The best Auto Algorithm available– For decades now ResMed has made a top tier Auto-titrating algorithm. This means that it will adjust to the best pressure in a comfortable way. Instead of making abrupt changes that will interrupt your sleep.
AirSense 11 Cons:
- Availability– Much like other CPAPs currently, the AirSense 11 is super-hard to find right now. Most of that due to its popularity and industry wide CPAP shortages. Click here to check current supply. We do receive them regularly and they go in and out of stock frequently.
- Not cheap– Because it is a very high-quality Auto CPAP, and industry wide shortages the AirSense 11 is not the cheapest option. It is a premium price for the premium product.
- Filter door is brittle– The only quality issue we have encountered so far is a brittle filter door. On inspection we accidentally broke it. They are available separately if you encounter the same issue.