Positive airway pressure (PAP) is the most commonly prescribed therapy for sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. It is also referred to as “CPAP,” which more accurately refers to the “continuous” air pressure mode. Other modes include auto-CPAP (also known as APAP) and bilevel, which delivers a higher pressure during inhalation and a lower one during exhalation.
A CPAP device includes a motor that generates the flow of air, a hose to transport the air, and a mask/interface that fits snugly over the nose and/or mouth. By delivering pressurized air into the throat, the CPAP device prevents the airway from collapsing, in many cases alleviating snoring and improving the quality of sleep and symptoms like excessive daytime sleepiness.
Though considered the “gold standard” of obstructive sleep apnea therapy because it works for patients despite the specifics of their obstruction type or location, adhering to CPAP therapy can be challenging for some patients. Common issues include discomfort with the mask, dry mouth, and nasal congestion. Most of these can be managed by adjusting the mask fit, using humidifiers or trying different mask styles. To achieve the full benefits of CPAP therapy, the device should be used every time a person with sleep apnea is sleeping for their full sleep time.
Once a major player in the US CPAP market, Philips Respironics is currently operating under a consent decree that does not allow the company to sell its positive airway pressure devices in the United States.
This guide compares CPAPs currently available to US patients on parameters including dimensions, weight, warranty, noise level, pressure range, data recorded, and features such as altitude compensation.
The CPAP systems compared are:
Breas Medical Z2 Auto CPAP
React Health G3 X
React Health TravelPAP
Resmed AirSense 11
Resvent Medical Technology iBreeze 20A
Transcend Micro Auto CPAP
| Company: | Breas Medical Inc | React Health | React Health | Resmed | Resvent Medical Technology | Transcend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAP: | Z2 Auto CPAP | G3 X | TravelPAP | AirSense 11 | iBreeze 20A | Transcend Micro Auto CPAP |
| Website: | breas.us | reacthealth.com/foamfree | reacthealth.com/sleep/pap-devices | resmed.com | resvent.com/en | mytranscend.com |
| Warranty (years): | 2 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Operating Modes: | CPAP, APAP | CPAP, APAP | CPAP, APAP | CPAP, APAP | CPAP, APAP | CPAP, APAP |
| Dimensions (cm): | 16.46 x 8.38 x 5.13 | 26.5 x 14.5 x 11.4 | 15.9 × 6.6 × 7.2 | 9.45 x 25.94 x 13.85 (with HumidAir11 humidifier tub) | 23.8 x 17.8 x 12.8 | 9.1 x 9.1 x 6.1 |
| Weight (kg): | 0.295 | 1.7 | 0.397 | 1.13 | 1.6 | 0.22 |
| Noise Level (dBa): | 26 | 28 | <30 | 25 | 28 | 27 |
| Pressure Range (cm H2O): | 4-20 | 4-20 | 4-20 | 4-20 | 4-20 | 4-20 |
| Pressure Adjustment Increment (cm H2O): | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 or 0.5 | 0.1 |
| Max Ramp Time (minutes): | 45 | 60 | 60 | 45 | 60 | 45 |
| Adjustable Ramp Settings: | 5-45 minutes in 5-minute increments | 0-60 minutes | 0-60 minutes | off, 5-45, or auto (begins at sleep onset, or, if not detected, the device will reach the target pressure within 30 minutes) | 0-60 minutes or auto (begins at sleep onset) | 0-45 minutes in 5-minute increments |
| Pressure Relief Range/Settings: | Z-Breathe-1, Z-Breathe-2, Z-Breathe-3. | Smart A Custom Pressure Response fine-tunes the auto algorithm to respond to the patient’s pressure needs | (not provided) | off, 1-3 cm H₂O levels; full time (throughout therapy) or ramp only | off, 1-3 level | Four AirRelief settings: 0-3, each equal to 1 cm H2O |
| Data Recorded: | AHI, usage, leak, AH count | AHI, usage, leak, pressure, P95, AI, CAI, HI | AHI, usage, leak | AHI, usage, leak, apnea or hypopnea events, CSR, RERA, flow limitation, minute ventilation, pressure, snore | AHl, usage, leak, central apneas, pressure, P95 | AHI, usage, leak, % time in apnea, pressure settings, air relief levels |
| Data Transmission Options: | Wireless connectivity | 4G, QR code, SD card | Bluetooth | Cellular, SD card | Cellular communication, WiFi, SD card, R-Track | Bluetooth, USB |
| Power Options: | 100-240V, DC AC, Optional PowerShell (integrated overnight cord-free battery) | Power cord | Power adapter, DC power adapter | Power supply unit: 65W AC | AC input range: 100-240V | AC power supply (110-240V), PowerAway Battery, international travel adapters |
| Available Accessories: | travel bag, Q-lite inline muffler, optional PowerShell | travel bag included | travel bag | travel bag, HumidAir 11 tub, ClimateLineAir heated tubing or SlimLine tubing, SD card, Air11 Filter, Air11 DC/DC converter | travel bag, heated or non-heated tubing, SD card, tub, filters | travel bags, slimline tubing, filter, solar charger, international travel adapters, PowerAway battery, heat moisture exchanger, WhisperSoft muffler |
| Features: | Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification and/or Heat Moisture Exchanger | Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Mask On/Off Alert, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification and/or Heat Moisture Exchanger, Remote Programming, Adjustable APAP Algorithm | Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Remote Programming, Adjustable APAP Algorithm | Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Mask On/Off Alert, Heated Humidification and/or Heat Moisture Exchanger, Remote Programming, Adjustable APAP Algorithm | Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification and/or Heat Moisture Exchange Device | Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Mask On/Off Alert, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification and/or Heat Moisture Exchanger, Remote Programming |
| Patient Data Access: | Nitelog app | React Health PLUS | LightTrip (US) App | myAir | ResAssist APP | MySleepDash app |
| Additional Features: | Display screen for on-device patient comfort programming (as well as the Nitelog app), non-proprietary mask connection. | A standard-size PAP engineered without polyurethane sound-abatement foam while maintaining quiet operation. | Light ring indicator, supply reminders. | Device features: data auto-upload, remote programming, leak compensation, mask alerts, heated humidification, over-the-air software updates; myAir app features: Personal Therapy Assistant, Test Drive (acclimation tool), Care Check-In (in-app coaching), comfort settings control, smartwatch integration, daily sleep score & trends, personalized coaching, educational library and reminders. | Pre-heat function, automatic drying function, auto start, and auto stop. | Whisper quiet operation, enhanced with the WhisperSoft muffler. Universal mask compatibility, coupled with Micro PowerAway Battery, therapy is uninterrupted with or without power. PureFresh air filters enable equipment to remain clean. MySleepDash App is easy to use and data can be shared with providers/compliance officers supporting DOT requirements. |
Information for this guide based on data submitted by PAP system marketers. Sleep Review strives for accuracy in all data but cannot be held responsible for claims made by marketers. Pricing is subject to change. All PAP marketers get one listing at no charge. Advertisers are offered multiple listings. All PAP systems may not be included. Email editor[at]sleepreviewmag.com to be considered for the next update.
On “Patient Access to Own Data”, F&P SleepStyle should say “Yes, via F&P SleepStyle App and https://sleepstyle.fphcare.com/.