Positive airway pressure (PAP), commonly referred to as CPAP (which more accurately refers to the subset of “continuous” PAP devices), is the gold standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. Many PAP systems can operate in multiple modes, such as auto-adjusting (APAP), bilevel, and auto-adjusting bilevel. This guide compares CPAPs on parameters including dimensions, weight, warranty, noise level, pressure range, data recorded, and features such as altitude compensation. (CPAP masks are compared in a separate guide.)

Company:3B Medical IncBreas Medical IncDrive DeVilbiss HealthcareFisher & Paykel HealthcarePhilips RespironicsResMedSomnera IncSomnetics
PAP:Luna II CPAP & Auto-CPAPZ2 CPAP & Auto CPAPIntelliPAP2 AutoAdjust CPAP SystemSleepStyleDreamStationAirSense 10 AutoSetSomnera System AirboxTranscend 365 miniCPAP
Website:www.3bproducts.comwww.breas.uswww.drivemedical.comwww.fphcare.comwww.philips.com/dreamstationresmed.comwww.somnera.comwww.mytranscend.com 
Warranty (years):22322222
Operating Modes:CPAP, APAPCPAP, APAPCPAP, APAPCPAP, APAPCPAP, APAP, Bilevel, Auto-adjusting BilevelCPAP, APAPCPAP, APAPCPAP, APAP
Pressure Relief:Yes (0-3 cm H2O)NoYesYesYesYesYesYes
Dimensions (cm):27 × 18 x 1116.46 x 8.38 x 5.1316 x 15.5 x 19.314 x 18 x 1815.7 x 19.3 x 8.411.6 x 25.5 x 15.013.3 x 8.8 x 6.819.8 x 9.7 x 11.4
Weight (kg):1.90.2991.7 with humidifier1.71.33 (without humidifier); 1.98 (with humidifier)1.250.60.8 (with integrated humidifier)
Noise Level (dBa):<282626.62826.1 (device); 27.3 (with humidifier)25<44<30
Pressure Range (cm H2O):4-204-203-204-204-204-204-204-20
Pressure Adjustment Increment (cm H2O):0.50.50.50.50.50.21.00.1
Ramp Time (minutes):0-600-450-45200-45 (5 minute increments)0-45 min or auto (begins at sleep onset)0-450-45
Data Recorded:Usage hours, AHI, central apnea index, leak, average pressure, p95, maximum pressure, apnea count, hypopnea countUsage hours, leak, AH count, AHI (index)Usage, AHI, leak, pressure, exhale puffing, non-responding events, 90th and 95th percentile pressures, snore, hypopnea, central apnea index, flow limitation, adherence score, oximetryCompliance, AHI, leak, SensAwake detections, flow limitations, apneas, hypopneas, high resolution flow dataEncore data capture and reporting, use patterns, advanced event detection,* flow waveform reports. *This can detect, respond to (some models), and log: AHI, RERA, flow limitation, leak, vibratory snore, obstructive apnea, large leak, clear apnea, periodic breathing, hypopneaHours used, mode of therapy, apnea (central, obstructive) and hypopnea (AHI), leak, CSR, RERA, pressure, EPR levelUsage hoursUsage, average hours/night, median hours/night, compliance rate, average leak, median leak, 90 percentile leak, 95 percentile leak, average pressure, 90 percentile pressure, 95 percentile pressure, AHI index, apnea index, hypopnea index, time spent in apnea, time spent in hypopnea, pressure settings
Features:Auto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Mask On/Off Alert, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification, Remote ProgrammingAuto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Mask On/Off Alert, Altitude Compensation, Remote ProgrammingAuto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Mask On/Off Alert, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification, Remote ProgrammingLeak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification, Remote ProgrammingAuto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification, Remote ProgrammingAuto Start/Stop, Leak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification, Remote ProgrammingAuto Start/Stop, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification, Does Not Need Heated HumidificationLeak Compensation, Altitude Compensation, Heated Humidification
Patient Access to Own Data Without Physician Involvement:Yes, via free smartphone app, iCodeConnect Quick Report, and on screen data.Yes, using Nitelog mobile app available for iOS and Android mobile devices.Yes, via device display, SmartLink smartphone app, and intellipap.com.Yes.Yes, via the DreamMapper patient self-management tool.Yes, via the myAir patient engagement app.Yes, on the SleepBridge app (for iPhone or Android) and in the SleepBridge cloud via Bluetooth.Yes, via free desktop software or TranSync cloud-based reporting.
Additional Features:Advanced cellular machine-to-machine (M2M) technology with 4G LTE Cat M1 and narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT).Optional PowerShell (integrated overnight battery).Featuring PureView Algorithm, the IntelliPAP 2 offers improved sensitivity (compared to Drive DeVilbiss’ previous generation device) to a full spectrum of events based on the patient’s natural breathing pattern. The IntelliPAP 2 also features Bluetooth connectivity to allow the patient to view and transmit therapy data.Built-in cellular connectivity; fully integrated humidifier and power supply, ThermoSmart humidification technology; SensAwake automatic ramp technology; expiratory relief; built-in Bluetooth technology; compatible with SleepStyle App and web; InfoUSB, InfoSmart Web. Ease of use commendation from American Arthritis Foundation.CPAP-Check, EZ-Start, Auto-Trial, Opti-Start, SmartRamp, FLEX comfort, humidity control; heated tube; Advanced Event Detection; Performance Check, integrated Bluetooth, EncoreAnywhere, DreamMapper, cellular or wifi modems, SD card; optional oximetry accessory.Integrated humidifier, built-in wireless data communications, Advanced Event Detection, AutoSet Response, AutoRamp, Climate Control, SmartStart, optional integrated oximetry, Remote Assist, AirView, myAir. AirSense 10 is also available in CPAP, Elite, and AutoSet for Her models.System purchase includes free option for live sleep coaching visits through the SleepBridge Support Program. SmartValve technology allows for tiny, lightweight 9 mm hose and eliminates need for humidifier. Intuitive touchscreen display. Track progress on smart devices with the SleepBridge App for iPhone and Android.Smart Power technology powers the CPAP and heated humidifier from a single battery or AC power supply. Smart Humidifier requires less water and eliminates rainout, 2.4-in color LCD screen to view compliance data and manage therapy settings. Drying mode keeps mask and tube clean. TranSync cloud-based compliance data, TranSync compliance mobile app. Free desktop software for compliance data and therapy settings. Bluetooth capable with optional dongle. Optional battery accessory, includes padded travel bag and international cord set.
Last updated October 2020. A version of this guide published in the October 2020 issue.

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. We plan to update this guide once a year. Email sroy[at]medqor.com to be considered for the next update.

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