Latest CPAP Machine Comparison
Which Everyday Auto-CPAP Machine?
Before we get into the CPAP Machine Comparison, we'd just like to give you a bit of history. In 2009, we were the pioneers of BMC products in Australia launching and promoting the BMC brand, when nobody had heard of them. Now they are a household name in the CPAP world.
In February 2019, we started working with Micomme Medical, a respiratory company from China established in 2002. Their products were well received in their local market, and now their second generation i-series is proving even more popular.
Micomme are keen to further develop overseas markets, and we have partnered exclusively with them for the Australian market.
We are proud to market the very latest innovative Micomme respiratory products under our expanding HealthGear range, using our wealth of experience in the electronics and Australian health industries to fine tune for our local market.
Although we have spent the last 8 months fine tuning this product, and are super happy with the end result, we wanted to objectively compare this premium product with other well know brands to see how they stack up.
In this, our Latest CPAP Machine Comparison, we have reviewed three different Auto-CPAP Machine models, ranging from an entry level $649 to the elite level at $1595.
But before going further, how do we classify bands of products?
- Entry Level / Budget Machine
- Typical street price of around $650 (Eg: BMC Luna iQ)
- Premium Level / Mid-Range Machine
- Typical street price of $995 (Eg: HealthGear C5)
- Elite Level / Top Tier Machine
- From household names such as ResMed, Philips and F&P
- Typical street price of around $1600 (Eg: F&P SleepStyle Auto)
Comparison Summary
When we do a CPAP Machine Comparison, we like to concentrate on factors our customers ask for the most.
Based on these common questions, we have answered them in a convenient comparison table below:
- How much is it
- How loud is it
- How heavy is it
- How big is it
(W x H x D) - Auto start
- Auto stop
- Use on 12V
- Battery option
- Use without
humidifier - Heated
hose - Log sleep data
- Sleep reports
- Warranty
- Action on
fault - Change of
mind - Compatible
Masks - Cost of BMC Mask
with purchase - Additional
features - Rating out of
54 - Rating %
- $6491
- 30 ~ 35 dB2
- 1.8 kg3
- 260 x 100 x
170 mm4 - Yes
- Yes
- Yes5
- Yes
- No
(integrated) - Yes
(optional) - Yes
- Yes7
- 5 Years
- Loan
Machine10 - Refund11
- All12
- $40
- None
- 39
- 72%
- $9951
- 26 ~ 30 dB2
- 1.9 kg3
- 288 x 84 x
202 mm4 - Yes
- Yes
- Yes5
- Yes6
- Yes
(removable) - Yes
(optional) - Yes
- Yes7
- 5 Years8
- Loan
Machine10 - Refund11
- All12
- $18
- Self-
Cleaning13 - 46
- 85%
- $1,5951
- 27 ~ 32 dB2
- 1.7 kg3
- 177 x 144 x
183 mm4 - No
- No
- No
- No
- No
(integrated) - Yes
(included) - Yes
- Yes7
- 2 Years9
- Loan
Machine10 - Refund11
- All12
- $40
- Cellular
Modem14 - 33
- 61%
Notes:
1Our actual prices shown. 2Min ~ Max dB shown. See images for more. 3All within 200gms. 4See photo comparison. 5Optional MPA needed. 6Optional on request. 7We can email reports to you or your doctor. 8During promotion. 9Option extension $150. 10Loan machine supplied. 11Refund less restocking fee within 30 days. 12All makes/models/brands are compatible. 13Built in Ozone Cleaner. 14Cloud Reports.
A Detailed Look
We always test machines and masks before we sell, as we have to be confident in the performance, noise level, reliability, ease of use etc.
Collectively, our staff have over 60 years’ experience in the Healthcare and electronics industry, which helps us test and provide highly educated advice.
How Noisy?
Sound level for everyday use is very important and probably the most frequently asked question to our support team.
Actually, it is not just how loud the machine is on its own, but also when it is in-use with mask and hose connected.
All screenshots in this CPAP Machine Comparison, including the one below, are recorded with the following parameters:
- Treatment Pressure of 10cmH20
- Distance of 1 metre
- Same hose and mask (elite brand nasal pillow)
- Subject breathing over a period of 30 seconds.
Construction
Very sturdy construction.
Humidifier
- The humidifier is an integrated part of the Machine and cannot be separated
- Water tank has stainless steel metal base plate with hinged lid for easy emptying and cleaning
- The water level can be seen from the front of the Machine
- Must use distilled water to maximise life of the water tank.
Power Options
- Battery (less than 100wH) is FAA compliant. (always check with your airline well before travelling)
- Can be used as a UPS, meaning that the battery will continue without interruption if the main power fails
- Mobile Power Adaptor (DC-DC Convertor) with cigarette lighter plug.
Travelling
- 100VAC ~ 240VAC (anywhere in the world) using the supplied power supply
- Comes with one Australian Power Cord, so for travelling, you will need an international multi-way adaptor
- The heated humidifier cannot be removed – so it is quite heavy and bulky and probably not the best for travelling.
Useful Features
- Coloured display with several buttons which are used to navigate through the various menus
- Auto Start / Auto Stop Features (Machine will auto start and stop when mask fitted and breathing or removed)
- On screen display of sleep data
- Supplied with Software to generate your own reports.
Warranty
- 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee (less restocking fee)
- 5 years repair or replace at our discretion
- Loan unit supplied if unit fails during warranty period (does not include customer damage if dropped or water spilled)
Size & Weight
- 1800gms (Machine with humidifier – cannot be removed)
- 260mm (L) x 170mm (W) x 100mm (H)
Price
$645 including express post – next day delivery to most postcodes around Australia.
Product Rating
72%
If you are looking for a star rating as a super quick summary, we have rated it at 39 out of 54 = 72 out of 100 or 3.6 out of 5.
Summary
Very popular ENTRY LEVEL Machine with a great warranty and excellent pricing for a TIGHT BUDGET.
How Noisy?
The sound level with humidifier was very good, so fantastic for home use. We noticed a slight sound increase when using without the humidifier (still great for travelling if you want to leave the humidifier behind).
In this sound meter screenshot image, you can see:
- Average Sound Level at 10cmH20 from 1 metre away over 30 Seconds: 27.7dB
- Small variation in sound level (26dB~30dB) during breathing with mask and hose connected.
Construction
Very solid construction with a low profile (just over 8cm tall) with a slightly angled colour display for better visibility.
Humidifier
- The humidifier can be removed from the Machine if not needed (eg for travelling lighter)
- Water tank is robust with a stainless steel metal base plate. It does not have a removable lid, so can be a little fiddly to clean. It is dishwasher safe (top draw/low heat setting)
- The water level can be seen from the side of the Machine
- Must use distilled water to maximise life of the water tank.
Power Options
- Battery (less than 100wH) is FAA compliant. (always check with your airline well before travelling)
- Can be used as a UPS, meaning that the battery will continue without interruption if the main power fails
- Mobile Power Adaptor (DC-DC convertor) with cigarette lighter plug.
Travelling
- 100VAC ~ 240VAC (anywhere in the world) using the supplied power supply.
- Comes with an Australian Power Cord, so for travelling you will need an international multi-way adaptor
- The heated humidifier can be removed, so it is great for travelling.
Useful Features
- Self-cleaning using built-in ozone generator
- Coloured display. Only one button which is used for everything, making it very simple to use
- On screen display of sleep data
- Auto Start / Auto Stop Features (Machine will auto start and stop when mask fitted and breathing or removed)
- Supplied with small 16GB USB stick which contains videos, user guides and software to generate your own reports.
Warranty
- 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee (less restocking fee)
- 2 years repair or replace at our discretion (5 years during launch promo)
- Loan unit supplied if unit fails during warranty period (does not include customer damage if dropped or water spilled)
Size & Weight
- 1800gms (Machine with humidifier)
- 202mm (L) x 288mm (W) x 84mm (H)
- 1160gms (Machine without humidifier)
- 202mm (D) x 160mm (W) x 84mm (H)
Price
$995 including Humidifier via express post – next day delivery to most postcodes around Australia.
Extra Value (during launch promo)
- FREE – Extended Machine Warranty from 2 to 5 Years – Save $150
- Any style BMC Mask just $1 extra
Product Rating
85%
If you are looking for a star rating as a super quick summary, we have rated it at 46 out of 54 = 85 out of 100 or 4.25 out of 5.
Summary
Excellent PREMIUM LEVEL Machine for everyday use and some great travel options.
How Noisy?
The sound level with humidifier was very good, so excellent for home use. In this sound meter screenshot image, you can see:
- Average Sound Level at 10cmH20 from 1 metre away over 30 Seconds: 29.6dB
- Small variation in sound level (27dB~32dB) during breathing with mask and hose connected.
Construction
Tall cube design with harry handle on top. The handle feels a little weak, but we have not heard of any issues with it.
Humidifier
- The humidifier is an integrated part of the Machine and cannot be separated. So not ideal for travelling.
- The humidifier lid is easy to open which reveals a large seal fitted to the top of the water tank. There is one large clip on the side of the water tank, which again is easy to open. The water tank does not have a removable lid, and the hinge is thin plastic, so not sure if this will be an issue in the longer term. It is dishwasher safe (top draw/low heat setting)
- The water level cannot be seen without removing the water container, which is not as convenient as other brands
- Must use distilled water to maximise life of the water tank.
Power Options
- There is NO battery option, as the machine ONLY operates on AC power
- The only option would be to use a invertor. The manufacturer suggests a 150W invertor (modified or pure sine wave are both ok) with no humidification (humidifier set to 0 = off).
Travelling
- 100VAC ~ 240VAC (anywhere in the world) using the in-built power supply
- It comes with one Australian Power Cord, so for travelling, you will need an international multi-way adaptor
- The heated humidifier cannot be removed, so it is not the best choice if you are planning on a lot of travel.
Useful Features
- Large start / stop button
- On screen review of data
- Bluetooth and cellular modem (2 years free data) with Free Android / iOS APP
Warranty
- 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee (less restocking fee)
- 2 years replacement after manufacturer’s approval. Optional additional 3 year warranty extension for $150.
Size & Weight
- 1700gms (Machine with integrated humidifier)
- 183mm (L) x 77mm (W) x 144mm (H)
Price
$1595 including Humidifier via express post – next day delivery to most postcodes around Australia.
Product Rating
61%
If you are looking for a star rating as a super quick summary, we have rated it at 33 out of 54 = 61 out of 100 or 3 out of 5.
Summary
The Machine has been (over) simplified, and does not have auto start and auto stop features and with AC only power and non-removable humidifier, the travel options are quite limited.
Apart from the above, it is a very quiet ELITE LEVEL Machine ideal for everyday use.
Our CPAP Machine Comparison Rating
CPAP Machine Comparison Recap
As with many of our CPAP Machine Comparison articles, the results are quite close. The table speaks for itself and we will let you decide the best value for money option.
If there are other CPAP related comparisons you would like us to do, drop us a line!