Improving your sleep apnea begins with buying the right CPAP machine from the right provider. Unfortunately, far too many people don't get enough information from their doctors. Worse yet, some people ignore their doctors advice. Luckily there are simple steps that can make it easy, safe and affordable.

The good news: you will begin to sleep better, feel better, improve your health, have a trained customer care person trouble shoot any problems for you and real warranty coverage from a quality manufacturer if you select the right machine from the right supplier.

The bad news: you could worsen your health and waste money by buying a CPAP machine that isn't right for you. There are many health risks associated with apnea, these include diabetes, cardiac arrest, stroke, and heart disease. The other risk is to your wallet. Beware of suppliers that do not provide warranties.

Many people will try to save money by being cheap, only to find themselves quitting CPAP therapy (because CPAP is very difficult with cheap, sub-standard equipment) or having to buy a new CPAP machine.

No one needs an inexpensive machine collecting dust. Luckily you don't need to buy the most expensive machine in order to have excellent results with CPAP therapy. Just follow these 5 easy rules.

Approach the selection process like a beginner even if you are a veteran patient, CPAP is a complicated medical device that requires assistance from a respiratory therapist. Do not mistake this for some ordinary home appliance like a microwave that anyone can operate.

This device will ultimately improve the quality of your life. Be prepared to make the investment on a machine that you're comfortable using every night. Improving your sleep and treating your apnea will make it easier to succeed at work, handle stress and be around for a long time with your loved ones.

Here is what to do when buying a CPAP machine:

1. Listen to your doctor. Usually doctors and respiratory therapists recommend one of three brands because these companies invest millions in R&D each year to insure safety and effectiveness. ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, or Respironics are the brands of CPAP to go with. These three companies are the leaders in the industry and offer the highest quality devices. Please beware of the health risks with cheaper brands.

2. Be cautious of websites that promote brands other than ResMed, Fisher & Paykel, or Respironics. Offering a cheaper brand means that they are only looking to make a profit on your illness because you will inevitably have to replace your machine sooner. It is unfortunate. Look for a website that provides customer support and honors the manufacturers warranties. These sites are in business to provide quality equipment that serves the patient, provides customer service to help troubleshoot problems, and honors warranties so that the patient isn't wasting their time and money.

3. Do not buy from an unauthorized dealer because the manufacturer doesn't have to honor the warranty. One way to avoid this mistake is by looking for the ResMed Preferred Internet Provider blue circle. Another good practice is to only buy from (1) authorized dealers and (2) dealers recommended by organizations like the National Apnea Association.

4. Do not buy a used, refurbished or any grey market good. The unauthorized dealer "with the great deal" can not buy directly from the manufacturer. Therefore they buy from a middleman that might have sold them questionable equipment. It could be counterfeit or worse yet, refurbished from a deceased patient and not even sterilized properly. Plus, remember you will be left with no warranty coverage.

5. Consider getting an AutoPAP for both greater comfort and saving money. AutoPAPs automatically adjust the air pressure with every breath, from night to night and from year to year. This makes sure you never have to breathe against more pressure than is necessary for your therapy. Not only is it more comfortable, it means you dont need to visit the sleep lab every year or two.