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CPAP Machine Rentals
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Key Takeaways
- Short-term and long-term rentals are options for CPAP users, though many of these programs do not accept health insurance coverage.
- For people with private health insurance or Medicare coverage, a rent-to-own payment model for CPAP equipment is often required.
- Renting a CPAP machine makes sense for many people, as it allows them to receive their prescribed CPAP therapy without making a major investment or commitment.
Can You Rent a CPAP Machine?
If you've been prescribed CPAP therapy to treat sleep apnea or another medical condition, you have the option to rent a CPAP machine.
In the short-term, renting a CPAP machine often results in a lower cost than buying outright and you’ll be able to try out a machine without committing to it. Both people with and without health insurance coverage can rent a CPAP machine, though their specific options differ.
Who Should Consider Renting a CPAP Machine?
You may want to consider renting a CPAP machine if you are:
- New to CPAP therapy: If you’re new to CPAP therapy, it may be advantageous to rent a CPAP machine for a short-term period. This gives you the chance to fine-tune your treatment, in consultation with your doctor, before deciding on a specific device to use for the long term.
- Interested in a travel CPAP machine: If you already own a CPAP machine and don’t want to purchase a separate travel CPAP machine to take on the road, some online and brick-and-mortar retailers offer rentals of compact travel devices on a weekly or monthly basis. Renting a travel CPAP allows you to continue treatment while traveling without investing in an entirely new CPAP machine. Many insurance plans consider travel CPAP machines non-essential and will not cover their cost of purchase.
- Looking at a specific CPAP machine: CPAP machines can be costly, and rental options allow you to try out a device without making a commitment. After renting one or more CPAP machines to sample how they operate, you can then choose which one you'd like to invest in and purchase for long-term use.
- Lacking insurance and on a budget: If you cannot purchase a CPAP machine using health insurance coverage or afford to pay the entire cost of a machine outright, renting can be a short-term way to get the treatment you need while you save up for a larger purchase.
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Are CPAP Machines Available on a Rent-to-Own Basis?
Some CPAP rental companies will allow you to apply rental payments toward the purchase of a CPAP machine you've been renting, but this isn't the norm. A rent-to-own payment structure is more common when a person is buying a CPAP machine using health insurance or Medicare coverage, because many health insurance companies, including Medicare, require you to rent a CPAP machine for a specified period of time before you officially own it.
These rent-to-own policies also require what is called adherence or compliance, which ensures you are using the equipment for four hours each night and 70% or more nights each month for the first 90 days. If you do not use the machine for the required amount of time, the insurance company may ask you to return it, and you may lose insurance coverage for the machine.
With private health insurance companies, the rent-to-own period often lasts for a set period of time ranging from three to 10 months. With Medicare, the rent-to-own period lasts for 13 months. After renting a machine for the period of time specified by your insurer, you then own the device outright, and the insurer cannot ask you to return it.
How Do You Rent a CPAP Machine?
To rent a CPAP machine, you must first receive a prescription for the machine from a sleep specialist. You must then share that prescription with a CPAP machine rental provider.
Specific policies vary among different CPAP rental providers, but most require you to sign a contract and make a refundable deposit to ensure you return the machine. Some rental companies charge a non-refundable setup fee. While generally not required, rental companies may also offer insurance for the machine being rented.
Many CPAP rental companies have a minimum rental period of one month, though some allow rentals on a week-to-week basis. Others set fixed rental periods without the option to extend the rental period. Be aware of potential late fees for overdue returns, and make sure to clarify all terms before finalizing the rental agreement.
CPAP Prescription for CPAP Rentals
Before receiving a CPAP prescription, you must undergo a sleep study or sleep test that confirms you have obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Doctor offers a low-cost home sleep apnea test that can be mailed to you.
If your sleep test shows that you have sleep apnea, and your sleep specialist determines that CPAP therapy is the best treatment option for you, you’ll receive a prescription for the therapy. This prescription is required to rent or buy a CPAP machine. In addition to offering home sleep apnea tests, Sleep Doctor also has board-certified physicians analyze results and provide both diagnoses and prescriptions for CPAP machines.
Where to Find CPAP Machine Rentals
CPAP machine rentals can be found both online and at brick-and-mortar stores. When looking for a CPAP device rental, consider:
- Online retailers: Online options provide convenience and a wide range of choices, making it easy to compare features and prices. They generally ship your rental device shortly after you've uploaded your prescription and made a deposit and payment.
- Medical supply stores: In-person rentals from local medical supply stores offer personalized assistance and immediate access to a CPAP machine. These companies may also rent or sell other types of durable medical equipment beyond CPAP machines.
- Sleep clinics: Local sleep clinics commonly offer rent-to-own CPAP options for people purchasing a machine using health insurance or Medicare. In some cases, a local sleep clinic may also offer short-term CPAP rental options.
What’s Included in a CPAP Rental
A typical CPAP rental package often includes:
- A sanitized CPAP or auto-CPAP machine
- New, standard tubing
- A new water chamber
- One or more disposable air filters
- A travel bag
- Free shipping
Rental CPAP machines generally do not come with a CPAP mask, so you will need to purchase separately to use with the rental machine. Some CPAP rental companies include a mask frame and headgear, or will fit you for a mask for an additional fee. Depending on the rental package you choose, these companies may also offer accessories for an additional fee such as heated tubing or a battery.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a CPAP Machine?
The cost of CPAP machine rental generally starts at $30 to $40 per month. That said, some companies rent out CPAP machines for as low as $10 a month or as much as $150 a month. The price can go up significantly when you rent a CPAP machine by the week instead of by the month, or rent both a machine and extra supplies.
The cost of renting a CPAP machine depends on a few different factors. The make and model of machine, along with its features, can influence the rental cost. Newer models with more advanced features typically cost more. Starting rates also vary by rental provider, and some companies offer discounted rates for longer rental periods.
Can You Use Insurance or Medicare to Rent a CPAP Machine?
Most CPAP rental companies do not accept health insurance or Medicare coverage. However, some insurance companies may provide reimbursement to people who lease CPAP machines from rental companies that don't accept insurance.
Generally, Medicare and health insurance providers require a rent-to-own payment structure. In these setups, the cost of the CPAP machine is spread out over monthly payments made over several months or a year. At the end of the specified time period, you then own the machine outright. Your deductible may need to be met before insurance coverage kicks in, and you must use the machine for a specified amount of time.
What About an FSA or HSA?
Since CPAP machines are considered durable medical equipment, they are often considered an eligible expense for flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts. However, not all CPAP retailers accept FSA and HSA debit cards and some may require reimbursement of eligible out-of-pocket expenses. Check with your FSA or HSA administrator for plan specifics, and keep records and receipts of your CPAP-related costs.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Renting a CPAP Machine?
Renting a CPAP machine comes with both benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits
The primary benefits of renting a CPAP machine are flexibility and not having to make a long-term commitment. CPAP rental allows you to try out specific machines, or CPAP therapy in general, before deciding to go all-in and purchase all of the necessary equipment. CPAP rental can also be useful in instances where you only need a machine temporarily, such as while traveling.
Drawbacks
While renting a CPAP machine can save money in the short term, a major drawback is that the rental may end up costing more in the long run if you continue CPAP therapy. Most CPAP rental companies do not accept health insurance, so you may also end up paying more out of pocket.
Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Better?
Whether renting or buying a CPAP machine is better for you depends on your unique situation. People who want to use health insurance or Medicare coverage often prefer buying a machine, since their coverage generally requires it.
On the other hand, renting allows you to try out a device without making a long-term commitment, so this may be a better option for people who need a short-term solution or want to try out a new device they’ve never used before. Renting may also be more cost-effective for those seeking equipment not covered under their insurance plan, such as a travel CPAP machine.
If you have health insurance, call your provider and ask about options under your coverage plan. If you want to rent or purchase a machine without health insurance, compare and contrast CPAP rental providers online and in your local area. Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions about prices, fees, and terms of any required agreements.
If buying a CPAP machine is the best option for you, consider purchasing from Sleep Doctor. We make getting a home sleep apnea test easy. If you're diagnosed with sleep apnea, our physicians will give you a prescription for CPAP without you ever having to leave your home. You can purchase a machine online at a competitive price, and even sign up for a CPAP supplies subscription.
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