How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost?

Key Takeaways

• Most CPAP machines cost around $500 to $1,000, although more advanced models can cost much more.
• The total cost includes more than just the machine. Masks, tubing, filters, and humidifier chambers add to the expense.
• Health insurance and Medicare typically cover CPAP machines when prescribed for sleep apnea, though coverage depends on your plan, deductible, and compliance requirements.
• Paying out of pocket can offer more flexibility in machine choice, while using insurance often lowers upfront costs.

How Much Is a CPAP Machine?

The cost of a CPAP machine ranges from around $500 to $1,000 or more. That said, the amount you pay will depend on the exact type of CPAP machine prescribed, your insurance coverage, and any accessories or cleaning supplies that are needed.

The chart below gives you a general idea of the sticker price for the three most common types of PAP devices but doesn't take insurance into account.

Does Insurance Cover CPAP Machines?

If you have health insurance, the cost of a CPAP machine may be covered if it's prescribed by a doctor. However, most health insurance plans have out-of-pocket fees that must be paid before they cover medical costs.

• Copay: Copays are a set amount that you pay for certain services. This is often applied to a doctor visit or a prescription.
• Coinsurance: Coinsurance is a set percentage you pay for appointments and services. 
• Deductible: Deductibles are the total amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance will begin to cover medical costs.

A CPAP machine is considered a piece of durable medical equipment (DME), which describes medical equipment that is prescribed for regular and long-term use. You can reach out to your insurance company to learn more about your coverage for DME and the costs you may need to pay out of pocket. Or, we've put together a list of recommended suppliers that take insurance for CPAP machines.

Medicare and many private insurance companies seek evidence of consistent use of the CPAP machine as prescribed in order to maintain coverage. For example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid require that, within the first 30 days of using a CPAP, you must use your machine 70% of nights for at least four hours each night.

To ensure that you are compliant in using your CPAP machine, data on usage may be collected by the machine and shared with your doctor and insurance company. If you're not compliant in using the CPAP machine regularly, you may be required to pay for CPAP therapy out of pocket.

Paying for CPAP Out of Pocket

Although purchasing a CPAP machine still requires a prescription from a doctor, people without health insurance may decide to buy a CPAP machine out of pocket rather than through their insurance company. When buying a CPAP machine, it can be helpful to shop around to find the best price.

Although purchasing a CPAP out of pocket allows you to get around the compliance regulations imposed by an insurance company, it's still important to work with your doctor to determine the appropriate type of machine and pressure settings. Using your CPAP machine consistently provides the greatest health benefits, and your doctor can help address any issues or discomforts that arise.

Insurance vs. Out of Pocket

To determine the least expensive method of buying a CPAP machine, shop around and carefully compare the cost of paying out of pocket with renting or buying a CPAP machine through your insurance company. Several tips may help you figure out which method is right for you.

• Learn about DME coverage: Finding out how your insurance covers durable medical equipment such CPAP machines and related supplies is the first step in determining the cheapest way to pay for your machine.
• Add up out-of-pocket costs: When calculating the cost of buying a CPAP machine through insurance, be sure to include the cost of copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
• Ask about compliance requirements: Ask your insurance company whether you are subject to compliance requirements in order to maintain your coverage.
• Look for discounts: When looking at CPAP machines, check for discounts that may be available. Companies that sell CPAP machines may offer discounts to people paying out of pocket or without insurance.

How Much Do CPAP Masks and Accessories Cost?

The cost of CPAP masks and accessories vary based on their brand, design, and features. The price of masks can range from $20 to $250. Accessories start as low as $1 for replacement filters and go up to $300 or more for an external humidifier. CPAP masks and some accessories may be covered by your health insurance.

CPAP masks come in several styles, including nasal masks, nasal pillows, and full-face masks. While a doctor can help you choose the mask that offers the right combination of fit and comfort, it can be helpful to tell your doctor about any preferences you have for a certain mask style.

There are a number of accessories available for CPAP machines. Accessories may be included with the purchase of a CPAP, or they may need to be purchased separately.

Common CPAP accessories include straps to position your mask, tubing to connect the mask to the machine, cushions to make the mask more comfortable, filters to clean the pressurized air, and a replacement for the humidifier chamber that adds moisture to the air.

Along with the initial purchase of a CPAP mask and accessories, certain parts and supplies need to be replaced on a regular schedule. It's important to talk to your doctor and the supplier of the CPAP machine to learn more about how often each part should be replaced.

How Much Do CPAP Cleaning Supplies Cost?

The cost of CPAP cleaning supplies vary based on whether you choose to use special cleaning products or simply soap and water. While there are a wide variety of cleaning supplies available, it's important to follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer of your CPAP machine.

CPAP machines and accessories should be cleaned on a regular basis. Fortunately, most parts of your CPAP machine can be removed and washed in soap and water, and the machine itself can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Commercially available cleaning supplies include cleaning solutions, disinfectant sprays, mask wipes, and tube cleaning brushes.

There are also several standalone machines that claim to have the ability to sanitize CPAP components using either ozone gas or ultraviolet (UV) light. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns CPAP users against using these machines, as they haven’t been tested for effectiveness or safety, and some users have reported side effects.

Is There Financial Assistance for CPAP Machines?

For some patients, the cost of CPAP supplies can be a barrier for getting needed sleep apnea treatment. If you are struggling to pay for a CPAP machine or accessories, consider contacting an organization that provides support.

• Financial Assistance: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) provides information about locating financial assistance for the treatment of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea. 
• CPAPTalk.com: CPAPTalk is an online community of CPAP users. Users help each other by answering questions about a wide array of CPAP related topics, including resources related to paying for CPAP machines.
• Used and Refurbished CPAP Machines: SecondWind CPAP is an outlet for purchasing discounted new and lightly used CPAP and BiPAP machines. 
• The Sleep Safe Program: Breathe California is a local nonprofit that offers services to residents of California that are looking for assistance in purchasing a CPAP machine.

FAQs

Can you rent a CPAP machine?

Yes. Many medical equipment providers and online retailers offer CPAP machine rentals, which can be a good option if you want to try therapy before committing to a purchase or need a short-term solution while traveling. Rental costs typically range from $50 to $200 per month, depending on the machine type and included accessories.

Can you buy a used CPAP machine?

While it’s possible to find used or refurbished CPAP machines for sale, it’s important to proceed with caution. Used devices can carry sanitation and performance risks if they haven’t been properly cleaned, inspected, and recalibrated.

If you’re considering this route, look for refurbished units sold by authorized medical equipment suppliers, which are professionally sanitized, tested, and often come with limited warranties. Avoid buying used machines from private sellers or online marketplaces that don’t verify condition or prescription requirements.

How often should you replace your CPAP machine?

Most CPAP machines last about five years with proper care and regular maintenance. After this time, internal components such as the motor or pressure sensors can wear down, which may affect performance.

Many insurance providers, including Medicare, allow for CPAP replacement every five years if the device is no longer working properly or has reached the end of its lifespan.