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CPAP Machine Cost: Is it Cheaper Without Insurance?

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cost of wearing a cpap device

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Out-of-Pocket vs. Insurance: Paying out of pocket can range from $900 to $1,400 for initial setup, often making it more affordable than going through insurance.
  • Factors Affecting Cost: The CPAP market seems to be restabilizing after the COVID-19 pandemic, Philips DreamStation recall, and supply chain disruptions which led to increased costs and availability issues for CPAP machines.
  • Equipment Cost Breakdown: Expect to spend between $500 and $1,650 for your first CPAP machine setup, or between $1300 to upwards of $3000 or more for a BiPAP machine and supplies.
  • Yearly Maintenance Costs: Annual upkeep can range from $330 to $900, depending on how often you replace various parts.
  • Insurance Limitations: Insurance companies may require compliance with usage and can reclaim the machine if you don’t meet their criteria.

The first step to getting the most out of your CPAP therapy and receiving the restful night of sleep you deserve is purchasing the right machine for you. CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines fit different needs, varying based on the lifestyle factors that matter the most to you.

However, when it comes to the different types of machines, the cost is the factor that will likely influence your machine choice the most. While replacement supplies will be required a few months after you begin therapy, the only purchases you need to be concerned with to begin therapy are your CPAP machine, CPAP mask, and some basic cleaning supplies. 

When paying out of pocket without insurance, you can expect to spend $900 to $1,400 on average for your initial therapy setup. Paying out of pocket is typically the most affordable approach, though there are other variables (such as varying levels of insurance coverage) and more expensive machines to consider that we’ll explore in more detail below.

In this comprehensive pricing guide to sleep apnea machines, masks, and equipment, we’ll dive into:

First, let’s talk about the reason behind recent machine price increases and why the last couple of years have been rough for pricing and availability.

Why Are CPAP Machines So Expensive in 2024?

It’s certainly true that CPAP machines of all types were more readily available and affordable in previous years, and there are quite a few factors contributing to the increased costs. The CPAP shortage can be traced back to the COVID-19 pandemic we experienced in 2020; more accurately, though, to the supply chain disruptions that occurred as a result of the pandemic. Then, in June of 2021, Philips Respironics issued a voluntary recall affecting an estimated three to four million devices.

The recall introduced a sudden and large demand for new CPAP machines on top of existing supply chain disruptions and an increased need for computer parts for the newly-relocated work-from-home workforce. To add to this, a semiconductor chip shortage that was already on the rise since late 2020 became exacerbated by several events around the world. Production was hampered by three separate factory fires and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which supplied roughly half of the world’s neon gas used to power the lasers required for semiconductor chip production.

To provide relief to a market in need of CPAP devices, ResMed revived the AirSense 10, this time without a wireless modem. While the AirSense 10 Card-to-Cloud doesn’t pair with ResMed’s MyAir app or wirelessly transmit data, it’s a more affordable take on therapy and an attempt to provide a more affordable machine to those in need. 

How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost in 2024?

Costs can vary because there are generally two ways to buy a CPAP machine:

  • Working With Your Doctor Through Insurance 
  • Online Through a Third-Party Retailer Like CPAP.com

There are many variables that will be unique to your situation if you’re paying through insurance, but typically, people who pay out of pocket for their equipment spend between $500 and $1,650 for their first CPAP machine and equipment setup, detailed below:

Equipment TypeLow-End CostHigh-End CostBiPAP Cost
Machine$400$1,200$1,200-$2,500+
Mask$40$180$40-180
Cleaning Supplies$15-30$200-300$15-300
Total Upfront Investment~$500~$1,650~$1,300-3,000+

As you can see above, the lower end of the initial investment in CPAP equipment and necessary supplies can range from about $500 with a value-priced machine to around $1,500 with a more modern machine with advanced features and data tracking. For those who require a BiPAP machine, the price can range from just over $1,000 to upwards of $3,000 or more, depending on the specific level of treatment you need.

There’s much more to discuss here, however, such as upkeep and maintenance costs that can stack up over time, which we’ll discuss in more detail below. First, though, let’s break down the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of paying with insurance versus paying out of pocket.

CPAP Machine Cost With Insurance:

Let’s start with a potentially surprising idea—if you get your new CPAP machine from your insurance company, you may be overpaying. With most insurance companies, your machine is covered only if you’ve met your annual deductible. If you haven’t met your deductible, you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the machine, which may be more expensive than purchasing it yourself online. 

Typically, the cost of the device will be broken up over a 10-month period (sometimes longer) and you’ll pay an installment each month as part of a rental agreement. At the end of the rental term, you’ll own the machine. This may sound comparable to purchasing a machine outright, but insurance companies typically pay much more for CPAP machines than we’re able to sell them for on our site, directly to you. 

And for those looking to buy a secondary travel machine through your insurance company, you may run into some roadblocks as well. Insurance companies typically only supply one home unit every five years, so it’s likely you’ll need to pay out of pocket for any additional machines during the five-year period.

CPAP Machine Cost Without Insurance:

We discuss renting a CPAP machine through insurance more in-depth below, but for now, we’re going to take a look at what you can expect to pay out-of-pocket for a CPAP machine.

Standard CPAP Machines: Without insurance, the average cost of a CPAP machine in 2024 comes out to around $750; fixed-pressure CPAP machines can typically be found between $600 to $1,000. While CPAP machines may have paved the way for CPAP therapy, APAP machines have significantly risen in popularity in the last decade and are becoming prescribed more and more over CPAP as the technology improves.

APAP Machines: Interestingly, the average cost of an APAP in 2024 is about $700. With the rise in popularity, you can find a range of these auto-adjusting units online from as low as $400 to around $1,000-1,200 for higher-end options.

BiPAP Machines: A BiPAP machine starts out at around $1,600 but can cost upwards of $3,000 in some cases. These machines offer much more advanced therapy for specific needs and, in some cases, can even initiate breathing—something CPAP cannot do.

Travel CPAP Machines: Lastly, travel machines typically cost between $600 and $900. Most travel machines are also auto-adjusting and offer therapy in a compact form, typically with optional waterless humidification.

Additional CPAP machine costs include the price of a mask, hose, and replacement supplies, including disposable, reusable, and bacteria filters. These additional supplies add comfort, an increased level of effectiveness, and cleanliness to your machine setup.

How Much Do CPAP Supplies Cost?

In addition to the CPAP machine itself, you have to consider the cost of CPAP supplies and add-ons, such as a humidifier, mask, hose, and cleaning supplies. Supplies are covered by insurance, but coverage levels vary from state to state. When you shop with CPAP.com, you can schedule subscriptions for commonly worn parts like cushions, headgear, and air filters to save 10% AND get free shipping on each subscription order.

To give you an idea of the average cost of CPAP supplies, we put together an annual breakdown of average expected costs, seen here:

Equipment TypeAnnual ReplacementsAverage Cost for 1 Year
CPAP Mask Cushions4-8~$60-300+
CPAP Mask Headgear1-2~$40-60
CPAP Mask Frame1-2~$100-200+
Tubing1-2~$10-30
Machine Air Filters1-4~$12-20
Humidifier Chamber1-2~$30-80
Cleaning Supplies2-4~$80-200+
Total Estimated Costs:X~$330-900

Based on the above estimates, yearly CPAP ownership can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to nearly a thousand or more depending on your equipment and how often you replace the various pieces of it. In our experience, however, we’d wager that the majority of CPAP owners will fall somewhere between $400 and $600 in yearly maintenance costs.

Below, you’ll find a more detailed breakdown by equipment type of what to expect when it’s time to replace equipment.

CPAP Masks: CPAP masks typically cost anywhere between $30 and $160. The cost of your CPAP mask will vary depending on the style, features, and quality of materials used. 

The actual frame of your mask (the part your cushion snaps onto and headgear connects to) should be replaced every six to 12 months, but your mask cushion should be replaced every three to six months, or monthly if using an AirTouch memory foam cushion. Nasal pillows should be replaced every 1-3 months. Cushions typically cost between $15 and $60, depending on your mask.

CPAP Headgear: You don’t need to purchase headgear separately when you buy a mask, but it will also become worn over time and should be replaced every six to nine months; you can expect to pay $15-$40 for your replacement headgear.

CPAP Humidifiers: External humidifiers typically cost between $150 to $250, but the good news is that modern CPAP machines virtually always have a built-in humidifier, so upkeep is the only real cost to consider as far as humidifiers are concerned nowadays. The humidifier chamber itself will need to be replaced every six to twelve months, but thankfully, replacement chambers start at around $20 and top out at around $40.

While not required, a humidifier can often make your CPAP therapy more comfortable and tolerable.

CPAP Hoses and Tubing:  Most standard CPAP hoses can be found for less than $15, but specialty unheated hoses can go for upwards of $40. CPAP hoses should be replaced every six to twelve months. The price difference in hoses lies in the type of hose you choose. Heated hoses are more expensive than standard hoses and start at around $30 with the most expensive models coming in at around $65.

With heated hoses, heating coils cut down on the formation of condensation inside the hose itself, making for a more comfortable therapy experience.

CPAP Supplies: Supplies like filters range in price from $10 to $40, based on what your specific machine requires. Almost all CPAP machines have different filters that are used to remove atmospheric irritants from the air you breathe.

The three different types of filters are disposable (fine), reusable (foam), and bacteria. Disposable filters are the cheapest and found on most machines. They cannot be washed and work best when replaced every three to six months. Reusable filters are intended to be cleaned periodically—usually once a month—and aren’t used in every machine; these should also be replaced every three to six months.

Reusable filters range from $9 to $20. Bacteria filters are optional but add another level of protection to your CPAP setup by filtering out mold, bacteria, and other tiny particles that might make it past your machine’s standard defenses. Bacteria filters can be purchased in a pack of five for under $20 or a pack of ten for under $30.

How Much Do Cleaning Supplies Cost?

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your CPAP equipment can increase the longevity of your machine and the quality of your therapy.

To get the most out of your therapy, clean your CPAP with cleaning supplies such as: 

CPAP Machine Rental Cost

There are a few online companies that specialize in CPAP machine rentals, though we don’t recommend this route as a long-term solution. While the low monthly cost, typically $30-$70 a month for most options, may seem appealing, you’ll actually be paying significantly more over time. 

Insurance usually replaces a CPAP machine every five years which is the average CPAP life expectancy. Even the cheapest rental we found at $30 a month works out to $1,800 over a span of five years, and that’s not even for a current-generation CPAP model.

On average, you can expect to pay about $60 a month to rent a CPAP machine, and over the course of five years you’ll end up paying $3,600, or more than double the amount of purchasing a brand new AirSense 11 AutoSet.  

Renting a CPAP can be a great way to test drive a new machine or try out some different features or brands in the short term, but when people talk about renting a CPAP machine, it’s actually usually being done through their insurance provider. 

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a CPAP Machine (Through Insurance)?

Renting to own your CPAP machine through your insurance company would mean the machine is yours, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

While the most common way of starting your CPAP therapy through your insurance company is renting your machine, you are often required to use it in order to keep it. You read that right—if you don’t regularly use your CPAP machine, then your insurance company can take it from you even if you’ve been paying for it monthly.

Insurance and Compliance Reporting

Insurance commonly requires a basic level of therapy compliance—usually around four hours of usage a night for 70% of nights. If you go a period of time without using your machine, it may indicate to your insurance company that you’re not serious about your sleep apnea treatment, and they will request the machine back.

The insurance model works well for those who wouldn’t consistently use their machine without insurance checking in on them, but approaching therapy on your own terms can be much more empowering. If you’re someone that gets anxious easily or would worry about not meeting compliance requirements, you’d most likely benefit from owning your machine outright.

Some of the community members over at CPAPtalk.com have also pointed out that when you work with insurance, you tend to pay a ‘frustration tax’ as well. It’s not actually any amount of money, but rather your sanity that’s being spent when waiting to be approved for replacement supplies or repairs for your machine if something goes wrong. Instead of simply purchasing new supplies and having them shipped straight to you, you’ll have to run everything through your insurance first, which will require another level of planning ahead and less flexibility when you need supplies in a pinch. 

✔️ Buying a CPAP machine online means you’re always in charge of your therapy. You’ll own it from day one.

Do You Get the Best CPAP Machine Through Insurance?

When getting a CPAP machine with insurance, many people assume they’ll get the best machine, which isn’t always true. In many cases, the CPAP supplier your insurance company recommends is reimbursed the same amount of money regardless of the quality of your machine. Thus, there’s no incentive for the CPAP supplier to give you the best machine.

In addition, if the supplier gives you a cheap, average machine, then they can pocket more of the insurance company’s reimbursement versus giving you a more expensive, higher-quality machine.

✔️ With CPAP.com, you are in control of your CPAP therapy. You can choose the machine that best fits your lifestyle and sleep apnea needs.

You Can Still File a Claim When You Buy With CPAP.com

To keep our prices low, CPAP.com doesn’t bill insurance for our machines or accept Medicare. CPAP.com is considered an out-of-network DME or CPAP supplier, and insurance plans differ in coverage based on the DME and insurance carrier. 

✔️ We can provide you with an insurance-compliant reimbursement form but we cannot guarantee that your insurance will reimburse you when you buy from us. If you plan to do this, check with your insurance company before your purchase to be sure that you’ll be reimbursed. 

Final Thoughts

Getting a good night of sleep translates to the overall productivity of your day. Without a good night of sleep, you can experience daytime sleepiness or trouble focusing, but the dangers of untreated sleep apnea can be much more severe. Successful CPAP therapy can lower your blood pressure and lower your chances of stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s.  

While there are many people who simply prefer to let their insurance handle everything, purchasing or renting your machine through insurance is typically more expensive in the long run. Buying a CPAP machine from a reputable dealer like CPAP.com puts the power back in your hands, and often at a better price. Explore your options on CPAP.com to find your ideal machine and pricepoint for your lifestyle so you can begin to experience the life-altering benefits of CPAP therapy.

  • Taylor Whitten

    Taylor has seen sleep apnea treatment first-hand and has learned the ins and outs through formal training in CPAP machines, masks, and equipment. She strives to make learning about sleep apnea and sleep apnea therapies a breeze. Interested in sharing your story or have a topic you’d like CPAP.com to investigate? Contact us!

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16 Responses

  1. I have a CPAP that I bought in 2013 as my first one was 9 yrs old.
    I have now a resmed escape and looking for a battery pack for it as I am planning a fishing trip in the bush for about three days. What is your suggestion. where I am going there is no way of recharging the unit.
    Do you have a rep in Ontario Canada

    1. Hey Henri!

      Thanks for taking the time to write! I’m going to put you in touch with a CPAP expert, who will be emailing you regarding your fishing trip. Hopefully, the two of you can figure something out!

  2. I am enquiring if you have gift vouchers please?
    Thanks Geoff Blackwell
    Current user of 1 of your machines
    0427804369

    1. Hi Geoff,

      My apologies, but we do not currently offer any type for gift vouchers or gift cards. If you are asking about promotional codes, we do have promotional offers on a regular basis. These can always be found on our home page at CPAP.com. Thank you for commenting on our blog if you haven’t already signed up for our newsletter I would suggest that you do so because we also offer special promotions through our newsletter.

  3. I have a good machine about two years old or so. I will be 65 2020 and wondering will Medicare cover. I’ve been using one since 1996 and so addicted to I can’t sleep without one,including naps. Just hoping Medicare will cover if I’m around then.

  4. I was assaulted and robed twice last June while on vacation in Barcelona Spain.Had a CPAP from Redpironics Inc. All I was left with was the System One Htd Humid,because I did not took it with me.I had travel insurance they will pay for the part that was stolen.Getting not help from my part supplier. Will like to know the price and will get the Rx from doctor.

  5. Prices in Australia are up to three times as much. It’s criminal, really. It’s not like it’s an optional accessory.

    Good and useful article.

  6. Hear a firsthand account of why CPAP user David Repasky felt like going through his insurance company to get his first CPAP machine was a mistake
    Do you have a link for this? It’s not above in the article that I could find.

  7. Daniela:

    I need to decide to purchase either RESMED AIRSENSE 10 AUTOSET or PHILIPS RESPIRONICS DREAMSTATION AUTO. Please let me know which one is better. Thank you so much.

    1. Hi Kathy, both the AirSense 10 Auto and DreamStation Auto are excellent machines. Your choice of machines will ultimately be one that you must decide on. The AirSense 10 has a built-in humidifier whereas the DreamStation has an option to add a humidifier.

      This may be important if you like to travel, but do not wish to carry a bulky humidifier with you, then the DreamStation may be the machine for you. Sound level may be another deciding factor for you, the DreamStation’s DBA (sound level) is less than than the AirSense 10’s.

      Please keep in mind that CPAP.com is currently offering a 30 day risk-free trial on the AirSense 10 Auto. This means if you purchase the machine and you are not satisfied with it for any reason within 30 days, you can return the machine and get a refund, or select a different machine.

      Please make note that this offer does not exist for the DreamStation Auto and once you use the machine, it is your machine to keep.

      Please see the link below which compares the two machines side-by-side so that you may see the specs of each machine, as this may assist you in making the better decision on the machine that may suit you best.

      https://www.cpap.com/cpap-compare-chart-share/2e9w

      I hope this helps you in your decision making process, if you have any further questions, or concerns please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or via e-mail at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great day!

    1. Hey Ginger, I can’t confirm what the process would be with other online companies, but when purchasing a machine from CPAP.com, we will set the machine according to your prescription, before shipping. When you receive your machine, you will only need to connect your mask and your machine is ready for use!

      For further questions, or concerns, please feel free to reach us at: 1-800-356-5221, or you may e-mail us at: cpap@cpap.com.

      Have a great weekend!

  8. Wow, this article is 100% accurate – I decided from the minute i called my recommended insurance provider of CPAP to go it by myself, it was cheaper and no stress of having to deal with the monitoring. Here is my experience –

    Stats before the CPAP were from my sleep study – 74 apneas, 43 hyponeas, and my index was 17.2 I had 314 snoring events and lowest desaturation was 80% and oxygen was 91%. – with 6 hours and 45 minutes on the sleep study. Wow what an eye opener …

    Now I can say my index is between 0.2 and 0.4 per night – virtually no snoring (my spouse says never heard one.) My pressure averages around 9.4 (with auto set at 6-16) – I will spare the other details since I haven’t done another study with the unit on, but the data shows amazing and I feel amazing.

    1) Called the local recommended provider to get me setup with CPAP unit – they said we need $350 and then it will be $45 per month for 12 months. Huh? I though well maybe these things are 3k + – wrong. If i want to buy it, give them a Credit Card over the phone now for $1200. Then I asked do you have a selection of units I can review to make sure i am getting the best, including Mask types (didn’t know much about Pillows, vs Nose vs Full Face.) They told me to look on their website and there was nothing. Pay them then get something – Ridiculous !

    2) I called my Dr’s and they said go ahead and find another DME locally that I liked. I found one that I called and they had me visit them within 2 hours, I spent maybe 30 minutes and had a completely new ResMed Air Auto for and all accessories for under 1000 bucks including mask and all accessories.

    3) I ended up buying 5 other masks types so i could experiment myself over 2-3 weeks and now I found the right combination and am scoring near 100% every night on my myAir website.

    4) I found the clinical settings and was able to after much research experiment myself with Ramping and Ramping EPR to help me fall asleep on my terms and timetable. I don’t recommend diagnosing your changing settings yourself, but my sister is a RN cpap user for herself and her husband for many years and she assisted me in a safe way.

    5) The built in card transmits my Stats to my phone every morning, and the Digital card can be used by my Doc to check things out. Free ! (If your the inquisitive type like me, I downloaded an open source software called SleepyHead which the developers doesn’t support any longer,) but was able to upload my own data onto my PC to see graphs and charts of all the clinical results. Again, I don’t recommend self diagnosing but being a technical person it was interesting to review and look at – just more data then you can see on you myAir app on your phone.

    I had no stress dealing with an insurance company and thank goodness, because the first 2 – 3 weeks were hell trying to get used to these things and figuring out exactly what combination worked for me ! If i knew that someone was watching me only to fail or not want to wear it if i was traveling or other reasons, would have made me give up quicker.

    I also tried almost EVERY version of Chin strap there was out on Amazon – until I found the perfect one for me – most of them are crap and didn’t help keep my mouth shut. Some of you wonder why not the full face mask, I am very claustrophobic and it just never felt good for me every time i tried it. I know 2-3 weeks seems like a short period to experiment but i know my body well, and I can tell after just 1-2 nights on each mask if this is what I wanted to live with and actually commit to it, knowing I tried all my options. I could have, but I didn’t want to settle.

    My final combo was the a chin strap because I am a mouth breather, and the Nasal Pillow (both ResMed versions) ended up to be winners for me.

    My only disappointment was that I didn’t do this sooner – like 15 years ago !

    If you can swing the $1000 bucks (some good online stores will finance much cheaper than insurance) – for me the right choice was buy it myself – and feel more in control that I didn’t have to settle for less for something that will be with me 7 hours a day for rest of my life.

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