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If youโve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, one of your next big decisions is how to buy a CPAP machine. Should you go through insurance or buy one outright from an online retailer? Understanding the cost differences, long-term financial implications, and key considerations will help you make the best choice for your health and budget.
This guide will break down the true cost of CPAP therapy, compare insurance and out-of-pocket costs, and help you decide which purchasing option is right for you.
What you need to know about CPAP machine costs
- Most CPAP machines cost $700 to $1,100 out-of-pocket.
- Insurance coverage and requirements differ from plan to plan.
- CPAP cleaning & maintenance costs $220 to $1,600 per year.
- Insurance requires you to pass a 90-day CPAP compliance test to qualify for coverage.
- Buying a machine outright is a good option if you want to choose your own equipment or do not wish to have your CPAP use monitored by insurance.
- Buying a machine with insurance is usually cheaper if you have a low-cost deductible and co-pay.
Table of contents
How much does a CPAP machine cost in 2025?
If you are buying a CPAP machine outright, you should expect to spend between $700 and $1,100, although you can often find them at a discount depending on ongoing sales and savings codes.ย
Buying a CPAP machine through insurance is more difficult to estimate. The price you pay depends on your policy, plus the agreement your insurance provider has with your CPAP supplier. Traditionally, the total cost of a CPAP machine is higher when it is billed through insurance. However, once you hit your deductible the amount you pay is usually a percentage of that larger total.
Factors that affect the cost of CPAP therapy
Itโs important to keep in mind that CPAP therapy is an ongoing commitment, and the cost goes beyond just the machine. To get a full picture of what youโll spend, youโll need to consider both initial costs and long-term costs.
While modern AutoCPAP machines, like the AirSense 11, are built to last at least 5 years, CPAP masks have a shorter lifespan of about 12 months. Both of these products include individual parts that need to be replaced anywhere from 2-12 times a year.
Things that impact the cost of CPAP when paying with insurance:
Medicare/Medicaid vs private
If you've met your deductible
Co-pays & co-insurance
Machine & mask model
Auto vs fixed pressure CPAP
CPAP compliance status
Things that impact the cost of CPAP when paying out-of-pocket:
Machine & mask model
Auto vs fixed pressure CPAP
Standard vs travel machine
Payment plan options
Buying vs renting
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Ongoing sales & discounts
Equipment and supplies that you'll need to purchase during your first year of CPAP therapy include:
Your Money, Your Sleep, Your Life
Leaving your sleep apnea untreated can cost you, literally! Scientists estimate that treating your OSA with CPAP therapy can save you $2,700 to $5,200 per year between better productivity, fewer accidents, and lower healthcare costs.
Paying out-of-pocket for a CPAP machine
Many CPAP users choose to buy their machine outright from an online retailer like cpap.com. This approach avoids the hassle of insurance restrictions and can even save you money in the long run because you have control over when and what you purchase.ย
However, buying a CPAP device on your own also means you may miss out on special insurance support programs. Plus, the thought of spending thousands of dollars on sleep apnea treatment without it being applied to your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum may sting for some people.
Breaking down the initial costs of CPAP therapy without insurance
CPAP Machine:ย $700 โ $1,100
CPAP Mask:ย $30 โ $160
Cleaning Supplies:ย $15 โ $40
Total Costs:ย $745 โ $1,300
Bottom Line
If you want freedom, faster access, and long-term savings, buying online may be the smarter choiceโespecially if you have a high deductible.
Pros
โ No machine restrictions
โ Choose your own equipment
โ No compliance tracking
โ Own your CPAP immediately
โ Save with sales & discounts
โ Know the total cost upfront
โ No waiting on approvals
โ Pay using FSA/HSA funds
โ Payment plans often available
โ Save with subscription services
Cons
โ Higher upfront costs
โ Unlikely to be reimbursed
โ Responsible for all supply costs
โ No insurance support program
โ Doesnโt contribute to deductible
โ Doesn't contribute to OOP-max
โ Machine returns rarely accepted
Tips for buying a CPAP machine without insurance
If buying a CPAP machine without insurance sounds like the right choice for you, there are a few things you can do to help offset the starting costs.
Take advantage of email subscriptions that send out discount codes.
Look for sites that offer payment plans, such as Breathe Now, Pay Later.
Join CPAP forums or groups where people share ongoing sales and discounts.
Research slightly older machines like the AirSense 10 or Luna II that have similar comfort features for a lower price.
Use your FSA or HSA account to buy CPAP equipment, supplies, and accessories.
Ask your provider about insurance reimbursement for the cost of your machine.
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Check for sales during holidays and public events, such as Black Friday, Veterans Day, March Madness, and more.ย
Subscribe & Save
Make sure your therapy never skips a beat with our Subscribe & Save program.ย Get fresh supplies delivered straight to your door, exactly when you need them. Plus, enjoy 10% off every order for hassle-free, restful sleep.
โ Choose your essentials
โ Set your schedule
โ Save while you sleep
Your Money, Your Sleep, Your Life
Having Adults with OSA spend about ย 1.8 times more ย on healthcare during the five years leading up to their diagnosis. People with untreated sleep apnea are more likely toย experience chronic health issuesย like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and even cancer.
Buying a CPAP machine with insurance
Most insurance policies cover at least part of the costs for CPAP therapy including most of the machine and mask, plus replacement parts and sometimes even cleaning supplies.
Other than offering lower starting costs, some people feel confident going through insurance because they will be given the opportunity to return their CPAP device to the local DME seller if they fail to meet their 90-day CPAPย compliance requirements.
Still, there are other important factors to consider. While insurance helps with the upfront costs, it has many restrictions and other downsides, which lead people to make the purchase on their own.
Bottom Line
If you have a low deductible, decent co-pay, and donโt mind having to stick to strict compliance rules, insurance can save you money. But if you want immediate ownership and more machine choices, out-of-pocket may be better.
Breaking down the initial costs of CPAP therapy without insurance
- Deductible: This usually ranges anywhere from $257 for people with Medicare Part B plans to $6,000+ for private plans with low premiums and high deductibles. Insurance coverage does not kick in until you have paid your deductible.
- Co-Pays: After your deductible is met, youโll usually pay between 20-30% of the total cost of your machine, mask, and supplies. So, if your machine costs $1,000, youโll pay $200.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum:ย This is the maximum amount of money youโre expected to spend on in-network healthcare that is covered by your insurance policy. Once you hit this amount, insurance should cover the full cost of your CPAP therapy. Your OOP max is usually capped at around $8,000-$9,500.ย
How CPAP therapy works with insurance coverage
Most insurance companies implement a 13-month rent-to-own agreement, in which they cover their portion of your CPAP machine, mask, and supplies. After that time is up, you become the full owner of your CPAP device. This insurance agreement usually includes:
3-Month Compliance Trial: Initial 3-month compliance trial in which you must use your machine 4 hours per night for 70% of the nights
10-Month Rental: After passing the compliance trial insurance signs an additional 10-month rental agreement
Coverage for CPAP Mask & Supplies: Insurance continues to cover the cost of CPAP mask and supplies for the life of your therapy
Pros
โ Lower initial costs
โ Interest-free payment plan
โ Support from a local seller
โ Coverage for all supplies
โ Goes toward deductible
โ Goes toward out-of-pocket max
โ Can pay co-pay with an FSA/HSA
โ Return if non-compliant
Cons
โ Total costs are usually inflated
โ Strict compliance requirements
โ Minimal machine options
โ Limited equipment availability
โ Smaller range of cost options
โ No sales or discount pricing
โ Like a rent-to-own contract
โ No coverage until deductible hit
โ Must find an in-network supplier
โ Unclear pricing
โ No flexible subscriptions
โ No control over replacements
Compliance restrictions are one of the biggest downsides of using insurance to pay for CPAP therapy.
Insurance only helps with the cost of your machine if you use it regularly. This is called CPAP compliance and to qualify you must sleep with the device for at least 4 hours per night, for 21 days out of the month (70% of the month). If you do not meet these requirements, the insurance company will stop covering your CPAP therapy.
Your Money, Your Sleep, Your Life
Having untreated OSA reduces your productivity at work and may even increase your ย chances of getting fired . The United Statesย loses nearly $150 billionย each year due to the effects of obstructive sleep apnea.
Choosing between insurance versus paying out-of-pocket for CPAP therapy
Still unsure which option is right for you? Consider these key questions:
Whatโs your insurance deductible?
Low: Purchasing through insurance may save you money.
High: Buying out-of-pocket may be more cost-effective.
Do you have a preference for your CPAP machine?
Yes: Buying out-of-pocket will give you more options to choose from.
No: Insurance will most likely approve a specific machine.
Do you need a CPAP immediately?
Yes: Buying out-of-pocket has a much shorter waiting period.
No: Insurance coverage is okay if you donโt mind waiting for their approval.
Do you need the flexibility to adjust to CPAP in your own time?
Yes: Buying out-of-pocket doesnโt require compliance tracking.
No: It may be worth going through insurance.
| Insurance | Paying Out-of-Pocket | |
|---|---|---|
| Start-Up Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Long-Term Cost With High Deductible/Co-Pay | Possibly higher | Possibly lower |
| Long-Term Cost With Low Deductible/Co-Pay | Lower | Higher |
| Machine Options | Limited | Wide selection |
| Ownership | Rent-to-own | Immediate |
| Payment Timing | Pay over 13-months | Upfront but payment plans often available |
| Prescription Required | Yes | Yes |
| Compliance Requirements | 4 hours per night, 70% of nights | None |
Ready to take the next steps toward buying a CPAP machine?
If youโve decided to go through insurance, hereโs what to do next:
Check your insurance plan for coverage details.
Research insurance-approved CPAP suppliers.
Visit an approved medical supply store.
Review the list of approved CPAP devices.
Choose a CPAP mask and machine from that list.
Give your CPAP prescription to the seller.
Submit your insurance information to the seller.
Wait for insurance approval.
Pick up your CPAP equipment.
Meet compliance requirements within 3 months.
If youโre buying out-of-pocket, hereโs how to get started:
Visit a retailer like cpap.com.
Pick a machine and mask that fit your needs.
Upload your CPAP prescription.
Complete your purchase.
Wait for your equipment to arrive in the mail.
Start CPAP therapy once it arrives.
Work your way up to using your CPAP nightly.
Final Thoughts
CPAP therapy is a major investment in your health. How you pay for it matters. Itโs important to carefully consider factors like your insurance plan, budget, and therapy needs before making your decision.
Insurance may lower your upfront costs of starting therapy, but it also comes with frustrating restrictions. On the other hand, buying out-of-pocket gives you control to choose the equipment that meets your needs and the freedom to adjust to therapy on your own terms, but it may cost a bit more if you have a cost-effective insurance plan.
Whether you go through insurance or buy outright, tackling sleep apnea is what matters most. If you have questions about CPAP therapy or just need help finding the perfect CPAP machine or mask, donโt hesitate to reach out!
Need help? Contact us!
- Call: 1-800-356-5221
- Email: support@cpap.com
- Chat: Connectwith a CPAP Guide through our website or app
Kenzie Dubs - Sleep Health Educator
Written and Edited by Kenzie Dubs. Kenzie is dedicated to educating the public about the hidden effects of sleep apnea and the importance of early treatment. Using her professional and educational background in biology and healthcare, she specializes in writing easy-to-understand, science-based content that guides readers through each stage of their sleep apnea journey.