You can get a CPAP machine through a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier, an online CPAP retailer, or directly through your sleep clinic, but you’ll need a prescription first. The FDA classifies CPAP machines as Class II medical devices, which means no legitimate seller will complete your purchase without a valid prescription from a doctor or sleep specialist.
Getting a Prescription
Before you can buy or rent a CPAP machine anywhere, you need a sleep apnea diagnosis. This typically comes from one of two types of sleep studies: an in-lab overnight test or a home sleep test. In-lab studies are more comprehensive and can cost $3,000 or more without insurance. Home sleep tests are far cheaper, usually ranging from $150 to $1,000, and the kit ships to your door in two to four business days. Either way, a certified sleep specialist interprets the results and writes your prescription, which specifies the type of machine and pressure settings you need.
If you suspect you have sleep apnea but haven’t seen a doctor yet, start with your primary care provider or go directly to a sleep medicine clinic. Many telehealth services now offer consultations and can order home sleep tests remotely, which speeds up the process significantly.
Buying Through a DME Supplier
Durable medical equipment suppliers are the traditional route. Your sleep clinic or doctor’s office will often refer you to one directly. DME providers handle insurance billing on your behalf, which is their biggest advantage. They also typically offer in-person mask fittings, equipment setup, and troubleshooting support. The downside is that pricing can be less transparent, and your choices may be limited to whichever brands and models that supplier carries.
If you have Medicare or private insurance, going through a DME supplier that’s in-network with your plan is usually the simplest path. Medicare covers a 12-week trial of CPAP therapy after an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis. If your doctor confirms the therapy is working after that trial period, coverage continues. After 13 continuous months of rental payments, the machine becomes yours.
Buying From an Online Retailer
Online CPAP retailers offer a wider selection and often more competitive pricing. These are specialized medical supply websites (not general marketplaces like Amazon). Legitimate online sellers will ask you to upload or fax your prescription before shipping. Many also accept insurance, though the process requires more legwork on your end compared to a local DME provider.
Shopping online is especially useful if you’re paying out of pocket, since you can compare prices across multiple retailers. Without insurance, a standard CPAP machine runs between $500 and $1,200. Auto-adjusting models (APAP) fall in a similar range, while BiPAP machines, which provide two different pressure levels, can cost $1,800 or more. Higher-end models from ResMed’s AirCurve line, for example, run close to $1,800.
Refurbished Machines
Buying a refurbished CPAP machine from an authorized retailer is a legitimate way to save money. These units have been inspected, cleaned, and restored to working condition. Reputable sellers provide documentation of their refurbishment process and typically offer warranties and return policies. They will also verify your prescription before completing the sale, which is required by the FDA for both new and used devices.
Avoid buying used CPAP machines from individual sellers on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or at garage sales. These listings often violate the platform’s terms of service, and there’s no way to verify the machine’s history, hygiene, or functionality. Any seller that doesn’t ask for a prescription is not following FDA regulations and should be treated as a red flag.
What Insurance Typically Covers
Most private insurance plans cover CPAP equipment with a copay or coinsurance after your deductible, though the specifics vary widely. Some plans require a rental period before you own the machine. Medicare’s structure is one of the more common models: you rent for 13 months and then own the device outright. During that time, Medicare may also cover supplies like masks and filters on a set replacement schedule.
Under Medicare’s guidelines, the replacement schedule for common supplies looks like this:
- Nasal cushions or pillows: every 2 weeks
- Full-face mask cushion: monthly
- Disposable filters: every 2 weeks
- Reusable filters: every 6 months
- Mask frame: every 3 months
- Humidifier water chamber: every 6 months
Private insurers generally follow similar timelines. Keeping up with supply replacements matters for both hygiene and therapy effectiveness, so it’s worth knowing what your plan allows before you need to reorder.
What a CPAP Setup Costs Without Insurance
If you’re paying entirely out of pocket, plan for the machine itself ($500 to $1,200 for a standard CPAP), a mask ($50 to $150 depending on style), and a hose and filter set. Add in the cost of a sleep study, and you’re looking at roughly $700 to $2,200 total to get started. Ongoing supply costs, mainly mask cushions and filters, add up to a few hundred dollars per year.
Some online retailers offer bundle deals that include the machine, a mask, hose, and filters together at a slight discount. If you know which mask style works for you (nasal pillows, nasal mask, or full-face), bundling is a reasonable way to cut the initial cost.
Active Recalls to Know About
As of mid-2025, Philips Respironics has an active recall on certain DreamStation Auto CPAP and Auto BiPAP devices. The FDA classified this as its most serious recall type. A supplier programming error caused some machines to deliver incorrect therapy modes, limited pressure, or improper humidifier function. Three injuries have been reported. If you own an affected device, Philips recommends continuing to use it until a replacement arrives and contacting their support line at 1-877-387-3311. Always check the FDA’s medical device recall database before purchasing any CPAP machine, especially refurbished models, to confirm the specific unit isn’t part of an active recall.
Traveling With Your CPAP
CPAP machines do not count toward your carry-on baggage limit on flights to or from the United States. Airlines also allow in-flight use. If you’re flying internationally, pack a copy of your prescription and a manufacturer’s FAA compliance letter in case you’re asked for documentation at security or customs. Most travel CPAP models weigh under two pounds and run on battery power, making them practical for trips where outlet access is limited.