Written by Natalie Grigson, Writer
If you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you’re not alone. About 30 million people1 in the U.S. have sleep apnea. This sleep disorder causes you to start and stop breathing throughout the night, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
This is where continuous positive airway pressure therapy, or CPAP therapy, comes in. These devices use air pressure to keep the airway from collapsing throughout the night so you can keep breathing. This should mean an improvement in snoring, sleep quality, and overall health2.
While these benefits sound well and good, you might be asking yourself, “How much does it cost?” We’ll go over how much you can expect to pay for your CPAP machine and other important accessories — without the help of insurance. We’ll also briefly discuss how insurance can help cover costs, along with other important questions you may have about CPAP costs.
How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost?
The cost of your CPAP machine will depend on whether or not you have insurance. If you do have insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses will vary based on your specific plan.
Without insurance, CPAP costs still vary, but the average cost is about $8003. Sometimes, this price will include accessories like a mask or tubing. However, you’ll usually need to buy these items separately. Regardless of whether or not you buy a CPAP yourself or through insurance, you’ll still need a doctor’s prescription to get one.
While CPAP therapy provides a continuous pre-set level of air pressure, your doctor may instead recommend bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy or automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) therapy. BiPAP machines are pre-set to deliver two different levels of air pressure — one for when you’re breathing in and the other for when you’re breathing out. APAP devices are pre-set with a range of air pressures. These machines analyze your breathing at night, and depending on how you’re breathing, they adjust the pressure either up or down.
The following prices reflect the average cost without insurance for each type of device:
| Type of Machine | Average Out-of-Pocket Cost |
|---|---|
| CPAP | $500 – $1,000 |
| BiPAP | $1,700 – $3,000 |
| APAP | $600 – $1,600 |
How Much Do CPAP Masks and Accessories Cost?
Occasionally, manufacturers will include some of the accessories in the price of your CPAP machine, but you’ll likely need to buy them separately. Below, we’ll include the average price range of these items for those paying out of pocket.
Masks
CPAP masks run between $50 and $200, depending on the type of mask you get. These can go over your nose and/or mouth. There are multiple types of masks, including full face, nasal, nasal pillow, and hybrid options. It’s recommended that these are replaced every three months4.
More: Best CPAP Masks for Women and Best CPAP Masks for Kids
Headgear/Straps
The headgear is what holds the mask in its proper position against your face. When you first buy your mask, it should come with headgear, but over time, you may need to replace this item. In this case, the headgear should cost between about $15 and $40.
Explore our picks for the Best CPAP Chin Straps
Mask Cushion
The mask cushion fits inside the mask, so you’ll need to make sure that when replacing this, you select one that’s compatible with your mask. These provide both comfort and a better seal against the face. The average cost is between $20 and $60, and experts advise replacing them two times a month.4
Filter
When you first purchase your CPAP machine, it should come with a filter. However, filters need to be replaced about twice per month.4 Luckily, they typically only cost $5 or less.
Tubing
The hose, or tubing, connects from the CPAP machine to the mask, allowing air to move into your nose or mouth. Oftentimes, the CPAP machine will come with tubing, but you’ll need to replace it every three months or so.4 Tubing tends to cost between $5 and $35.
Humidifier
CPAP machines often come with humidifiers built in. However, it is recommended that you replace this humidifier about once every six months.4 The cost for this should be between about $20 and $50.
How Much Do CPAP Cleaning Supplies Cost?
Mask Wipes
Mask wipes are disposable wipes used to clean your CPAP equipment, and they should cost somewhere between $10 and $20.
Soap and Disinfectant
Soaps and disinfectants can be used to clean your CPAP mask or tubing. Soaps tend to be less expensive, at $5 to $10, whereas disinfectants should cost between $5 to $25.
Tube Brush
A tube brush allows you to clean the inside of your CPAP’s tubing. Its average price ranges between $15 and $30.
Does Insurance Cover CPAP Machines?
Yes, most insurance companies help cover your CPAP machine5. Just like if you’re paying out of pocket, the first step in getting a CPAP machine through insurance is a visit to your doctor. There, you’ll discuss your symptoms and your doctor will refer you to a sleep study. Only once you’ve completed an overnight sleep study can your doctor officially diagnose you with sleep apnea and then write you a prescription for CPAP therapy.
It’s important to note that your out-of-pocket expenses when using insurance will vary based on your specific plan and how high your deductible is. Some people may find that paying out of pocket is less expensive than using insurance. If you have insurance, contact your provider to find out how much of your CPAP expenses they will cover.
Learn more about CPAP insurance coverage here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase a CPAP machine on my own?
Yes, you can either go through insurance to get a CPAP machine or purchase it on your own. Either way, you will need a doctor’s prescription to have access to CPAP equipment.
How many years does a CPAP machine last?
Most CPAP machines should last about five years, while other equipment like masks, headgear, tubing, filters, and humidifiers should be regularly checked and replaced more frequently.2
Can I get a CPAP machine without a sleep study?
In order to get a CPAP machine, you need to complete an overnight sleep study. This is how your doctor will be able to properly diagnose you with sleep apnea and write you a prescription for CPAP therapy.
Some insurance providers or doctors may allow for an at-home sleep study. However, these tend to be less accurate6 than ones done in clinics.
Natalie Grigson
Writer
About Author
Natalie is a content writer for Sleep Advisor with a deep passion for all things health and a fascination with the mysterious activity that is sleep. Outside of writing about sleep, she is a bestselling author, improviser, and creative writing teacher based out of Austin.
Combination Sleeper
- 1. Berg, Sara. “What doctors wish patients knew about sleep apnea”. American Medical Association. 2022. –
- 2. “CPAP Machine”. Cleveland Clinic. Last modified November 9, 2021. –
- 3. Girouard, Ayla. “How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost?”. National Council on Aging. –
- 4. “REPLACEMENT SCHEDULES FOR MEDICARE CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE SUPPLIES”. Department of Health and Human Services. –
- 5. “Positive Airway Pressure and Your Insurance: What You Should Know”. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Webpage accessed December 28, 2024. –
- 6. “What to Know About an At-Home Sleep Test”. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Webpage accessed November 9, 2024. –