A standard CPAP machine costs between $250 and $1,000 out of pocket, with more advanced models ranging significantly higher depending on the type. But the sticker price on the machine itself is only part of the picture. Between the sleep study needed for a prescription, the mask, replacement supplies, and potential insurance complications, the true cost of CPAP therapy can look quite different from the number on the box.
Cost by Machine Type
There are three main types of positive airway pressure machines, and the price gap between them is substantial.
A fixed-pressure CPAP machine, the most common type, delivers one steady air pressure all night. These are the most affordable option, with most models falling in the $250 to $1,000 range at retail. An APAP (auto-adjusting) machine senses your breathing patterns and raises or lowers pressure automatically throughout the night. These typically cost between $600 and $1,600. A BiPAP machine, which delivers one pressure when you inhale and a lower one when you exhale, is the most expensive at $1,700 to $3,000. BiPAP is usually prescribed for people who need higher pressures or have certain conditions that make standard CPAP uncomfortable.
Travel CPAP machines, which are smaller and lighter for portable use, average between $800 and $1,200. Budget travel models exist below that range, while those with extra features cost more. If you already have insurance covering a home CPAP, your plan may not cover a second travel unit.
The Sleep Study You’ll Need First
You can’t simply buy a CPAP machine off the shelf. You need a prescription, which requires a sleep study to diagnose sleep apnea and determine the right pressure settings. This is often the most expensive step in the entire process.
An in-lab sleep study averages around $3,000, with prices ranging from $1,000 to over $10,000 depending on your location and insurance coverage. Some people need a second overnight study specifically to calibrate their CPAP pressure, which adds to the total. If your case appears to be moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, you may qualify for a split-night study, where the first half of the night is used for diagnosis and the second half for fitting the device. This eliminates the need for a separate calibration visit and can save a significant amount.
Home sleep tests are a less expensive alternative for straightforward cases, though they aren’t appropriate for everyone. Your doctor will determine which type of study you need.
Masks, Filters, and Ongoing Supply Costs
The machine is a one-time purchase, but the accessories are recurring expenses. You’ll need a mask (ranging from $50 to $200 depending on the style), a hose, a humidifier chamber, and filters. Masks and cushions need replacing every few months as the silicone loses its seal, and filters need swapping regularly to keep the air clean.
Over a year, replacement supplies can add $200 to $500 or more. This is an easy cost to overlook when shopping for the machine, but it adds up over the life of the device. Most CPAP machines last about five years before insurance will cover a replacement.
What Insurance and Medicare Cover
Most private insurance plans cover CPAP equipment after a confirmed sleep apnea diagnosis, though you’ll typically owe a copay or coinsurance after meeting your deductible. The specifics vary widely between plans, so checking your benefits before ordering is worth the phone call.
Medicare covers CPAP therapy under Part B, but with a specific structure. It starts with a 12-week trial period to confirm the therapy is working. After that, Medicare pays the supplier to rent the machine for 13 months. Once those 13 months of continuous rental payments are complete, you own the machine outright. During this period, Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20% plus the Part B deductible.
There’s an important catch with both Medicare and many private insurers: you need to demonstrate that you’re actually using the machine. The general compliance standard most insurers follow is using the device at least four hours per night for a minimum number of nights over a set period. If your usage data (tracked automatically by the machine) falls below the threshold, your insurer can stop covering the equipment or require you to return a rented device.
Renting vs. Buying
Renting a CPAP machine can make sense if you’re unsure whether you’ll tolerate the therapy or if you want to try it before committing. Some suppliers charge weekly, others monthly, and some require a minimum rental period with an upfront fee. Specific rates vary by supplier and region.
Medicare’s rent-to-own structure means you’re essentially renting for 13 months before the machine becomes yours, with Medicare covering 80% of the cost. Medicare Advantage plans follow a similar model. If you stop using the machine before the rental period ends, you may lose the equipment and any payments made toward it.
Buying outright makes the most financial sense if you know you’ll stick with therapy. You avoid monthly fees, you own the device immediately, and you aren’t beholden to compliance tracking requirements tied to a rental agreement (though your insurer may still require compliance data for ongoing supply coverage).
Using HSA or FSA Funds
CPAP machines and accessories are eligible expenses under a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). This means you can pay with pre-tax dollars, effectively saving 20% to 35% depending on your tax bracket. This applies to the machine, mask, hose, filters, and other supplies. The one exception: limited-purpose FSAs and dependent care FSAs do not cover CPAP equipment.
If your insurance leaves you with a significant out-of-pocket share, using HSA or FSA funds is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce the real cost. Since these accounts have annual contribution limits, planning larger purchases around your account balance can help you get the most value.
Total First-Year Cost Estimate
Putting it all together, here’s what the first year of CPAP therapy can look like without insurance:
- Sleep study: $1,000 to $3,000+
- CPAP machine: $250 to $1,000 (standard), $600 to $1,600 (auto-adjusting), or $1,700 to $3,000 (BiPAP)
- Mask and accessories: $100 to $300
- Replacement supplies: $200 to $500 per year
For someone buying a standard CPAP and paying out of pocket for everything, the first-year total realistically falls between $1,500 and $5,000. With insurance, the out-of-pocket portion drops considerably, often to a few hundred dollars total after deductibles and copays. The wide range reflects differences in insurance plans, machine type, and whether you need one sleep study or two.