A standard CPAP machine costs between $500 and $1,000 out of pocket, with popular auto-adjusting models pushing past $1,000. But the machine itself is only part of the total expense. When you factor in the sleep test needed to get a prescription, the mask, replacement supplies, and ongoing maintenance, the true first-year cost of CPAP therapy without insurance typically lands between $800 and $2,000 or more.
CPAP Machine Prices by Type
The most common type, a fixed-pressure CPAP machine, delivers the same air pressure all night long. These start around $500 and top out near $1,000. Features like heated humidification, wireless data tracking, and quieter motors push prices toward the higher end of that range.
Auto-adjusting machines (sometimes called APAP) sense changes in your breathing and adjust pressure throughout the night. They cost more. The ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet, one of the most widely prescribed models, retails for about $1,044. The older AirSense 10 AutoSet still sells for around $960. These auto-adjusting models are what most people end up with today, since they tend to be more comfortable and many prescriptions are written for them by default.
Bilevel machines (BiPAP), which use a higher pressure when you inhale and a lower one when you exhale, are prescribed for more complex breathing disorders. They typically cost $1,500 to $3,000 or more, though most people with straightforward obstructive sleep apnea won’t need one.
Travel CPAP Machines
If you travel frequently, you may want a smaller portable unit in addition to your bedside machine. Most travel CPAP machines cost between $500 and $900, though premium options like the ResMed AirMini run close to $970. Worth noting: travel CPAP machines aren’t typically covered by insurance even for people who have it, so the out-of-pocket math is roughly the same for everyone.
Costs Beyond the Machine
The sticker price of the machine doesn’t include everything you need to actually start therapy. Here’s what else you’ll pay for:
The sleep test. You need a prescription to legally buy a CPAP machine, and getting that prescription requires a diagnosed sleep disorder. A home sleep apnea test, which is how most people get diagnosed now, costs $150 to $1,000 without insurance. In-lab sleep studies run significantly higher. Some online CPAP retailers partner with telemedicine providers to bundle a home test and prescription for a lower flat fee, sometimes in the $200 to $300 range.
The mask. CPAP masks come in three main styles: nasal pillow masks (small cushions that sit at the nostrils), nasal masks (covering the nose), and full-face masks (covering the nose and mouth). Prices generally range from $50 to $200 depending on the style and brand. Finding the right mask often takes some trial and error, so you may end up buying more than one before settling on a comfortable fit.
Replacement supplies. Mask cushions, tubing, filters, and water chambers all wear out and need regular replacement. Mask cushions typically need swapping every one to three months, tubing every three to six months, and filters monthly. Expect to spend roughly $200 to $400 per year on supplies, depending on your mask type and how strictly you follow replacement schedules.
Ways to Reduce the Cost
Refurbished CPAP machines are one of the most straightforward ways to cut the price. Certified refurbished units from reputable sellers sometimes cost half as much as new machines. If you go this route, make sure the seller is an authorized dealer and the machine has been properly cleaned, inspected, and reset to factory settings. Avoid buying a used machine from an individual seller, since there’s no way to verify its history or functionality.
Financing is another option. Several major online CPAP retailers offer payment plans that break the cost into monthly installments over 6, 12, 18, or 24 months. Some plans advertise 0% APR for up to 18 months, though rates can climb as high as 35% APR depending on your credit. On a $1,000 purchase financed at about 22% over 24 months, you’d pay roughly $94 per month. Read the terms carefully before committing, since approval and rates depend on your credit profile and the purchase amount.
Shopping online rather than through a brick-and-mortar medical equipment supplier can also save money. Online retailers frequently offer bundle deals that include the machine, a mask, and a starter set of supplies at a lower total price than buying each piece separately.
You Need a Prescription First
CPAP machines are Class II medical devices regulated by the FDA, and every legitimate retailer, whether online or in person, requires a valid prescription before selling you one. Any seller willing to skip this step is a red flag, and the equipment they’re offering may not be FDA-approved. The prescription itself doesn’t have to come from a sleep specialist. Your primary care doctor can order a home sleep test and write the prescription if the results confirm sleep apnea. Telemedicine services have made this process faster and often cheaper for people paying out of pocket.
Total First-Year Cost Estimate
Adding everything up for a typical cash-pay patient buying a new auto-adjusting machine:
- Home sleep test: $150 to $500 (using a telemedicine or direct-to-consumer option on the lower end)
- CPAP or APAP machine: $500 to $1,044
- Mask: $50 to $200
- First year of replacement supplies: $200 to $400
That puts the realistic first-year total somewhere between $900 and $2,100. In year two and beyond, you’re mainly paying for supplies, so ongoing costs drop to a few hundred dollars annually. A well-maintained CPAP machine typically lasts five to seven years before it needs replacing.