How Much Do CPAP Machines Cost?

CPAP machines are used in treating sleep disorders such as central and obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who suffer from such disorders find difficulty in breathing. The common treatment for this condition is CPAP therapy. These machines are used to carry out CPAP therapy to treat sleep apnea.

There are various forms of CPAP devices available, like BiPAP machines and APAP machines. Also, CPAP equipment has several components attached to it. All the components are heavy and costly, making the whole device more expensive.

This can make you wonder about the cost of this device, especially if you are undergoing sleep apnea treatment. So, if you are thinking about how much a CPAP machine costs, this blog has all laid it out for you.

About CPAP Machine

CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine is in the vast majority used for treating sleep apnea. In sleep apnea, a person's breathing starts and stops due to over-relaxed muscles like the tongue, uvula, tonsils, etc., that block the air pathway, due to which not enough oxygen is supplied while sleeping.

The CPAP machine provides mild to required air pressure to keep the pathway open to the lungs so that patients can have uninterrupted breathing while sleeping.

There are three types of sleep apnea machines for different types of sleep apnea: a CPAP machine, a BiPAP machine and an APAP machine. Air pressure is generated in the machine, which is connected to a hose and then to the mask piece through which the pressurised air enters the air pathway.

Understanding the Cost of CPAP Machines

Given the model of the CPAP machine, an average CPAP machine cost anywhere between $500 to $1000. Due to more advanced features coming in new CPAP machine, the price has gone up.

Most of the common CPAP machines fall under a price tag of $500 to $800. Complex CPAP machines like Bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) can cost significantly more, ranging from $1600 to $31000, and can cost more depending upon the machine's features. These prices of CPAP machines do not include accessories. 

CPAP Machine Costs

The cost of a CPAP machine depends on its model and features. There are three types of CPAP machines whose price differs based on their complexity and features.

CPAP costs around $500-$1000, BiPAP costs around $1700-$3000, and APAP costs around $600-$1600. Choose the best CPAP machine that suits your budget and serves all the necessary needs of your treatment.

CPAP Machines and Health Insurance

Most medical appliances can be expensive and make a dent in the account, especially if you have a tight budget. An insurance company covers significant amounts of cost for CPAP machines and components, but you may have to pay entirely for other accessories like tubing.

Not only that, but it also covers some replacement parts but limits how many times you can have replaced parts. To determine if you are eligible for CPAP therapy coverage, your insurance provider checks your apnea-hypopnea index(AHI). To examine that either you can go to the lab for a sleep study or at home using home testing equipment.

Insurance coverage differs from provider to provider. Most insurance companies reimburse the machine's cost, while others offer rent-to-own plans. It also depends on your health insurance plans as to whether your insurance covers such kind of durable medical equipment or not.

How Much Do CPAP Masks and Accessories Cost?

While some CPAP machines come with certain accessories, for others, you have to buy them. All CPAP machines require accessories. Here is a price list of some of them.

• Humidifier parts: spending on the company and part can cost between $20-$40.
• Headgear and mask: Generally, they cost $100 or more.
• Mask cushions: given the quality and company, they can cost anywhere between $20-$100.
• Air Filters: these can cost from $5 to $30 per piece.
• Tubing: price can range from $10-$30.

Know that the overall expense of a CPAP machine can vary depending on the state or country you live. You not only need CPAP supplies but also need cleaning supplies to maintain them, like disinfectant spray, mask wipes etc. Make sure to at least have the appropriate cleaning supplies to clean the humidifier chamber.

Which Is Cheaper for a CPAP Machine: Insurance or Out-of-Pocket?

Without a doubt, insurance is a cheaper option as compared to paying out of pocket. If you have medical or health insurance, your health insurance company should cover all your expenses related to the medical equipment you might need.

However, there is always a certain limit to how much your insurance will cover. Thus, make sure to ask you about compliance requirements with your insurance provider. It's possible that they might need a written prescription for the machine from your sleep specialist.

Conclusion 

Going out there and buying the machine can be time-consuming, but now you can purchase a good machine from an online store as well. You just have to visit an online store and fill in all the information about your health, and the website will provide you with an ideal CPAP machine for your condition.