CPAP Machines for Sleep Apnea: Types, Cost, and Tips

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder. In OSA, your airways become blocked or collapse while you’re sleeping. This causes your breathing to become shallow or even stop. 

And these disruptions in breathing mean your body isn’t getting the oxygen that it needs. That’s why untreated sleep apnea can increase your risk for a range of conditions, from high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack to glaucoma, diabetes, and depression.

And interrupted sleep is not quality sleep. So OSA can affect overall quality of life and safety due to a lack of alertness, like when driving.

To treat sleep apnea, healthcare providers often recommend treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Unfortunately, CPAP machines can carry a price tag of $1,000 or more, causing some people to delay the treatment they need. But there are ways to save on CPAP machines and supplies.

What is a CPAP machine?

A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine is an electric device prescribed to treat sleep apnea. As the name suggests, it uses a constant flow of air to your airways to help you breathe more comfortably when you sleep. People with congestive heart failure may also be prescribed CPAP treatment.

The device requires you to use a mask that covers both your nose and mouth, or one with nasal pillows. Nasal pillows are two small plugs — similar to the size and shape of earbuds — that fit up against your nostrils.

A flexible tube connects the mask to a box-shaped machine with an air compressor. To keep your airways open, the compressor steadily forces air into the mask. And some machines have built-in humidifiers to prevent your throat and nasal passages from drying out.

What does a CPAP machine do?

A CPAP machine keeps your windpipe open by pumping pressurized air into your airways through a mask and a tube. For people with OSA, this pressurized airflow can prevent sleep disruptions, reduce snoring, and normalize sleep patterns. And this can let you sleep better and get the rest your body needs.

If you have OSA, you should use your CPAP machine every time you sleep — even when taking a nap.

Types of CPAP machines

There are different types of sleep apnea machines that can be used to treat OSA. People often call them different types of CPAP machines, but they’re actually types of PAP, or positive airway pressure machines. The main difference between the types of PAP machines is the way they provide airway pressure. 

CPAP machines 

These use continuous positive airway pressure, and they’re the most commonly prescribed. The machine delivers a single, consistent amount of pressure to your airways — whether you’re breathing in or breathing out. 

Most CPAP machines have a “ramp-up” feature, which means it starts with a lower pressure and then ramps up to the full amount when you’re sleeping. This makes it easier to fall asleep. Unlike the other PAP machines, CPAP machines are available in a range of sizes, including a smaller portable size for travel. These travel CPAP machines often come in a battery-operated version. 

APAP machines

These machines use auto-adjusting positive airway pressure. People sometimes call this an auto-CPAP or auto-adjusting CPAP machine. Instead of having one pressure throughout the night, your healthcare provider will set a range of pressures. The machine will automatically adjust the pressure within that range based on your needs. 

APAP machines can make breathing more comfortable, so it’s a good option for people who can’t get used to the CPAP machine. It’s also helpful for people who change position a lot while sleeping. It used to be more expensive than a regular CPAP machine, but now that APAP machines are becoming more popular, the cost can be pretty similar. 

BIPAP machines

These are bilevel positive airway pressure machines. They have two pressures — one for breathing in and one for breathing out. The higher pressure is used to keep your airways open when you’re breathing in. Having a lower pressure when breathing out makes it easier to breathe compared to a CPAP machine. 

BIPAP machines need more sensors and settings than a CPAP machine, so they’re usually more expensive. They’re more likely to be prescribed for someone with chronic breathing conditions, like COPD, or central sleep apnea (a less common type of sleep apnea).  

Types of CPAP masks

Like there are different types of machines, there are also different types of masks. Most people use one of the following types of masks. 

Nasal masks

These are attached from your upper lip to your nasal bridge. They deliver pressurized air through your nose. Nasal masks are more comfortable, less expensive and less likely to lead to air leaks. But they won’t work well for you if you have a mustache or breathe through your mouth. 

Nasal pillows

Flexible silicone prongs create a seal at the level of your nostrils. These are a good option for people with facial hair, people who feel anxious with the larger masks, and people who just want the smallest mask available. But, if you’re using high pressures, the nasal pillow mask might not be strong enough to keep a good seal. 

Oronasal masks

These traditionals masks cover both your nose and mouth. They’re the best option if you breathe through your mouth at night, since the mask seals your nose and mouth. But they can be less comfortable than the other options. So some people have trouble getting used to an oronasal mask. 

How much does a sleep apnea machine cost?

According to the retailer CPAP.com, the average out-of-pocket cost for a CPAP machine is $750. Depending on the device, an initial sleep apnea machine setup — which includes a mask and supplies — can range from about $500 to more than $3,000. 

If you need a travel sleep apnea machine, you can expect to spend another $600 to $900. Costs have increased in recent years because of supply chain issues and the COVID pandemic. According to the Sleep Foundation, costs also vary based on features.

Upkeep, service and replacement parts could average another $330 to $900 every year, depending on your particular machine. Here are accessories that need to be replaced regularly.

Does insurance cover CPAP machines?

Generally, yes. If you’re on Medicare and have met your Part B deductible, your use of a medically necessary CPAP machine is covered. Medicare will pay 80% of the cost for rental and supplies for a 3-month trial. (By law, Medicare Advantage plans must provide the same level of coverage.)

After 3 months, if your doctor says CPAP therapy is helping you, Medicare should continue coverage. Once you’ve used the rented CPAP machine for 13 continuous months, you own it outright.

Private health insurance plans typically cover the purchase or rental of a CPAP machine, too. They may have requirements such as:

• Diagnosis of sleep apnea from a doctor

• Prior authorization of the treatment

• Documentation from your doctor that you’re benefiting from CPAP treatment 

• Proof that you’ve received education from the CPAP provider on how to properly use the machine

• Completion of a previous sleep test ordered by your doctor

• Use of the CPAP machine for a specific number of hours each night

How to save on the cost of a CPAP machine

If you can’t afford to pay full price for a CPAP machine, here are a few money-saving options:

• Rent a CPAP machine for $29 to $69 a month (but you’ll have to pay a deposit for the device). Keep in mind that you’ll save money at first, but you’ll end up paying more than you would if you bought the machine itself.

• Buy a refurbished machine at a discount from a used-CPAP retailer such as  SecondWindCPAP.

• Sign up for discounts through the American Sleep Apnea Association’s CPAP machine and mask assistance programs. The machine program has a $200 yearly fee. The mask assistance program provides a year’s worth of supplies (masks, filters, and tubes) for $100. These programs may not be immediately available to you, and you might need to join a waiting list. 

Tips for comfortably using a CPAP machine

Nobody enjoys sleeping with a mask on. You might not sleep well for several nights, until you get used to your CPAP machine. But you can expect the benefits of treatment to outweigh the initial discomfort.

The National Institutes of Health has some tips for getting used to your CPAP machine:

• Try out different types of face masks. You might need a different size. Or you might find that the oronasal mask makes you feel claustrophobic, so a nasal pillow could work better for your needs.  

• Make sure that you’re wearing your mask correctly. Irritated eyes may be a sign that the mask is too loose and air is leaking out. Tighten the straps, but not too tight. A mask that’s too tight may also leak air, and it could cause you to wake up with a headache.

• Use earplugs. If the noise of the machine keeps you awake, try earplugs, or put the machine under the bed to muffle the sound.

• Use a humidifier. This can prevent getting a dry or stuffy nose.

• Wear it for shorter periods to start. Try wearing the mask for 10 to 30 minutes while awake to get used to it. Or wear it for shorter periods at night. As you get used to it, you’ll be able to wear it for longer.

• Clean the mask and tube daily. To keep your CPAP machine working properly, soak your mask and tube in soapy water, rinse, and air dry every day. For specifics, read the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

Reach out to your provider if you’re still having trouble getting used to your CPAP machine or your sleep quality doesn’t seem to improve. You may need different air-pressure settings, a different mask, or a different machine. Some people prefer continuous air pressure, while others are more comfortable with the different settings on BIPAP machines. 

CPAP machine side effects

While CPAP can lead to life-changing improvements in sleep quality, it can sometimes lead to irritating side effects. The most common side effects include: 

• Dry mouth

• Waking up more often overnight

• Congestion

• A feeling of pressure from the mask

• Nosebleeds

You may be able to prevent or lessen some of these side effects by following the strategies above, like using a humidifier, making sure your mask fits well, and giving yourself time to get used to the machine. It’s worth troubleshooting any side effects so that you can enjoy the health benefits of a CPAP machine. 

What are some alternatives to a CPAP machine?

If you can’t get used to wearing the mask or don’t sleep well due to CPAP machine noise, ask your doctor about trying some other OSA treatments. The following table lists some common CPAP alternatives.

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Written by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician in a variety of clinical settings. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Cindy George, MPH

Cindy George is the senior personal finance editor at GoodRx. She is an endlessly curious health journalist and digital storyteller.

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