At a Glance
You can buy a CPAP machine online from a manufacturer, licensed durable medical equipment supplier, or CPAP retailer if you have a valid prescription from a healthcare provider.
If your weekly calendar fills up quickly, finding time to shop for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can feel overwhelming. Online stores have eclipsed in-store shopping for many necessities. Anything from toys to toothbrushes can be delivered to your doorstep, which may leave you wondering: can you buy a CPAP machine online?
Yes, you can, but buying a CPAP machine online comes with some caveats and extra requirements. We cover everything you need to know about purchasing this sleep apnea treatment online and how to find the ideal product for better, more comfortable breathing at night.
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How to Buy a CPAP Machine Online
To buy a CPAP machine online, you need to obtain a doctor’s prescription, find out if your insurance covers the purchase, and choose a device that meets your needs.
First, You’ll Need a Prescription
A CPAP falls under the category of “durable medical equipment” (DME). That means you need a licensed healthcare provider to write a prescription for you to purchase one. To get a CPAP prescription, you will need to visit your provider, discuss your symptoms, and schedule a sleep study for your sleep apnea diagnosis.
Once an overnight or in-home sleep study confirms you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) — a condition characterized by a physical blockage that impedes airflow in your breathing passages — your provider may recommend a CPAP, which is widely considered the gold standard for OSA treatment.
Then, Check Your Insurance Coverage
Most insurance companies cover CPAP machines if you have a prescription and meet the minimum requirements for sleep apnea based on sleep study results. Before you go shopping, check with your insurer to see which DME companies are in-network. If you buy from an out-of-network supplier, your insurance may not cover the same amount, or you may have to buy or rent the device without insurance.
Insurance companies only pay for CPAP machines bought from suppliers who meet certain standards. For example, Medicare requires DME providers to meet a specific list of quality checks before they will cover their CPAP supplies and machines. How much the insurance covers is another factor to consider. Many providers will only cover the cost of a CPAP machine up to a certain percentage, such as 80%.
Find the Right Type of CPAP Machine
After you determine where to buy a CPAP machine, you will need to choose which kind of positive pressure therapy you want. These include:
- CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): This form of PAP therapy delivers air at a single, fixed pressure rate throughout the night.
- BiPAP (Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure): BiPAP therapy delivers air at two pressure rates, one for breathing in and another for breathing out.
- APAP (Autotitrating Positive Airway Pressure): APAP machines adjust pressure levels based on your breathing patterns throughout the night.
If you’re not sure which to choose, your provider can make recommendations based on your needs and sleep study results. If price or insurance coverage are concerns, fixed-rate CPAP machines typically cost less than BiPAP and APAP devices.
Where to Buy a CPAP Machine Online
If you search online for CPAP buying options, you will notice dozens of sellers and retailers. We can help focus your search to make the shopping process less overwhelming and time-consuming.
Online CPAP Retailers
You can find a wide range of CPAP brands and models through online retailers, many of whom offer perks like free shipping and return options for unopened items. If you feel unsure about choosing one retailer over another, you can ask your provider for their recommendations.
CPAP Manufacturer Websites
If you would rather skip the “middleman,” you can also buy your CPAP straight from the manufacturer. This option works well if you know the brand you want, but it can make comparing different models more challenging.
Telehealth and Sleep Health Providers
Some telehealth providers offer assessment, diagnosis, prescription, and products all in one place. They can send you a home sleep test and help you find the right CPAP machine after you get a sleep apnea diagnosis.
Pros and Cons of Buying a CPAP Machine Online
You may already have strong opinions about shopping online vs. supporting brick-and-mortar storefronts. If you’re on the fence, it may help to see the pros and cons of an online CPAP purchase.
Pros
In-person stores can’t beat the convenience of perusing CPAP options from your kitchen table, sofa, or bed. Other advantages of buying CPAP online include:
- Your chosen supplier will ship your CPAP unit straight to your home, often for free.
- If you have limited mobility, buying online may allow you to start CPAP therapy sooner.
- Online suppliers have a wider selection of machines than most brick-and-mortar stores.
- Because they don’t have to pay the overhead costs of operating a store, some online CPAP sellers offer lower pricing.
- You can see reviews and ratings for each unit to help you decide.
- Many suppliers offer in-depth information and resources for each machine.
- By shopping from your home, you can keep your purchases private.
Cons
While buying a CPAP online has plenty of advantages, it also has some cons:
- You may not get the same level of personalized guidance compared to shopping in person.
- You can’t ask for a demonstration or try operating any of the units to see which you like best.
- While shipping is convenient, it also takes time — you won’t have your CPAP the day you choose it.
- Not all online CPAP suppliers are fully licensed to sell the equipment, so you’ll need to research your seller’s credentials before purchasing from them.
Tips for Buying a CPAP Machine Online
If you decide to buy your CPAP online, it can help to get tips from others who have already gone through the process. Here are our top tips for a smooth online CPAP purchase:
- Get your prescription first: If you try to buy your CPAP before you have a prescription ready, it can delay your shipment.
- Ask your provider for recommendations: Your healthcare provider can be a goldmine of information about which DME suppliers you can trust and which machine type or brand may work best for you.
- Research your insurance: You don’t want to find a CPAP you love, then find out your insurance won’t cover it. Look up who your insurer covers or call their customer service to ask about a specific retailer before you make any decisions.
- Check up on the company: To make sure your DME supplier is trustworthy, you can look them up on the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) database.
Once you check all these boxes, you can click “Add to cart,” knowing you’re getting a quality CPAP machine from a reliable source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a CPAP online?
Yes, it’s generally safe to buy a CPAP online as long as the seller meets the standards required by the U.S. government and your insurance provider.
Can I buy a used CPAP machine online?
Yes, you can buy CPAP machines online from licensed durable medical equipment suppliers who sell refurbished CPAP machines. Because they require a prescription, you shouldn’t buy used CPAPs from other individuals on marketplaces like eBay, Facebook, or Amazon.
Can you return a CPAP machine purchased online?
Many sellers allow CPAP returns after a trial period. However, most will only accept returns if the unit is unused and still in its original packaging. Returns for used CPAP machines are almost never permitted, so if you’re looking at a supplier who offers a trial period, be sure to double-check their credentials as a durable medical equipment seller.
Written by
Abby McCoy, RN, Contributing WriterAbby McCoy is an experienced RN who has worked with adults and pediatric patients encompassing trauma, orthopedics, home care, transplant, and case management. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from St. Louis Univeristy and has practiced nursing all over the world from San Francisco, CA, to Tharaka, Kenya. She now writes health content for trusted health outlets like Everyday Health and Next Avenue.
