If you've been prescribed a CPAP machine as treatment for sleep apnea, you may wonder where to buy CPAP supplies. There are different options for purchasing CPAP products. Learn how to order CPAP equipment online, shop in-person for items at a store, and identify which accessories require a prescription.
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Where to Buy CPAP Supplies Online
Many people appreciate the convenience of buying CPAP supplies online. Third-party CPAP retailers and CPAP manufacturers sell accessories online and ship them directly to shoppers' homes. Each option comes with different benefits and drawbacks.
Online CPAP Retailers
There are many online CPAP retailers, and there are various benefits to buying from them. Since online CPAP stores compete with one another, they often offer a wide selection and competitive prices.
When shopping from an online CPAP shop, be on the look out for ways to save money. Many shops offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount and discounts to new customers. Discounts on bundles of multiple accessory types or multi-packs of a single type of CPAP accessory are also common. You may be able to save even more by signing up for a subscription service that delivers your CPAP supplies on a recurring schedule.
Before placing an order with an online CPAP store, look for signs that they are reputable. Their website should look professionally designed and be free from spelling and grammatical errors. The site should clearly list the company's name, address, phone number, return policy, and instructions for contacting customer service. If you want extra reassurance about reputability, you can reach out to the manufacturer of the product you want to buy and ask if the seller is an authorized seller for that brand or look for reviews of the site online.
While some online CPAP retailers sell used or refurbished CPAP machines, all accessories for sale should be in like-new condition and sealed for packing. Do not buy your CPAP accessories from unknown sellers on online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Facebook, or Craigslist. These sites are often used to sell used or counterfeit items.
Manufacturer Websites
While third-party online CPAP shops tend to sell accessories at lower prices, some people still prefer buying directly from CPAP manufacturers' sites. Buying from a CPAP manufacturer is a way to guarantee that you're purchasing brand new, authentic CPAP accessories. A manufacturer's customer service team may also be more knowledgeable about their products than those working for a third-party site.
Purchasing your CPAP supplies directly from a manufacturer may be more convenient if you're already buying a CPAP machine or some other type of equipment at the same time, so you don't have to place two separate orders. Buying from a manufacturer also means that, in the event of a problem, shoppers can request a return or replacement parts directly from the source instead of ordering through a third-party site.
The major downside of shopping from a CPAP manufacturer's site is the limited selection. Manufacturers only carry items they have produced, while third-party retailers carry a wide array of options from different brands. Manufacturers sometimes offer sales and discounts for bundling items or buying subscriptions, but overall, third-party CPAP retailers tend to have lower prices – especially if you want to buy supplies in bulk.
Where to Buy CPAP Supplies in Person
If you prefer to buy CPAP supplies in person, your options include local medical supplies stores and durable medical equipment (DME) providers. Medical supply stores are often independently owned brick-and-mortar establishments, while DME providers may be housed in or otherwise associated with a local sleep clinic or hospital.
Both local medical supply stores and DME providers generally sell a variety of medical devices beyond CPAP equipment and supplies, which can be useful if you need to purchase additional non-CPAP accessories. They also allow for hands-on equipment demonstrations from respiratory therapists or sales associates, and in-person consultations about how to use CPAP machines and accessories. These interactions can be helpful for people who are new to CPAP and need tips.
Another common advantage of buying CPAP supplies in-person is that medical supply stores and DME providers often accept medical insurance or Medicare, while many online CPAP retailers and manufacturer sites do not. However, be sure to communicate with your insurance company before making a purchase to ensure coverage will be provided and to clarify whether you will pay a co-pay or the full price, then receive reimbursement.
The biggest downsides of buying CPAP supplies in-person include the inconvenience of having to travel to a store or sleep clinic and, if insurance doesn’t cover the purchase, paying higher prices. People who opt to shop online tend to enjoy larger discounts and the direct delivery to their home, often for free.
What to Look for When Choosing Where to Buy CPAP Supplies
When choosing where to buy CPAP supplies, it's important to guarantee the supplies you purchase are both brand new and authentic, rather than used or counterfeit. Authentic CPAP supplies come in sealed packaging with proper branding and serial numbers on it.
Authentic supplies are sold by CPAP manufacturers, authorized in-person DME suppliers, and authorized online CPAP retailers. Third-party CPAP supply sellers should be able to provide evidence of their credentials and product authenticity. You can also directly contact CPAP manufacturers to check if a specific seller is authorized to sell their products. Some manufacturers maintain lists of authorized sellers on their websites.
You’ll need a doctor’s prescription to purchase a CPAP machine, face mask, or humidifier, whether you shop online or in a store. Legitimate CPAP sellers will always demand a prescription for purchasing these items. If a seller does not ask for prescription information when you are buying a CPAP machine, mask, or humidifier, this should be a major red flag. Other CPAP accessories don’t require a prescription.
Any seller offering CPAP supplies should also offer customer support and provide clarity about the terms of their return policies. When shopping online, make sure to read carefully about supply details before purchasing to ensure the supplies are compatible with your specific CPAP machine. Also, online retailers should be able to provide an estimated arrival time for your order, along with shipping tracking.
How to Save Money on CPAP Supplies
Try these tips to save money on CPAP supplies:
- Comparison shop: Instead of buying from the first shop you find or automatically picking a seller your sleep clinic recommended, do some comparison shopping. Comparing and contrasting prices and discount offers from different sellers can help you get CPAP supplies for the lowest price available to you.
- Shop online: Third-party online retailers generally offer the deepest discounts and lowest prices on CPAP supplies. Manufacturers also often run sales or offer discounts on online purchases.
- Consider insurance coverage: If you have private health insurance or Medicare coverage, purchasing CPAP supplies from a seller covered by your insurance plan may result in much lower out-of-pocket costs.
- Sign up for discounts: Online retailers often offer discounts to first-time buyers or shoppers willing to sign up for an email list. In-person retailers may offer membership discount rates, as well.
- Explore auto-ship subscriptions: Instead of placing a new order for CPAP supplies every time you need them, auto-ship subscriptions make the process easier by sending out new supplies based on your equipment’s replacement schedule. Subscription plans also often come with a substantial discount.
- Buy bundles or in bulk: Online sellers, manufacturers, and brick-and-mortar stores may all offer deals when you buy bundles of different equipment or one type of CPAP accessory in bulk.
- Wait for sales: Like any other retailer, many CPAP sellers offer sales at many points throughout the year or on older items when new items become available. Check websites or call stores regularly to inquire about sales. To save time, sign up for email lists that will notify you of new bargains.
- Use HSAs or FSAs: While a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) won't affect the price of the CPAP accessories you buy, they can help you save money on taxes by letting you purchase medical equipment with pre-tax income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most CPAP supplies, like tubing, filters, water tubs, and mask liners, do not require a prescription. CPAP machines, masks, and humidifiers require a prescription because they are classified as durable medical equipment by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Private health insurance companies and Medicare generally cover the replacement of medically necessary CPAP supplies. To receive this coverage, a doctor must diagnose you with sleep apnea and prescribe CPAP therapy for your treatment. You’ll also need to purchase your supplies from a seller your insurance company covers, and you can only reorder items based on the insurance provider’s replacement schedule.
Online CPAP retailers tend to have the lowest sticker prices for CPAP supplies, but they are less likely to accept health insurance than in-person sellers. That means the cheapest place for you to buy CPAP supplies will vary depending on whether or not your insurance covers the supplies, the specific brand and type of supplies you need, how many supplies you're purchasing at once, and whether you have a subscription or are making a one-off purchase.
Written by
Jay Vera Summer, Contributing WriterJay Vera Summer is a writer, editor, and wellness coach. She holds a Bachelor's of Science in psychology and Master's degrees in both writing and public policy. As a wellness coach, she's certified by the Mayo Clinic and the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). She's been writing about sleep and other health topics for six years. Previously, she taught undergraduate writing courses for five years at the University of South Florida.
