A diagnosis of sleep apnea is a big step, and soon after, you face a common decision: is it better to buy or rent a CPAP machine?

This is one of the first major questions that newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers in the U.S. often run into. While both options exist, the right choice for you depends on several key factors.

Patients frequently worry about the high upfront cost of a new machine, the complex rules from insurance companies, the need to meet compliance requirements, and what the long-term value of their investment will be. You need to choose the option that is best for your health and your wallet.

This blog post will help you gain decision clarity. We will break down the true cost of ownership versus a monthly rental, demystify the insurance details, and review the clear pros and cons of both renting and buying. You will get a practical, numbers-first way to compare the options.

We’ll also weave in comparison tables and clinical insights from published research studies to reinforce the proven value of consistent therapy. For those ready to explore ownership, you can look at available models like Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machines, Travel CPAP Machines, and BiPAP Machines. 

You’ll find that buying outright, especially through money-saving options like CPAP bundles (including AirSense 11 Bundles, AirMini Travel Bundles, and Transcend Micro Bundles), can often be the most cost-effective path.

To help you make a fast decision, we’ll use an easy-to-scan comparison table and direct answers throughout.

So, let’s jump right in!

What’s the Cost of Buying vs Renting a CPAP?

The decision to rent or buy a CPAP machine often comes down to one major factor: COST. While it may seem like a simple comparison in the short run, the long-term numbers can be surprising.

Let’s look at the financial realities of each path in the U.S.

The Upfront Cost Difference

Renting a CPAP machine provides immediate affordability. You will usually pay a monthly fee that typically ranges from $30 to $150 or more. This rate depends on the specific machine and your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. This is great for managing cash flow, as it avoids a huge initial bill.

Buying a CPAP machine, however, requires a larger upfront investment. These devices can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500+ out-of-pocket, depending entirely on the type and features.

For example, a standard CPAP machine will be on the lower end, while an advanced BiPAP Machine or an Auto-Adjusting CPAP machine, such as the popular ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet, will be higher. If you need portability, a Travel CPAP Machine like the ResMed AirMini AutoSet also has a distinct price point.

The Hidden Value of Ownership

While the purchase price is higher, buying often leads to significant long-term savings. When you buy, you own the machine for its full lifespan (typically five years). You avoid those accumulating monthly rental fees.

To make ownership more accessible for you, Sleeplay offers CPAP machine bundles. These packages, such as our AirSense 11 Bundles, AirMini Travel Bundles, and Transcend Micro Bundles, combine the machine with essential accessories like masks, tubing, and filters. This reduces your total cost compared to buying everything separately.

Renting, on the other hand, means you are constantly paying for a device you will never own. If you use CPAP therapy for many years (which is the goal), those monthly payments will eventually far exceed the one-time cost of buying outright.

Here is a simple look at the estimated average costs:

Key Takeaway: Renting looks cheaper initially, but for anyone committed to using CPAP therapy beyond a few months, buying almost always provides better financial value over the long run.

How Does Insurance Work for Buying or Renting? 

Navigating insurance coverage for CPAP machines is often the most confusing part of the process. The first thing to know is that all CPAP therapy requires a valid prescription from your doctor. Once you have that, insurance typically covers the equipment, but the road to getting it differs greatly from one provider to the next.

Understanding the “Rental-First” Policy

Most U.S. health insurance providers, including Medicare, classify a CPAP machine as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). To ensure you are committed to the therapy, they often require a rental-first period, typically lasting 10 to 12 months.

During this time, your insurer is essentially paying a monthly fee toward the machine’s full cost. This period is also used to check for compliance tracking. You will generally need to prove you are using the machine for a minimum number of hours per night (often 4 hours per night for 70% of nights).

If you meet this compliance requirement for the full rental period, the machine then converts to patient ownership. If you stop using it or don’t meet the rules, the insurer may stop coverage, and you could be required to return the device or pay the remaining balance yourself.

Direct Purchase with Insurance

Fewer plans allow for an immediate, direct purchase. When they do, coverage may only reimburse a portion of the upfront cost for a standard device, such as certain Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machines. For this reason, many patients with high deductibles or those who want total freedom of choice opt to bypass insurance and buy their machine outright.

Auto Adjusting CPAP Machines

What Insurance Typically Covers

When going through insurance, coverage generally applies to the essential components of your therapy:

• Machine Cost: The primary device itself (through rental-to-own or, less commonly, direct purchase).

• Basic Accessories: This includes essential items like standard filters, basic tubing, and sometimes the humidifier and mask, though these are often billed as separate items subject to their own co-pays.

Patient Responsibilities: Even with coverage, you are still responsible for your plan’s co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered accessories (like travel devices such as the ResMed AirMini AutoSet or bundles like the AirSense 11 Bundles). 

Limitations: What Isn’t Covered

Insurance is focused on medical necessity, not convenience or savings. They usually won’t cover:

• Travel CPAP Machines: Specialized units like the ResMed AirMini AutoSet are generally considered “convenience items” and are not covered.

• Bundle Savings: Packages like our AirSense 11 Bundles or other CPAP bundles are often purchased by the patient because the insurer only covers individual items.

Insurance Snapshot

Pros and Cons of Renting a CPAP

Renting a CPAP machine is a very common first step, especially when you are working through your health insurance coverage. Rentals offer a chance to try out the therapy before you commit to ownership, but it’s important to understand the trade-offs that come with it.

Advantages of Renting

Renting a machine can provide important flexibility, especially for new users.

• Lower Upfront Cost: Instead of one large bill, payments are spread out into smaller, manageable monthly fees.

• Insurance Requirement: Many insurance plans, as discussed, require you to rent first as a trial period before they will cover the cost of ownership.

• Test Therapy Compliance: Renting gives you a chance to see if you can consistently use the machine (meet compliance) before you have fully paid for it.

• Easy Swaps: If your doctor decides you need a different pressure setting or a different machine type, a rental can often be swapped or upgraded more easily than a machine you own.

• Good for Short-Term Needs: If you only need therapy temporarily (for instance, while waiting for a sleep apnea surgery), renting avoids the cost of a full purchase.

Disadvantages of Renting

While the low initial cost is appealing, the downsides of renting often impact long-term use and convenience.

• Higher Total Long-Term Cost: For anyone using CPAP for more than a year, the accumulated monthly rental fees will almost certainly cost more than buying the machine outright.

• Compliance is Required: You must meet the strict insurance compliance requirements (like ≥4 hours per night, 70% of nights). Fail to meet them, and your rental coverage may be stopped, leaving you with no device.

• Limited Model Choices: Rental programs often limit you to basic or standard models. Specialized devices, like the compact Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP Machine or the popular ResMed AirMini AutoSet, are rarely available through rental programs.

• Accessories are Extra: Basic accessories like masks and filters are often billed separately, and convenient options like CPAP machine bundles for savings are typically not available through rentals.

• Less Flexibility: You are locked into the terms of the rental contract and cannot take advantage of savings like buying a discounted machine bundle.

Renting makes sense for patients who are still testing their compliance or those with truly short-term therapy needs. However, for a long-term therapy plan, the cost savings and freedom from ownership usually offer a better solution.

Takeaway Table: Renting a CPAP

Pros and Cons of Buying a CPAP

Buying a CPAP machine outright is often the best choice for patients who are committed to long-term therapy. While it means a higher cost upfront, ownership eliminates rental restrictions and nearly always saves you money over the life of the machine.

Advantages of Buying

Ownership gives you complete control over your therapy and equipment.

• Long-Term Financial Savings: Once the initial purchase is done, you eliminate the accumulating monthly rental fees, making it significantly more affordable over a five-year period.

• No Rental Restrictions: You are not subject to insurance compliance rules (like the ≥4 hours/night use requirement) that can cause you to lose your machine.

• Wider Selection of Devices: You have the freedom to choose any model, including advanced BiPAP Machines, Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machines, or compact Travel CPAP Machines like the popular ResMed AirMini AutoSet.

• Bundle Savings: You can take advantage of discounted packages, such as our AirSense 11 Bundles or Transcend Micro Bundles, which reduce the total cost of the equipment and supplies.

• Flexibility for Travel: Full ownership makes it easy to travel or own multiple units, such as a ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet for home and an AirMini AutoSet for the road.

Disadvantages of Buying

The trade-off for freedom and savings is greater personal responsibility.

• Higher Upfront Cost: You must cover the entire purchase price immediately, which requires a larger initial investment than a rental.

• Responsibility for Upkeep: You are fully responsible for the cost and effort of maintenance, cleaning, and regularly replacing essential consumables (filters, tubing, humidifier chambers, etc.).

• Insurance Coverage Limits: Your insurance may not cover the full purchase cost immediately, or it may only reimburse a portion, leaving you with a higher out-of-pocket expense.

• Technology Obsolescence: Since you own the device, it may become outdated due to technological advances sooner than if you were on a rental plan with periodic upgrades.

For patients committed to using their machine every night for years, the long-term cost benefits and flexibility of buying make it a superior choice.

Takeaway Table: Buying a CPAP

When Should You Rent Instead of Buy?

While ownership often saves money in the long run, renting a CPAP machine isn’t always about the dollar sign. It can be the smarter or more practical choice depending on your personal circumstances, insurance requirements, or how certain you are about long-term therapy.

Here are the key scenarios where renting makes the most sense:

• New Diagnosis / Trial Period: If you have just been prescribed CPAP therapy, renting allows you to confirm your comfort, find the right mask fit, and ensure you can stick to the compliance schedule before you commit to a major purchase.

• Insurance Requirements: This is a big one. As we covered, many health insurance plans require a rental period, typically lasting anywhere from 3 to 13 months, before the machine ownership transfers to you. Sometimes, you simply have to rent first.

• Short-Term Therapy Needs: Renting can help you avoid the cost of a full purchase. If your doctor only recommends CPAP temporarily, such as during post-surgical recovery or while addressing a mild case of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

• Budget Flexibility: Renting spreads the cost into smaller, predictable monthly payments. This can be easier to manage than a large upfront purchase if you need to keep cash flow flexible.

• Uncertainty About Long-Term Use: If you are unsure whether you will stick with CPAP therapy long-term, renting prevents you from being locked into owning expensive equipment you may not use.

• Short-Term Travel or Secondary Device: Need a compact machine for a one-off trip? Renting a portable model like the ResMed AirMini AutoSet or the Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP Machine for a few weeks can be easier and cheaper than buying it.

Renting is a flexible option for people in transition, either those new to therapy or those who only need a CPAP for a limited time. If you plan to use it for many years, then buying is the more financially prudent move.

Good Reasons to Rent a CPAP (Checklist)

• You are brand new to CPAP therapy.

• Your insurance plan requires a rental-first period.

• Your therapy need is temporary (e.g., post-surgery).

• You need to spread out the initial cost into monthly payments.

• You want a compact device for a short trip.

When Does Buying Make More Sense? (with expert quotes)

While renting is a great short-term solution for new patients or those in a trial period, the majority of people diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) will benefit from eventually owning a machine. Buying avoids ongoing rental fees, ensures consistent access, and gives you ultimate freedom over your therapy.

Dr. Keith Matheny, MD, FARS, notes the gravity of consistent treatment: “Sleep apnea is a very serious health issue; anything we can offer patients that might help improve compliance with CPAP will have a tremendous impact on patients’ lives.” Owning your own CPAP machine helps ensure consistent access and control.

Here’s when buying your CPAP machine becomes the most logical and cost-effective choice:

• Long-Term Therapy Commitment: If your sleep apnea diagnosis is permanent, which is the case for most patients, owning the equipment is far more cost-effective than paying ongoing monthly rental fees for years. You will reach the break-even point quickly.

• Insurance Deductibles Already Met: Once you’ve paid off your insurance deductible for the year, the cost that your insurance plan covers for a one-time purchase is often more valuable than continuing a small monthly rental payment.

• Need for Customization & Advanced Devices: Buying gives you immediate access to a full range of devices, including premium Auto-Adjusting CPAP Machines like the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet, or travel-friendly options such as the AirMini AutoSet and Transcend Micro Auto Travel CPAP. Rentals rarely include these advanced models.

• Bundles for Maximum Savings: When you buy, you can take advantage of our package deals, such as AirSense 11 bundles or Z2 bundles, which combine the machine with essential accessories for a discounted price. This is a cost-saving option unavailable through typical rental agreements.

• Peace of Mind with Warranty: Most new CPAP machines come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which can be an excellent form of protection and a reduced risk compared to using rental equipment, whose repair or replacement process is dictated by the provider.




CPAP Bundles: Combine the machine with essential accessories

The benefits of consistent, long-term CPAP use are substantial, especially regarding cardiovascular health. As a systematic review by Sánchez-de-la-Torre et al. published in JAMA showed, patients who adhere to therapy (using CPAP more than 4 hours nightly) had a reduced risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Furthermore, research by Benjafield et al. in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine demonstrated that PAP therapy in people with OSA is associated with significantly lower all-cause mortality and cardiovascular risks.

While upfront costs may feel high, the long-term health and financial payoff of ownership often make it the best decision for indefinite therapy. As other studies by Juginovic et al. and Johnson et al. have noted, beyond clinical outcomes, patient-reported benefits include improved daytime sleepiness, blood pressure, and overall quality of life. All these benefits are enhanced by the consistent, hassle-free use that ownership provides.

Rent vs. Buy Scenarios

Final Thoughts 

Deciding between renting and buying a CPAP machine involves balancing immediate budget needs with long-term financial sense and convenience. While renting offers a low-cost start and is often required by insurance as a trial, buying almost always provides better long-term value, full control, and access to the latest devices and money-saving bundles. If you are committed to therapy, ownership eliminates ongoing fees and restrictions.

Ready to gain control over your sleep health and secure the best long-term value?

Explore our wide selection of high-quality CPAP machines and exclusive bundles, including the ResMed AirSense 11 and AirMini Travel Bundles, to start saving today!

FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy or rent a CPAP machine?

Buying is cheaper in the long run, especially for permanent sleep apnea therapy. While renting has a lower upfront cost (typically a $30–$150 monthly fee), those payments accumulate quickly, often exceeding the one-time purchase price of $500 to $1,500 or more within a couple of years.

How much does CPAP rental cost per month in the U.S.?

CPAP rental costs typically range from $30 to $150 or more per month in the U.S., depending on the type of machine (standard CPAP vs. BiPAP) and the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider handling the rental.

How much does a CPAP machine cost if I buy it outright?

A new CPAP machine purchased outright can cost between $500 and $1,500 or more. Basic standard CPAP machines are on the lower end, while Auto-Adjusting CPAP machines, specialized BiPAP machines, and Travel CPAP Machines command higher prices.

Is renting a CPAP worth it in the long run?

No, renting is generally not worth it in the long run for patients with a permanent sleep apnea diagnosis, as the cumulative monthly costs quickly surpass the one-time cost of buying, and you never gain ownership or complete control over the equipment.

What is the average lifetime cost of owning a CPAP machine?

The average lifetime cost involves the initial purchase price ($500−$1,500+), plus the ongoing cost of replacing accessories (masks, filters, tubing) and the eventual cost of replacing the entire machine, typically after five years.

Do CPAP rental fees eventually equal the purchase price?

Yes, in most insurance-mandated rent-to-own programs, the cumulative rental fees paid by both you and the insurer over the required rental period (e.g., 10–13 months) are designed to cover the full purchase price before ownership transfers.

What’s the most affordable way to get a CPAP machine?

The most affordable way for long-term users is to buy a machine outright, especially by purchasing a discounted CPAP machine bundle, or by using insurance after meeting your deductible to maximize coverage for the purchase.

Does insurance cover buying a CPAP machine?

Some insurance plans may cover a direct purchase, but they often only reimburse a portion of the cost. More commonly, insurance covers a “rent-to-own” plan, where the buyer pays monthly fees toward the purchase price over a trial period.

Does insurance cover renting a CPAP machine?

Yes, most U.S. health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover CPAP machine rentals. These plans often offer a rent-to-own trial period to ensure compliance with therapy before committing to the full purchase price.

Why does insurance require CPAP rental first?

Insurance requires a rental first, typically for 10–12 months, to assess your therapy compliance (usually ≥4 hours of use per night, 70% of nights). If you fail to meet this threshold, the insurer saves money by discontinuing coverage before the full purchase is paid off.

How long do you have to rent a CPAP before ownership transfers?

The rental-to-ownership transfer period varies by insurer, but it is typically between 10 and 13 consecutive months of compliant use before you officially gain ownership of the CPAP machine.

Can I buy a CPAP machine without insurance?

Yes, you can absolutely buy a CPAP machine without insurance by purchasing it directly from a DME provider or online retailer, provided you have a valid prescription from your doctor.

Does Medicare cover CPAP rental or purchase?

Medicare Part B covers a CPAP machine as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). It requires a three-month rental trial, and if you meet the compliance requirements, it continues to cover 80% of the rental payments for 13 months. After this period, you own the machine, provided you’ve met your deductible.

Does Medicaid cover CPAP rental or ownership?

Medicaid coverage for CPAP machines varies widely by state, but typically covers the machine through a rent-to-own process, often with compliance requirements and restrictions on the specific model of machine that can be received.

How long does a CPAP machine last if I buy one?

A CPAP machine generally lasts for about five years from the date of manufacture. After this time, the manufacturer typically stops supporting the device, and insurance will usually cover a replacement.

Do CPAP machines need to be replaced every 5 years?

While the machine may still function, it is generally recommended to replace the CPAP machine every five years because internal components can wear out, technology improves, and insurance typically covers a replacement at this interval.

Can I buy a refurbished CPAP machine instead of renting?

Yes, buying a refurbished CPAP machine is an excellent alternative to renting. It offers a lower upfront cost than a new machine, but you still gain immediate ownership and full control over your device without compliance restrictions.

What are the benefits of owning your CPAP machine?

The benefits of ownership include long-term cost savings, freedom from insurance compliance rules, the ability to choose premium or travel-friendly devices, and the flexibility to buy money-saving accessory bundles.

What are the downsides of renting long-term?

The main downsides of renting long-term are higher cumulative costs compared to buying, strict insurance compliance requirements that dictate your usage, and a limited selection of machine models and accessories available to you.

Can I upgrade my CPAP if I own it?

Yes, if you own your CPAP, you can upgrade to a newer model or a specialized machine (like a Travel CPAP) at any time without needing authorization or waiting for your insurance replacement cycle.

Is renting a CPAP machine safe?

Yes, renting a CPAP machine is safe; reputable providers ensure that all equipment is properly cleaned, disinfected, and fitted with new, sealed consumables like tubing, filters, and masks before it is given to a patient.

Can I travel with a rented CPAP machine?

You can travel with a rented CPAP machine, but you should check your rental agreement for restrictions and ensure you have proper documentation in case of loss or damage. Many long-term renters eventually purchase a separate, compact travel unit.

Can I switch masks if I rent a CPAP machine?

Yes, you can switch masks, though the mask itself and any subsequent replacements will be billed separately and may require approval from your DME provider or insurance, as they are not typically included in the machine rental fee.

What happens if I damage a rented CPAP machine?

If you damage a rented CPAP machine, you will likely be financially responsible for the repair or the full replacement cost of the machine, as specified in your rental agreement with the DME provider.

Can you use HSA or FSA to pay for a CPAP rental or purchase?

Yes, both CPAP machines (for purchase or rental) and essential supplies (masks, filters, tubing) are considered qualified medical expenses and can typically be paid for using funds from your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Is renting a CPAP a good idea for short-term sleep apnea diagnosis?

Yes, renting is a practical and good idea for a short-term sleep apnea diagnosis or a trial period because it minimizes your financial commitment while confirming your comfort and adherence to the therapy.

When is buying better than renting for sleep apnea treatment?

Buying is definitely better than renting when you have a permanent sleep apnea diagnosis and are committed to long-term therapy, when you have met your insurance deductible, or when you desire full control and selection of premium devices and accessory bundles.