Sourcing a CPAP for Cash

When my continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine started acting up, I had to get a new prescription (Rx) in order to get a replacement machine. Once I had the doctor’s orders in hand, I was confident that getting a new machine for my sleep apnea would be a snap. (No pun intended with Snap Diagnostics, the home sleep study company!) Well, I was wrong about that. This is what I learned about locating cash sources for new CPAP machines.

Need a CPAP replacement?

In fact, I still don’t have a new CPAP; I’m still getting by with the old one. A couple of weeks after my sleep study, the malfunction it was having just… fixed itself. Funny how that happens sometimes. Maybe it heard me talking about replacing it and decided to “straighten up and ‘blow’ right?” I don’t know what caused the problem, but I do believe it could recur at any time. So, I’ve pursued getting it replaced anyway.

Issues: demand & insurance

Plus, my ENT’s office warned me that because of supply chain issues, it can take weeks or even months to get a brand-new machine. They sent my Rx to 2 local suppliers, who eagerly jumped on the phone with my insurance to get the process started.

And that’s where the process came to a surprising halt. My healthcare insurer said: "Nope." They will only pay for replacements every 5 years, period. Even if my current machine breaks. My doctor wrote a statement of medical necessity — no dice. No exceptions. My 4-year-old machine still has a year to go, so I’m out of luck if I expect insurance to pay for any of it.

Cash sources for new CPAPs

I discovered that are 2 main options to replacing an old CPAP machine. That isn’t to say there aren’t other CPAPs out there, if you’re willing to pay out of pocket. I started researching my options and found 2 viable ones:

1. Buy a new one – There are probably hundreds of online companies where you can order a new CPAP/Auto CPAP or BiPAP with an Rx and a credit card.
   Pros: Safety of getting a brand-new unit, choice, payment plans
   Cons: High retail price, still may be supply chain delays, and not benefiting from insurance premiums/benefits
2. Buy or rent a refurbished one – As with computers and cellphones, CPAP machines are being purchased by re-sellers. Reputable companies inspect, disinfect and test previously used machines for safe re-sale.
   Pros: About half the retail price, or reasonable monthly payments
   Cons: Limited product life, and factor that someone else used it.

What to avoid

What to avoid at any cost: Used CPAPs – as in, not refurbished. First of all, it’s illegal: The FDA requires an Rx to buy a CPAP, and only certified suppliers can accept them. But I’ve read people have tried to sell the machines on EBay, and they even show up at the occasional garage sale!

Ultimately, though, it’s just not safe. Unless the machine has been professionally disinfected and inspected, you can be breathing in germs and contaminants from the previous owner. You don’t know how well they took care of it – how often or whether they ever cleaned it. And there’s no way to know if it still provides the appropriate amount of pressure to treat your condition.

My plan: cash sources for new CPAP machine

My "Plan A" is to try to run out the clock: Keep using my current machine (with my doctor’s blessing) until I’m eligible for a new 1, paid at least in part by insurance.

My "Plan B": If it fails for good before then (above plan "A"), my plan is to rent a refurbished CPAP machine for the remaining months.

Living with obstructive sleep apnea is enough of a challenge without the hassle of sourcing a CPAP machine – but remember, it’s important and worth it in the end.

Need a new CPAP machine to replace your old one? How did you source a new CPAP? Please share a comment.