Can You Rent a CPAP Machine?

Many people with sleep apnea get substantial relief by using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source While these devices are a standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), they can also be expensive to purchase, with or without insurance coverage. Renting provides an opportunity to try out a CPAP model, and, in some cases, may even be required by certain health insurance plans.

We’ll cover who’s a good fit for a CPAP machine rental, why renting can be beneficial, and what costs may be covered by insurance.

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How CPAP Machine Rental Works

CPAP machines are medical devices that are designed to last for years, so they can get expensive. Renting a CPAP machine is a worthwhile option for people who want to test out a machine before purchasing it, as well as those looking to try a different style or brand of CPAP device. 

Some health insurance providers require a CPAP to initially be rented over a specific period of time. This allows them to assess how well CPAP therapy works for them before providing long-term coverage for the device. Trusted Source Centers for Medicare and Medicaid View Source  

CPAP rentals can also fill a gap for people who need a machine for a temporary period, whether they’re traveling or waiting for a replacement while their existing machine gets repaired. 

Who’s a Match for CPAP Machine Rental

Renting a CPAP machine can have major benefits for both experienced CPAP users and those with a new OSA diagnosis. Since many people take time to adjust to sleeping with a CPAP machine, Trusted Source Medline Plus MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients and their families and friends. View Source a short-term rental can help make sure you find the brand and model that best matches your needs. 

A machine rental can also be a budget-friendly way to try out a new style of PAP therapy without committing to the total cost of a new machine. If your doctor has mentioned changing from fixed-pressure CPAP therapy to an automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machine, you can try renting one of these devices to find out if it works better for you. Trusted Source Journal of Thoracic Disease View Source  

Renting may also be a match for you if you are headed on vacation and want a travel CPAP device that is compact, lightweight, and can run on battery power.  

A CPAP rental can also be a necessity for people with certain types of health insurance. The CPAP coverage provided by many health plans requires an initial rental period. 

Who a CPAP Machine Rental May Not Work For

If you already own a PAP machine, your insurance isn’t likely to cover the cost of a rental, which may influence your decision. In addition, if you have the budget to pay for a CPAP machine out of pocket, it may be unnecessary to rent one. 

How to Rent a CPAP Machine

There’s no one-size-fits-all method for renting a CPAP machine. Policies can vary widely depending on the rental company and insurance provider. However, there are common factors that you’re likely to encounter regardless of where you rent your machine and how you intend to pay for it. 

Most machines have a defined rental period, which can vary by insurer. Trusted Source American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research. View Source Rent-to-own programs often break up the machine’s total cost over at least 10 months, making your monthly payment a bit more manageable. Rentals typically include the PAP device, a humidifier, and a set of tubing and other necessary accessories for the initial period of use. 

Some rental companies charge a refundable deposit upon the device’s return, while others place a hold on your credit card for the device’s retail cost. Short-term rental companies expect you to return the device in good condition within a fairly strict time frame. CPAP supplies and accessories generally don’t need to be returned, but you should check each rental provider’s rules and regulations for exact terms. 

Before renting, you should also consult your insurance provider to better understand your coverage. Some plans, including Medicare, require a specific rental period and proof of consistent CPAP use, while other plans don’t cover CPAP machine rentals at all. 

Where to Rent a CPAP Machine

There are numerous places to rent CPAP machines, both online and from in-person retailers. You’ll need to provide a prescription no matter where you rent your device. Trusted Source American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research. View Source  

• Online: If you already know what kind of device you want to rent, you can search for the exact type and choose from one of the many online rental providers. Though procedures vary by company, most will prompt you for your prescription, allow you to pick a rental time frame, and then outline deposit and return instructions. 
• In-person: Certain medical device stores, sleep labs, and sleep specialists rent PAP machines in person. This may be the best option for those who are new to PAP therapy or people who want hands-on assistance to learn how to operate a device. Specialists in sleep equipment stores and medical offices can help you choose between devices and offer advice on masks, hoses, humidifiers, and other CPAP accessories. 

What’s Included in a CPAP Machine Rental

What is included in a CPAP rental depends on where you rent the device. However, most providers include many of the same components. At the very least, your rental includes the machine that you’ve chosen. Many also include compatible tubing and one or more filters that don’t need to be returned. 

Most retailers don’t rent masks, headgear, chinstraps, or other CPAP accessories that come into contact with the face, but many companies sell each of these components. Trusted Source U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices; and by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. View Source Make sure that you obtain CPAP accessories that are compatible with the machine you choose since not all masks, hoses, and devices are interoperable. 

FSA, HSA, and Medical Insurance Coverage

Whether your insurance provider will cover a CPAP machine rental may depend on if you already own a device or not. Many insurance companies won’t provide payments for a second device, even if it’s a short-term rental. However, exact terms change from plan to plan, so it’s important to consult your provider. 

If this is your first CPAP machine or you’re due for a new device, it may be easier to get insurance to cover a rental. In fact, many insurance companies require that you do a rent-to-own program. CPAP machines can be expensive, and enough CPAP users don’t stick with CPAP therapy that some insurance companies always start with a device rental. In this way, the insurance provider doesn’t lose as much money if a person decides not to continue using their CPAP. 

If you have Medicare and have been diagnosed with OSA, you may qualify for a three-month CPAP machine trial. Trusted Source Centers for Medicare and Medicaid View Source During the trial, your doctor will review your symptoms and data from the device to confirm that you are regularly using and benefitting from the CPAP machine. 

After three months, Medicare can pay monthly installments of up to 80% of a predetermined amount once you’ve met a deductible. After 13 months of consecutive payments, you’ll own the CPAP machine. To qualify for this coverage, your doctor and device provider must be enrolled in Medicare.

If you have Medicaid, you’ll need to check with your state agency to get exact details on CPAP machine rental coverage. Many states follow the general Medicare guidelines for Medicaid coverage, which means that CPAP devices are covered under a rent-to-own system.  

People with a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) can typically use their funds to rent a CPAP machine and buy CPAP accessories, which may be helpful if your primary insurance doesn’t cover the entire cost of a CPAP machine rental. Trusted Source FSAFEDS View Source

Rental Insurance for CPAP Machine Rentals

Many CPAP rental companies require some sort of assurance that they’ll be reimbursed if you break or lose a machine, whether that’s by purchasing rental insurance or putting down a deposit. Some providers place a hold on your credit card for amounts that can reach up to the machine’s retail value, while others take a deposit that’s refunded upon the machine’s return. Companies that require rental insurance will prompt you to purchase a policy before checkout. 

Vacation, Short-Term, and Rent-to-Own CPAP Machines

You can find a rental CPAP machine to fit your needs whether you’re looking to own the device eventually or just want to try a different model for a few weeks. 

Travel CPAP Machine Rental

Travel CPAP machines are small, lightweight devices that allow you to continue PAP therapy more easily while you’re away from home. They often hold a charge long enough to work for at least one night without needing to be plugged in. Some devices also have DC power connections, which proves helpful for use in RVs or when car camping. 

Travel CPAPs are an excellent choice for people who want to take a small machine in their luggage, as well as those who may be away from a wall outlet for a short period. Renting or purchasing an additional portable CPAP battery can also increase how long you can go between charges.

To rent a travel CPAP machine, you’ll need to find a supplier either online or in a brick-and-mortar store. After you pick the device you want, give the retailer a copy of your prescription and insurance details. Deposits are often required and refunded when the device is safely returned. If there’s no deposit required, rental insurance may protect against costs from damage or loss. 

CPAP Machine Rental for a Trial Period

Renting a CPAP machine is a hands-on way to learn what kind of device you prefer. It’s also particularly helpful if you want to try a different type of PAP therapy, like APAP or BiPAP, which some users find more comfortable than CPAP therapy.

You will need a prescription to try these machines, and the terms of the trial period will vary depending on where you rent the device. Some may have strict rental periods, while others allow you to switch to a rent-to-own program if you like the machine. Regardless, trial CPAP rentals can make finding the right PAP machine a bit easier. 

CPAP Machine Rent-to-Own Options

While researching CPAP machines, you’ll likely encounter rent-to-own options. This approach may be preferable if you would prefer not to pay the entire cost of your CPAP device upfront. Monthly payments can help decrease the immediate cost of getting a CPAP machine. 

You also may need to use a rent-to-own program if it is mandated by your insurance company. Many insurance plans use rent-to-own plans rather than buying users a machine outright. The reason for this is that some people don’t use or don’t benefit from CPAP therapy, and the rent-to-own structure makes it possible to verify the success of CPAP treatment before covering the full cost of a device.

Renting vs. Buying a CPAP Machine

You might be wondering if it’s better for you to rent a CPAP machine, or just buy one outright. It really depends on your individual situation and finances, but here are some pros and cons to consider.

Renting Pros and Cons

Pros

• Small monthly payments may be more manageable for your budget.
• You can use the rental trial period to see if a particular machine works well for you.
• Renting can qualify you for health insurance coverage to save money over time.

Cons

• You may have a minimum number of months in your rental agreement to complete.
• You may have to leave a deposit or a credit card hold to cover any damage to the machine.
• You could end up paying more for the CPAP machine if you ultimately buy it after the rental period.
• You may have to meet compliance rules if going through insurance.

Buying Pros and Cons

Pros

• You can pay once and the machine is yours to keep.
• You don’t have to worry about meeting compliance rules.
• You may have more control and options as to which machine you choose to buy.

Cons

• You’ll have additional out-of-pocket costs to purchase supplies.
• The out-of-pocket cost is higher upfront.
• There is more risk if you end up not liking the way the machine works.

How to Decide if Renting a CPAP Machine Is Right for You

If you are prescribed CPAP therapy, deciding if you want to rent or buy a machine will come down to your insurance, finances, and personal preference. 

For people who are covered by Medicare or Medicaid or are using a CPAP machine for the first time, it may make the most sense to rent since most of your costs can be covered as long as you meet compliance requirements. Many private health insurance policies also cover CPAP machine costs, but requirements may vary. 

If you’re thinking of renting a CPAP as a trial period, this can be a good strategy since it gives you a chance to see how a particular machine works without making a big upfront commitment. However, you may have to finish out a trial period, the length of which can vary.

On the other hand, if you want a bigger selection of machine options or more autonomy without the pressure of having to meet an insurer’s compliance rules, then you might prefer to buy your CPAP machine. Buying up front could be more cost effective versus a rent-to-own agreement not involving insurance. Buying a CPAP machine is generally best for people who know exactly which machine they want, and who can afford it. If you have FSA or HSA funds to use, that can also help you offset the cost. 

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