Key Takeaways

• The right supplies make using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine more comfortable and convenient, making it easier to stick with treatment.
• The most important CPAP supplies to consider are batteries, heated tubing, filters, headgear, travel and comfort accessories, and cleaning products.
• When selecting the best CPAP supplies, consider factors such as pricing, warranty, compatibility, and features.

If you have a sleep apnea diagnosis, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine can help you get a more restful night’s sleep by preventing disruptive breathing patterns that leave you feeling tired and groggy.

Sleep apnea is a common disorder affecting up to 30 million adults in the United States alone. ^[1]American Medical Association. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Sleep Apnea. April 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea It can increase the risk for a host of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and mental health conditions like depression.

CPAP and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines are effective treatments for sleep apnea. But not everyone with a diagnosis of sleep apnea adheres to CPAP therapy. According to one 2020 study, over 50% of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) interrupted their treatment one year after being prescribed CPAP therapy. ^[2]Morrone E, et al. Something is Changing in Adherence to CPAP Therapy. European Respiratory Journal. 2020. Found on the internet at https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/55/3/1901419

The same study suggests certain factors can help people stay the course regarding treatment, including supplies to make CPAP use easier and more comfortable.

Quality sleep is critical to your overall health, which is why our Reviews Team researched the best CPAP supplies. When the right tools make CPAP therapy simpler and more convenient, you’re more likely to stick with the treatment and enjoy the benefits of restful sleep.

A quick look at the best CPAP supplies

1. Best CPAP Battery: Sunset Portable Outlet UPS CPAP Battery
2. Best CPAP Tubing: ResMed ClimateLineAir™ 11 Heated Tubing
3. Best CPAP Filters: RedMed AirSense™ 11 Replacement Filters
4. Best Headgear: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Replacement Headgear
5. Best Travel Bag: ResMed AirMini Travel Bag
6. Best for Added Comfort: Sunset Contour CPAPmax 2.0 Pillow
7. Best CPAP Cleaning Wipes: Sleep 8 Mask M8tes CPAP Wipes

Why trust our expert review?

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we feel strongly about. We’ve spent more than 60 hours conducting in-depth research on sleep apnea supplies to bring you an accurate review of each product. To make our selections, we:

• Researched several brands and product categories
• Read real reviews from verified customers on trusted third-party sites, including the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
• Looked at academic studies and reviews to better understand the benefits of certain types of CPAP supplies and how they work

Best CPAP Supplies in 2023

Best CPAP Battery: Sunset Portable Outlet UPS CPAP Battery

Best CPAP Tubing: ResMed ClimateLineAir™ 11 Heated Tubing

Best CPAP Filters: ResMed AirSense™ 11 Replacement Filters

Best Headgear: Fisher & Paykel Vitera Replacement Headgear

Best Travel Bag: ResMed AirMini Travel Bag

Best for Added Comfort: Sunset Contour CPAPmax 2.0 Pillow

Best CPAP Cleaning Wipes: Sleep 8 Mask M8tes CPAP Wipes

Compare the best CPAP supplies of 2023

How to pay for CPAP supplies

While insurance may pay for all or part of your CPAP machine, you’re more likely to have to pay for supplies out of pocket. Most insurance companies cover the cost of replacement supplies the same way they cover the machine, as the machine and supplies together make the circuit “whole.” However, most insurance companies have a schedule of when replacement supplies can be ordered to receive coverage.

In case you need supplies without insurance coverage, here’s a breakdown of what to expect in terms of cost:

• Filters: $4–$20
• Tubing: $10–$50
• Masks: $50–$200

You may be able to pay online with a debit or credit card. Some companies also offer payment plans, depending on the product.

Does insurance cover CPAP supplies?

• Health insurance: Some private insurance companies, like BlueCross and United Healthcare, may provide full or partial coverage for sleep apnea equipment. The out-of-pocket costs you can expect will vary depending on your insurance provider, plan, and if you’ve chosen an in-network provider and supplier. To find out whether you have coverage for supplies, get in touch with your insurance representative.
• Medicare: Medicare, specifically Medicare Part B, may cover a three-month trial of CPAP therapy and accessories. Once the trial starts, Medicare may continue to cover your expenses. To receive this coverage, you must complete an approved sleep test and have an official sleep apnea diagnosis. ^[10]Medicare.gov. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices, Accessories, and Therapy. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-devices
• Retailer financing: Some companies, like CPAP Supplies, CPAP My Way, and CPAP Store USA, offer financing options for shoppers. With retailer financing, you must complete an application to determine your eligibility for a payment plan. While financing means not making a lump sum payment, you’ll pay more for the supplies over time due to interest fees. You also risk equipment becoming outdated while you’re still paying and face penalties or fees if you break your contract.
• Health savings account (HSA): An HSA lets you put pre-taxed money aside to pay for qualifying medical expenses. By using your HSA to pay for deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, etc., you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses for medical care and supplies. Suppliers often note whether or not CPAP supplies are HSA-eligible in the product description. If they don’t, contact your HSA administrator to confirm if your CPAP supplies are eligible before making a purchase. ^[11]Healthcare.gov. Health Savings Account (HSA). Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/ You can also shop directly from the HSA Store to ensure you purchase approved CPAP supplies.
• Flexible spending account (FSA): An FSA is an employee benefit allowing you to put pre-taxed money aside from your paycheck to pay for medical services. ^[12]National Institutes of Health. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Found on the internet at https://hr.nih.gov/benefits/insurance/flexible-spending-accounts Like an HSA, you can use your FSA to purchase eligible CPAP supplies. Some retailers will note whether a product is FSA-eligible, or you can shop for eligible CPAP products in the FSA Store.

What to consider before purchasing CPAP supplies

CPAP supplies can make using your machine easier and more comfortable. Here are some factors to remember when shopping for different CPAP supplies and accessories:

• Your health care provider’s recommendations: Look to your health care provider for advice on the best CPAP supplies to meet your needs.
• Machine compatibility: You’ll need to read through a product’s description to determine whether it’s compatible with a specific CPAP machine or is universal. Some products are more likely to be universal than others, like masks, pillows, and wipes.
• Comfort: If you’re a new CPAP user, it can take some time to adjust to sleeping in a mask. With this in mind, you’ll want to purchase products, such as masks and pillows, designed to prevent humidity, reduce head temperature, and fit on or around your head comfortably.
• Replacement frequency: Certain CPAP supplies, like filters, tubing, masks, and pillows, require frequent replacement to ensure the effectiveness and cleanliness of your CPAP therapy. You’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on replacement times for supplies to ensure you’re not impacting the efficacy of your CPAP machine.
• Warranty: Be sure to review the warranty on CPAP supplies. While a good warranty is preferred for all equipment, it may be more important for specific products such as batteries. Warranties for CPAP products can range from 30 days to up to a year.

Required CPAP supplies

While some CPAP supplies are optional, the following are must-haves for CPAP use:

• CPAP masks: CPAP masks provide the connection between the machine and your face, to deliver pressurized air. You should replace these oral, nasal, or full-face masks every three months.
• CPAP headgear: Headgear holds your mask in place and keeps your mouth closed throughout the night. It’s recommended you replace these every six months. ^[13]Hevener W, et al. The Importance of Mask Selection on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Outcomes for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. The Annals of the American Thoracic Society. October 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7640631/
• CPAP hoses: CPAP hoses are tubes to connect your CPAP machine and mask, delivering constant airflow. You should replace hoses every three months for optimal performance.
• CPAP filters: Filters remove dust and debris before the air travels into the CPAP machine, capturing dirt, pollen, pet dander, and other particles. Depending on whether you have disposable or non-disposable filters, you should replace them every one to six months to ensure a strong filtration process. ^[13]Hevener W, et al. The Importance of Mask Selection on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Outcomes for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. The Annals of the American Thoracic Society. October 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7640631/

Optional CPAP supplies

While these supplies aren’t necessary for your CPAP therapy, they may improve your experience:

• Cleaning supplies: Several wipes, soaps, sprays, and brushes are available to help you thoroughly clean and disinfect your machine. You can replace these whenever you run out.
• CPAP batteries: These can be helpful if your CPAP machine is mobile or if you ever lose power. You can choose from regular or rechargeable batteries.
• CPAP pillows: CPAP pillows have a unique design to keep tubes out of your way while asleep and increase your comfort.
• CPAP mask liners: Mask liners add a barrier between your mask and skin, preventing irritation.
• CPAP travel bag: A travel bag allows you to take your CPAP supplies on the go. When shopping for a CPAP travel bag, look for one approved by TSA and FAA if traveling by plane.

When to replace CPAP supplies

Like any item you use daily, your CPAP supplies will wear out. You may need to replace some supplies sooner than others, but every piece of equipment, except your CPAP machine, will need replacing within weeks or months.

Aside from referring to the manufacturer’s replacement schedule, there are other ways to know if you need to replace supplies. For example, if you notice a decreased sleep quality, experience symptoms like dry mouth, or have air leaks, it’s time for a replacement. Similarly, if equipment becomes uncomfortable to use, it’s time to swap in a replacement.

How we chose the best CPAP supplies

Our Review Team conducted hours of research on CPAP machines and supplies. We determined the following factors as the most important for our readers when shopping for CPAP supplies:

• Cost
• Features
• Product quality
• Machine compatibility
• Comfort
• Ease of use
• Warranty
• Customer service

Bottom line

The right CPAP supplies can help make it more pleasant to use your CPAP machine.

When shopping for CPAP supplies, the most important thing to consider is whether your supplies are compatible with your current CPAP machine. Comfort, quality, cost, and ease of use are also critical.

Fortunately, several high-quality, well-reviewed CPAP supply options exist. To keep your machine clean, consider Sleep 8 Mask M8tes CPAP Wipes and RedMed AirSense™ 11 Replacement Filters. For peace of mind when you’re on the go, try the Sunset Portable Outlet UPS CPAP Battery or ResMed AirMini Travel Bag. If you’re looking for added comfort, ResMed ClimateLineAir™ 11 Heated Tubing, Fisher & Paykel Vitera Replacement Headgear, and Sunset Contour CPAPmax 2.0 Pillow can improve your CPAP therapy experience.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy CPAP supplies over the counter?

You need a prescription to buy a CPAP machine and mask, but most supplies, including replacement parts, tubing, and filters, can be purchased over the counter.

Is it cheaper to buy CPAP supplies online?

You may be more likely to find CPAP supply discounts online than in brick-and-mortar locations.

How long will a CPAP battery last?

Battery life varies from product to product, but generally, a good quality CPAP battery should provide backup power for up to 12 hours or more.

How often should CPAP tubing be replaced?

You should replace your CPAP tubing every three months.

Does insurance cover CPAP supplies?

Your insurance provider may cover CPAP supplies. It’s best to contact your provider before purchasing supplies since some companies have specific requirements for coverage.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. American Medical Association. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Sleep Apnea. April 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-sleep-apnea
2. Morrone E, et al. Something is Changing in Adherence to CPAP Therapy. European Respiratory Journal. 2020. Found on the internet at https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/55/3/1901419
3. Cai Q, et al. New Rechargeable Lithium-ion AA Battery: More Economic and Eco-friendlier for Home Sleep Apnea Test. Advances in Bioengineering and Biomedical Science Research. March 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.opastpublishers.com/open-access-articles/new-rechargeable-lithiumion-aa-battery-more-economic-and-ecofriendlier-for-home-sleep-apnea-test.pdf
4. Nilius G, et al. Mask Humidity During CPAP: Influence of Ambient Temperature, Heated Humidification and Heated Tubing. Nature and Science of Sleep. May 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2147/NSS.S158856
5. Mutti C, et al. Obstructive Sleep Apnea, CPAP and COVID-19: A Brief Review. Acta Biomedica. November 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7927548/
6. ResMed. Travel Compliance Letter for ResMed Therapy Devices. June 2023. Found on the internet at https://document.resmed.com/en-us/documents/articles/travel-compliance-letter_amer_eng.pdf
7. Srijithesh PR, et al. Positional Therapy for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Cochrane Database System Review. May 2019. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31041813/
8. Salvaggio A, et al. Gel Pillow Designed Specifically for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Treatment With Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Jornal Brasileiro De Pneumologia. October 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.scielo.br/j/jbpneu/a/WD6Rh7dNMkhWMbLfKSNBSwC/?format=html&lang=en
9. Willis LD, et al. Positive Airway Pressure Device Care and Cleaning Practices in the Pediatric Home. Respiratory Care. January 2023. Found on the internet at https://rc.rcjournal.com/content/68/1/87.short
10. Medicare.gov. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices, Accessories, and Therapy. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-devices
11. Healthcare.gov. Health Savings Account (HSA). Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/
12. National Institutes of Health. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Found on the internet at https://hr.nih.gov/benefits/insurance/flexible-spending-accounts
13. Hevener W, et al. The Importance of Mask Selection on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Outcomes for Obstructive Sleep Apnea. An Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. The Annals of the American Thoracic Society. October 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7640631/