If you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you’re all too familiar with morning exhaustion, no matter how many hours you spent in bed. You might struggle through the day with brain fog, headaches, irritability, and overwhelming fatigue—only to repeat the same cycle the next evening.

OSA is a condition in which the airway repeatedly becomes blocked during sleep, causing breathing to stop and restart throughout the night. This condition is generally more common in men than women, affecting an estimated 13% of men and 6% of women in the United States.¹ But after age 50, this gap narrows, as more women tend to develop sleep apnea after menopause.

One of the first-line treatments for sleep apnea in older adults is a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. These machines use gentle air pressure delivered through a mask to help keep the airway open during sleep.

As effective as they are, CPAP machines are pricey, ranging from $745 to $1,300 on average. If you have Medicare, you might be wondering if it covers some or all of the costs of one of these machines. Read on for the details.

Does Medicare cover CPAP machines?

Yes. Medicare Part B usually covers CPAP machines for people diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea if certain requirements are met. CPAP machines are considered durable medical equipment (DME), which means they fall under Medicare’s medical equipment coverage rules.

In most cases, Medicare first covers a 12-week trial period for CPAP therapy. During this time, your doctor and equipment supplier will monitor your treatment to determine if it’s helping to improve your condition and symptoms. If the therapy is working well and you continue using the machine as directed, Medicare may continue coverage beyond the trial period.

If you were already using a CPAP machine before enrolling in Medicare, Medicare may help cover a replacement machine, rental equipment, or CPAP supplies if you meet certain criteria.

Ramp time and why it matters for Medicare coverage

Many CPAP machines include a feature called “ramp time.” Ramp time lets you start with lower air pressure and gradually work your way up to the prescribed level as you fall asleep. This can make CPAP therapy feel more manageable, especially if you’re new to treatment and find higher air pressure uncomfortable at first.

Comfort features like ramp time are designed to help you stay on track with your therapy. This matters because Medicare may want proof you’re regularly using your CPAP machine before approving long-term coverage.

Are there restrictions or certain qualifications?

Medicare doesn’t automatically cover CPAP machines for everyone. To qualify, you typically must first have a sleep study showing you have obstructive sleep apnea.

Sleep studies may be done in a sleep laboratory (Type I), or sometimes at home (Type II, III, and IV) using an approved breathing monitor. Your doctor will review your results and, if they confirm an OSA diagnosis, prescribe CPAP therapy.

Medicare also has compliance requirements for the initial trial period. First, to qualify for CPAP machine coverage, both your doctor and the equipment supplier must participate in Medicare (“accept Medicare assignment”).

And, as mentioned earlier, you may have to show you’re routinely using your CPAP machine. This often means using the device for at least four hours per night on most nights within a certain timeframe.

How does your doctor know if you’re using your machine? Most modern CPAP units have built-in Wi-Fi or cellular technology that automatically sends your nightly usage data to your provider or medical equipment supplier.

How much does Medicare pay for CPAP machines?

After you meet your Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), Medicare usually pays 80% of the approved amount for a CPAP machine and related equipment. You’re usually responsible for the remaining 20% (coinsurance) unless you have supplemental insurance like Medigap that helps cover those costs.

In many situations, Medicare rents the CPAP machine to you for a period of time rather than purchasing it outright immediately. The rental period is typically 13 months. If you keep using the machine successfully during that time, you’ll own the machine after the rental period ends.

The exact amount you pay for your CPAP can vary depending on:

• The type of CPAP machine prescribed
• Your supplemental insurance coverage, if any
• Your Medicare Advantage plan, if applicable

Keep in mind some newer CPAP machines with advanced features may cost more than standard models.

Does Medicare pay for CPAP supplies?

Yes. Medicare also covers many CPAP supplies that need regular replacement over time. This may include:

• CPAP masks
• Cushions and nasal pillows
• Tubing and hoses
• Chin strap
• Reusable and disposable filters
• Headgear
• Water chambers for humidifiers

Since these supplies wear out with regular use, Medicare allows replacements on a schedule. For instance, filters may qualify for replacement more frequently than masks or tubing.

Your doctor or equipment supplier can help determine which CPAP mask style and machine settings work best for your needs. Proper mask fit is critical, since leaks or discomfort can make CPAP therapy harder to tolerate.

If your CPAP machine includes features like a humidifier or adjustable pressure settings, your provider may fine-tune them to help you stay more comfortable and get the most benefit from treatment.

How often does Medicare allow you to get a new CPAP machine?

Medicare will generally cover a replacement CPAP machine every five years if your current machine no longer works properly or has reached the end of its expected lifespan.

In some cases, Medicare may approve a replacement sooner—for example, if the machine is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond repair. Your doctor and medical equipment supplier may need to submit documentation to support the request.

Does Medicare pay for sleep apnea testing?

Yes. Medicare usually covers sleep apnea testing when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. This may include overnight sleep studies performed in a sleep clinic or approved home sleep apnea testing.

A sleep study measures things like your breathing patterns, oxygen levels, heart rate, and interruptions in breathing during sleep. The results help determine whether you have obstructive sleep apnea and how severe it may be.

Many people start by talking about their symptoms with their primary care provider, who may refer them to a sleep specialist or sleep clinic for testing.

Symptoms you should share with your doctor include:

• Loud, chronic snoring
• Daytime sleepiness
• Morning headaches
• Waking up gasping or choking
• Trouble concentrating
• Fatigue despite sleeping through the night

As long as Medicare determines a sleep study is medically necessary, you're generally covered for approved testing services under Part B. Once you meet your Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost, and you’re responsible for the remaining 20%.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Does Medicare Advantage cover CPAP machines?
Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover CPAP machines because they’re required to provide at least the same coverage as original Medicare. But costs, prior authorization requirements, and approved suppliers may vary by plan.

How long do CPAP machines last?
Most CPAP machines last about five years with proper care and maintenance. Some machines may last longer, depending on how often they’re used and how well they are maintained.

Does Medicare cover the cost of cleaning CPAP machines?
Medicare typically covers certain replacement CPAP supplies. But it usually does not cover specialized CPAP cleaning machines or automated sanitizing devices. In fact, extras and convenience items (e.g., travel CPAP machines, CPAP pillows, and cleaning products) typically aren’t covered by Medicare.

What insurance companies cover CPAP machines?
Many private insurance companies cover CPAP machines, including Medicare Advantage plans, employer-sponsored insurance plans, Medicaid in some states, and individual health insurance policies. Coverage rules and out-of-pocket costs vary by insurer.

Does Medicare cover CPAP machines?
Yes. Medicare Part B usually covers CPAP machines for older adults who are diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and also meet Medicare’s testing and CPAP usage requirements.

Find out more

For tips and insights on improving your nightly sleep:

• Explore how sleep affects your health.
• Discover how to choose the right mattress and pillow for sleep apnea.
• Visit our Sleep for Older Adults resource library.

Source

1. David Brower, et. al., Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Aging: A Narrative Review. Sleep Medicine Research. Sept. 29, 2025. Found on the internet at https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12742971/