by Our Pick
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus. From $1,395
365-night trial · Lifetime warranty
CPAP machine rental costs $50-$150 per month depending on model. Renting makes sense for short-term use (1-3 months trial, travel, post-surgery), but buying is more economical beyond 6-8 months. Refurbished machines cut upfront cost 40-60% versus new. Here is when renting is right, rental costs, and buying alternatives.
When CPAP Rental Makes Sense
- Diagnostic trial: 30-60 days before committing to purchase
- Awaiting insurance approval: Rent while insurance processes
- Travel: Short-term at destination
- Post-surgery recovery: Temporary airway support
- Unsure if CPAP is right: Try before buy
- Financial flexibility needed: Spread cost over time
When Buying Makes Sense
- Confirmed apnea diagnosis with long-term treatment expected
- Insurance covers purchase
- Rental cost exceeds 40% of purchase price per year
- You want to customize mask and supplies
- You need more than 6-8 months of therapy
Typical Rental Costs
| Machine type | Monthly rental | Purchase cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic CPAP | $50-$80 | $500-$900 new |
| Auto-CPAP (APAP) | $75-$120 | $900-$1,500 |
| BiPAP | $100-$180 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Travel CPAP | $80-$130 | $850-$1,100 |
Break-even math: renting a $1,200 APAP at $100/month breaks even with purchase at month 12. Buying is cheaper past that point.
Where to Rent
- Local durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers
- Online rental services (e.g., CPAP rental companies)
- Hospital-affiliated programs
- Some pharmacies with DME divisions
Insurance & Rental
Most insurance prefers "rent-to-own" where they pay monthly rental for 10-13 months, then transfer ownership to you. Medicare uses a 13-month rental-to-own program. Check your policy.
Refurbished Alternative (Better Value)
If you are unsure about long-term CPAP use, consider a refurbished machine ($200-$500 for AirSense 10) instead of renting. 90% of the cost savings vs new, with full therapy quality and typically 6-12 month warranty.
Head Elevation Reduces Rental Need
Adjustable bed head elevation reduces apnea severity — some mild-positional apnea sufferers avoid CPAP entirely with proper setup. Not a cure for moderate-severe cases but worth trying before committing to rental.
Our Pick
Saatva Adjustable Base Plus. From $1,395
365-night trial · Lifetime warranty
FAQ
How much does CPAP rental cost?
$50-$180/month depending on machine type. APAP typically $75-$120/month.
Is renting a CPAP a good idea?
For short-term needs (1-6 months) yes. Beyond 6-8 months, buying is more economical.
Does insurance cover CPAP rental?
Yes — most insurance and Medicare use rent-to-own programs (10-13 months, then you own it).
Related reading: Best CPAP Machine | BiPAP vs CPAP | CPAP Titration | Can Sleep Apnea Be Cured?
CPAP sleeping essentials
- Mask fit first. 70% of CPAP abandonment in year one is due to mask discomfort. Re-fit every 6 months as facial tissue changes.
- Hose management — use a hose lift or hanger to keep tubing above the mattress. Prevents tangling and reduces pull on the mask.
- Mattress choice matters. Side sleepers with CPAP benefit from a medium-firm hybrid that keeps the airway aligned. Adjustable beds (head elevation 10-15 degrees) improve CPAP efficacy.
- Humidifier — use heated humidification year-round. Dry air worsens nasal symptoms and reduces compliance.
- Filter replacement — change every 1-3 months; monthly in pet or dusty households.
CPAP + mattress interaction
Side sleepers using CPAP should avoid very soft mattresses that let the shoulder sink too deep, which rotates the jaw and breaks the mask seal. A medium-firm hybrid with targeted shoulder-zone contour (like the Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid) keeps the airway aligned.