Don’t have health insurance?
Did you just find out that CPAP isn’t covered by your insurance?
Are you experiencing financial hardship and need a CPAP machine or supplies?
Need a backup device or a second device for traveling?
Here’s a list of organizations that provide low-cost or free CPAP, APAP and bi-level machines and supplies so you can get the sleep you need.
As with any purchase of CPAP equipment, a prescription is required, even if the there is no charge.
American Sleep Apnea Association
www.sleepapnea.org
ASAA has a CPAP Assistance Program (CAP) that has provided over 4,000 CPAP equipment packages to patients in need over the years. Their mission is to help as many patients as possible get the treatment that they need. They believe that no one should go untreated due to financial hardship or other issues. The program is made possible from donations from manufacturers and other nonprofit organizations. They have machines and masks available on a limited basis and includes a 30 day return policy.
What does it cost?
CPAP: $100 program fee (does not require any proof of financial hardship). ASAA can provide you with a CPAP or APAP, new tubing, filter and carrying case (does not include humidifier). Depending on inventory, they may also supply a mask. Click here to complete their online application.
Bilevel/BiPAP: Bi-Level PAPs may be available, depending on inventory (as of the publishing of this post in May 2016, ASAA is in need of bi-level donations).
Supplies: Prices and availability vary. Discounts for purchase or multiple items. Here is the patient mask application.
Breathe California of the Bay Area
(www.breathebayarea.org )
Breathe California of the Bay Area
1469 Park Ave.
San Jose, CA 95126
Phone (408) 998-5865
Email Michael Baker: michael@lungsrus.org
What does it cost?
They receive donated CPAP and BiPAP machines from hospitals, sleep centers, and individuals. They clean and test the machines to ensure they work properly, then redistribute them to clients. When the clients receive a machine, Breathe California asks for a donation amount between $55 to $105 depending on the type of machine. The machines come with new hose and filters, and they have new masks available for $10. For clients not in the area, they offer to ship the machines for an additional $40. If you’re local, you can drop off equipment at their location in San Jose (see above).
The Reggie White Foundation
www.reggiewhitefoundation.org
The Foundation was co-founded after Reggie White’s premature death, by his wife Sara, in conjunction withthe Sleep Wellness Institute in West Allis, Wisconsin. They recognize the role that sleep apnea played in cutting Reggie’s life short, and want to help people of all economic backgrounds to understand the symptoms and risks of this disorder. They provide CPAP therapy equipment to those who might otherwise be unable to secure the needed equipment. Their program is made possible from donations from individuals, manufacturers and other nonprofit organizations.
What does it cost?
CPAP: $25 program fee and proof of financial hardship. Application available here.
Supplies: $10 program fee and proof of financial hardship. Click on the application link above.
Second Wind CPAP
www.secondwindcpap.com
Second Wind CPAP specializes in quality discounted ‘open box’ new and gently used PAP machines for those individuals who could not otherwise afford it. They purchase new or gently used PAP machines from individuals and refurbish it before selling on this site at a discount.
What does it cost?
CPAP, APAP, Bi-Level, ASV: Varies by manufacturer and device, starting from $95 for a gently used CPAP (does not include humidifier) to $299 for used APAP, $399 for bi-level and $499 for ASV (learn about different device types here). Purchase includes 6 month money back guarantee for used devices. New devices are under manufacturers’ warranty.
Supplies: Only available new at regular online prices.
Have health insurance but aren’t sure how much it will cover for a CPAP machine or supplies?
Do you have health insurance but aren’t sure if CPAP is covered? We can help you understand how your benefits work and how working with an in-network provider may end up costing you a lot less than you expected. We also cover difference between device purchase and rental. Check out our resources:
Ready for a new CPAP?
Do you have experience with any of these organizations? How has your life changed because of free or low-cost CPAP? Please add in the comments below.
Other posts you may find interesting:
Comments
Eva McRae
Posted on December 26, 2016I am in need of an ASV. I have both Central and Obstructive Sleep Apnea and was shocked to find out that i have no coverage for durable medical equipment. Any help I could get will be most apprwciated.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on January 06, 2017Hi, Eva. I’m sorry to hear that you don’t have coverage, but encouraged that your seeking assistance for your therapy. Have you tried reaching out to American Sleep Apnea Association (www.sleepapnea.org) to see if they have any ASVs available? They are very active and can usual help in these situations. They may also be able to suggest other organizations that can help. Please let us know how it goes so that we can share your experience with others in the same situation.
Curtis W Stanton
Posted on January 11, 2017I don’t have a prescription. But I do know that I have sleep apnea. Would you still be able to help me?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on January 11, 2017Hi Curtis. A medical equipment provider will need to have a prescription before dispensing equipment, even if you’re not using insurance (who will also require a prescription). The American Sleep Apnea Association may be able to help you find a doctor in your area who can see you and right a prescription. If you’re in SoCal, we can help with that too. Good luck!
CHRISTY KINSEY
Posted on January 24, 2017My husband had a machine years ago after being diagnosed with sleep apnea. When we lost our insurance the medical equipment company came and took the machine. How can we go about getting one ? We live in Panama city Florida. Another sleep study is out odbthe question as he has a share of cost. Please direct me in the right direction. I am worried. He’s been without it for over a year.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 01, 2017Hi Christy. You may be able to get a new machine from one of the organizations listed above. Since it’s been 9 years since his last sleep study, his pressure requirements may have changed he may need a new sleep study which is another expense. You can investigate an auto-titrating CPAP which will adjust the pressure throughout the night. If he also needs a physician to get a new prescription, you should bring that up when you speak with the organizations about getting a new machine. They should be able to offer advice there too. Good luck!
bridget
Posted on January 24, 2017Hi i recently found out i have sleep apnea and cannot afford a machine and supplies i have been out of work over 6 months now due to having hip replacement surgery and have lost my insurance can someone please help me
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on January 27, 2017Hi Bridgette. Breathe California or the Sleep Apnea Association should both be able to help you. Their contact info is listed here. Please let me know if you don’t get a hold of anyone and I will see if I can help. -Julia
Tonya Mihay
Posted on January 24, 2017Hi Julia,
My name is Tonya I have Sleep Apnea, I do have my compliance certificate from my doctor, my problem is my insurance will cover my apnea supplies but I have to first purchase them. I am low income and they are expensive. There is no local suppliers that take my insurance. Can I still get help from one of these organizations?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 01, 2017Hi Tonya. Can you email me with your location and the type of insurance you have? I can try to locate a provider that can help you. jrodriguez@sleepdr.com
Tonya Mihay
Posted on January 27, 2017Hi Julia, I have sleep apnea and have insurance through the market place. I am also compliant with machine. I can’t find a DME that will take my insurance. I have been calling every DME in town and can’t find a supplier. So Do you have any suggestions for on-line company that accepts insurance?
Steven Hunt
Posted on January 31, 2017Hi my name is Steve Hunt I got hurt back in 2009 and lost my job and have no insurance and i need cpap supplies bad and i cant afford to buy them. and cant find anyone to help me out. i now work but cant do much and the pay is not that good. i really need help what can you do for me thanks .
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 01, 2017Hi Steve, please reach out to Breathe CA or the American Sleep Apnea Association. Both organizations should be able to help you obtain free supplies.
Curtis Cox
Posted on February 01, 2017I have isonmia and sleep apnea,high blood pressure and real bad migraines and asbestos related cancer called COPD for trying to make a honest living. I,m in a Shands card program that doesn’t cover CPAP Machines and any other type machine. I have so many more problems. No job in 11yrs. Please help me please.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 02, 2017Hi Curtis. Have you tried contacting Breathe of California or the American Sleep Apnea Association? Both should have options for free or low-cost equipment for you.
Phil
Posted on February 06, 2017Just about a year ago i had a doctors appt. And found i have very high blood pressure.
My doctors reccomended i get checked for sleep apnea. I was told i have EXTREMELY bad sleep apnea. I never even got to go back after recieving the call from the doctor because Soon after the diagnosis i lost my job and health coverage. I am extremely broke and have no medical coverage. The diagnosis was throhgh kaiser my former health care provider. I never got the chance to get any documentation.
Options? Please help. I am choking myself aeake 29-30 times a night
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 06, 2017Hi Phil. Can you contact Kaiser to try to get a hold of your sleep study report? It may help to show your diagnosis when you contact the organizations listed here. You will still require a prescription from a physician, so you will need to find a physician or clinic who will see you. Once you have the documentation, you should be able to find free or very low-cost equipment. Let me know if there’s any other info I can provide to help. -Julia
Jerry
Posted on February 10, 2017Recently diagnosed with severe sleep apnea, lost job with insurance. Currently working but have no insurance and can’t afford a machine.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 10, 2017Hi Jerry. Glad to hear your working. Since you don’t have insurance, the organizations listed in the post above should be able to help you. They will need a prescription (which you can get from your regular doctor or urgent care) and have low or no-cost machines and supplies. Good luck!
Christine
Posted on February 19, 2017I have Sleep apnea and my insurance don’t cover the cost of my machine and supplies. I can’t work due my CHF and I have no income. I use AirSense 10 machine and Quatto full mask. I need help.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 20, 2017Hi Christine. Please reach out to either Breathe of CA or the American Sleep Apnea Association. As long as you have a current prescription, they should be able to help you. Good luck!
John
Posted on February 21, 2017I live on $1,300.00 a month. After I pay my monthly bills, which I can’t pay all my bills, each month, I can’t buy my c-pap supplies. I have not been able to buy supplies for years, I have been washing my supplies. My machine is years old. Is there any financial help for me to get supplies and a new machine?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on February 27, 2017Hi John. Breathe of CA has low-cost equipment and can ship across the US.
Linda samson
Posted on March 02, 2017I was diagnosed with sleep appea .i can’t afford to buy the machine because I have no income and no insurance. Please help me.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on March 02, 2017Hi Linda, have you tried contacting Breathe of CA or the American Sleep Apnea Association? Their info is above. They should be able to help.
Christopher
Posted on March 19, 2017I was just diagnosed with sleep apnea and found out that my insurance does not cover the CPAP machine. I am a graduate student that doesn’t work full time. I barely have enough money to cover essential bills. Typically work a lot in the summer and use that money to float during the semester. Based on how tired I have been feeling, I need to figure out something. Any suggestions before I start to contact these organizations?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on March 20, 2017Hi Christopher. I’m glad to hear you’re trying to figure things out and start using CPAP. I suggest you start with Breathe of CA, even if you’re not in CA. They can provide free or low-cost machines and supplies. Next, try the American Sleep Apnea association. Good luck.
Marcus Blakemore
Posted on March 26, 2017I had a sleep study back in 2014 and my test showed I had a very severe case of sleep apnea. I do have insurance but in order for me to get a machine I have to pay a deductible in order for me to be able to get the process rolling. Well it’s 3 years later and I’m still unable to get my machine. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or leads because I want to be able to enjoy the quality of life.
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on March 27, 2017Hi Marcus. If you have a sleep study and prescription, you should be able to find assistance from one of the organizations listed in this post. You can start with Breathe and the Sleep Apnea Association. Good luck!
Chandra L Compton
Posted on April 20, 2017My husband has a BiPap machine with humidifier. His hose has a hole but we can’t afford to replace it as our deductible isn’t met, and the supplies are so expensive. We haven’t had a new mask or hose in a long while for his BiPap. We live in Martinsville, VA. Is there anywhere that could help?
I had a sleep study 8/2015. I also have Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea / Hyponea with Moderate to Severe Periodic Limb Movement Disorder of Sleep. I have gone through all the recommendations on the sleep study because my sleep apnea was so mild they felt insurance wouldn’t cover a trial or CPAP, but I continue to have fatigue with the addition of weight gain / blood pressure going wonky, and my doctor suggested I needed a CPAP trial but I can’t afford another sleep study with a CPAP trial or a full cost CPAP. Our local hospital doesn’t have any assistance for anyone with insurance – I just got that e-mail today. We are low income. I’m trying to keep my driver’s license, and my doctor seems to think this is an important step. Any ideas?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on April 20, 2017Hi Chandra. The organizations listed above should be able to help, even if you are out of state. Good luck.
Dave Davis
Posted on May 02, 2017I was just informed today that my insurance doesn’t cover medical equipment. I have what doc considers one the the more extreme cases of sleep apnea. She said that my oxygen drops to 80 at night and I quit breathing an astronomical amount of times. I don’t remember the number to be honest. I guess if I don’t get a machine for help I could lose my drivers license. How can I get help?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on May 03, 2017Please check out the resources listed at the top of this post. If you already have a prescription from your doctor, they should be able to help you find a free or low cost solution. Good luck!
Joy Waite
Posted on May 09, 2017I am in need of a second CPAP for our travel trailer. I want to purchase one so I don’t have to carry mine back and forth. I would like a humidifier also can that be purchased too?
Julia Rodriguez
Posted on May 10, 2017Hi Joy! You can purchase either a second full-size CPAP and humidifier or check out travel-sized CPAPs. If you’re looking for a used device, check out the organizations listed above. For a new travel CPAP, you can check out our selection here: http://malaga.temp.domains/~sleepdr/buy-cpaps-supplies/travel-cpap/
Ty
Posted on September 03, 2017Hello Julia. Thank you for these resources, They are a lot of help! I am in a bit of a situation because I was just recently diagnosed with sleep apnea but flew back overseas a day later because I am currently studying abroad. My doctor told me to get a cpap machine but my insurance will not cover it and I do not have a lot of extra money to buy one because I am a student. Do you think one of these organizations would be able to help? Thanks