Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatment OptionsCPAP MachinesOral AppliancesSurgeriesAlternativesWeighing the CostInsurance CoverageNext in Sleep Apnea GuideSleep Apnea Devices That Work
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatment Options
CPAP Machines
Oral Appliances
Surgeries
Alternatives
Weighing the Cost
Insurance Coverage
Next in Sleep Apnea Guide
The gold standard for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) iscontinuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) therapy. For a CPAP machine alone, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 or more. However, almost 50% of people who use CPAP cannot tolerate it long-term and seek other options.
One such option is calledInspire therapy. This outpatient surgery involves an implant that stimulates the hypoglossal nerve, a nerve that controls your tongue and airway muscles, to keep them open while you sleep. If you meet FDA indications for Inspire therapy and are below the requisitebody mass index, your insurance company is very likely to pay for all or most of the Inspire Sleep Apnea cost. The treatment lasts for up to 11 years.
Somsak Bumroongwong/EyeEm/Getty Images
Seeking Sleep Apnea Treatment
Selecting the propertreatment for sleep apneashould be done with the guidance of your sleep physician. A skilled practitioner can review your symptoms, physical examination findings, and test results to help you choose the right therapy. This will save you time and money in the long run.
Below is a list of common treatment options for the management ofobstructive sleep apnea. As much as possible, the pricing is based on a comprehensive review of current online pricing sources, such as theAmerican Sleep AssociationandCPAP.com.
Your costs may vary based on other factors, including regional or international differences. For all questions, review your costs with both your treatment supplier as well as your insurance provider.
Continuous positive airway pressure machines involve several components. The cost of CPAP machines can also vary dramatically, depending on the different features and accessories it includes. At most basic, every CPAP machine should include:
CPAP machines with humidifiersare a popular option. The addition of a humidifier adds moisture to the air to prevent your airways from getting dry and irritated. They make using a CPAP more comfortable but are also more pricey.
CPAP machines without humidifiers range from $300 to $500 dollars. Machines with humidifiers range from $600 to $800. If you choose a CPAP with a humidifier, you will also need to replace the humidifier chamber every six months, which costs about $20 to $40 each time.
Auto-titrating continuous positive airway pressure machines, orAutoCPAPs, release air at a rate that changes automatically in response to your breathing needs. AutoCPAP machines cost between $400 and $900.
All CPAP machines should be replaced every five years.
How Much Do Bilevel/BiPap Machines Cost?More sophisticated models of PAP therapy are more expensive.BiPap machinescost anywhere from $875 to $2000, but may be more effective for some people. If you requireAdaptive-Servo-Ventilation(ASV), you can expect the cost to reach upwards of $3,000 to $4,500.
How Much Do Bilevel/BiPap Machines Cost?
More sophisticated models of PAP therapy are more expensive.BiPap machinescost anywhere from $875 to $2000, but may be more effective for some people. If you requireAdaptive-Servo-Ventilation(ASV), you can expect the cost to reach upwards of $3,000 to $4,500.
BiPAP vs. CPAP: What’s the Difference?
CPAP Accessories and Add-Ons
CPAP accessories need to be replaced more frequently. Common accessories include the following:
There may be additional supplies required for treatment, depending on your personal needs. These generally cost $20 to $50 and may include:
How Often Should You Replace CPAP Equipment and Supplies?
For those with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, an oral appliance may be used for treatment.There are over 60 different types of oral appliances for sleep apnea, which generally fall into three categories: soft palatal lifters, mandibular advancement, and tongue-restraining devices.
The cost of an oral appliance for sleep apnea can range from $1,800 to $2,000. The cost should include the consultation with a specialty dentist, custom plaster molds, appliance fabrication, adjustments, follow-ups, and any modifications.
Oral appliances need to be replaced at regular intervals, especially after any dental work that alters your bite.
Less expensive options can also be purchased online. These oral appliances are moldable after boiling the plastic in hot water, and can be obtained for $10 to $100. They may not be right for everyone, though, and are not recommended for long-term use.
Poor-fitting appliances can lead to more problems in thetemporomandibular joint(popping, clicking, pain, or arthritis). If complications occur, the relatively low initial cost for these boil-and-bite models quickly skyrockets. If you are considering one, talk to your healthcare provider.
Inspire Sleep Therapy and Other Surgeries
Inspire Sleep Therapy is the only FDA-approved treatment for obstructive sleep apnea that works internally to stimulate the upper airways.Although it is widely considered a safe and effective alternative to CPAP therapy, Inspire Sleep Therapy does have its downsides.
During a clinical trial for Inspire, up to 40% of study participants using Inspire experienced discomfort. Another review showed that 42% of people with Inspire needed a second operation to reposition or remove the Inspire Device. Other risks associated with Inspire Sleep Therapy include infection and nerve damage.
How Much Does Inspire Sleep Apnea Therapy Cost?
Hypoglossal nerve stimulation procedures are not the only options for treating obstructive sleep apnea via surgery. Other options include:
Alternative Sleep Apnea Treatments
There are a number of treatments that may help to modestly improve sleep apnea. The costs with these treatments are relatively low—often less than a few hundred dollars. These additional options include:
Reviewing these options with your sleep medicine provider may be helpful.
Costs of Untreated Sleep Apnea
It may be disheartening to face medical expenses that easily run into the hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars.
However, it’s important to consider the effects and symptoms associated with sleep apnea when it is untreated and further undermines your sleep and quality of life.
There can be additional healthcare costs attributable to thecomplications, including:
Sleepiness associated with the condition may lead to car accidents. Severe sleep apnea may also increase the risk of sudden death. When put in this context, treatment may seem like a good investment.
The Health Effects of Sleep Apnea
Planning Ahead With Insurance
Review your insurance coverage for the consultation (office visit), testing, and treatment of sleep disorders in order to avoid an unexpected bill. It can be helpful to call your insurer directly.
If additional information is needed, such as diagnostic or billing codes, speak with your sleep specialist’s billing team. It is possible to get a firm number prior to being seen, tested, or treated. If you can’t get a straight answer, ask to speak to a supervisor: persistence pays off.
Keep in mind that you may havecopays(the amount you pay for a visit or test at the time of service) or a deductible (the amount that you have to pay before the insurance begins to pick up more of the tab).
When considering treatment of sleep apnea, you will need a consultation with a board-certifiedsleep physicianand diagnostic testing (with either ahome sleep apnea testor in-centerpolysomnogram) prior to seeking treatment.
These expenses may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and most insurance will cover some (or all) of these costs. Once it is determined that you need treatment, it becomes possible to consider your options.
Summary
Cost should not be a barrier to seeking health care. Treatment for sleep apnea is important for your health and well-being. If you have difficulty paying for your medical expenses, speak with your providers about options to reduce the cost.
12 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Xia F, Sawan M.Clinical and research solutions to manage obstructive sleep apnea: A review.Sensors (Basel). 2021 Mar;21(5):1784. doi:10.3390/s21051784Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation.Frequently asked questions.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.CPAP.de Vries G, Hoekema A, Vermeulen K, et al.Clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a mandibular advancement device versus continuous positive airway pressure in moderate obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2019 Oct;15(10):1477–1485. doi:10.5664/jcsm.7980Beri A, Pisulkar S, Dubey S, Sathe S, Bansod A, Shrivastava A.Appliances therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cureus. 2023 Nov;15(11):e48280. doi:10.7759/cureus.48280American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.Oral appliance therapy.Bestourous D, Pasick L, Benito D, Zapanta P.Adverse events associated with the Inspire implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator: A MAUSE database review.Am J Otalaryngol. 2020 Dec;41(6):102616. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102616Inspire.How Inspire Therapy works.Inspire Medical System.Life with Inspire.Trinidade P, Nogueira V, Weber S.Is maxillomandibular advancement an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea? Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jun;89(3):503–510. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2023.02.007American Sleep Apnea Association.What is sleep apnea?.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment and other devices.
12 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Xia F, Sawan M.Clinical and research solutions to manage obstructive sleep apnea: A review.Sensors (Basel). 2021 Mar;21(5):1784. doi:10.3390/s21051784Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation.Frequently asked questions.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.CPAP.de Vries G, Hoekema A, Vermeulen K, et al.Clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a mandibular advancement device versus continuous positive airway pressure in moderate obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2019 Oct;15(10):1477–1485. doi:10.5664/jcsm.7980Beri A, Pisulkar S, Dubey S, Sathe S, Bansod A, Shrivastava A.Appliances therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cureus. 2023 Nov;15(11):e48280. doi:10.7759/cureus.48280American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.Oral appliance therapy.Bestourous D, Pasick L, Benito D, Zapanta P.Adverse events associated with the Inspire implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator: A MAUSE database review.Am J Otalaryngol. 2020 Dec;41(6):102616. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102616Inspire.How Inspire Therapy works.Inspire Medical System.Life with Inspire.Trinidade P, Nogueira V, Weber S.Is maxillomandibular advancement an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea? Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jun;89(3):503–510. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2023.02.007American Sleep Apnea Association.What is sleep apnea?.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment and other devices.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Xia F, Sawan M.Clinical and research solutions to manage obstructive sleep apnea: A review.Sensors (Basel). 2021 Mar;21(5):1784. doi:10.3390/s21051784Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation.Frequently asked questions.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.CPAP.de Vries G, Hoekema A, Vermeulen K, et al.Clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a mandibular advancement device versus continuous positive airway pressure in moderate obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2019 Oct;15(10):1477–1485. doi:10.5664/jcsm.7980Beri A, Pisulkar S, Dubey S, Sathe S, Bansod A, Shrivastava A.Appliances therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cureus. 2023 Nov;15(11):e48280. doi:10.7759/cureus.48280American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.Oral appliance therapy.Bestourous D, Pasick L, Benito D, Zapanta P.Adverse events associated with the Inspire implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator: A MAUSE database review.Am J Otalaryngol. 2020 Dec;41(6):102616. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102616Inspire.How Inspire Therapy works.Inspire Medical System.Life with Inspire.Trinidade P, Nogueira V, Weber S.Is maxillomandibular advancement an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea? Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jun;89(3):503–510. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2023.02.007American Sleep Apnea Association.What is sleep apnea?.Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment and other devices.
Xia F, Sawan M.Clinical and research solutions to manage obstructive sleep apnea: A review.Sensors (Basel). 2021 Mar;21(5):1784. doi:10.3390/s21051784
Inspire Sleep Apnea Innovation.Frequently asked questions.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.CPAP.
de Vries G, Hoekema A, Vermeulen K, et al.Clinical- and cost-effectiveness of a mandibular advancement device versus continuous positive airway pressure in moderate obstructive sleep apnea.J Clin Sleep Med. 2019 Oct;15(10):1477–1485. doi:10.5664/jcsm.7980
Beri A, Pisulkar S, Dubey S, Sathe S, Bansod A, Shrivastava A.Appliances therapy in obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Cureus. 2023 Nov;15(11):e48280. doi:10.7759/cureus.48280
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.Oral appliance therapy.
Bestourous D, Pasick L, Benito D, Zapanta P.Adverse events associated with the Inspire implantable hypoglossal nerve stimulator: A MAUSE database review.Am J Otalaryngol. 2020 Dec;41(6):102616. doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2020.102616
Inspire.How Inspire Therapy works.
Inspire Medical System.Life with Inspire.
Trinidade P, Nogueira V, Weber S.Is maxillomandibular advancement an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea? Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Jun;89(3):503–510. doi:10.1016/j.bjorl.2023.02.007
American Sleep Apnea Association.What is sleep apnea?.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.Medicare coverage of durable medical equipment and other devices.
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