CPAP Prescriptions: Everything You Need to Know

Do you suspect you have sleep apnea and want to try out a CPAP machine? First, you need to undergo a sleep study and obtain a CPAP prescription. The law requires a prescription for many types of CPAP supplies, including CPAP machines, CPAP masks, humidifiers, and other CPAP equipment.

Let’s review important information related to CPAP prescriptions.

Why Do You Need a CPAP Prescription? 

The law regulates the purchase of CPAP machines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies the machine along with the mask and humidifier as Class II Medical Device.

Since such devices may have a moderate to high risk to the user without a medical professional’s oversight, they shouldn’t be sold without a prescription. CPAP prescriptions also come with pressure settings based on the results of the sleep study. A board-certified sleep specialist must interpret the sleep study and provide the proper setting to ensure effective and safe sleep therapy.  

Additionally, health insurances require a prescription for CPAP machines to cover payments of the CPAP machines and supplies. Without a prescription, they will not pay for the equipment. 

Can I Get A CPAP Machine Without a Prescription?

Short answer: No.

Longer answer: If a company tries to sell you a CPAP machine without asking for a prescription, don’t buy it. You may receive a faulty, contaminated or worn out device, which could pose a high risk to your health. 

And although it may be tempting, we kindly ask you to step away from Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Even if you don’t buy from us, pinky swear that you’ll never buy a used CPAP machine or supplies! 

With all that said, there are some CPAP supplies that do NOT require a prescription. We’ve made it simple for you to know which of our products need a prescription and which don’t. Just look for the “Rx Required?” next to the product image. 

How Do I Get a CPAP Prescription? 

Typically, you would need to make an appointment with your doctor or a sleep specialist, put on pants, get in your car, drive to their office, and cough up the copay. But we’re thrilled to be able to offer you online CPAP prescriptions and renewals! Now you can stay in those PJs and order your CPAP prescription right from your couch, or your bed, or even your toilet (no judgement here!). 

You will need to complete a sleep study before getting started. There are two ways you can complete the sleep study. The first way is to spend the night with sleep professionals while they monitor and track your sleeping habits. The second, more comfortable option would be to use an At-Home sleep test. This allows you to test your sleeping patterns in the comfort of your own home.

Once you’ve completed your sleep study, you will need to provide some info on your sleep health history, such as when you were diagnosed with CPAP and how long you’ve been using CPAP therapy. Get started with your online CPAP prescription. 

What Does My CPAP Prescription Need To Show?

Your CPAP prescription requires the following details:

• Patient’s name
• Physician’s contact information and signature
• State “CPAP” and “Continuous Positive Airway Pressure”
• Expiration date or “Lifetime Need” or “99 months” or “X refills”
• Pressure settings
• Humidification (included or not)

How Do I Renew My CPAP Prescription?

You can renew your CPAP prescription online with cpapRX. No office visits and no copays needed! 

Just go visit our online prescription renewal form to provide us with a few bits of information to get you started. 

How Do I Buy A CPAP Machine Online?  

Buying a CPAP machine online gives you a wide choice of products and the ability to do thorough research. The costs of buying CPAP devices online are often lower than in brick-and-mortar stores. However, some CPAP dealers may not work with your insurance or provide high-quality machines.

To make sure you are getting the best product, you need to find a reputable CPAP supply company (ahem, please allow us to introduce…ourselves!). 

A Prescription Is Vital For Purchasing a High-Quality CPAP

A CPAP prescription acts as proof that you need such a device to battle sleep apnea problems. It contains important information to help the provider select a suitable product for your needs. Always beware of CPAP dealers who don’t ask for a prescription.

Ready to get your CPAP prescription or renewal today? We’re here to help Simplify Your Sleep! Head on over to our online prescription form to get started. Have more questions about CPAP prescriptions? Drop us a line and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions!