# CPAP Rental vs Buying: Which Makes Sense? > Renting lets you trial CPAP without a large upfront cost; buying can be cheaper long term. Here is how to compare the real total. Canonical: https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles/cpap-rental-vs-buying Last updated: 2026-10-30 Compare CPAP rental, rent-to-own and buying. Learn how insurance, trial periods, hygiene and long-term costs change the decision. Updated 2026-10-26 · 6 min read · Sleep Doctor Near Me editorial. **Quick answer:** Rent if you are new to CPAP, unsure about tolerance, or waiting for insurance approval. Choose rent-to-own if the rental payments build equity and the total is clear. Buy outright if you are confident you will use CPAP long term and the upfront price is lower than the total rental. Always compare the full cost, including masks, humidifier, warranty and follow-up. ## The three common arrangements - **Short-term rental:** a weekly or monthly fee for a machine, often used during a trial or while waiting for funding. - **Rent-to-own:** payments continue until you own the machine, sometimes with a purchase option at the end. - **Outright purchase:** you pay once and own the device, usually with a warranty. Some clinics bundle the machine, mask and follow-up; others charge separately. Ask what is included in each arrangement before comparing the headline price. ## When renting makes sense - You are starting CPAP and want to see whether you can tolerate it. - You are waiting for insurance, public funding or a subsidy. - You need a machine for a short period, such as before surgery or during a trial. - You want to try a specific model before buying. - You travel and need a backup machine for a few weeks. Renting can be more expensive over a year, but it limits your loss if CPAP does not work out. Ask about the minimum rental period and the return conditions. ## When buying makes sense - You have used CPAP successfully and expect to continue. - The total purchase price is lower than the rental cost over your expected use. - You want a warranty and long-term access to parts. - You prefer to own the device and avoid ongoing payments. Buying is not always cheaper if you need frequent replacements or if the model becomes obsolete. Check the warranty, the availability of masks and the cost of replacement parts. ## Insurance and funding In the US, Medicare and many insurers rent CPAP machines for a trial period before ownership transfers, and they require documented adherence. Private insurers vary. In other countries, public funding may provide a machine or a subsidy, sometimes with a rental period. Private insurance may reimburse part of the cost. Ask whether the rental payments count toward ownership, what happens if you stop using the machine, and whether masks and humidifiers are covered separately. Our article on [getting started with CPAP](https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles/cpap-therapy-getting-started) covers the first months of treatment. ## Hidden costs - Masks, cushions, hoses, filters and humidifier chambers - Shipping and handling - Cleaning supplies - Battery or travel accessories - Follow-up appointments and data reviews - Insurance deductibles and co-insurance - Return shipping or restocking fees A cheap rental can become expensive if the mask is not included or the follow-up is billed separately. Ask for an itemised comparison. ## Hygiene and used machines If you buy a used machine, ask about its history, hours of use, warranty and cleaning. Avoid machines from smokers, pets or homes with pests. A used machine may need a new humidifier chamber, hose, filter and mask. Do not buy a machine without a prescription if one is required. Rental machines should be cleaned and fitted with new patient-contact parts. Ask what is replaced between users. ## A simple decision guide 1. Estimate how long you expect to use CPAP. If it is less than a few months, rent. 2. Add up the rental payments over the same period, including masks and fees. 3. Compare with the purchase price plus a year of supplies. 4. Check whether insurance or public funding changes the maths. 5. Ask about the trial, return and warranty terms. 6. Choose the option that lets you start treatment without a financial shock. If you are comparing machines, our guide to the [best CPAP machine for beginners](https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles/best-cpap-machine-for-beginners) explains the features that matter. You can also find a clinic through our [sleep doctor directory](https://findsleepdoctors.com/sleep-doctor-near-me). ## Before you sign Ask the supplier to put the rental terms in writing. Check the minimum period, the notice required to cancel, what happens if the machine is damaged, and whether the mask and humidifier are included. If the plan is rent-to-own, ask for the total purchase price and the date ownership transfers. Confirm that the machine is the model you trialled and that the pressure settings match your prescription. A rental agreement that lets the supplier substitute a different device without discussion is worth questioning. Ask what happens if the machine breaks down mid-rental. A good supplier will provide a loan device or repair it quickly; a bad one will leave you waiting. Also confirm whether cleaning and replacement parts are included, and whether the rental can be paused if you travel or have surgery. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is it cheaper to rent or buy a CPAP machine? Renting is cheaper for a short trial; buying is usually cheaper over several years. Compare the total cost, including masks, humidifier, shipping, warranty and follow-up, not just the monthly rent. ### Does Medicare rent or buy CPAP machines? In the US, Medicare typically covers a CPAP trial through a supplier and transfers ownership after the adherence requirements are met. Rules can change, so confirm with your supplier and Medicare. ### Can I rent a CPAP machine without a prescription? Most suppliers require a prescription, even for rental. The rules vary by country. Ask the supplier what it needs before you book. ### What happens if I stop using a rented CPAP? You may need to return the machine and any included equipment. Check the rental agreement for notice periods, cleaning fees and whether payments are refundable. ### Is a used CPAP machine safe? It can be, if it is cleaned, inspected and fitted with new patient-contact parts. Avoid machines with unknown history, smoke exposure or pest problems. A prescription and a data review are still needed. ### Does rent-to-own include the mask? Not always. Ask what is included and what is billed separately. A rent-to-own plan that excludes masks and humidifiers may cost more than buying outright. *This article is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace an assessment by a qualified clinician who can review your history, medications and test results.* ## Related guides in this series - [Sleep Doctors in Edina, Minnesota: How to Find the Right Specialist](https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles/sleep-doctors-edina-mn-us) — Edina, Minnesota lists 8 sleep providers and centers in the Find Sleep Doctors directory. This guide explains how to compare them, what to expect, and how to prepare before booking. - [Sleep Doctors in Helena, Montana: How to Find the Right Specialist](https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles/sleep-doctors-helena-mt-us) — A directory guide to 8 listed sleep providers and centers in Helena, Montana, with contact details and practical booking questions. - [Sleep Doctors in Burnsville, Minnesota: How to Find the Right Specialist](https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles/sleep-doctors-burnsville-mn-us) — This guide lists eight sleep providers and centers in Burnsville, Minnesota, with addresses and phone numbers from the Find Sleep Doctors directory. It also explains how to compare options, plan a visit, and prepare questions for a sleep medicine appointment. ## Ready to find a sleep doctor near you? Browse sleep medicine doctors across six countries, organized by region and city, and reach out directly — all in one free, verified directory. See [all countries and cities](https://findsleepdoctors.com/sleep-doctor-near-me). This medical guide reflects generally accepted clinical guidance for sleep disorders. It is informational and not a substitute for personalised medical advice — consult a qualified sleep specialist or your GP. ## Related - [All sleep health guides](https://findsleepdoctors.com/articles) - [Home](https://findsleepdoctors.com/) - [Country and city index](https://findsleepdoctors.com/sleep-doctor-near-me)