Where to get a free CPAP machine.
There are a number of organizations that provide people with a free CPAP machine, however a prescription as well as results of a sleep study are almost always needed. Non-profits provide devices to people with no health insurance, government programs give free CPAPs to the low-income or disabled and there are charities with affordable refurbished equipment as well. Learn more below on where to get a CPAP machine that is free, with links and contact information below.
The assistance may not just pay for the machine itself, but there will be help in obtaining the related supplies and equipment. As there may be free masks to cover the face, hoses, tubes, and anything else that is needed for the CPAP or APAP machine.
Government programs that help people get a CPAP machine
If you qualify for Medicaid, CPAP is generally treated as durable medical equipment and covered when medically necessary, though criteria and approvals vary by state. As Medicaid is a combination of state and federal funded program. CMS and state Medicaid manuals document CPAP coverage and continuation rule. Contact your state Medicaid office (website: https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/state-medicaid-resources/) or a participating DME supplier to initiate prior authorization using your prescription and sleep study.
Medicare can cover a CPAP, but there are rules in order to get a free machine. Under Medicare Part B, CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea typically starts a multiple week trial once you’re diagnosed by an approved sleep study. If your clinician documents that the therapy helps, Medicare continues coverage after the trial. This policy is set by Medicare’s national coverage determination for CPAP (website: https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/continuous-positive-airway-pressure-devices.)
- Costs to pay for the CPAP are handled under the durable medical equipment (DME) benefit. After you meet the Part B deductible, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount and you pay 20%. CPAP devices are “capped rental” items: Medicare rents the machine for up to 13 continuous months, and then you own it; masks, tubing, and filters are covered separately on an approved replacement schedule.
Every state and territory has a federally supported Assistive Technology (AT) program that runs device reuse or exchange networks for durable medical equipment, which means a free CPAP will be provided when possible. Many of these networks list CPAP machines when donated stock is available. Start at the national AT3 Center directory (website: https://at3center.net/state-at-programs/) to find your state program and phone contact.
Veterans can often receive a CPAP for free through the VA once obstructive sleep apnea is diagnosed; PAP therapy is first-line treatment in VA/DoD guidance. Call the VA health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387 or the MyVA411 main line at 800-698-2411 to enroll or get routed to respiratory therapy at your VA medical center
In addition to Medicaid (for the very low income) and Medicare (for senior citizens or the disabled) there are also some state governments that can provide help. They have offer additional funding to help pay for a CPAP machine or related equipment, such as bi-level equipment. While each and every state program is different (and not all states provide financial assistance) it can be an option for a low-income family who is in a health crisis and who have no other options available to them. Learn how to apply for medical programs for the uninsured or the very-low-income.
Non-profit agencies to try for free CPAP or breathing equipment
The American Sleep Apnea Association runs the CPAP Assistance Program, which places donated, professionally sanitized devices and brand-new masks and tubing with people who qualify by need. Inventory can be limited, but the program is active. You can apply online or reach the association at 888-293-3650 for help.
- In addition, the American Sleep Apnea Association also accepts donated, surplus sleeping Apnea equipment from hospitals, clinics, and even people who do not need equipment any longer. The items are then given to income qualified families.
If you’re uninsured and working through a hospital or sleep clinic, ask for the facility’s Financial Assistance Policy that may help pay for a apnea study and/or CPAP maching. Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to maintain a written policy for free or discounted medically necessary care; depending on the hospital, that can include the sleep study and related equipment. Request the FAP and apply in writing before any billing escalates.
Anyone with breathing problems may get assistance from a community clinic or health care center as well. Many of them are federal government qualified, meaning they take the poor and people who can’t pay their medical bills. They can help with health conditions including sleeping or breathing disorders, Apnea, smoking, and others. Some clinics may have free CPAP machines to hand out, or they loan supplies out.
- Note a center may be free, but many community clinics are also income based so the patient may need to pay some of the cost of their care or equipment. Each will offer their own services and have an application process in place. Use the free local community clinic by state page or call Health Center Program Support (HRSA) at 877-464-4772 to find a clinic and ask for a sliding-fee visit to start evaluation.
Agency on Aging Centers are located across the nation. Most of them provide assistance to senior citizens, no matter their income levels. Some of the Aging Centers also help the disabled. However, when it comes to free medical equipment, whether it is CPAP, humidifiers, air purifiers, or anything else there will be strict income limits in place. They will only assist very low income households. Find information on financial assistance from aging centers.
 People with a disability, who are also low income and that have sleep Apnea, or another similar health condition can turn to non-profit agencies for affordable or free CPAP machines. Both government and non-profits offer resources. Find help for disabled by state.
Several trusted non-profit foundations operate regional CPAP donation and placement programs. Breathe California’s Sleep Safe CPAP initiative accepts donated machines, refurbishes them, and matches them to patients who can’t afford therapy; call 1-866-628-2277 to ask about current availability. The Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research & Education Foundation also states it provides CPAP, APAP, and BiLevel units to patients in need; its contact number is 305-985-2424. Programs may ask for a copy of your prescription so the device can be set correctly.
Stores that may offer vouchers to pay for a CPAP or charity program
Try other retail stores or online retailers. Some will, on occasion, give out free CPAP machines, APAP equipment, masks, and more. They will often be gently used and have strict income conditions. But they may be an option. Examples of places to check may be Ionmysleep.com, RespShop, CPAP Supply USA, and many others.
Low cost machines may be available at Second Wind. It is an online outlet store that sells equipment at reduced prices regardless of the household’s income. They will have both new as well as gently used CPAP machines as well as all related supplies. Note shoppers will generally need to pay for what they need, but the cost is affordable.
- Note, if the family can’t afford what they need, then SecondWind does try to provide free or low cost machines. As they work directly with hospitals, social workers, and local charities to try to address that need. The sleep machines, such as CPAP given out in these cases will often be used. However, they will not offer free equipment directly to the low income. Call SecondWind at 1-855-263-2727.
We also have a forum you can use to look for a free CPAP. There may also be other places to try for assistance listed by users and people across the US. Use the community forum to look for other places that offer CPAPs, or they from time to time have surplus, donated equipment. Try the forum discussion on CPAPs to maybe find Salvation Army Family Stores, community action agencies, hospitals, and other charities in a town or city.
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