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How to Get a Free CPAP

How to Get a Free CPAP

If you’re looking for a cheap CPAP, you’re in luck! We’ve found free CPAP assistance programs and other benefits for those suffering with sleep apnea.

What is sleep apnea? 

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder. People with sleep apnea stop breathing periodically while they sleep. They snore loudly and they feel tired, even after a full night’s rest.

In order to get diagnosed with sleep apnea, you will need to undergo a sleep study. These used to be very cumbersome and difficult, but recent technological advancements have enabled patients to have sleep studies at home with minimal technological interference.

Sleep apnea is very serious. It can cause high blood pressure, migraines, diabetes, heart problems and can even be fatal if untreated.

What is a CPAP?

A CPAP is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. It delivers constant and steady air pressure, forcing people with apnea to continue breathing even while they sleep.

It can be difficult to adjust to a CPAP device. However, it is important to use it because it can help protect you from the other conditions that can be triggered or worsened by apnea.

cheap CPAP equipment on a wood table

How can I get a cheap CPAP (or even a free one)?

That’s a great question! We’ve found a few programs that can help low income sleep apnea patients get the treatment they need.

American Sleep Apnea Association

The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) has two programs that can help: the CPAP Assistance Program and the Yearly Supply Program.

CPAP Assistance Program by ASAA

The CPAP Assistance Program by ASAA has provided over 7,500 CPAP packages to low income patients in the last three years. Their goal is to help as many patients as possible get the treatment they need.

The package they provide includes a CPAP machine, tubing, filter, carrying case, full face mask and manuals. They do not provide a humidifier. You can request a nasal mask or nasal pillow mask, but they are not guaranteed to have the style you want.

They do not provide any CPAP setup, instruction, mask fitting or follow-up care. The equipment is all provided as-is. If the device is damaged during shipment or has a mechanical failure, they’ll replace the machine for free within 30 days. There are no other warranties.

In order to apply for their CPAP Assistance Program, you will need to pay a $100 Program Fee. If you live in Hawaii or Alaska, you will need to pay an additional $20 fee for shipping.

Yearly Supply Program by ASAA

Unfortunately, CPAPs require ongoing supplies and maintenance in order to function properly. If you enroll in the ASAA Yearly Supply Program, you’ll receive four new masks, two tubes and four filters each year. All of the equipment will be sent in one annual shipment.

The Yearly Supply Program costs $100 to use. You can also just order the masks, if that’s all you needed. The masks are $25 for one, $45 for two or $60 for three. There is a $5 additional charge for shipping if you live in Hawaii or Alaska.

The Reggie White Foundation

This foundation helps provide CPAP devices to those who can’t afford them. The foundation was started after Reggie White’s premature, sleep-related death. The machines and supplies are free but there is a $25 shipping charge. You can find the application here. 

Second Wind CPAP

This online company provides cheap CPAPs for everyone. There is no application process. They charge as little as $95 for a device. They are all either cleaned, refurbished items or new, “open box” items. They provide a six month warranty on their equipment and claim that most devices have been used for less than 500 hours. Learn more at Second Wind CPAP.

Medical Equipment Recyclers

There are many agencies that help recycle durable medical equipment. They take donations of equipment that are no longer needed by their original users and pass them along to those who need them now. To find what a medical reuse center in your area, please click here. 

If you need a cheap CPAP, try local programs.

As usual, some of the best assistance programs are very local in scope. For example, you can get FREE CPAPs in California!

Breathe California of the Bay Area

Sleep apnea is often not covered by insurance, so this agency provides CPAP, Auto CPAP, Bi-PAP and Auto Bi-PAP devices to those in need. They do this free of charge. However, the program is so popular that it often has a waiting list.

Borrow a CPAP from a Local Lending Library

We have a huge state-by-state directory of used medical equipment loan programs. All you need to do is click on this link and scroll to find your state! Many of the agencies listed in that post also provide CPAPs.

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Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.

Nelly

Thursday 20th of January 2022

I know someone in very much need of a cpap machine, actually in waiting list fir 6 months and no news on when it’s going to be available, I’m willing to pay for one please delete if not allowed