Sleep Apnea Treatment Cost

How Much Does Sleep Apnea Treatment Cost?

Sleep Study: $1,000-$3,000

CPAP Machine: $1,000-$3,000+

Surgery: $6,400-$10,000+

Sleep Apnea[1] is a common disorder in which a collapsed airway causes breathing to stop and start during sleep. Left unchecked, it can cause poor sleep quality and may lead to cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and stroke.

Typical costs:

A sleep apnea diagnosis is usually based on sleep history and the results of a polysomnogram, an overnight sleep study that typically costs about $1,000-$3,000. For example, in Lincoln, NE, the Somnos Sleep Disorder Center[2] charges $935 for an overnight sleep study, plus an additional $400 for the physician's interpretation. At the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[3] a sleep study costs $3,077. Some hospitals may charge a facility fee of up to $500 and consultation fees of $150-$350. Most insurers cover an overnight sleep study to diagnose and treat sleep apnea.
A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, which applies air pressure to the throat during sleep to keep airways open, is often used to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea. CPAPs typically cost about $1,000-$3,000 or more depending on the make and model of the machine and its features. They can also be rented for $250 or more a month. Masking and tubing are typically purchased separately for about $100-$200. Patients will also have to work with technicians at their hospital or sleep center to adjust CPAP settings or the mask as needed. At the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[4] , in Lincoln, NE, the initiation and management of CPAP therapy typically averages about $1,511. It is typically covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary.
Dental devices worn during sleep and which position the lower jaw and tongue to help open the airway may be recommended for patients who don't do well with CPAP. A Blue Cross Blue Shield report[5] finds that the average cost for an oral appliance to treat mild to moderate sleep apnea is $100 - $1,200 with an average cost of $826. Though prescribed devices are typically covered by health insurance, over-the-counter dental devices may not be; Aetna[6] , for example, won't cover them because they aren't considered medically necessary.
Surgical procedures, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, typically cost about $6,400 -$10,000 or more. The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project[7] puts the average costs for operations on the nose, throat or mouth at $10,219; At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[8] , a uvulopalatopharyngoplasty typically costs $6,413 -$9,992, with an average cost of $7,094. For insured patients, out-of-pocket costs typically consist of a specialist copay, possibly a hospital copay of $100 or more, and coinsurance of 10% to 50% for the procedure, which could reach the yearly out-of-pocket maximum.

Related articles: Sleep Center, Health Insurance

What should be included:

There are two main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, which is more common and involves a physical blockage of the airway, and central, which occurs when the brain doesn't send proper signals to the muscles that regulate breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic[9] , a physician will make an evaluation based on symptoms and do a physical exam to check for large or extra tissue in the throat, mouth or nose.
During a sleep study, doctors will monitor brain waves, temperature, muscle movements, breathing, and additional activities that take place in the body during sleep.

Additional costs:

CPAP masks may need to be replaced after about six months. For example, the Respironics Comfort Classic CPAP Mask and Headgear[10] costs $50-$200. Health insurers may vary in the number of replacements they'll cover annually.
A humidifier may reduce irritation caused by using a CPAP machine. This specialized humidifier can be integrated (built into the CPAP machine) or stand-alone (with a hose connecting it to the CPAP). Depending on the type, output, size and additional features, a humidifier can add $50-$300 or more to the cost of the CPAP. For example, Amazon sells the DeVilbiss Humidifier 9100D for $99 and the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare HC150 Heated Humidifier with Ambient Tracking for $242

Discounts:

Patients may be able to use a home sleep monitoring device, like the Watch Pat-100[11] . They typically cost $400-$800 and are usually covered by health insurance.
A polysomnogram and CPAP titration may be done in the same night during a "Split Night" study, in which the technician interrupts the diagnostic portion once sleep apnea is confirmed to start CPAP therapy. Split Night studies are typically less expensive than doing a sleep study and CPAP titration separately. For example, at the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center[12] , the cost of polysomnography with CPAP is $3,514; the two procedures, when listed separately, total about $4,500.

Shopping for sleep apnea treatment:

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine offers a list of accredited centers and labs[13] that may help in diagnosing and treating sleep apnea.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments

Love the BiPap Machine but man, but the costs are tough

Amount: $1,000.00

Posted by: BiPap User in Sunnyvale, CA.	Posted: May 6th, 2021 02:05AM
Type of Treatment: BiPap Machine	Physician:
Medical Center: Sutter Health Sunnyvale

It was a long trek, but in the end, I am now a huge fan of CPAP (or BiPap) to treat sleep apnea. I fall asleep quicker, sleep longer, have more energy, and have lower blood pressure.
But it took a long time and a lot of $ to get here. First, I did a sleep study at home, which didn't go great. Then they said for a BiPap machine I had to do a sleep study there.
When I eventually got the machine, basically I had fully paid my deductible over 2 years ($750+ a year) plus a bunch of copays. Now I had the machine but had a hard time adjusting to it. Finally, I got used to it (after months -- clean it well each day, get the settings adjusted!) and now I love it. The problem is, you *need* to keep getting fresh supplies, so I keep paying my deductibles for masks, pads, filters, etc. -- maybe like $700+ a year!
Tip - try to do all your studies + get the machine + supplies starting in 1 year to fit as much as possible in 1 deductible/max copay.