Prescription & Compliance

Find answers to common CPAP questions and solutions to therapy challenges

Prescription Guide 6 min read EN | ES Available

Important: Prescription Required

CPAP machines are FDA-regulated medical devices that require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. This ensures you receive the correct pressure settings and appropriate therapy for your specific sleep apnea condition.

Note: Home sleep tests (like NightOwl) do NOT require a prescription to purchase, but the results must be reviewed by a doctor to obtain a CPAP prescription.

How to Obtain a CPAP Prescription

1

Sleep Study

Complete a sleep study (in-lab or at-home) to diagnose sleep apnea and determine severity.

Options:

  • • In-lab polysomnography (overnight)
  • • Home sleep test (NightOwl, WatchPAT, etc.)
  • • Split-night study (diagnosis + titration)
2

Doctor Review

A sleep specialist or qualified physician reviews your results and determines treatment needs.

Options:

  • • Sleep medicine specialist
  • • Pulmonologist
  • • Primary care physician (with sleep training)
  • • Telemedicine consultation
3

Prescription Issued

Your doctor provides a prescription with specific pressure settings and equipment recommendations.

Options:

  • • CPAP pressure range (e.g., 6–14 cmH2O)
  • • Machine type (CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP)
  • • Humidification requirements
  • • Mask style recommendations

What's Included in a CPAP Prescription

Required Information

  • ● Patient information: Name, DOB, address
  • ● Diagnosis: Sleep apnea type and severity
  • ● Pressure settings: Fixed or range (e.g., 8–15 cmH2O)
  • ● Device type: CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP
  • ● Doctor signature: Licensed physician signature
  • ● Date issued: Must be within 12 months

Optional Specifications

  • ● Humidification: Heated or passover
  • ● Mask preference: Nasal, full face, or pillows
  • ● Ramp settings: Gradual pressure increase
  • ● EPR/C-Flex: Expiratory pressure relief
  • ● Compliance monitoring: Data tracking requirements
  • ● Follow-up schedule: Review appointments

CPAP Compliance Requirements

Medicare & Insurance Standards

Usage Requirements

  • ● 4+ hours per night for 70% of nights
  • ● 30 consecutive days within first 90 days
  • ● Data tracking via SD card or wireless

Follow-up Care

  • ● 30–90 day initial follow-up
  • ● Annual reviews with sleep specialist
  • ● Data downloads for provider review

Cash Pay Advantage

When purchasing CPAP equipment with cash pay (like at Border DME), you're not subject to insurance compliance requirements. However, consistent use is still important for your health and therapy effectiveness.

Ready to Get Your CPAP Equipment?

Browse our selection of CPAP machines and masks, or get a home sleep test to begin your path to better sleep.

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Prescription questions? Call us at (956) 267-8405