1
Sleep Study
Complete a sleep study (in-lab or at-home) to diagnose sleep apnea and determine severity.
- In-lab polysomnography (overnight) Home sleep test (NightOwl, WatchPAT, etc.) Split-night study (diagnosis + titration)
Prescription Policy
Find answers to common CPAP questions and solutions to therapy challenges
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
2
Doctor Review
A sleep specialist or qualified physician reviews your results and determines treatment needs.
- 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.
- 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
Optional Specifications
- Humidification: Heated or passover Mask preference
CPAP Compliance Requirements
Medicare & Insurance Standards
Usage Requirements
- 4+ hours per night for 70% of nights 30 consecutive days
Follow-up Care
- 30–90 day initial follow-up Annual reviews
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.