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Sleep Apnea Basics

Equipment Info

Billing Info

Ordering Information

About Us

Prescription Policy

A prescription must be on file before we can send your order if it includes a CPAP machine, mask, or humidifier. Other CPAP parts and supplies don't require a prescription, including tubing, mask parts, water chambers, pillows, cushions, and filters.

How to Send Us Your CPAP Prescription

You can submit your CPAP prescription in one of four ways:

Note: please include your order number on any emailed or faxed prescription.

Getting a Prescription From Your Doctor

Your CPAP prescription can be obtained from your primary doctor. If your physician knows you use a CPAP and has a record of the sleep study you completed, they'll typically be willing to issue a prescription so you can obtain supplies. We also provide a form your physician can use to write the prescription for you.

What Your Prescription Needs to Include

Handwritten prescriptions on a standard prescription pad are accepted, as long as they include:

  • Name of physician
  • Physician contact information
  • Physician signature
  • Information about the needed equipment (e.g., CPAP mask, CPAP machine, etc.)
  • Pressure setting information for the CPAP or Bilevel machine

Note: Patients generally have the right to request a prescription from their physician as part of the physician-patient relationship. If you're having difficulty obtaining a prescription, our customer service team may be able to help guide you through the process.

Prescription Frequently Asked Questions

Is there help available for my CPAP prescription?

Yes. Our team is happy to help with questions about your CPAP prescription. Contact us by email, phone, live chat, or fax.

Can I use an old CPAP prescription?

It depends on how the prescription is written. Some prescriptions are written as "99 months" or "lifetime need," which allow you to continue receiving equipment as long as your therapy needs continue. Prescriptions that specify a certain number of refills are only valid until that number has been used. If you're unsure whether your prescription is still valid, send it in and we'll let you know if it's acceptable.

Who can authorize a CPAP prescription?

Your CPAP prescription can be authorized by:

  • Medical Doctor
  • Osteopathic Physician
  • Naturopathic Physician
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Psychiatrist
  • Dentist
  • Physician Assistant

We can't accept prescriptions written by:

  • Chiropractor
  • Psychologist
  • Podiatrist
  • Optometrist

How do I send my CPAP prescription?

Fax it, upload it at checkout, email it, or contact our customer service team and we'll request it for you — see the full instructions above.

What should my CPAP prescription say?

Your prescription should include your name, your physician's information, and their signature, plus specific details depending on the type of equipment. See the breakdown by machine type below.

Prescription Requirements by Equipment Type

CPAP Machine

  • The phrase "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure" or "CPAP"
  • A specific pressure setting, such as "8 cmH2O" or simply "8"

APAP Machine

  • A related phrase: AutoSet, APAP, Auto CPAP, Self-Adjusting CPAP, AutoPAP, or Auto-Adjusting CPAP
  • An optional pressure range (e.g., 5–20 or 5–20 cmH2O)

Bilevel Machine

  • Phrasing such as VPAP, BiLevel, or BiPAP
  • Inspiration pressure (e.g., IPAP 13 cmH2O or IPAP 13)
  • Expiration pressure (e.g., EPAP 11 cmH2O or EPAP 11)

Bilevel Auto Machine

  • Phrasing such as VPAP, BiLevel, BiPAP, or BiPAP Auto
  • IPAP and EPAP settings may not be required for BiPAP Auto prescriptions

Bilevel ST Machine

  • Phrasing such as VPAP ST, Synchrony ST, or BiPAP ST
  • Must include a backup breaths-per-minute (BPM) setting
  • Must include inspiration pressure
  • Must include expiration pressure

Bilevel Auto SV Machine

  • Phrasing such as BiPAP Servo Ventilation or BiPAP SV
  • May include a backup BPM setting
  • Includes IPAP minimum and maximum
  • Includes EPAP

Bilevel AVAP Machine

  • Phrasing such as BiPAP AVAP, AVAP, BiLevel AVAP, BiPAP ST, or Volume Assured Pressure Support (average)
  • Includes estimated tidal volume

CPAP Mask

  • Phrasing such as CPAP supplies, CPAP, CPAP humidifier, CPAP mask, APAP, Auto CPAP, or AutoSet

CPAP Humidifier

  • Phrasing such as CPAP, HH, Humidifier, CPAP Humidifier, or CPAP supplies

Related Resources

Not sure whether your specific item needs a prescription? See our CPAP Supplies FAQs. Ready to place an order? See our Placing an Order guide, or if you don't currently have a prescription, visit our Prescription Help page.