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CostHelper > Health & Personal Care  > Medical Specialties & Departments > Sleep Apnea Treatment

Sleep Apnea Treatment Cost


How Much Does Sleep Apnea Treatment Cost?

 
low costSleep Study: $1,000-$3,000average costCPAP Machine: $1,000-$3,000+high costSurgery: $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 MachinePhysician:
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.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Polysomnography and Titration - 2 Separate Nights
Amount: $7,995.00
Posted by: Sue Caley Opsal in Peru, IL.Posted: April 16th, 2019 06:04PM
Type of Treatment: CPAPPhysician: Ioannis Karkatzounis
Medical Center: Illinois Valley Community Hospital
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois was contact by Dr. K's office for preauthorization, which they said was granted. After the two overnight stays were completed, the first bill was paid, and the second was denied. The first was paid in May and rescinded March 5 the next year. Because it was past the timeline for an appeal we are stuck paying the entire bill. Neither have been, and 3 doctors (two of them lung specialists) recommended he get tested due to his health profile. It was deemed "not medically necessary" either because he did not have an underlying medical condition (he had several), or because he had it done in the clinic and not at home (Doctor's office said it wouldn't matter. Now we owe $7,995.
Was this post helpful to you?   yes     no Report prohibited or spam
Sleep test
Amount: $7,348.00
Posted by: a user in Maryville, TN.Posted: January 23rd, 2018 07:01AM
Type of Treatment: Split testPhysician: Eisenstadt
Medical Center: U T of Knoxville Tn
Got there at7:45pm and left at 6:15 am. Tech Heather was really nice.
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Sleep Study
Amount: $6,400.00
Posted by: a user in Bridgeton, MO.Posted: March 18th, 2014 04:03AM
Medical Center: Depaul Hospital
Wow what a rip off will never go to that hospital again. I will go shopping for my next procedure.
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maxillomandibular advancement for severe OSA
Amount: $0.00
Posted by: Upsetandsick in Shawnee Mission, KS.Posted: February 19th, 2013 11:02AM
Type of Treatment: MMAPhysician:
MMA SURGERYrnBe sure to check with your insurance carrier. I tried to get this Covered under Coventry HMO/Open Access of KS and they have specific language excluding this type of surgery or any related to under or overbite, whether it is for a medical problem like severe OSA or not.rn:rn I have 84 episodes per hour and desat into the 70% range and complications of: cardiac arrythmias, diabetes, hypertenstion and obesity in all likelyhood related to my OSA- and this did not make a difference. Now, since I never thought to look in the exclusions, I will also probably have to pay for the services I got, major xrays, etc., that I had from the Oral surgery consult, plus the fee for his consult. rnrnI sure hope National Healthcare in 2014 does a much better job for people like me.
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External Resources:
  1.  www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sleepapnea/
  2.  www.nebraskasleep.com/index.html
  3.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
  4.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
  5.  www.bcbst.com/learn/treatment-options/OralAppliances(osa).shtm
  6.  www.aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/1_99/0004.html
  7.  www.ahrq.gov/research/data/hcup/index.html
  8.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
  9.  www.mayoclinic.com/health/sleep-apnea/DS00148
  10.  www.cpapsupplyusa.com/Respironics-Comfort-Classic-CPAP-Mask-and-Headgear-100796X.aspx
  11.  www.mastersurgerysystems.no/attachments/013_WP100%20(1).pdf
  12.  tp.chi.acelogicus.net/nese/Default.aspx
  13.  www.sleepeducation.com/find-a-center
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