 | Sleep Study: $1,000-$3,000 |
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 | CPAP Machine: $1,000-$3,000+ |
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 | Surgery: $6,400-$10,000+ |
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| Sleep Apnea 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 charges $935 for an overnight sleep study, plus an additional $400 for the physician's interpretation. At the Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center 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, 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 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, 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 puts the average costs for operations on the nose, throat or mouth at $10,219; At Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, 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.
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, 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: | |
Discounts: | - Patients may be able to use a home sleep monitoring device, like the Watch Pat-100. 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, the cost of polysomnography with CPAP is $3,514; the two procedures, when listed separately, total about $4,500.
Shopping for sleep apnea treatment: | |
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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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Article updated February 2012 |
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