An online CPAP prescription,done the right way

A CPAP machine is a prescription medical device — you cannot buy one without a valid prescription tied to a sleep apnea diagnosis. The good news is that the entire pathway can happen from home: a virtual visit with a board-certified sleep physician, home sleep testing when needed, and a prescription for the right therapy once your diagnosis is confirmed.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line treatment for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea and is recommended by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. BiPAP is an alternative your physician may choose based on your physiology, comfort, and how you respond to therapy.

The standalone home sleep apnea test ($169) includes a brief telemedicine video visit to review your intake form and approve the test — no full consultation required. Your results are sent to you, typically within 72 hours of returning the device.

If the report confirms obstructive sleep apnea and you already know you want CPAP, your physician can issue a CPAP or BiPAP prescription at no additional charge — no separate appointment needed. That makes testing to prescription a single, streamlined path. If you'd rather discuss your options, a full consultation ($199) is always available. For the complete picture, see our sleep apnea treatment guide.

1. 1

   Test first — brief video visit included

   The standalone home sleep apnea test ($169) includes a brief telemedicine video visit — typically under 5 minutes — to review your intake form and approve the test. No separate consultation fee. You complete it at home and your results are sent to you. If it confirms apnea and you already know you want CPAP, the prescription can be issued at no additional charge.

2. 2

   Or start with a virtual sleep consultation

   Prefer to talk it through? Meet by video with a board-certified sleep physician who reviews your symptoms, any prior sleep studies, and your goals. If you already have a qualifying diagnosis and study, the physician can move straight to a prescription.

3. 3

   Diagnosis, confirmed properly

   A CPAP prescription requires a valid sleep apnea diagnosis. If you have not been tested — or your prior study is out of date — the physician can order an FDA-approved home sleep apnea test and interpret it before prescribing.

4. 4

   Your prescription and equipment

   Once sleep apnea is confirmed, your physician can prescribe CPAP or BiPAP and provide referrals to equipment suppliers. Oral appliance therapy referrals are available when a device better fits your situation.

5. 5

   Follow-up and adjustment

   Therapy works best with follow-up. Your physician reviews how treatment is going, troubleshoots comfort and pressure issues, and adjusts the plan so you actually stick with it.

It can be tempting to look for a CPAP prescription without testing, but prescribing positive airway pressure without a valid diagnosis is not safe or appropriate. The correct pressure, the right device, and even whether CPAP is the best option all depend on your sleep study data.

If you have never been tested, your physician can order an FDA-approved home sleep apnea test, interpret it — typically within 72 hours of receiving the device back — and prescribe from there. If you already have a valid, current study from another provider, bring it and your physician can often prescribe without repeat testing.

CPAP isn't the only option, either. If you can't tolerate it or it isn't the right fit, your physician may consider BiPAP, oral appliance therapy, or other approaches — see our guide to CPAP alternatives.