Do You Need a Prescription for a CPAP Machine or Mask?Updated a day ago
Yes! Federal and Texas state laws require a prescription to purchase a CPAP, APAP, or BiPAP machine. Since these devices are classified as Class II Medical Devices by the FDA, we cannot process orders for them without a valid prescription on file.
What Products Require a Prescription?
- CPAP, APAP, and BiPAP machines — Always require a prescription.
- CPAP masks (with headgear) — Require a prescription when purchased as a complete unit.
- Humidifiers — Require a prescription.
- Some heated tubing — May require a prescription depending on the product.
- EPAP therapy devices (e.g., Bongo) — Require a prescription.
- Oxygen concentrators — Require a prescription.
What Products Do NOT Require a Prescription?
The following accessories and supplies can be purchased without a prescription:
- Mask assembly kits (mask without headgear)
- Headgear sold separately
- Replacement tubing and filters
- CPAP pillows and comfort accessories
- Travel cases and battery packs
- Cleaning supplies and sanitizers
- Pulse oximeters and fitness ring trackers
Bypassing the Prescription Requirement for a Mask
If you need a CPAP mask but don't have a prescription, you can purchase the parts separately — no prescription needed:
- Assembly Kit — Includes all mask components except the headgear.
- Headgear — The fabric straps that hold the mask in place.
For example, instead of purchasing the ResMed AirFit F20 Full Face CPAP Mask with Headgear (which requires a prescription), you can buy the F20 Assembly Kit and F20 Headgear separately to create a complete mask.
Need a Prescription? We Can Help!
If you don't have a prescription yet, we offer several convenient options:
- Home Sleep Apnea Test — Easily diagnose sleep apnea from the comfort of your home.
- Free Sleep Apnea Quiz — Find out if you should seek further evaluation.
- Rx Renewal Service — If you're an existing PAP user needing an updated prescription, we make the process fast and easy.
- Have us contact your doctor — We can request a prescription from your doctor on your behalf, as long as they are located in the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, or American Samoa. After checkout, look for the "Confirm Prescription Now" section on your invoice for instructions.
How to Submit Your Prescription
If you already have a valid prescription, you can submit it in any of the following ways:
- Upload online: Upload your prescription here
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: Toll-free 866-353-2727 | International 713-541-7377
If your prescription is not in English, please include a complete English translation on a second page.
What Does a Valid Prescription Need to Include?
- Your full name
- The equipment being prescribed (e.g., CPAP, APAP, BiPAP)
- Your doctor's contact information
- Your doctor's signature
Ideally, the prescription will also include the pressure setting. If it's not included, you may provide it separately. You can find our standard prescription form here.
Expired or Old Prescriptions
Some prescriptions are written for a "Lifetime Need" or "99 Months" and can be used as often as needed. If your prescription includes an expiration date, it is valid through that date. If your prescription has expired, our Rx Renewal Service makes it easy to get an updated one.
If you believe cpap.com already has your prescription on file from a previous order, please reach out to our CPAP guide team at 1-800-356-5221 or chat with us on our website to confirm.
Need Assistance?
We're here to help! Whether you need guidance on prescriptions, finding the right mask, or building an order, our CPAP guide team is ready to assist you.