In the US, a CPAP purchase starts with a sleep study and a prescription. US retailers will not ship a CPAP without one. cpap.com’s AirSense 11 listing states that it “requires a prescription before shipment”. Once you have it, the decision is mostly about how you pay: through a Medicare or insurance supplier, or in cash.
Medicare: a 12-week trial, then a 13-month rental
Medicare Part B may cover CPAP therapy after an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis:
- Coverage starts with a 12-week trial of the device and accessories.
- To keep coverage, you meet your provider in person and they document that you meet the conditions and the therapy is helping. CMS guidance for suppliers ties this to documented adherence and symptom improvement.
- Medicare pays the supplier to rent the machine for 13 continuous months. After that, you own it.
- You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, if the supplier accepts assignment.
Use the machine every night from day one. Your adherence data, which the machine records, is what keeps coverage going after the trial.
The shortlist
| Model | US price (retailer) | Type | Pressure range | Weight | Sound | Humidifier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet | $1,004 (cpap.com) | Auto CPAP | 4–20 cmH₂O | 1.1 kg | 27 dB | Heated, built-in |
| ResMed AirMini AutoSet | $919 (cpap.com) | Travel auto CPAP | 4–20 cmH₂O | 0.3 kg | 27 dB | Waterless only |
Prices are the listed cash price on 13 October 2026, before tax. ResMed’s own shop listed the AirSense 11 with HumidAir at $1,054 on the same day. Specs are as published by the manufacturer.
ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet
The AirSense 11 is the primary home machine. It runs CPAP, AutoSet and AutoSet for Her modes across 4–20 cmH₂O, with a built-in heated humidifier, climate control, and support for a heated tube, per published spec. The US retail SKU is the AirSense 11 AutoSet with HumidAir.
ResMed AirMini AutoSet
The AirMini weighs 0.3 kg, which makes it the travel unit. It covers the same 4–20 cmH₂O range but has no water humidifier, only waterless humidification. Buy it as a second machine for flights and trips, not as your only CPAP.
Philips in the US
After the June 2021 foam recall, a 2024 federal consent decree restricts Philips Respironics, with limited exceptions, from making and selling new CPAP and BiPAP machines from several US facilities until it meets FDA requirements. Owners of recalled devices should follow the remediation steps on the FDA page.
Verdict
Buy the ResMed AirSense 11 AutoSet as the home machine, through your Medicare or insurance supplier if you are covered, or for cash at around $1,000 if you are not. Add the AirMini only if you travel often enough to justify a second device. Bring the prescription and sleep study to whichever channel you use, and settle the pressure settings with your sleep physician.
If you have problems in the first weeks
See our troubleshooting guides: dry mouth, mask leaks, stuffy nose, rainout, swallowing air, high AHI and cleaning.
Machines and settings
Compare the two ResMed home machines in AirSense 11 vs AirSense 10, learn the menus in AirSense 11 settings explained, and see APAP vs CPAP vs BiPAP for which mode fits. Track your nights with myAir or OSCAR.
Before you buy
See getting a CPAP prescription online, buying a CPAP online or used and alternatives to CPAP.
Model reviews: React Health G3 X, ResMed AirMini, Transcend Micro 510.
Also reviewed: ResMed AirSense 11, AirCurve 11 VAuto.