Receiving a sleep apnea diagnosis with no insurance can be an anxiety-inducing situation. Left untreated, this disorder can have profound health implications. Typically sleep apnea treatment relies on a CPAP machine. A valid prescription from your doctor is required to get one.
To diagnose sleep apnea, a doctor will conduct a medical history review of you and your family and assess all the risk factors. They will then perform a physical exam and conduct tests to evaluate your sleep patterns. The primary test is a polysomnogram.
Polysomnogram is the standard test used for diagnosing sleep disorders. It involves an overnight sleep study that tracks brain activity, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, air movement, and snoring.
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If you suspect you have sleep apnea but do not have insurance coverage, there are low-cost methods to get an evaluation and a prescription. To get these tests done affordably, you can explore these options:
- Free clinics can help with a no-cost sleep apnea diagnosis and prescription.
- Health centers that provide healthcare at reduced rates may be available to you.
- You may be eligible to enroll in a low-cost health plan through the Affordable Care Act
Once you have obtained a prescription, you will need a CPAP machine for your sleep apnea treatment. There are ways to get a CPAP machine at a reduced cost. Sleep hygiene and lifestyle changes can also help you treat your condition at no charge.
How do I get a CPAP device for sleep apnea treatment without insurance?
There are several ways to obtain a CPAP machine without insurance, even when you can’t pass real time eligibility insurance checks. Direct pay or financing are two options that do not require insurance. Clean CPAP can assist you in finding the right CPAP for your needs at the right price.
Direct payment out of pocket
Paying directly out of pocket still requires a valid prescription. CPAPs are a Class II medical device and cannot be shipped without a valid prescription on file. Even without insurance, paying for a CPAP out of pocket can be more affordable than most insurance plans’ high deductible. CPAPs are also covered under FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA (Health Savings Account) plans, making paying out pocket even more affordable. Clean CPAP accepts all forms of payment, allowing you to pick what works best for you.
Financing
If paying the total cost upfront for a brand-new CPAP is not an option, then Clean CPAP does offer interest-free payment plans breaking up the cost over four payments.
Free and discounted CPAP equipment
Suppose direct payment or financing are not good options for you, there other ways to obtain reduced-cost equipment. You may even be able to qualify for a CPAP system for free. Two organizations that assist with sleep apnea treatment for uninsured patients are ASAA CPAP Assistance Program and The Reggie White Foundation.
Buy a used machine online
Websites like Craigslist and eBay frequently advertise used CPAP machines. If you are considering buying a used CPAP machine, STOP; there are some risks that you should be aware of. The device might not have all the features required for your sleep apnea symptoms. A used CPAP machine can also carry contaminants from improper cleaning by the previous owner. Not being cleaned thoroughly before being used, can lead to serious illness. There can be quality issues as well. For example, the device might be older or damaged, and its features may not work properly. A major CPAP manufacturer has recently had their units recalled due to safety concerns. The used unit you might purchase could be part of the recalled units.
Bottom line, if you cannot afford a new cpap, call us at 770-282-2258 or use the contact form to see how we at Clean CPAP can assist you. Our goal is to make our products affordable for everyone.
How can sleep hygiene improve my condition?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone. But it becomes even more critical for those with serious health disorders like sleep apnea. Untreated sleep apnea can dramatically reduce your quality of life and even become life-threatening. Here are some lifestyle changes you can use to supplement your sleep apnea treatment, with or without insurance coverage.
Daytime Habits
Keeping your internal clock on schedule is critical. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Consistent sleep cycles will increase the efficacy of your sleep apnea treatment. You can further support healthy sleep by engaging in physical activities. Studies have proven that regular physical exertion improves sleep. It also helps set you up for a normal sleep and wake schedule and helps put you in a better mood all day long.
Try to include some activities in your daily schedule that involve stepping outside to get some to sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight helps regularize your internal clock, providing additional support for your wake/sleep schedule. Try to avoid taking daytime naps as they are disruptive to regular sleep cycles. If you do feel exhausted and need a nap, try to keep it to 30 minutes or less and finish it well before your regular bedtime. The closer to your bedtime you nap, the more difficult it will be to fall asleep at your scheduled time.
Other Lifestyle Changes
If you use nicotine or drink alcohol, try to stop these habits as soon as possible or get the necessary help towards doing so. The consumption of alcohol relaxes the throat muscles, and smoking irritates your throat. Both of these lifestyle aspects have the potential to make your sleep apnea worse.
The position in which you sleep can also make a significant difference in the success of your sleep apnea treatment. Sleeping on your side is the recommended position as it keeps your throat more open. However, some patients say that using a recliner to fall asleep upright is more comfortable.
Are you carrying some extra weight? Statistically, approximately half of all sleep apnea patients are overweight. Reducing your weight even a little bit will result in improved sleep cycles and sleep quality. Try scheduling regular work-out sessions or daily walking or jogging. You can minimize breathing disruptions due to sleep apnea if you engage in regular exercise, which can also assist in weight loss.
The most important lifestyle changes to implement involves your day-to-day diet. Talk to your doctor about a low carb diet with intermittent fasting and follow their guidance for your specific situation. Healthy meals contribute to elevated moods and are crucial for much-needed weight loss.
Where can I find assistance in getting insurance?
Even with many solutions available to work with if you have no insurance, being insured is always a good idea. If you would like to explore insurance options to help pay for your sleep apnea treatment, there is help available. State-Sponsored Programs, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, and Health Programs for Veterans are some places to start researching the right plan for you.