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CPAP Machine Replacement Timeline
Medicare treats a CPAP as having a 5-year reasonable useful lifetime. After that, a replacement needs an in-person visit where your clinician documents that you still use and benefit from it, but no new sleep test. Enter how many months ago your machine was delivered.
Formula
Months remaining = 60 minus months since delivery, never below 0. Years used = months / 12. Past 5 years = 1 when months since delivery is 60 or more.
The 5-year reasonable useful lifetime and the replacement rules come from Medicare's PAP device policy (LCD L33718): after 5 years, a face-to-face evaluation must document continued use and benefit; no new sleep test or trial is required. Inside 5 years, Medicare replaces a machine only after loss, theft or irreparable damage from a specific incident. Private plans often use a similar 5-year cycle, but check yours.
Worked example
Delivered 50 months ago: months remaining = 60 minus 50 = 10. Years used = 50 / 12 = 4.17. Past five years = 0. At 62 months the results would be 0, 5.17 and 1.
Assumptions and limits
- Counts from the delivery date of a machine covered under Original Medicare.
- Warranty length is separate from the 5-year lifetime and set by the manufacturer.
- A machine that fails or shows an error should be reported to your supplier whatever its age.
Frequently asked questions
How often will Medicare replace a CPAP machine?
Medicare considers 5 years the reasonable useful lifetime. After 5 years you can get a replacement once your clinician sees you in person and documents that you still use and benefit from CPAP. You do not need a new sleep study.
Can I get a new CPAP before 5 years?
Under Medicare only if the machine was lost, stolen or irreparably damaged in a specific incident. Normal wear inside 5 years is usually a warranty or repair question for your supplier.
Do I need a new sleep study for a replacement CPAP?
Not for a Medicare replacement after 5 years; an in-person evaluation is enough. People who got a machine before joining Medicare have extra documentation requirements, including a qualifying sleep test on file.
Sources
Last reviewed October 11, 2026. How we research · Report an error